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
September 29, 2008

Pros:

None that I can think of...

Cons:

Made face really dry and extremely red!!! not to mention the $50.00 price tag

I've tried this product twice. The first time I took it, I was on it for about a month and a half and saw NO results. I went along with other over-the-products for awhile and decided to try proactiv again to see if this time it would work(i was thinking i wasnt doing it properlly). So the SECOND time i took it, I closely followed instructions and even tried to eat right and stupid stuff like that and PROACTIV still didnt give me my money's worth. This product is a JOKE! When companies hire celebrities to be their voice, it's usually not a good sign, you know?
September 29, 2008

Pros:

Small size tube. Get rid of redness in less than an hour, great for emergency.

Cons:

The smell, not as bad as I thought it would be. Pricey product for so little quantity.

Having read all the other reviews I'm using it very sparingly as spot treatment. I had big bump of non-cystic on my neck under my chin which I've been keeping it clean but to no success it never got smaller. I applied Clearasil Ultra to it and the next morning the size of the bump reduced by half and it wasn't red anymore, impressed on that note. Will switch to DKR's BP as soon as it arrives. Surprisingly it didn't sting or burn my face, did at first for a few minutes then next time I applied it my skin got used to it already. Could just be the small amount I used. Use it with caution, I would recommend thin layer as spot treatment only.
September 27, 2008

Pros:

soft skin,
nice texture

Cons:

it was a pain in the butt to use. messy and had to use it in the shower. face never felt clean. terrible rash and breakout.

i regret the day i ever laid eyes on this product. my acne was quite mild, until i used this product. i gave it a pretty good go as I used it for 2 months, but after 2 months of a red,painful, inflamed face i couldn't take it anymore. It has been 2 months since I stopped using this and my skin is finally clearing up. But thanks to Carlys I now have acne scars and red marks...something i also never had before.
September 25, 2008

Pros:

makes your skin smooth

Cons:

made my skin look sunburnt.

i have just used this product for the 4th time (according to directions, AM and PM) and my skin is in pain, is very itchy, and looks like i have a very bad sunburn. i am definitely going to stop using this product twice daily, it's way too strong for my sensitive skin. however, aside from that it has made my skin quite smooth and is definitely clearing up my pores. i recommend this product, but NOT for the twice-daily routine that they suggest.
September 22, 2008

Pros:

-Most effective product I've used
-It works. Really. Honestly. Works.

Cons:

-Quantity needed leaves you dry
-Increased hyperpigmentation
-Time consuming (wash, wait, BP, wait, moisturize)

It works. I usually still have at least one tiny pimple on my face, but compared to what it used to be, I am so OK with that. I've used BP before, but something about this one & the quantity you use makes it better. The trouble with us is that we want this crap cured right away. Sorry--nothing works that way. If you really want to get rid of your acne, you have to be patient. I didn't see any results with this product until around three months in. In another month, all I really had left were the scars. I never had trouble with hyperpigmentation before (the pink spots left behind after an acne sore goes away), but with this product, I've had lingering pink marks. I've been on it for 9 months, and I still have some. They're fading, though, and I'll bet by Christmas, I'll have perfect skin. This is a great product, but you have to be patient. REPEAT: YOU HAVE TO BE PATIENT. And you need a good moisturizer. I never got dried out by other BPs, but you use a lot of this. Get jojoba oil.
September 21, 2008

Pros:

nice consistency. helps clear up breakouts.

Cons:

leaves skin VERY dry in the winter especially when used two times a day as recommended. Doesn't clear skin all the way, only partially. Smells of sulphur-yuck

too expensive, too smelly. doesn't work much better than cheaper options out there
September 21, 2008

Pros:

i used this product for about 3 weeks now. it's excellent. really helps to clear up my skin.

Cons:

none

i love it. i will use it forever.
September 21, 2008

Pros:

I have little acne and found this product to be truly amazing! It really does work.. I am not sure how well it would work for bad Acne though?

Cons:

I really did not find any, only thing is make sure you do not take the pills too close together may give you a belly ache...

This product is for people with lite acne problems, if you are looking for a product for severe acne problems, Im not sure this is for you.. But if you just hate the little out breaks that keep you from having perfect skin, this is for you! started working the first day I used it! no lie.
September 20, 2008

Pros:

Cleanser smells fresh & clean. BP lotion is not too drying. Simple three step regimen. Non irritating.

Cons:

Day time lotion is a bit too runny and probably not ideal for oily skin. BP lotion takes a while to absorb.

I don't have too many complaints after using this product. It is not a miracle product by any means. You have to be consistent to see results and altough it probably won't clear your acne completely, it's a good starter kit to keep it under control especially if you're on antibiotics or persciption topicals. The cleanser contains good acne fighting ingredients. It doesn't dry out your skin but it might be different with someone with senstive skin. Mostly ideal for people for light acne.
September 20, 2008

Pros:

Very gentle and works, takes all the excess oil with overdrying. It is the only thing that works for me and my pimples go away. I love the foam. Foaming cleansers are best for oily skin

Cons:

None

One of the best drugstore items

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.