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
June 4, 2008

Pros:

All natural. Only once a day. Economical. Vegan. Smells good. Feels good. No icky side effects like redness, peeling, skin dandruff. Works!

Cons:

Bleaches stuff. My blue wash cloths turned pink. Not a big deal to me, but if you care, get white towels. Need to invest in lots of wash cloths and do laundry to follow protocol.

This stuff works. The lotions sold by the same company are also divine. I tell everyone about the stuff. I would love to get totally clear to really 'sell' it. had horrible red bumps that stayed for 6,9,12 months with no change all along my jaw and upper neck and they are almost totally gone. Just a few dark spots. still break out around my mouth and chin (especially before my period) but they clear up pretty fast (like days!) I am going to try to 5% 'extra strength' and see if I can get completely clear.
June 4, 2008

Pros:

Made skin smooth....

Cons:

Too smooth. It severely dried out my skin to the point that it felt like it would rip if I smiled or frowned! It also made my skin incredibly red and itchy. The moisturizer does not moisturize at all!!!

It hurts! For the first couple days that I used the line I was very optimistic because of how tight and smooth my skin felt. I did not notice that it was making the acne better but I figured it would take time so I continued to burn the crap out of my skin for a couple more weeks. After two weeks or so and tons of whining that my face hurt I cut back on how often I was using the products which helped the redness and burning to subside but never helped the original problem....my acne! I continued to use it because I had heard great reviews in a couple magazines but it never did work! I have used items I purchased at Walmart that were more effective and would suggest saving your money for some pretty smelling shampoo! :)
June 3, 2008

Pros:

It helps stop break outs and helps clear up old ones.

Cons:

Makes your skin really tight.

Ive been using proactive for a few weeks I,m only 15 and have pretty bad break outs it works really well to clean up your face from acne but it doesn't help get rid of scars .
June 1, 2008

Pros:

I love this product I've had it about a week and my skin is clear, I use it with Clindamycin which is a prescription.

Cons:

None

Get the product, especially if Salicylic acid isn't working fast, cuz this will work way faster and better without over drying.
May 31, 2008

Pros:

the bottles are pretty

Cons:

It's too expensive,and it doesn't do anything. Actually, It made my face worst.

It might work for some people. But if you don't have a lot of money, don't risk it.
May 31, 2008

Pros:

Makes skin smooth, great if used 2 times a day every day

Cons:

I am allergic to Blue 1, one of the ingredients in the toner, so I cannot use that. I believe not using the whole system means I don't get the full power of it.

Alright.
May 29, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

everything about it!!!!

This damn acne treatment didnt do anything for me but make my skin breakout worse. I really thought this skin solution would be the end to all my acne, unfortunately it wasnt.
May 28, 2008

Pros:

The first pro is that it ACTUALLY WORKS! It also dries clear and does not dry my skin out too much.

Cons:

NONE.

This is the only thing that has worked on my skin. I developed acne in my mid-twenties and went through hell trying to find something that worked. I spent hundreds of dollars on doctors, medicines and expensive over the counter products. I finally decided to do some internet searching and found acne.org. It is unbelievable how quickly this stuff gets rid of acne. I'm so glad I found this and wish I'd found it much sooner. I've already ordered three more bottles for family and friends. This is the best stuff on the market for acne.
May 28, 2008

Pros:

Works fast

Cons:

Dries and irritates skin if too much is used

I wrote a review for this over a year ago. It is by far the best topical I've ever used for my skin. I've used all of the antibiotics and retinoids. My dermatologist told me that my acne was so severe (cysts everywhere)that topicals couldn't touch it and I'd need accutane. Once I delivered my daughter I began to take Zinc Gluconate 50mg 1/day again, which helped with some of the inflammed acne. I was using ClearZit 2/day and getting red and dry and still getting zits. Finally I backed it down to 1/day at night and lightly spot treating in the morning. I use Dove (the white bar - the sensitive skin one didn't agree with my skin), the ClearZit, and Zinc. For the first time since I can remember - I have clear skin!!! If I couldn't find the ClearZit, I'd use ZapZit...but it's not nearly as good. I also tried Dan's regimen for 3 months and it did nothing for me.
May 28, 2008

Pros:

Works fast, not harsh. Very affordable and can get at local store

Cons:

None

I have been using this product for going on three years. I had terrible acne and looked like a pizza face. It has completely cleared my skin up I have tried proactiv and it didn't work as well and cost more. Works great!

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.