Acne.org Products
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
58%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
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.
Used Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin®)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 23, 2007
Cons:
Extreme dryness and flaking skin where bad breakouts are. I learned to use Cetaphil moisturizer immediately after washing, then wait 30 min before applying gel, then apply more moisturizer if necessary. That seems to almost eliminate the flaking.
I am 26 and have suffered from acne my whole life. I had it under control for the last few years. Then I went through a painful divorce and got off birth control and my face erupted, worse than it has in my life. Huge cystic lesions that have hung around for 6 weeks. I tried Proactiv again for about 8 weeks without much improvement. My doctor gave me Benzamycin and I started seeing improvement within about 3 days. The cysts started flattening a bit and redness started going down some. I have been on it 2 weeks now and my skin is still breaking out, and still getting inflamed, but it is definitely better. There seem to be less new breakouts and the redness is slowly decreasing, and the nodules are flattening out some. I'm going to give this a few more weeks. I am suffering emotionally and don't want to leave my house right now, but I know you really need to give a medication at least 1-2 months to work. I started the birth control again 2 months ago and am hoping it helps too.
December 5, 2006
Pros:
I noticed fewer breakouts within 2-3 of starting Benzamycin. Within a month, it completely got rid of my awful, painful cystic acne. It's safe to use while TTC or pregnant.
Cons:
It will leave a white film on your face if you use too much.
I still get a few pimples here and there, but this has cleared my face up significantly and completely gotten rid of my cystic acne. I have been on every product out there, and this one worked better than all of them.
August 9, 2010
Pros:
helped a little and was not another drug to take
Cons:
stains bed covers, drys skin out, has to be stored in refridgerator
this helped a little but with no major effect on my acne
September 29, 2009
Pros:
It helps clear break up sooner. If used regularly it also prevents break ups. It works better than any over the counter productI have ever used.
Cons:
There are occasional breakthough breakouts. Also as everyone else mentioned it leaves chalky white later sometimes, and stains fabric (such as pillow cases).
It is a good product that works well. Like everything else it has a downside, but if you have chronic acne it is a very useful product in fighting it.
August 14, 2008
Pros:
Works fast on new pimples
Limits redness of pimple
WORKS
Cons:
Leaves your skin dry, itchy, and blotchy red
Stops working after a while
Doesn't work that well on larger acne vulgaris or white/black heads
It cleared up my skin. Looks better than before although I still have some mild acne on my cheeks and scarring
July 15, 2008
Pros:
My face cleared up beautifully in 2 - 3 days. A Wonder drug for me. WOW...
Cons:
If you really work the cream in the white haze will go away. If not a small amount of facial cream will take care of this.
This product was a life saver. My face would break out at random for no reason that I could pinpoint. My skin is beautiful now and I am thrilled with the outcome thus far.
March 23, 2008
Pros:
It started clearing my skin up after a couple days, but now my face is breaking out!
Cons:
I've only used the product for a week and I thought I was seeing results. But after a couple days of being clear, I started breaking out whereever I put the medication. I'm not sure if this is the whole "It gets worse before it gets better."
I'm not sure if this is just me because I've read really good reviews about the product. I'm hoping my skin will clear soon. If anyone has had the same problem as me, please let me know.
March 6, 2008
Pros:
- works well
- works QUICKLY
Cons:
- extrememly drying
- must be refrigerated
I broke out ridiculously bad out of nowhere and I had horrible PAINFUL acne on every area of my face with the exception of my forehead and nose. I even had terrible acne on my cheeks, which I previously never had. My doctor prescribed the the cream and I noticed a difference the next morning in the size of the blemishes I had on my face. It didn't completely clear my acne, but it did help. The biggest downside is any area the cream is applied to becomes extremely dried.
October 25, 2007
Pros:
This product does work. The antibiotic works as an anti-bacterial along with the Benzoyl Peroxide. If using the preparation that is mixed at the druggist, it contains ethyl alcohol which doesn't dry out the skin feels cool and refreshing!
Cons:
Must be refrigerated, so, out of sight out of mind. Especially if you run a busy schedule. It does bleach clothing and bedding, so use it with caution. Expensive. It also leaves a chalky film on your face, so use an oil-free moisturizer with it.
Without insurance, the preparation I purchased would have cost 125 dollars. With my insurance, it was 11.75. I wouldn't have bought this product if it was not covered. However, since I am lucky enough to get it at a decent price, I do use it and I do like it.
August 27, 2007
Pros:
clears up acne/blemishes fast, and reduces size and lifetime of existing acne. also very good preventative..has reduced the average number of pimples on my face compared to just using Benzoyl Peroxide (Regimen) alone.
Cons:
Bleaches fabric and hair! This is particularly annoying for me, because I use it overnight after I have taken a shower and going to bed. I do not use it during the day as I find it too drying and makes my skin oily with that much use. Regfrigeration
I am 22 and have been dealing with acne since I was about 14. I have mild to moderate acne (of course, acne becomes worse right before and during my period). It was advised that when I first started using this to just use it once a day, and then move up to twice a day after a couple weeks. I did go up to 2 times a day but it ended up being too harsh on my skin and made it really oily (plus the fact that I had to wear sunscreen). Now I apply it all over my face in a thin layer at night after I've showered. This is by far the only product that has worked so well for me, but has not completely gotten rid of my acne (*sob*). It has noticeably cleared up and is really effective in zapping emerging pimples. For the price this is an amazing product. The only thing that annoys me is that the BP in it bleaches fabric and I'm finding myself purchasing new pillowcases every other 3-4 months :(
Pros:
Prescribed the gel version. Seems to start working within days. Reduces redness and inflammation of cystic lesions quickly, although these lesions are still very slow to heal. Starts working faster than other products I have tried.