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
March 29, 2008

Pros:

-smells good
-apparently works for a portion of people with very mild acne

Cons:

-very drying
-the lotion makes your face very greasy if you have oily skin
-very expensive

This product was nothing but a disappointment to me. After watching their very informative infomercials and the many people that swore by it, I of course got my hopes up. It never even worked from day 1 for me. The lotion is HORRIBLE if you have oily skin. It will make your face look like you dipped it in grease. I can't imagine how anybody can use the lotion on their skin without getting super oily. I even gave this product a long time (a couple of months at least) to start working, since I knew it may take a while...it was a waste of my time and money over that course of time. Save your money. There are products out there that are MUCH cheaper and better alternatives that will work for you, trust me.
March 29, 2008

Pros:

It Works! I've tried several prescription antibiotics and creams, which did nothing. Dan's BP gel is the ONLY thing after a few years of having acne that improved my skin.

Cons:

The first few weeks of using the BP made my face itch and reddened and burned if it got in my eyes; over time it decreased and now it doesn't even affect me.

The key for me to having this work is to consistently wash my face twice per day; I notice a big difference if I even miss one washing. The Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer is very gentle and works great. I've also been taking 50mg of Zinc every day which may or may not help. ALSO: I must declare how important it is to stop picking at your skin. Be patient and it will work!
March 29, 2008

Pros:

Proactive makes a lot of money

Cons:

Everything, price, ive used it for three months no improvement yet. i had tried just about everything. I think I'm cursed or something.

Proactive sucks. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. Oh and also do not buy those damn vitamins when you order. Those suck too and they wanna charge 60 bucks for those. It's hard to cancel if if you do the free trial. Vita Clear SUCKS!!! You can but the same thing at the dollar store.
March 28, 2008

Pros:

absorbs smoothly into skin, no odor, no flakiness. clears skin very well.

Cons:

can get sticky, a little pricey for a small tube

Although it's a little pricey for such a small tube, I'll take it ANY DAY over the expensive other brands. This fits right into my budget! It does have a drying effect but as long as you follow up with the proper moisturizer, problem solved. It even doubles as a fade cream. I've noticed my post acne marks are disappearing.
March 28, 2008

Pros:

Makes the skin feel smooth and cleaner than ever before

Cons:

Smell but then you get used to it. Expensive too.

I have used this product religiously for 4 months now. My skin has never felt this good. Last year, I had a sudden series of breakouts, almost once every week. I used neutrogena which worked initially but then I got sensitive to it. Then I tried proactiv, which completely worsened my skin. After that I stopped using everything. My friend recommended Clinique acne solutions. At first, I was very skeptical. Once I started using it...everyday was a new day for my skin. The first 2 weeks my face went dry but then I used the superdefense combination oily moisturizer which really helped for the dryness. From then on my skin was smooth, well conditioned and healthy. Now I use all facial products from clinique. It's been a couple of months since I got any big, ugly acne. As long as you are not sensitive to this product, there is no reason why it won't work for you.
March 27, 2008

Pros:

It works well, as long as you keep up with it!

Cons:

It gets expensive

I used Proactiv for over a year. It gets expensive and i would run out for a couple days so i would have bad break outs again. I decided to go to the doctor to see what they could do to help me out. They prescribe me some gel and it cost $160 compared to the $40 i was spending on Proactiv. My face is now very dry, peeling, red and blotchy, and it burns really bad. I have had to get an antibotic, and this moisturizer that costs $17 for a small container to try to ease the burn. After not being able to keep up with the Proactiv i am now using this stuck with pain from even more expensive stuff. You can order the Proactiv online, and there are some malls that have a booth set up with it. Just go online and search for locations. I reccomend it!
March 27, 2008

Pros:

Clears up mild acne

Cons:

Dries the skin and makes it rough
Expensive

I have been using this product for about a month now and although it worked well in the beginning, its effect has faded. Also, the third step is VERY drying on the skin and must be used with a moisturizer. I don't use the facial scrub everyday though, since it is a bit harsh on my sensitive skin. Overall, I would say this product is not that effective as people say. I am now definitely planning to pass it up for Accutane which is cheaper and works well.
March 24, 2008

Pros:

I have only used it for about 2 weeks...it makes my skin soft

Cons:

It is making my face break out (people told me it has to get worse before it gets better)!

I think it may work...it is costly and I don't like being stuck in something I cannot get out of (the "club") and having my card charged monthly for me...nope, I like the freedom of paying it on my own!
March 24, 2008

Pros:

none I can remember!

Cons:

didn't work, expensive, irritated blemishes, dried my skin so much it was painful and began cracking open

overpriced, and it actually made my acne much worse. I didn't think such a thing was possible.
March 23, 2008

Pros:

cleared up most of my acne.
if i went a day or 2 without it pimples will not break out.

Cons:

alot of pimple breakout on the first month on trying this product as the body hormones reacts towards this product which i think is normal.

i love proactiv. it has helped me improved my skin. ALOT. however it is a bit costly.

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.