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
January 25, 2009

Pros:

none that I noticed

Cons:

Dried out skin, wasted time applying and sitting around for it to dry, DIDN'T WORK, made my skin oily.. (to clarify it would first make my skin dry white and peely, then later in the day my skin would become shiny and oily)

Garbage, Waste of Money and Infomercials. This stuff is meant for the lucky few that have 1 or 2 pimples. For the ones who pray for it to act as there miracle treatment, all it does is waste the months. Do yourself a favor and just mark Pro-Cr*p-tive to the list of cleansers that DON'T work. I'm sorry to sound harsh, but there claims of being amazing, are lies. It's expencive and it simply dosn't work. It didn't work for me, and I guarantee it won't satisfy you! Just being unbaised..
January 23, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

I broke out alot more, also found my skin would often be extreemly dry after washing.

I would not buy it again. It works for people who get 1-2 pimples, but so does many cheaper brands.
January 22, 2009

Pros:

ok at first, i think i had moderate acne back then and the first time i used it.. it kinda worked out and but then i bought another then it stopped working

Cons:

i've been using it fro 6 moths now and i've ask their services and they couldn't help me.. and it really didnt do any good

proactive sucks... its expensive here in the philippines and it doesnt do sh*t
January 20, 2009

Pros:

Dries up moderate pimples fast when applied multiple times daily. It's very cheap.

Cons:

Doesn't rub in all the way, and leaves a matte white residue. Can leave skin dry and flaky when applied to sensitive areas, or overapplied.

Worth it for spot treatments...I use it in conjunction with my prescription Differin and it helps greatly.
January 20, 2009

Pros:

Works well, gentle exfoliation

Cons:

makes my skin very dry and sometimes itchy

I still use this product because I like the results I've been receiving. My doctor started me on antibiotics to help as well and the two together seem to be working pretty good. Benzoyl peroxide has always made my skin dry so i expceted that to happen, which it did but i wasn't expceting the itchiness and peeling
January 20, 2009

Pros:

It worked at the beginning.

Cons:

After using it for awhile, it just stopped working. When I went off the product, my skin got better, and now it is just the same annoying blemished skin that I turned to Proactiv to get better.

Doesn't work.
January 19, 2009

Pros:

Helped me a little

Cons:

Made my face extremely dry, it hurt to open my mouth at times. Didn't clear me 100%. Three step process takes a while

It made my face 100% clear like once, but then I started breaking out all over again....the products where very strong, and even with my strong skin, it dried it up so much once that I could barely make any facial expressions....
January 17, 2009

Pros:

Everything about it. Clears up acne and makes skin super soft

Cons:

For alittle while you will have dry skin. But its worth it for the results.

I love OXY! i have been using it for about 2 years. I tried other products and nothing compares to OXY..i had breakouts really bad and now when i do have them its only a 1 or 2 pimples.. I recommended this product to my best friend who had really bad acne and 2 weeks after use she is clear.. and she has struggled with acne since 5th grade its an AMAZING PRODUCT.
January 17, 2009

Pros:

It works but not GREAT. Its a lot better than ProActiv, thats for sure. Its a lot cheaper than ProActiv too.

Cons:

I still get pimples.

Its great for the money! Its cheap and works better than most other products. Only thing is, I still get SOME pimples and it doesnt work for my oily skin or remove my blackheads around my nose, and it doesnt remove those annoying bumps under the skin that dont have a head. But to solve that problem. I just make an aspirin/water mixture and put it on my face for about 5 minutes and wash with freezing cold water [which closes my pores and helps with the oilyness] As for the blackheads on my nose, I have to buy Biore strips to remove them. I know if I didnt use Acnefree, my acne would be SUPER bad! && now I'm down to maybe 1 or 2 pimples at a time.. sometimes none.
January 17, 2009

Pros:

It got rid of my pre-existing acne in a few days and since I started using it, no new acne has formed!!!!! Sooo pleased with the results so far! I'm 2 weeks into the regimen and my skin is *clear*!

Cons:

My skin was dry, flaking, red and itching in the first few days but I persevered due to the great results. It's extremeley affordable but having to order it online is a con I guess although one I'd definitely live with!!!!

Try this!! I can't speak for everyone but for me this has simply worked wonders! My acne has never been that bad but it has been really persistent i.e. I've always have a few spots on my face with only a few days of clear skin per month... But now I have near perfect skin thanks to Acne.org treatment!!! I don't even use the full amount. Probably use only a pea-sized amount twice a day. In the past few years I've spent/wasted so much money on both high and low end products most of which did absolutely nothing. I wish I'd found out about the regimen earlier so I could have clear skin plus have saved sooo much money!! Seriously give it a chance, they even do a travel size so if it doesn't work it's only 4 dollars wasted! I can't thank Dan enough for coming up with the regimen and these amazing products!

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.