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 4, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of pimples fast, and efectivley. Makes skin appear smoother.

Cons:

It burns JUST A LITTLE

Use it with a moisturizer after, and wash with Clearasil acne scrub. Makes your face look really really nice, gets rid of almost all pimples.
August 3, 2008

Pros:

dirt Cheap& works surprisingly well.

Cons:

May dry up skin

I've used tazorac,retin a,proactiv,neutrogena, with ok results.Just started using this 3 wks ago & my pimples are gone. I have mild to moderate acne. i use purpose cleanser,cetaphil lotion and purpose suncreen spf15, best combination of products. works wonders for me. this bp gel is unscented,leaves skin a litle white. I apply cetaphil lotion around the corners of my mouth,nose,eyes bfore applying bp,to reduce dryness and redness. works very well. I'm psyched about this hope it continues to work for me as my skin tends to get use to meds quickly. i'll update in 2 months.
August 2, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

side effects

I woke up with red puffy stinging and itchy skin. I think this product would've worked had my skin not been so sensitive.
August 1, 2008

Pros:

It cleared up so much of my acne

Cons:

But it leaves black heads it gets rid of pimples but leaves MAJOR blackheads

I used and I noticed I have been getting alot of blackheads on my nose and chin that when I use the product on it, the blackheads become larger and larger.It gets rid of your pimples just not your black heads if you do NOT have any black heads I recommend you use it but if you do...DO NOT USE THIS
August 1, 2008

Pros:

It didn't dry my face out as bad as everyone was saying

Cons:

It doesn't work for me

I thought it would work since it is 10% benzoyl peroxide- but it didn't. I used this product for 2 weeks and I didn't even really notice much of a difference in my skin (maybe a very very slight difference but my acne did NOT go away). Bottom line- it didn't help my acne go away.
August 1, 2008

Pros:

NONE!

Cons:

AGGRAVATED SKIN
CAUSED MORE BREAKOUTS
SKIN CONDITION WORSENED

Proactiv is possibly the worst product out there. Benzoyl peroxide is an extremely strong ingredient, which can actually aggravate the skin leading to MORE breakouts! I switched to Murad, and noticed an improvement within 3 days!!
July 30, 2008

Pros:

Improves acne within a few weeks.

Cons:

Dries skin, but can be counteracted with a good non-comodogenic moisturizer

This product is excellent. Ive had acne for at least 2 years now and i can honestly say Oxy maximum strength is the only thing that has worked for me. I used proactiv for about 2 years and saw 0 results, and im sure ive wasted over $1000 on that crap. Bottom line, dont give into stuff like proactiv, its a scam! invest $5 in oxy and you'll be amazed at what this stuff will do! im currently suffering from a few breakouts, but thats because i was badly sunbruned on my face and the dead skin peeling off is clogging my pours, but im confident that my daily use of oxy will take care of that.
July 29, 2008

Pros:

starts to work immediately without getting worse first. cheap.

Cons:

makes your skin red and itchy for a week or so.

wow... walmarts equate cream wasnt doin squat for me so i tried this and wow. it took maybe 6 weeks to completely clear up my really bad acne (moderate, maybe severe) i followed dans regimen using this and cetaphil moisturizer. after the 2 months it seemed my skin adopted to the panoxyl (aqua gel) and i no longer needed moisurizer at all. I havent had more than one tiny zit on my face at the same time for 2 months. None of them had any puss. I believe it works so well because i combined it with 500mg tetracycline daily to kill the deep down bacteria. I feel so confident... even around the really pretty girls lol. I only have a few small scars because i didnt use it soon enough!!! go get some now!!
July 29, 2008

Pros:

Three step method is easy to follow and readily available. Cleared up painful adult acne relatively fast.

Cons:

I am more prone to white heads and deep, deep pimples.

I will continue to use it. I have used the system for about a year and a half and I like it well enough.
July 29, 2008

Pros:

Results are amazing!

Cons:

Dryness

Best product I have ever used. Better than any prescription meds, or OTC products! Results were overnight! Dried up everything! Definitely would recommend!

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.