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Proactiv Solution Reviews
People have asked me about Proactiv® so much that I decided to try it so I could give my feedback. I found it to be surprisingly irritating and utterly ineffective. However, Proactiv is on the right track in recommending benzoyl peroxide, and specifically recommending it in 2.5% strength.
Where I think Proactiv veers off track:
- Cleanser: The Proactiv Cleanser contains scrubbing beads, and Proactiv recommends washing for 1-2 minutes with this cleanser. I am quite stunned at both of these oversights. It is absolutely vital to avoid irritation when treating acne, especially inflammatory acne—the kind most of us have. Scrubbing beads, and washing for this amount of time introduces unnecessary and damaging irritation, perpetuating the acne cycle.
- Toner: I think the Proactiv toner is fine, albeit unnecessary to achieve clear skin.
- Treatment: Over my 20+ years of benzoyl peroxide research and experience, I have found that for benzoyl peroxide to completely clear acne, people must apply it generously. “Use a lot!,” is my simple mantra. It is amazing what this simple act will do toward achieving completely clear skin. Unfortunately, Proactiv packages its treatment in a 1oz. container. The small size of Proactiv ’s treatment bottle leaves people skimping and often disappointed in results. Next, Proactiv combines their benzoyl peroxide treatment with moisturizer. One of the main reasons benzoyl peroxide works so well is because it is a drying and peeling agent, which helps prevent clogged pores. For this reason, it is a good idea to apply benzoyl peroxide without moisturizer, and let the benzoyl peroxide do its thing for a few minutes (5-15) before introducing moisture. Unfortunately, you don’t have that choice with the Proactiv treatment. Lastly, the treatment is heavily scented. I personally avoid scented products because they must be applied right under the nose, and tend to linger and leave me feeling a little nauseated throughout the day.
My suggestion: To completely clear acne, it will prove far more beneficial to buy a gentle cleanser without scrubbing beads, a large, unscented 2.5% benzoyl peroxide medication, and a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Then follow these steps precisely to achieve completely clear skin.
If you currently own Proactiv Solution products, don't throw out the Repairing Treatment. If you can handle the smell, it should work in a pinch, as long as you are generous with it. I would not recommend using the Proactiv cleanser. I would also forgo the toner until you’re completely clear. Then feel free to add it in if you’d like and see how things go.
As a final note, I am thankful that Proactiv hires celebrities to talk about acne. This helps reduce stigma, so thumbs up on that!
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J from Australia
March 22, 2006
have you guys ever noticed how similar cleansers have the same ingredients for half the price??? Clearasil, etc.
The problem with proactiv is not the wash but the toner and lotion. I've changed from proactiv to using a 10% benzoyl p wash (may be very strong for some people) with a dermalogica moisturiser and my skin is much healthier & I have less pimples. (you dont need toner unless you want to dry your skin out even more!) The pimples look much better when they're healing this way instead of all dried up & crusty.
Also, the only reason people buy proactiv is because its a "3 step system". This does NOT mean that its 3 steps to great skin. We all have completely different skin types & we all need different things. Because of the last 2 steps & their ingredients, proactiv strips your face of its acid mantle which is your skin basic defense. You dry it out & leave it prone to sun burn (leaving bad pigmentation & sun damage) & without its own natural defense! Once you've striippe dyour skin of the bad stuff you need to help it recover well with a good moisturiser SPF to protect it. When you dry your skin out to this extent it starts to overproduce oil to try to make up for the lost acid mantle - thus the returning (& often worse) problems most of you have experienced.
So instead of buying proactiv go & talk to a professional at a salon. They will usually do an inspection of your skin for free & will tell you where your problems are and what TYPE of product to use NOT WHAT BRAND is best! If they recommend proactiv then good for you. If they recommend something else, then try it first.
Bottom line is that we're all different but bear in mind that "3 step systems" arent good for everyone . you need to taylor your own individual "steps" in your beauty regime to make your face look & feel great!
PS: Go to a dermatologist if you have chronic acne - not a Jessica Simpson ad in a magazine!
