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
December 29, 2008

Pros:

It really helped clear up my blemishes, the booklet gives you AWESOME ideas and tips to help keep your face perfect, the refining mask is just 100% 'pro activ' :P

Cons:

The routine is tiring, and you notice blemishes come up twice as much even if you miss a day or 2 of the routine.

I am glad I got pro activ, it may not clear up every blemish, but it makes me look like a normal person with the occasional blemish. I wasn't expecting my skin to go 100% clear like alot of other people expect, but I am sure my skin will get even better. My skin reacted very nicely and the pro activ seemed to help me out alot!
December 28, 2008

Pros:

It works for me for the most part. Very little acne now.

Cons:

Must be consistant

I have used this for 3 or 4 years now. I keep buying so that must tell you something,
December 27, 2008

Pros:

Reduces Pimples!!!!!

Cons:

Does not Reduce Scaring

Its the only product that has ever worked. But scars freakin suck and I still get a few pimples but I use Liquimat and they are gone! I have to use another motorizer becuase my skin is very dry.
December 26, 2008

Pros:

It works...that's all that matters

Cons:

Does leave my skin dry and flaky (but can be helped with Moisturizer and Jojoba Oil morning and night)

Even after a couple days of use, my skin was clearing up considerably. So far, I'm 100% confident that it's working as intended.
December 26, 2008

Pros:

shrinks and reduces redness of all of my acne.

Cons:

can be drying if used for a long time. Be sure to not get on sensitive areas such as eyes either accidentally or while using moisturizer. Can burn and make areas peal.

does what is says it does and the precautions on the tube/box are also accurate. good for all kinds of acne and probably better used only when needed due to the dryness.
December 26, 2008

Pros:

Works

Cons:

Bleaches and acne comes back even worse once you stop using it

I gave this a shot for a year, but noticed that it was bleaching not only my towels, but also my skin and eyebrows! you can't miss a day with this stuff. it works, but once i stopped using it, my acne came back even worse so you basically have to use it for ever or until you feel confident that your skin won't get worse if you stop using it. also, i find the packaging embarrassing. couldn't they make it a little more discrete? i'm now using clinique (regular 3-step system) with BP that has an antibiotic in it and this works way better. still have problem with bleaching of materials, but not my skin or hair! face is a bit dry, but mostly clear...
December 24, 2008

Pros:

Leaves skin feeling soft and fresh

Cons:

Makes your face very red after usage (redness will fade after an hour or so, but this can be a pain in the morning when you have to be somewhere!). And its expensive.

My acne looked like it was clearing up...then after about 2 weeks I saw no more improvement and now (about 6-7 weekes of usage) I've begun to break out more. My face is dried out in some areas, and very red in the places I have pimples, which seem to be in even more abundance than before! And I'm getting worse acne (like big, very noticeable whiteheads) that I never had before. I wouldn't recommend this product on people with combination skin or to people with worse than mild acne.
December 22, 2008

Pros:

My skin has cleared up alot and I've only been using it for a month.

Cons:

It made my skin very dry and flaky.

This product is amazing. I've had moderately bad acne since I was 15 and I happened to see this in the drugstore one day in a bargain bin so I picked it up. It is simply amazing! No other acne treatment has worked before I tried this. I started to notice my skin clear up within a couple of weeks. Although the cream did leave my skin pretty dry and I had some peeling a little aloe vera took care of it. This is the best product I have found and I would recommend it to anybody with acne problems.
December 21, 2008

Pros:

very effective, vegan, affordable

Cons:

bleaches clothes and pillowcases, regimen is somewhat time consuming because of gel's drying time

It works and it's vegan! First thing I've found that really works for me and I've been trying different products for YEARS (Since I was 15. I am 23.) I can deal with the bleached pillowcases for that!
December 19, 2008

Pros:

Does clear up ance in a sence, but not completely.

Cons:

Causes my face to dry out really bad. Takes far to long to put on everyday. If I miss a day of using, my face somehow always seems to break out by the next morning.

I still use it but it could be better. I'll probably continue to use it until I found something better.

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.