Benzoyl Peroxide
Results
Side Effects

With proper application, benzoyl peroxide can help many people achieve clear skin.

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that...

With proper application, benzoyl peroxide can help many people achieve clear skin.

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin, helping to keep pores unclogged.

It is usually applied once or twice a day to the acne-affected area. You should see results quickly, but sometimes it takes 4 to 6 weeks of treatment to become apparent.

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1
13.6%

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August 26, 2025
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
Reliable treatment option for many
While BP is drying it is the only thing that has worked for my acne. I say that as someone who is in her mid 50s and has been dealing with moderate to severe acne, including cystic, since age 12. The acne.org BP has been the most effective formula as well, I suspect bc the formula is simple and absorbs easily, unlike other gels that are too thick or contain other pore clogging ingredients or even surfactants. The Face Reality formula worked for me up until they changed their formula last year and added a bunch of other stuff. I don't respond well to salicylic acid, adapelene, or sulfur but I gave them each a solid try. The BP keeps my acne under control.
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May 20, 2024
Product used: Acne.org (Back/Body Regimen with Benzoyl Peroxide)
Effective against acne.
I have a lot of acne on my back and chin and it has improved a lot since I started using this product. Benzoyl is a tricky ingredient for skin, so make sure you do your research before using it.KakaoTalk_20240520_145320095.jpg
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February 28, 2024
Product used:
What happened to Dr. Sheffield's Zit Acne Cream?
Dr. Sheffields Zit Acne Cream with Benzoyl Peroxide was the best and now I can no longer find it. I wonder where it went. It worked better than anything else.
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February 26, 2024
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
AMAZING PRODUCT
LOVE
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September 30, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Back/Body Regimen with Benzoyl Peroxide)
Been using the regimen for 20 years now!!!
I’ve started using Dan Kerns regimen in 2005, one year after completing an accurate treatment (that I now regret). I’ve been faithful to this regimen for almost TWENTY YEARS because it truly works. I have tried to stop using it and without fail, my acne comes back. I’m 37 now and had my first baby six months ago, I’m finding my acne is flaring up again. I am not worried, I just ramp up the regimen and use more BP 2x a day (I usually use it 1x a day for maintenance) and AHA. His products are the absolute best and highest quality out there. I don’t know what I’d do without them. Thank you for twenty years of service, Dan!!! Truly from the bottom of my heart. NOTE : it takes weeks of itching to get accustomed to the BP… but then you can use it forever without a bother. If you stop for a few weeks, there will be a bit of itching to restart. Nothing like the first time around. It’s worth it!
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July 20, 2023
Product used: Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) Gel)
Acnecide Routine to reduce Papules Pustules and Erythema
*Review for the Acnecide 5% Face Wash and not the Gel* I have (had) adult acne in the form of papules and pustules for the past 3 years; I have been using the Acnecide 5% face wash for 4.5 weeks and have noticed a massive drop in the acne lesions on my face. My blemishes are enmeshed with erythema/redness (PIE) which have also cleared a lot. I attempted to use it 3 nights a week initially which caused a rash of redness, irritation and itchiness. I then phased it back in one night a week and increased to three nights a week over a 4 week period. 2-3 times a week seems to be tolerable. I first cleanse with Cera Ve Hydrating cleanser for 90 seconds and rinse. I then massage the Acnecide cleanser onto damp skin for 90 seconds on my cheeks and rinse (leaving it on for longer increases irritation and may leave some bumps/rash -they will go down eventually). I moisturise on damp skin (I've stopped towel drying which has helped loads) which helps to curb some of the irritation and itchiness. Use a patting motion, it will dry naturally in a couple of minutes. Stick at it, I wanted to stop using it the first week because of the itchiness. Use a hydrating cleanser on the other days, I typically double cleanse in the evening (Cera Ve then Acnecide) so my skin can take being washed twice. I'd avoid double cleansing if you have more sensitive skin. I have not found anything else that works as effectively, the routine doesn't feel arduous when you start seeing the results. I noticed a reduction in redness end of week 2 / start of week 3. I get some hormonal acne monthly, these blemishes are turned over relatively fast. I will continue to use it to maintain clearer skin. I have not come across anything else that works as effectively. Don't be put off by the initial irritation, I'm really glad that I persevered with it. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/
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July 15, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
This is the stuff!
20 years of use, only thing that works!
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January 24, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
works very well
it worked well on my skin
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January 20, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
For those scared of the side affects
Stay the course!! Yes, you’ve heard it, benzoyl peroxide is always going to have side affects in the beginning. Redness, extreme dryness, irritation, flaking skin, it’s uncomfortable! But in my experience as someone with incredibly sensitive skin, I believed BP didn’t work for me and was too intense, and I never used it consistently enough to get past the side affects. Once I finally did, my skin has never been better! I struggled with painful cystic forehead acne, and as of now I haven’t had a single blemish on my forehead in almost a year. If you use this once every few days, or only a few drops because you’re scared of the redness it will cause, your skin will never adjust to the treatment. Follow the instructions given, go all in, stay on top of moisturizing and brave the side affects for a couple weeks, and after that, your skin returns to normal. I use 2 full pumps morning and night and experience NO redness, and my skin remains shiny and moisturized after I put on my moisturizer. It works, just stick with it!
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January 15, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
GET THIS PRODUCT. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
I absolutely love this product. It is very strong so take is slow for the first week or two. after a while you will love it as much as I do. My face has never looked nor felt better than it does now.
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website