The problem with proactiv is not the wash but the toner and lotion. I've changed from proactiv to using a 10% benzoyl p wash (may be very strong for some people) with a dermalogica moisturiser and my skin is much healthier & I have less pimples. (you dont need toner unless you want to dry your skin out even more!) The pimples look much better when they're healing this way instead of all dried up & crusty.
Also, the only reason people buy proactiv is because its a "3 step system". This does NOT mean that its 3 steps to great skin. We all have completely different skin types & we all need different things. Because of the last 2 steps & their ingredients, proactiv strips your face of its acid mantle which is your skin basic defense. You dry it out & leave it prone to sun burn (leaving bad pigmentation & sun damage) & without its own natural defense! Once you've striippe dyour skin of the bad stuff you need to help it recover well with a good moisturiser SPF to protect it. When you dry your skin out to this extent it starts to overproduce oil to try to make up for the lost acid mantle - thus the returning (& often worse) problems most of you have experienced.
So instead of buying proactiv go & talk to a professional at a salon. They will usually do an inspection of your skin for free & will tell you where your problems are and what TYPE of product to use NOT WHAT BRAND is best! If they recommend proactiv then good for you. If they recommend something else, then try it first.
Bottom line is that we're all different but bear in mind that "3 step systems" arent good for everyone . you need to taylor your own individual "steps" in your beauty regime to make your face look & feel great!
PS: Go to a dermatologist if you have chronic acne - not a Jessica Simpson ad in a magazine!
Honest truth...its only OK... from New Jersey
March 22, 2006
I've used the product for a few months now. When I first used Proactiv I was so excited! I washed my face with the cleanser, used the toner, and then used the repairing lotion as directed. The immediate results, AMAZING! You notice a difference in your skin specifically its clear, feels rejuvenated, and is glowing!
Skip ahead a few months later...no more AMAZING :( Only so-so to hardly noticeable results. I was fooled in the beginning into thinking it would help...Disappointment just like everything else. But I can say that it DID NOT make my face break out at all. It just didn't help much...
*Only good thing though its that they have a Refining Mask. Its great because for people like me with oily skin because it definately HELPS A LOT with breakouts and that may be the only thing that did help out of their line. Its the only product of theirs I'd recommend!
Skip ahead a few months later...no more AMAZING :( Only so-so to hardly noticeable results. I was fooled in the beginning into thinking it would help...Disappointment just like everything else. But I can say that it DID NOT make my face break out at all. It just didn't help much...
*Only good thing though its that they have a Refining Mask. Its great because for people like me with oily skin because it definately HELPS A LOT with breakouts and that may be the only thing that did help out of their line. Its the only product of theirs I'd recommend!
mwah from New Zealand
March 21, 2006
I found Proactive quite irritable at first as I get exma real bad on my neck and face. I found that your skin had to get worse before it gets better and I just persivared with it, have been using proactive for around 5 months start using it 3 times a day then twice a day and now only once a day. I will continue using Proactive as my skin has never felt better I have no signs of exma and my skin tone is all very even.....who would want to come off if this is the only product out there that REALLY WORKS. This is great Stuff I would recommend this for anyone sufferring
John from AK
March 21, 2006
Proactiv gave me a wonderful two months, so I'm not too bitter, but the product became worthless after that. Everyone has their own theory why, but rarely do the positive effects last. I am very bitter about one thing though. My second order of Proactiv never arrived at my home. When I called them to report that I had not received it, they very nicely offered to send me another package while being very careful with their language to make me think it was a free replacement. Nope, apparently they don't trust us as much as they expect us to trust them. I was charged for two when I only received one. Everybody knows that is not how you do business. I never gave them another cent, nor will I ever again.
Anonymous from Santa Barbara, CA
March 20, 2006
I have been using Proactive for about 4 months now.I have ok skin, but pimples are always present (but not terrible). At first it didn't seem to do anything. It seems to work like a regular cleanser to me. Also, I have to use another cleanser with it because it does not remove my makeup and i feel like there is still grime on my face because when i use the toner there is always makeup on it. So if you wear makeup i recommend using a cleanser before using the face scrub (like olay). Also, I think that for some people it doesnt work because of hormonal changes and stress. Also, the scrub is meant for 2 times a day which may be too harsh for peoples skin. In addition, I always use moisturizer after the toner because it just makes your skin too dry and tight without it. hope this helps.
