Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20781 Reviews
Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Benzoyl peroxide clears the skin completely when applied correctly.
Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
It’s been a staple of acne treatment for decades for a reason. When used properly it can completely clear the skin. It is widely available and affordable. Comes with side effects for the first few weeks and can bleach fabric.
Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Benzoyl Peroxide
Compare To Other Treatments
5
31.3%
4
25%
3
17.2%
2
12.5%
1
14%

Used Benzoyl Peroxide? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 22, 2011

Pros:

Worked WONDERS the first 3 days.

Cons:

Afer the 3 days, my skin dried up and my chin looked as if the skin was about to fall off!My skin was so irratated, it hurt to smile!

This stuff works only for a short time, then dries out and irritates your skin!I will NEVER use this again!!!:(
May 19, 2011

Pros:

Cleared my acne

Cons:

Drying

I have oily, sensitive skin & have been breaking out from almost every skin care product I tried. My mother actually called me & told me to try this out, & I thought "I doubt it's going to work, but I'll give it a try." Within a week, my acne cleared up. I mean, that's fast. I was so happy. The only problem I had was that it was so drying, to the point where my face felt stiff. It says to continue using it even after your acne is gone, to prevent acne, but I don't think I will. I just hope my acne doesn't come back after I stop using this kit.
May 18, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne, prevents acne, cheap, does not take too long to see results after skin adjusts

Cons:

If you consider dry skin to be a con (I actually like it since I usually have pretty oily skin), may not be super effective on blackheads, high strength may prolong red marks

I've been using the product for a while, and it's really helped my active acne. Continuous use is vital to maintaining clear skin. However, I would recommend using this high of a concentration on body parts other than your face, since I've found that it can increase the life expectancy of the red marks. If you want to use BP on your face, use 2.5% or maybe 5%, depending on how sensitive your skin is.
May 9, 2011

Pros:

These products are soft and silky! The foam goes on great and feels nice after application. Ive noticed reduction in acne and redness, but ive been using it on and off.

Cons:

sensitivity around the eyes.
i cant use all of the products together.
If i use thier face wash, i need to use a different toner or treatment(vise versa)

Its good but STRONG! If you have alittle acne like me, dont overdue it!!!
April 23, 2011

Pros:

Works wonders for the first 2 weeks
Easy to use
Doesn't burn/peel/dry out skin

Cons:

After 2 weeks it stopped working and I am back where I started
The lotion is very irritating when you have any inflammation
Costly

It does work but it doesn't last unfortunatly, I am waiting till it runs out then moving on to a new product.
April 21, 2011

Pros:

It makes my face glow and cleared up my acne greatly in only a few days! =D

Cons:

It feels a bit itchy at first and is mildly drying.

It really works. The mild discomfort is worth it, and if you use the moisturizer properly the drying is far less severe.
April 20, 2011

Pros:

Not too pricey (compared to Proactiv and some of the more recognized products)
Long-lasting
Makes skin feel fresh

Cons:

Doesn't wash off makeup

I bought Clinique because it was recommended by several friends who also have acne. I am using several things and it has only been ONE week and I have noticed improvements in my skin overall. If I am wearing make-up: Remove it with Cetaphil Use the three step system Moisturize with Ponds Clarant B (redness remover) I am also taking DIM supplements because I already know my acne is due to imbalanced hormones (tested by my doc) and I didn't want to take birth control so I tried some natural alternatives to balance the hormones. It could be a combination of everything but my face does feel healthier and although I broke out slightly in the first couple of days, everything looks like it's healing and I don't have new breakouts. Clinique doesn't smell fancy, but hey- it's medicine. My skin is pretty tough so it doesn't burn at all for me, but it is drying so I always use a moisturizer after. Also- after a week's use, it looks like I barely put a dent into the amount, so I think this will easily last me two months if not more.
April 19, 2011

Pros:

Reduces whitehead size
Eliminates blackheads
Reduces redness
Fades overall acne
Cheap

Cons:

Drys skin a lot

I'm currently using this product, and I'm starting to like it a lot! However, it drys my skin out a lot, so I use it every other night. I only payed 20 dollars for it, and I think its worth it! I haven't used it on my back and chest acne, because I'm afraid I'll get way over dried since I'm most sensitive there. Overall, pretty effective product!
April 10, 2011

Pros:

It cleared up some of my acne.

Cons:

It irritated my skin and made my skin itch.
If you don't wash your face one time you break out immediately.
Makes ance worse once you quit using it.

Waste of time and money.
March 25, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

This stuff just smelled awful and dried out my skin . It really did nothing for my acne!

Well all i can say is that I'm disappointed in Clinique. I was so down in the dumps about my acne and i spent A LOT of money on all of this for nothing . I really used it all unti it was finished, I gave it a good 2 months chance with no result at all .It smelled bad too ... soooo bad. I could have bought a bar of dove soap (would have smelled way better) and expected it to clear my face. I guess thinking something is better just because its expensive was not true in this case.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.