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
June 28, 2009

Pros:

works the first times.

Cons:

After the first time, it doesn't work. Makes acne WORSE!

The fist week I used this product I was amazed on how well it works. But after it made my skin break out worser then before I used it. The cleanser has micro beads which pops the zits and pimples creating scars. The repair lotion makes your skin feel oily. I've called them and asked them for my money back. They were rude and said no, it's not our fault your skin is different and proactive wasn't right for you.
June 26, 2009

Pros:

its really cheap...and thats all

Cons:

it just makes your pimples or acne bigger and does nothing at all, it is also thick and hard to take off

This product litterly SUCKS!!!!I used it for a few weeks and all it has done was make my acne and pimples bigger and it also just made more acne. After I used it there would be another pimple or even 2 or 3. I dont really like this stuff at all and I used to use proactive and now I am using it again because it works so much better and it is like 39 or 40 dollars but it is so worth it.
June 25, 2009

Pros:

It works as a great spot treatment!

Cons:

It did nothing for my acne. It burned my face and was left red for 2 hours after washing and rough through out the day.

Its no good for people with light acne. Its way too strong. Because I have light acne it didn't work for me, but I still dab a bit with a Q tip on my blemishes and I notice a great improvement the next morning. If you want an actual spot treatments with the same results then get Clearisil Ultra spo treatmen which has 19%benzoyl peroxide. Luckily I can give this wash to my sister who has moderate-severe acne.
June 23, 2009

Pros:

Worked wonders for a couple months; lots of options for product combinations & amounts

Cons:

Quit working entirely after a little less than two months. Everyone I know who has used ProActive reports the same - only works for a short period of time, if at all.

Rather pricey. Not a comfortable option for those with a constricted budget!

Not a wise choice for those with chronic acne, as it's effectiveness is brief. Can work nicely for folks who only need to treat occasional acne, but for the price it doesn't seem practical.
June 22, 2009

Pros:

worked somewhat for the first month

Cons:

After the first month it completely stopped working, dried out my skin, stains any cloth that comes in contact with it, and its expensive...

This may work better for less severe acne but it comes nowhere near living up to what it claims it can do.
June 22, 2009

Pros:

It worked better than any other otc facewash I have used.

Cons:

Dried out my skin every once in a while, stopped working after first month or two.

This product worked alright at first but after a while I'm not quite sure if it was even doing anything anymore. I still broke out and got huge cysts and lots of whiteheads.
June 22, 2009

Pros:

removed some blackheads on the nose

Cons:

made my acne more severe, dried out my skin,

i had small acne on my forehead and on cheeks, and this stuff just made it worse. i used it for 4 days, and my acne got bigger and bigger, now i dont have small acne anymore, i have big. I hate it!
June 21, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up our skin fairly quickly.

Cons:

Way to harsh on your skin and caused chemical burning on two different types of skin.

My daughter and I bought this a few weeks ago. I am 40 and started to get adult acne, I have oily skin in my T-Zone only . My daughter is 14 and has mild acne but gets stress breakouts. The first night we used it , it made our skin feel really clean. However by the second night her skin was on fire and itched really bad. My skin was just a little tight and burned a little. She stopped using on the third day cause her skin was red and burning and severly dry. I stopped on the fourth day for the same reasons. I think this may work for some people, but be careful that it is strong and that goes for both the Clear Skin Formula and the Sensitive Skin Formula. We switched to The Clean and Clear Advantage System for the last week and it has worked amazing. No more breakouts for either one of us and our skin is very clear, smooth and no drying at all. Highly reccomenet that product for all skin types.
June 20, 2009

Pros:

cleared my pimples

Cons:

makes face oily

Youll get good results!
June 19, 2009

Pros:

It worked for the first week. It's cheap.

Cons:

My face looks far more worst that it did when I was not using this product.

Don't get it. It's a horrible product. I used all three steps in the morning and in the evening and it does not work. Don't waste your money. I recommend Proactive.

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.