Kristen from Las Vegas
March 20, 2006
I didn't like how the acne lotion would bleach my towels and bedding. I think a normal exfoliator and a prescription night cream works just as well and is less expensive.
Nana from Virginia
March 20, 2006
I know I was skeptical when I was reading these ratings, but I decided to give Proactive a try, nonetheless. Unfortunately, that was a huge mistake. Right now, a month after I stopped using it, I'm still recovering from the damage it did to my face.
I know they tell you to "wait" if you see a break out, and that it's just a clearing out process. I've used Retin-A in the past, Differin, Benzaclin, and NONE of those products ever made me break out as bad as Proactiv. I used the product for 3 months straight, even after the acne on my face couldn't be covered with make up, because I felt maybe it would clear like they keep telling you when you call customer care. But remember their goal is to keep you on the product until you need a refill :P
I also have to say, the acne I had with proactiv was more like burns than acne. The pimples would come out, clump together and then turn brown, but not die. They'd still be sensitive, and it was more uncomfortable that the normal acne I have. The spots it left behind are still trying to fade.
I can't recommed proactiv in good conscience, but I know, if you're going to try it, you're probably going to do it regardless of what these reviews say (like I did). Just be aware of how you looked before, so that you know when the damage has just gone too far and you can stop!
I know they tell you to "wait" if you see a break out, and that it's just a clearing out process. I've used Retin-A in the past, Differin, Benzaclin, and NONE of those products ever made me break out as bad as Proactiv. I used the product for 3 months straight, even after the acne on my face couldn't be covered with make up, because I felt maybe it would clear like they keep telling you when you call customer care. But remember their goal is to keep you on the product until you need a refill :P
I also have to say, the acne I had with proactiv was more like burns than acne. The pimples would come out, clump together and then turn brown, but not die. They'd still be sensitive, and it was more uncomfortable that the normal acne I have. The spots it left behind are still trying to fade.
I can't recommed proactiv in good conscience, but I know, if you're going to try it, you're probably going to do it regardless of what these reviews say (like I did). Just be aware of how you looked before, so that you know when the damage has just gone too far and you can stop!
EB from Lafayette, Indiana
March 19, 2006
I'm 23 now. I used the stuff when I was 16. Of course, it cleared my skin up for a few days (everything does!) but a few days later, it made my skin peel like a lizard! (again, a common response from my skin). I also got a sunburn although I used the product in winter (a reaction just like with Retin-A, Cleocin-T, etc.) The oddest thing about the proactiv product, though was that although my skin was peeling, it was also extremely oily, and more pimples appeared than ever! Although, like I said, my skin typically reacts with peeling, sunburn, or increased breakouts, having ALL THREE things happen at once was something new!
Kari from Idaho
March 19, 2006
I had severe nodular acne (the worst type). I tried every perscription (Benzaclin, Differin, Retin-A micro, Minocyclin, Septra, and many other creams and pills_ and finally my doctor reccommened Accutane! My parents and I decided Accutane wasn't for me, so we decided to try Proactiv. Whenever I would use any product, my face ould become excessively oily! Proactiv has cleared up my painful acne and greatly reduced the shininess of my face. I can finally wear less makeup, and I feel more confident about myself. I definitely reccommend sticking this product out if it doesn't work immediately. Acne usually worsens before it gets better. The first couple of weeks while using Proactiv, my skin was worse than it had ever been before. The lotion...if you noticed...contains Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide dries most people's skin, so you might want to use a lotion with your proactiv! Make sure you read all of the information Proactiv sends you before you use the product. It may help your success with Proactiv!
If proactiv doesn't work for you (considering they state it only works for 80% of costumers) maybe you should try Exposed Acne Solution. I've researcehd many acne treatments, and it supposedly works for over 90% of costumers. I think it's about $50. [link removed]
If proactiv doesn't work for you (considering they state it only works for 80% of costumers) maybe you should try Exposed Acne Solution. I've researcehd many acne treatments, and it supposedly works for over 90% of costumers. I think it's about $50. [link removed]
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However, I can attest that it woeks for my boyfriend, it has cleared up his breakouts to where he only gets a pimple every once in a while, and they clear up fast