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
November 24, 2009

Pros:

Takes away like all acne, doesnt dry out skin

Cons:

makes your face red so dont use in the morning, need to use consistantly, the price is awful, takes like a week to see results

the price is outrageous but it works very well if you use it consistently, dont skip days while using it may cause you to breakout
November 21, 2009

Pros:

Proactiv works on minor acne but is not the cure. I like their makeup products too but not the packaging anymore.

Cons:

Proactiv recently changed their packaging on their foundation & powder. It is horrible. The sponge is too thin & falls apart. The compact is now too thin with less makeup & the sponge doesn't fit. You can't even buy the foundation separate anymor

It is better than some products out there. It works for some but not all. It is expensive. I have recently been very unhappy with how they are changing the packaging of some of their products to save cost for themselves but not customer.
November 21, 2009

Pros:

Great alternative to Pro-Active
works the same and you get even more !
However, you need to use it EVERYDAY for the full effects

Cons:

None.

Dont pay $$$ for pro active. this will work just fine !
November 20, 2009

Pros:

Helped my skin a tiny bit...

Cons:

Burned my skin and made it very dry and peely.

Overrated. It will NOT cure your acne. Don't waste your money on the garbage.
November 20, 2009

Pros:

-It clears like almost ALL my pimples.
-Clears it overnight.

Cons:

Nothing really.

Buy it(:
November 20, 2009

Pros:

Price (no more expensive than other face washes when you look at monthly), doesn't dry out skin (b/c it has a moisturizer), and it doesn't have the bad effect that Proactiv does if you miss a day.

Cons:

Nothing except it has 3 steps, but that doesn't make it take longer, I'm just a little lazy :)

I bought the Costco 3 MONTH supply and have been using it for about 3 weeks. It's been awesome so far! I get deep blemishes, not really ever whiteheads or blackheads, and this has cleared them up completely! I've heard if you use proactiv your skin freaks out if you miss a day, but this doesn't cause that. It's easy to use, and it WORKS. Obviously, it's not for everyone. I have combination skin, not overly dry or oily, so my skin hasn't really dried out or anything like others' have. I also normally have a lot of redness around my nose and on either side (have my whole life), and my skin tone has evened out BIG time. Overall, very happy!
November 17, 2009

Pros:

It does clear spots, fragrance free, very cheap

Cons:

Very thick gel that drys really tight on skin. Also skin is very very very red and flakey

This stuff does clear acne...however after a few days of use you go red as a tomato and really really flakey...parts of my skin were as rough as sandpaper no jokes! But if u cant put up with it, it will work on spots. I hate the fact its a really thick gel tho....so im trying quinoderm 5 cus its a cream with anticeptic in it so it shud be gentler..will update
November 14, 2009

Pros:

It improved the quality of my skin. My skin is naturally oily, and it helped control this.

Cons:

It did not help clear up any of my acne. I saw no improvement whatsoever after two weeks of regular use. In fact, if anything, I saw more blackheads appear on my face after.

AcneFree did control the quality of my skin and I also saw less redness and rosatia. However, it failed to perform the job that it had advertised. My skin has just as many blackheads and pimples as it did before I started using this product. In fact, I counted three more infected places on my face that were not there before I started using this product. If you would like to control the amount of oil and redness on your face, then AcneFree is the product for you! If you would like for your face to actually clear itself of impurities, then use something else other than this system.
November 14, 2009

Pros:

Very easy to apply, doesn't leave residue, dries well

Cons:

Have to be patient when drying, it leaves your skin dry, but with the moisturizer should be fine.

This product is the best! I've had acne since I was 12, I'm 20 now and this is the best product that's work for me. Since using this product my acne is gone, I don't have those huge breakouts anymore. Thank you Dan so much for this. You are a hero!
November 12, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

I'm almost convinced this product gave me Perioral Dermatitis. Aftter 4 days of using it, my skin became very dry and itchy, and I broke out in a rash all over my eyelids, mouth, and jawline. My skin is now bumpy and red

I'm going to see my doctor ASAP to get treatment for my Perioral Dermatitis.

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.