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 20, 2008

Pros:

Worked for my brother, who has light acne. The moisturizer was pretty good...

Cons:

I have moderate to severe acne, and Proactiv did NOT work for me. I have a very oily complexion, and the clenaser didn't even get my skin to feel clean.

Basically here's what I get out of ProActiv. It works for those with lighter acne, or maybe with a less oily face (like my brother), but for people like me, who have moderate to severe acne, with an oily complexion, it doesn't work. Also, it's around 50 to 60 dollars per package, so I would not say it's worth your money. I kept using it for an extended amount of time, hoping to see if it would improve, but was only disappointed.
September 18, 2008

Pros:

Quickly reduces pimples as long as you have it on

Cons:

Does not prevent new pimples

The first couple times it REALLY drys up your skin, but when your skin gets used to it dry skin will no longer be an issue. For best results, use over night.
September 17, 2008

Pros:

The Purifying cleanser feels very smooth.
It was easy to find the product locally.
Cheep compared to other 3 step systems.

Cons:

The Renewing toner uncomfortably dried out my skin.
I kept mixing up the Purifying cleanser and Renewing toner bottles because they looked the same.
As gross as this is the Repairing Lotion smells a bit like dog poo.

I'd been controlling my acne for over a year using Proactive but it's very expensive so I thought I'd give this stuff a try. The product didn't work at all to fight acne. You should save your money and try something else.
September 16, 2008

Pros:

clears acne exfoliates easy to use no washing

Cons:

wasteful packaging

this is a great product which is better than dans regimen doesnt take long to apply and clears acne
September 15, 2008

Pros:

It made my skin feel smooth and didn't dry me out.

Cons:

DIDNT WORK! WASTE OF MONEY! made acne worse

k heres the bottom line people...proactiv doesn't work. i used to be one of you. looking up reviews to see if proaciv. i wish i would have listened to these people.it was a waste money. The only good thing about it was the toner which takes dirt off your face. like dirt i didn't even know was there. I used this for about a year and the first month i cleared up then i stayed about the same. when i decided to see what would happen it got WORSE! the commercials promised me the world and i was let down. now i use the clean and clear 3 step kit and it is great! it cleared up my face in a day! I would recommend the clean and clear kit. trust me people would i lie to you! don't use proaciv
September 14, 2008

Pros:

It really works, giving you smooth, clear skin. Very little irritation, and it helps fade old scars and marks.

Cons:

Still get occasional zits. Takes a few weeks to see results.

This is one of the few products that have left me with consistantly clear skin. I have tried many things that have given me worse skin, rashes or started and then stopped working in the space of weeks. If you follow the directions and use the product consistantly, you will see results. You just have to get past the week or so when you flare up, it will get better. It even helped fade my scars, shrank my pores, smoothed my skin and made it so I even feel comfortable w/out makeup once in a while!
September 13, 2008

Pros:

This product really drys up pimples fast. It works and has not made me break out worse like some other products like Pro Active. I love it & it's a great price.

Cons:

It really drys the skin, so I suggest a good facial lotion such as Purpose or Oil of Olay for Sensitive Skin

This product is good for moderate to cystic acne and it's inexpensive. Use it every other day if your skin is sensitive or weekly with a great oil-free fragrance-free moisturizer. If you have african american skin, I'd recommend seasonal chemical peels to clear away the dead skin cells. You'll have beautiful skin again over time. Maintenance is key for acne prone skin.
September 12, 2008

Pros:

My face cleared up after a few days.

Cons:

After continuous usage after a few day my face got extremly worse. I mean HUGE and TONS of pimples. My face was better than that before I used it.

Don't waste you money!
September 12, 2008

Pros:

well... what can I say... it works, better than the rest and the scars even lighten out til they pretty much almost disappear (not wanting to make it sound so super)

Cons:

emm..ruined some of my shirts coz of the bleach effect.

It works and best of all, it's affordable. Keep the cream off your coloured clothes.
September 12, 2008

Pros:

Best product I've used. Period. My skin has cleared up almost entirely and it's only been a week!

Cons:

smells terrible, leaks from the bottle at the base of the pump, irritating when you first start using ... but this subsides (don't give up!)

I am the biggest skeptic of them all. Pumping benzoyl peroxide on your face twice a day for acne ... yeah right. Actually, it works. My face looks incredible. I tweaked the regimen a bit though. I only apply the benzoyl peroxide at night and I use Dan's AHA+ moisturizer along with an SPF during the day. I've been using Differin for the past three years with good, but not great results. A few months ago it stopped working entirely. I stumbled across this website, found the regimen and decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. If my skin looks this good after just a week of use, I can't wait to see my skin after a month.

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.