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 16, 2009

Pros:

Improves skin immediately, and stays clear for a few weeks.

Cons:

Very harsh on skin, not for sensitive skin, does NOT help with female monthly hormonal acne.

I bought this after having a bad skin reaction from going off of the birth control pill. At first I thought it was a miracle potion--my skin was completely clear within 3 days of the first use. However, that beautiful skin only lasted 3 weeks, after which I developed folliculitis and cystic acne, which has left scars. It also has NO effect on hormonal acne that comes with a woman's monthly visitor. The Benzoyl Peroxide is just too harsh for those with sensitive skin, even with only a small amount used just once a day. Overall, if you currently have light to moderate acne, I wouldn't recommend this product (especially if you have sensitive skin) because it turned my moderate acne into severe, scarring acne. Thanks, ProActiv!
January 15, 2009

Pros:

Reduces pimple size..Makes acne disappear in 2-3 days..

Cons:

price is too high for a small tube

effective on pimples.. worked for me!!
January 15, 2009

Pros:

Only been using for about 3 weeks and already see good results, and it didn't break me out when I first starting using it, like most)
Doesn't leave my skin with excessive amounts of oil.
Easy, fast steps (no fragrance, so it doesn't break me ou

Cons:

Didn't help control my oil or blackheads.
Still have some mild acne.

This is a fairly good product, I would suggest trying it to my friends. It is a very affordable price, and you can find it at most stores. PLEASE NOTE: I paid $36 for a 3 month supply (at Costco) most stores (i.e. Walmart) give you the smaller amount for about $20 I think.
January 14, 2009

Pros:

It works, price is right, easy to follow instructions.

Cons:

None, if you read and follow all instructions.

I am 33 years old and have had acne on my chin for years. This stuff made it clear after 2 weeks of use. I have sensitive skin, so I use the product only at night. Step 3 can cause drying, but if you follow with a moisturizer like the instructions advise, the dryness will clear. I prefer Complex 15.
January 14, 2009

Pros:

It really helped with my acne. I recieve compliments all the time, especially from people who have seen the before and after.

Cons:

I learned real fast that for me 3x a day was way to much, it dried my skin out really bad. I could hardly move my face without feeling uncomfortable and also I had some red patches with the dryness. you can not use it one day and stop the next.

Proactive worked for me when I used it once in the morning and once before bed. It did take a little while for me to figure out how many times a day to use it. You can not use it too much if you have sensitive skin like I do, but enough so you do see a difference. I had a good experience with this product, especially compared to a lot of other acne products.
January 13, 2009

Pros:

cheap, packaged well.

Cons:

Did not work for my skin type, Step 2 requires cotton balls,

I had mild acne before i used this product, and after about 2 weeks of use, I broke out horribly. Before, my acne was concentrated only on certain parts of my face, but now i have severe acne. I would not recomment his product to anyone.
January 13, 2009

Pros:

It does help if use propely

Cons:

itchy redness appers but can be cure with cortozine or other anti -itch and must use 2 times everyday

just remember to rinse face with step one but use cotton with step 2 and 3 without rinse and it does not burn and the smell is not bad. It curing speed depend on how early you treat the acne area.
January 10, 2009

Pros:

it clears up the acne very well, i got results the next day. doesn't make skin oily.

Cons:

it made my face red and i started peeling.
deffinetly not great for sensitive skin!

It works great and people should give it a change, unless you have sensitive skin. I do not reccomend it if you do have sensitive skin. Peeling is not something you want all over your face!
January 10, 2009

Pros:

starts working immediately, not greasy, cleans skin well and reduces oily skin in the T-Zone.

Cons:

The smell is kind of rough to take and my remaining acne is really red immediately after use, but the redness goes away within 5 minutes or so.

I have used other acne treatments in the past, and AcneFree is definitely one of the better ones I've found (so far, anyways). I haven't had any of the redness or irritation that the other users complain of... However, the box AND the step 3 bottle both recommend that you follow up the system with a moisturizer, which I've done. I don't know if that makes a difference? I haven't used ProActiv, so I can't compare the 2 but I am happy with AcneFree and would suggest that you at least give it a try.
January 9, 2009

Pros:

the 1st step which is the renewing cleanser left my face feelin soooo smooth wen washed off:) the entire product made me feel a change in my face texture

Cons:

after using the 1st step the smooth feelin lasted for a short while and then a burnin sensation was in my face for a lonnnggg while:S wen i applied the repairing lotion...

the product is very much so dependable n worth the major expense! jus try not tuh over do the process by applyin an overdose

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.