Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.9
173 Reviews
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
58%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
A more dangerous way of using benzoyl peroxide that studies show works a bit better than benzoyl peroxide alone. However, when used properly, benzoyl peroxide on its own can completely clear the skin without the addition of antibiotics.
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
35.8%
4
30.1%
3
24.3%
2
6.4%
1
3.5%

Used Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
April 28, 2011

Pros:

-Soothing/cooling to the skin at contact (due to refrigeration)
-Works fast
-Low (or no) copay if insurance covers it :)

Cons:

-Drying (depends on skin type)
-Chunky feel makes it a little weird to use
-Doesn't create a smooth surface if you apply under make up :(
-Needs to be refrigerated

For some reason after having acne since I was 14 (now im 21) it's the first time I have been introduced to this product by new physician and im glad she did! I LOVE IT! Im not consistent with it but when I have a flare-OMG this is a life savor. Like I said it feels good when you put it on if your breaking out because it has to be refrigerated but it works! In two days my flare up was more than half cleared up! When I'm consistent with it it helps from cystic acne from returning. I would DEFINITELY recommend this!
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September 3, 2010

Pros:

clears acne vulgaris in a few days, especially if acne is still active, and not some leftover, dried up, raised hovel

Cons:

a bit drying, a bit lumpy

Works like clindamycin, forming a drying, mask-like film on your face. I try not to break this mask by avoiding excessive speaking, so it's best if used right before bed (I'm quite talkative). Also, try to sleep in a cool setting, as sweating during sleep can remove the medication. I find it is more effective, albiet a bit more uncomfortable when used withOUT a moisturizer, as this seems to decrease the effects of the topical and make the mask less binding, if you will. Also, my mother used this YEARS ago, when I was a small child (I am now turning 21) and she still recommends it, as it was the only medication to clear her cystic acne. Though I would not recommend it for cystic acne, since it did not work on my own, everyone is different. As I have just gotten a microdermabrasion session, and my face is a bit raw, I will not be using this on my face for the next night, since I do not want to irritate my skin.
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March 18, 2010

Pros:

I have had terrible acne since I was 14. I had cysts and zits all over my face including my cheeks and nose the t-zone area. My pediatrician suggested this when I was about 16. It took a couple of weeks to actually start clearing up and I did not have any more huge cysts on my face at all.I stopped using it after my face cleared up because of the cost but I am breaking out worse than before and I think I will use it again.

Cons:

You may probably break out really bad in the first few weeks, but it's the same with a lot of prescriptions. Also , if you have no insurance at all it'll be very pricey.

No matter what the price is, it is better to have a clear face than be suffering with acne.Trust me, I'm 18 and use lots of makeup to cover up my acne but you can still see it .
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November 2, 2011

Pros:

Works every fast
Pretty cheap for the result with insurance

Cons:

Not very much
Stings a bit
Very dry, flaky, clumpy texture

Worked amazingly. It was gone in a week. It's pretty drying, even for my very oily skin. It makes you prone to sun damage, but just wear sunscreen. It's not for people with dry or sensitive, skin, as it's very harsh. If your skin can take it, I highly suggest this, since it's not too expensive if insurance covers it. Warning: don't over apply!
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February 5, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my skin (I only have moderate acne, so I can't say how well it would work on someone whose condition is worse)

Cons:

Takes a good 5-6 weeks at minimum to see real results
Drying/Leaves residue behind
Expensive without insurance

Sooo...I definitely jumped the gun on writing a review for this stuff the first time around. I wrote my last review on day 3 after I was amazed at the rate my face was clearing up. I spoke too soon though because for the entire month of January I experienced breakouts. It was frustrating, and I considered trying other options, but even then the breakouts were clearing quicker than usual and were becoming less and less frequent. I'm now on week 6 and I haven't gotten a breakout in over a week (FINGERS CROSSED). My face has generally cleared up and now I can focus on getting rid of a few nasty red marks left behind. Bottom Line: don't get discouraged when you first start taking this if you don't see quick or immediate results. The idea of a quick-fix for acne is a fantasy. Any topical or pill you take is going to take at least a month in order to see improvement. Having said that, if you plan on taking benzamycin....USE MOISTURIZER.
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November 4, 2009

Pros:

Benzamycin has reduced my whiteheads (I still have some), and no other product has ever reduced my whiteheads before. However, I don't know if it has this effect on other people.

