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
February 10, 2009

Pros:

It works! leaves skin feeling really soft. Prevents new acne from forming.

Cons:

If you wash really fast and use the renewing tone and lotion fast it will leave your skin really red and a little itchy. So, yes, it IS time consuming, but it's worth it.

It's an excellent product, if youre willing to take the time. Follow the directions closely. and definitely use a seperate lotion after to prevent dryness. You may not see results right away, but they will happen and it's nice :) just be patient and keep up with it
February 10, 2009

Cons:

A lot of people don't realize they are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, the main ingredient in Acne Free. If your face burned. got red and itchy, or peeled like crazy, you're probably sensitive to benzoly peroxide. Many people are, so I don't realize w

A lot of people don't realize they are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, the main ingredient in Acne Free, which is why so many people gave it poor reviews. If your face burned. got red and itchy, or peeled like crazy, you're probably sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, and it's not the product itself, per se. Many people are sensitive to it, so I don't realize why it is so popular in acne products. AcneFree just came out with a sensitive skin line which only has benzoyl peroxide in the spot treatment (2%), so for those who are sensitive to it, like me, it probably won't irritate your skin.
February 8, 2009

Pros:

price was reasonable

Cons:

did not work for my skin. it burned and caused my skin to itch as well as dryness and broke me out horribly.

I had high hopes for this product being that it said on the box it is better than proactiv and that you would see results in 3 days not so true and not worth buying.
February 8, 2009

Pros:

cleanser has the beads that exfoliate
toner is nice, you can see the dirt coming off your face

Cons:

worked only for a while for me

I had mild acne with a few zits here and there before i used proactiv.I used proactiv for about 2 years. The first year worked wonders and I rarely got zits. Then in the 2nd year it seemed to stop working. I am on the regimen right now and it's great, my face is clear after a month. I would only use proactiv once a day so it would last a long time, maybe a year for a 2 month supply which was good. I also use the regimen once a day and it lasts about the same.
February 7, 2009

Pros:

I seen improvement instantly, I was really starting to become happy with my fac.

Cons:

I used the project just about 20 minutes ago, and now my face is burning and peeling/flakey. Im not sure that it's workng anymore.

I wouldn't use this if you have sensitive skin. I really didn't think that I had sensitive skin, but now that im using this im starting to think I do. Like I said, I seen results instantly, but now this burning is killing me! I' used to use Neutrogina GrapeFruit wash, along with many other simple acne treatments, and this has never happened to me before! I have pretty bad acne on my right cheek, and besides that I only get like 4 or 5 zits a month. I tried to eliminate them completely, but I obviously shouldn't have messed with them.
February 6, 2009

Pros:

The only thing that has worked to clear my skin. I get comments on how nice my skin is now. It is much easier to use than multi step systems like Pro Active.

Cons:

It can dry your skin out if you don't gradually increase the amount and ensure you moisturize.

Couldn't live without it!
February 6, 2009

Pros:

it did reduce the size of pimples on my forehead

Cons:

but it also irritated my skin really bad so only use like a dime sized amount for your whole face and only apply it once

im in pain
February 5, 2009

Pros:

Pros: im a big fan of this site and told a friend about it. neutrogena BP isnt available here in d philippines so i had no choice but to try Panoxyl 2.5%. im on my 2nd week now and it works ok. i can see improvement. zits are gone.

Cons:

makes ur skin red and itchy for the first few days of application. i used Neutrogena moisture w/ SPF 15 and it worked fine.

i used Panoxyl 3 yrs ago and it cleared my skin for 6mos. after i graduated in College, my pimples were back. i used Panoxyl again but it didnt work. now im trying my luck again. i just thought of trying it. following Dan's procedure this time. i hope my skin will not get used to this product. 'coz before, my skin became clear after using (2) 10mg tubes
February 5, 2009

Pros:

Skin was less red, less inflamed, acne marks fading, skin brighter, pimples smaller

Cons:

It is a little dry, and it being winter might have something to do with that, but nothing a moisturizer can't fix.

I've used Proactiv as well as other acne programs before, they either left a film on my face that caused more acne or dried my face out too much, forcing my skin to create oil and cause more acne. After one evening of doing Clinique's three steps, my skin was far less red, it reduced some acne marks, and my pimples were smaller. On day three, my skin is nearly perfect. I will take the advice of another user and purchase Clinique's moisturizing gel, as my skin is a little dry, but not nearly the way it was before when using other products. I use it in the morning and night. Some say it is a bad thing that you must use it frequently, but it is only natural that in order to maintain clean, healthy skin, you wash it twice a day (morning and night). It is a very simple process, you just have to have self discipline. 3 minutes is not a long time to dedicate to something important, your hygiene and appearance. Definitely worth the price, as well.
February 5, 2009

Pros:

Its affordable

Cons:

It may make your skin feel oily after using the toner depending on your skin type, Causes a burning sensation during the first few washes.

I do not have bad acne but i get breakouts every so often and to me this product seems like it is only making the break outs occur more often than usual. It was only 20 dollars so its not like i paid to much for nothing..

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.