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
April 2, 2008

Pros:

Works--Fragrance Free--Available in most stores so you don't have to order online--all comes in one package

Cons:

I use this in conjunction with other products

I went through the torture of letting my face adjust to Dan's Regimen (a month of dry, peeling, red, puffy, painful skin) to realize that it improved my skin but still didn't prevent the nasty (moderate) cystic acne that I get. So, I decided that it would probably be a smooth transition to AcneFree because of the amounts of Benzoyl Peroxide. Best Decision Ever!! My face is actually clear! I'm on my third kit and I'm so pleased with the results. If Dan's regimen kind of worked but not enough, you should try AcneFree. One thing: i still use Dan's acne.org 2.5% BP cream at night instead of the AcneFree lotion (but i do use the AcneFree during the day). In the morning I use Walmart Brand of Olay Complete Moisturizer, and at night i use plain old aveeno lotion on my face. AcneFree really does work!!
April 2, 2008

Pros:

I had 'adult' acne and this has helped. Easy to use, can have frequency of delivery extended to reduce cost (do need to use sparingly then).

Cons:

The price but overall when I come the amount I paid on other facial products and prescription medicine it is comparable.

I have used this for several years and it has consistantly helped when other products have not. I get compliments on my complextion.
April 2, 2008

Pros:

It does clear acne, and it has worked for me in general with few flare ups

Cons:

My skin is so dry all the time I'm peeling! Also i am wondering if it is making my superficial scars worse or am i just seeing things.

If you don't want to go to the doctor's office and get expensive products this stuff might be ok but I wouldn't reccomend it
April 1, 2008

Pros:

smells great, leaves my skin smooth, consistantly clear skin.

Cons:

occasional dryness, results took a month, and its a little pricey.

i believe it when others have said this doesn't work for everyone. but if you have mildly oily skin, and breakout from stress, menstrual cycle, and sweating you should really try this.
April 1, 2008

Pros:

feels great on skin, seams to work the first month.

Cons:

Doesn't work for heavy acne problem
irritation
red scars

pretty good the first two month. but you have some up and down trhough treatment.
April 1, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

skin became extremely dry

Also, Proactive Solutions sell their customers' credit card info to other companies so many of them get unauthorized charges on their credit cards.
April 1, 2008

Pros:

Smells good.

Cons:

The night cream dried out my skin.
And my pimples didnt go away.

Waste of money.
March 31, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of some moderate acne.

Cons:

Athough it gets rid of them, they always come back whether you stop using it or not.

This is a great product really. ive had acne most of my life and im only 16. so i know how it feels to have to put make up on every time you leave the house. I tried Proactiv. . didnt work. Birth Control works really well to REEEALLY control acne. I want to go on accutane, but ive heard it dangerous : / but overall. clearsil is the best over the counter acne fighter. ive tried everything. Nuetragena, the little kits, clean and clear, apricot scrub(is great), and others too. i just dont know what to do. .
March 31, 2008

Pros:

It worked OK after a while, but I could have found somthing beter at a store. It made my skin soft, and it worked good at clearing up acne on my uper chest.

Cons:

Like I said, I could have found somthing better at the store. But you have to be careful with it if you have it in your shower, because the contaner and some of the stuff on the inside of it gets moldy easily.

Its realy not that great, but thats also my skin. which well isn't that great. so its more up to your skin.
March 30, 2008

Pros:

Keeps skin clear

Cons:

Dries horribly

This is a great product - especially for the price. I had stopped all parts of Proactiv except the BP lotion, and that was working wonders for me. But at $20+ for 4 oz, it was just too expensive. This is way more economical, so I'll stick to it. My only issue is the drying. Proactiv's form never dried me out, but THIS...ugh. I understand that it has drying properties, but this has dried out my eyelids and upper lip - where I don't even apply it!! So I've cut down to using it just at night and it's doing better. But I've noticed more pimples. So I guess I'll have to work my way back up to 2x per day. Just thought I'd put this out there. People are raving about it, and it is a good product, but it's not a perfect fix for every person. Nothing has ever dried me out like this before, and this is with regular, heavy moisturization as I always have. I think it's worth a try, though! Hopefully my skin will adapt

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.