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
August 9, 2008

Pros:

Dest product I have used for acne!! Definitely does the job. Pimples started clearing up the very next day

Cons:

can dry you out a little
shipping bites - but it's worth it!!!!!

I wish I came across this website years ago!! I dont even know how I have bipassed it. I have tried so many products and have wasted so much money to have nice skin (last was Murad system-broke out w/pimples everyday!) Who would have thought going back to BP would have been the trick, but IT IS!!! Right now I use Purpose Cleanser, Dan's BP, and Oil of Olay Sensitive. Thanks to this site, I now have a great complexion.
August 9, 2008

Pros:

great

Cons:

acne killer

great so far
August 8, 2008

Pros:

works fast

Cons:

stoped working

i used this for a week and it cleared up my skin and then it stopped working and i got zits all around my mouth and chin and forhead
August 7, 2008

Pros:

it helped a little, does not irritate skin, feels nice on, smells kind of nice.

Cons:

SO many steps, doesnt get rid of all acne, once i got rid of it i REALLY broke out. so i suggest u dont use it.

just stay away...why use it to find out it doesnt work well and then brake out because the product you used that didnt work...caused you to break out..
August 7, 2008

Pros:

the price is good and it's advertised by celebrities

Cons:

dries and burns your skin the refining mask takes 2 weeks to shrink one pimple and it leaves your skin looking red and oily

proactive doesn't work at all. Don't waste your money on this terrible product. The refinig mask did the exact opposite of what was promised and instead of me waking up to see my pimples smaller if not gone I woke up to see them red and pretty much worse than before. The renewing cleanser made my skin peel and the repairing toner made my skin greasy. Once again don't waste your money on proactive because even though many celebrities CLAIM that it worked wonders on their skin they're all getting paid to say that.
August 7, 2008

Pros:

- cleared up my acne in almost 3 weeks
- i have combination skin and it worked well for me.
- pretty much affordable

Cons:

- the scent is a little bad, it takes getting used to
- causes my overall skin to look red
- the scars are there, redder than ever, it actually looks like pimples. but it's not.

proactiv works if you give it a little time, generally here in the caribbean the climate is hot so the bp in the product tends to irritate skin during the day. I've used at least 10 acne products, including differen, murad, clear active, clean and clear, neutrogena, diane 35, atibiotics, clearasil. and proactiv is the only thing that agrees with my skin, the sking lightening lotion SUCKS. and my marks are still there, but i cover that up with makeup , i'm just glad the bumps aren't there. if there's something that works just as well to get rid of the bumps but with less redness for more or less the same price, let me know!
August 7, 2008

Pros:

well it kept new zits from appearing fro the first few weeks but the old ones stayed. my skin was very smooth though and no longer shiney. i used the reg formula but switching to extra strength.

Cons:

the system is too much to do every dy twice a day, didnt clear deep blemishes or black head even after two months. not enough in each bottle, u have to use like a little drop when u need more, a lot more

it did improve my skin but not up to expectations. but ill see how the ES works. so basically it did help a lot and im pretty happy with it, better than anyhting i've ever used.
August 6, 2008

Pros:

cheap, odorless

Cons:

doesn't work, stains fabric, dries skin, layers of product on your face all day, can't use makeup, extreme dryness

This product left my skin exactly as before and I was very careful to use it as described. My skin was so incredibly dry at times I turned down party invites even after tons of moisturizer. Makeup over the day-time regimen is out of the question because it is caked on your face. I understood I would go through some dryness and thought the payoff would be clear skin, but after 10 weeks my skin is exactly as before and my pillow cases are ruined.
August 5, 2008

Pros:

This stuff changed the overall appearance of my skin pretty dramatically. I am getting compliments.

Cons:

Does not clear up my acne all the way. The appearance of my skin is much more even and it shrinks my cystic acne considerably, but does not make it go away. Seems to clog pores on my forehead and chin. I think a mask would help.

I have cystic acne along my jawline and a little down my neck. My cheeks are normal and I have non cystic acne breakouts in my T zone. When I first started using this system it dried out my skin pretty badly. There was also some burning. I just experimented with when I used the whole system and when I used only parts of it, and now I can use the whole thing twice a day with no ill effects. After three months of use it still works just as well as when I started using it.
August 4, 2008

Pros:

helped clear my skin

Cons:

hurts a bit, very dry skin afterwards

you have to use it continuously to keep the skin clear all the time

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.