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
March 15, 2009

Pros:

It has a good scent but thats it..ive been using the one with benzoyl peroxide,,and it works much better,the only issue was intense sun exposure..but better than this...

Cons:

makes face dry and a bit irritable after use..

dont but..its better to use the expensive acne treatment system..it works better sometimes..
March 15, 2009

Pros:

Feels nice and fresh

Cons:

makes skin dry, causes more pimple, acidic substance make skin reder and pimple more noticebale.

i absoulutly disliked proactive, its worse than cheep clean and clear produts.
March 14, 2009

Pros:

improves skin texture, easy to use

Cons:

dries out skin, odd consistency

i am 13 and have been using this system for about 3 months. The box says that acne is reduced in just 2 days. Thats true, but after a couple weeks it stops working. For the first couple weeks, my skin seemed to be improving but then it just went back to how it was before. However it does improve overall skin texture and softness. It dried my skin a lot though so make sure you ALWAYS use the moisturizer.
March 13, 2009

Pros:

NOne

Cons:

Lots. Made my acne worse!!!....i started breakign out even more

dont' use this
March 12, 2009

Pros:

I have moderate acne and this product worked wonders for me. You have to use it at least twice a day at first to knock out the acne, but, after that I only use it once a day now. It never dried out my skin like other people have said it did.

Cons:

It doesn't knock out ALL of my pimples. Like another person said, I always have one or two pimples at all times. But, I'm satisfied and this is as good as it gets for me!

I was skeptical, but, this stuff really works! Ever since I've used Proactiv, I get a lot of comments about how "beautiful" I am now! I NEVER had that before. I personally think that a huge part of looking "beautiful" is having good skin, and this stuff does just that. It will make your skin look so much better. It will feel softer and smoother and the refining mask really does work overnight. You won't wake up pimple free the next day. But, it will definitely reduce inflammation and the pimple will be less noticable. I'm just so happy that I tried this product because it's done wonders for me. And, I definitely hope that the next person who reads this will give Proactiv a real try, because most likely you will be happy with the results. I consider myself a normal looking person, and my skin was not so great and Proactiv has changed all of that! So, the bottom line is that I love this stuff and it really works! If you do it consistently, you won't be disappointed!
March 11, 2009

Pros:

i used proactiv for 2 months and i didn't get any results

Cons:

only dry face and dry hands

my dream is to get rid of acne
March 11, 2009

Pros:

It makes your skin smooth and you feel refreshed. Also, my skin didn't feel dry at all.

Cons:

It made me have more pimples on my face and I woke up many mornings with huge red bumps on my forehead.

It doesn't work, I still have so many pimples on my face, if anything...Proactiv made my face worse. Don't use it!!
March 10, 2009

Pros:

Large size is convenient and cost effective, gel goes on easily and dries quickly with no fragrance.

Cons:

Slight irritation like all BP products.

I think Dan has the best deal on the market for BP products, though I'd be interested in a 1.5% option for adults with less acne. I really like the very open and honest way he does business with full disclosures about everything.
March 9, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin after 2 weeks! I also use the refining mask 3 times a week and the green tea moisturizer everyday. It really worked for me and iI was skeptical at first

Cons:

None

Works great, best product I have ever used! The green tea moisturizer works really well and helps to rehydrate your face. I recommend to everyone to atleast try it once.
March 5, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

It broke my out worse than I have ever been in my life!

Didn't work at all! I used it for over a month and all it did was make my skin look awful and made me break out worse than ever.

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.