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 23, 2008

Pros:

None.

Cons:

It didn't help my acne - it actually made it worse. It burns when you use it, it burns when you go into the sun, and it causes redness. It also bleaches some died fabrics. I thought it was terrible.

I used it for two months and my acne was worse the entire time. After I stopped using it, my face returned to its normal, mild acne.
March 23, 2008

Pros:

Clears acne & softens skin

Cons:

Can cause redness & drying if used as directed

I'm 23 with mild acne, have VERY sensitive skin and can't use most acne products. Proactiv is excellent at clearing acne quickly and is relatively gentle. I use the entire system, although only at night (and I found the clay mask that's included too drying so I don't use it). When I used it twice daily, I found my skin became a little irritated. So, in the morning I now use Oil of Olay's Foaming Cleanser for sensitive skin (because that line is awesome, but doesn't clear acne) and my skin is smooth and clear. I've used Proactiv for about two months and have never had such good results with a product line. Very encouraging! Try the line, but know your own skin, and adjust the usage accordingly!
March 23, 2008

Pros:

clears up and prevents acne, big pad, individually rapped

Cons:

expensive for only 14 days worth, when you moisturize it clumps up and looks like you have flaky skin, can be drying for those with drier skin, smell can be strong

The thing is, it works just as well as dan's bp treatment, except the fact that it clumps when you moisturize or wear makeup. Also, gels/creams are better than pads because you can see where you are going and know how much meds you are putting on your face. i would say if you were going to use either or, use a 2.5 bp gel or cream :) The only con about using the gel/cream is that it takes several minutes to rub in.
March 23, 2008

Pros:

After using AcneFree for about a week, my minor acne (primarly sebacious) had improved QUITE bit. not only did the pimple dry at the spot (but only at the spot, not the surrounding area) but my blotchy complection has evened out alot!!

Cons:

the lotion is a little grainy once dried, but massaging your face gently with a towel afterwrdes helps. the toner stings a little, but is not bad as long as you are VERY CAREFULL NOT TO GET IT IN YOUR EYES!!

It is a great product that i will continue using. Also, you can get a 3-month supply at costco for only 30 dollars.
March 23, 2008

Pros:

It smells good

Cons:

did not help at all with my acne.

I used to use benzoyl peroxide but would get breakouts about once a month so i thought i would try something different and used this for almost a month, but during that month my acne got continually worse. Clean and Clear is better than nothing but I definitely recommend a benzoyl peroxide product.
March 22, 2008

Pros:

Is easy to use
Do not have to wash on and rinse off
Begins to work straight away

Cons:

The only problem i have is if you dont rub it in properly it leaves white sort of crusty stuff on your face. which is really embarrasing when going to school.. In fact once i was asked.. "Hey Tara Have you been baking?" lol

Bottom line? dont no what that means.. BUT i just think this is the best ance product i've ever used.. most of the other products have made my skin dry or havent worked at all. With clearasil ultra acne cream you can feel the results straight away and you can also SEE them. I would recomend this to ANYONE!! people say pro active.. i've never tried it because of the cost. aslo you have to use 3 steps with that and wash and rinse. Since using Clearasil ultra i havent even felt the need 2 go and use anyother product... its just worked 4 me. I just came back from holiday and since over there i stopped using acne cream. My pimples came back, BAD so i just when straight back in2 Clearail Ultra yesterday.. it hasnt even been 24 hours and theyre nearly gone already!! i couldnt believe it.. thats y i decided to come online and express my opinion
March 21, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

I used this product and kept with it for a couple months but it had very little effect on my acne. It burns your skin if u use a little bit too much, so if you use it only use very little.

This product is not worth the time or money and I suggest using something else, especially if you have sensitive skin like I do.
March 20, 2008

Pros:

T-zone wasn't as oily.

Cons:

Skin was NEVER clear. I always had to have the product on hand because if I went a day or two without it my skin was oily and I'd break out. Then it just stopped working and I ended up with even more pimples.

Do not waste your time. Do not buy, it is not worth it.
March 19, 2008

Pros:

within 3 days of use, you can already see some dramatic changes on your face. works really well.

Cons:

burns/stings REALLY BAD. leaves residue while applying moisturizer. can dry out your skin.

on the first few days of your usage of this product, you may experience the side effects of BP. this includes redness, burning, itching, and drying. but don't get discouraged by these. it works really well. you just have to endure the pain on the first few days you use this product.
March 18, 2008

Pros:

Clears small breakouts

Cons:

Cracks and dries up the skin terribly
Smells awful
Expensive

I ordered Proactiv about a month ago and I am sending mine back for a refund. It immediately cleared up small breakouts I had on my forehead, yet I continue to get pimples on my nose and cheeks. The Repairing Lotion states that use only once a day to prevent excessive dryness - I only used it once a day and my face can't get enough moisture! I stopped using the system because my face was dry and cracked, and I'd much rather suffer from a few occasional pimples that cracked skin. I was getting better results when I had been using exposed acne treatment system but as I couldn't afford it, I stopped and switched over to proactiv. Now I have decided to either switch back to exposed or do a daily exfoliation, use a toner with glycolic acid, and oil-free moisturizing, and acne treatment with salicytic acid instead of benzoyl perocide.

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.