Cons:

The instructions say to apply the product 2x daily, but it leaves flaky, white residue behind, so I only use it at night. It doesn't absorb into the skin and flakes off onto your clothing and sheets.

A bit expensive even with my insurance ($2

The bottom line is that I still have acne after about 6 weeks of use. My whiteheads have been reduced, which no other product has done for me before. I would like to say my skin has gotten better, but my mom says it looks worse. This will probably work if you have light to mild acne. The application of Benzamycin is not practical at all. It's flaky and looks as if Elmer's glue has dried on your skin. It'll leave your skin dry, but pretty much all acne medications do. Since the cream comes in little packets, there isn't enough to put on your neck/back/chest if you have body acne. Plus, the cream kind of drys up so you have to apply it rather quickly. Sometimes I wonder if they actually tested this stuff out on real people. Who wants to go out with a face that looks like milk dried on it? This works only a little bit better than benzoyl peroxide and other drugstore creams. My doctor wants me to stick to it for at least two months. I really hope it gets better!
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

Works quickly. A small amount does a lot of work. The coolness of the creme feels nice when applying. Attacks pimples and prevents acne from appearing at problematic spots.

Cons:

Can turn your face red from irritation (caused by dryness). If you don't wait enough time after washing the face, and applying the medication, you risk getting very white flaky spots on face. Increase sun sensitivity. Bleaches fabrics and hair.

Very good product. I don't know how long it works for, or if my skin will become immune to the medication. It dried out some ugly spots within 4 days. I was in a bad state and used it in conjunction with Bactrim DS (known is Israel as Depsyl Forte and is not at all supposed to be used for acne, but it works VERY well), which is also a great drug, but again I don't known it's long-term implications. This regimine is keeping me so clear, its amazing, but for me it is just buying me time before I decide to go on Racutane.
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April 2, 2009

Pros:

- dries up the oil on face when you
- dries infected pimples

Cons:

- does nothing to blackheads, closed under-skin whiteheads and cysts
- cant use it during the day. it is too thick and white and dries on the skin without being absorded
- cant use it on the whole face, can only apply it on specific spots

ive used this product for years. it did work for a while, but i could only use it at night because i didnt get absorbed and stayed thick on my skin. it has a very bitter taste and you definitely cant use this product if you are not sleeping alone or planning to kiss. leaves your skin very dry but it was worth it. if you have overall acne i recommend using a different product all over the face and benzamicyne only on the infected white pimples. these will be treated good. now after a few years my skin is used to this product and it doesnt work. i now have demodex mites and benzamicyne only dries up the skin, killing the mites. the minute you stop using it, the mites and bumps-whiteheads-pimples come back.
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April 5, 2007

Pros:

finally, something effective for ALL acne types

Cons:

it dries the skin, leaving the most acne prone areas a bit flakey, and the white residue can leave skin feeling a bit dirty.

the cons are a pain, but moisturizer used after the application of the gell helps with the flaking, and i'm assuming that after i use it a bit longer, this side effect will get better. i recently had a baby, which threw my hormones out of whack, and my face, particularly my jawline, completely erupted, and i felt 15 all over again...not in a good way, mind. so, i talked to my doc, and have been using this for a few weeks. it's really taken the worst of the acne away, though some of the cysts are stubborn, so i recommend patience. i started seeing real results after a few days, and each day is better than the last. that says soooo much more than any other meds i've ever tried. my insurance covered it, leaving me to pay a small amount, so check out your coverage, talk to your doc, and give it a try.
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April 4, 2007

Pros:

noticed a difference within just a few days.

Cons:

does dry ya skin but thats ok if it works.

at the end of the day ive tried all products on the market ie-clearasil etc and no results at id say if you have tried the rest then try the best benzamycin gel....
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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.

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.