Like many here, I tried the original kit for a while. I was never really satisfied with the results but felt that at least I was doing SOMETHING as opposed to just letting acne rule/ruin my life. But I always felt that my skin was just not reacting well to the product - it felt really extremely dry all the time, no matter whether I moisturized or not, my skin always felt more inflamed especially around the breakouts and sometimes, it would make my face sting. I just learned to accept it I guess. I was reading somewhere about alternatives to proactive when I first read about salicylic acid. I honestly had no idea whether or not they had a line using that instead of benzoyl. So after more research and finding this, I got it and was immediately impressed. All of the irritation that I had had for years using the original formula was gone instantly. My skin did experience a period that I thought it was getting better but it never got all the way clear. But after seeing the change using salicylic instead of benzoyl, I had hope for the first time in years and I got more into the process. I called them to talk to them, see what they could recommend to get the clearing to stop plateauing and I was wholly unimpressed with their level of customer service. Not one seemed to really care about me - not to sound whiney. I was calling looking for direction, and all I felt was that they were ultimately trying to sell me more and more stuff I didn't need. And frankly, I didn't get the impression that the customer service people even knew anything about skin. Which seems like an essential thing at a skin care company, doesn't it?? I was in a mode and got into the research, talked to a bunch of people on forums and everyone was pretty much against proactive for varying reasons. I searched out alternatives and found a couple but man! it is hard to do this on your own. So I went with the one that had the best customer service reviews - Ninja. And I have to say, the customer service combined with their super potent product and I have finally achieved the skin I never even knew I could have. I now use their gentle cleanser in the morning and at night and then apply a layer of their Salicylic 3 before bed and then another layer in the am below my sunscreen. I have never had better skin. I am really happy I did the legwork and finally got my dream skin. Proactive is an easy choice, I think, because it is like the only name people know about these days for acne. it is plastered all over the place. But I don't think that their products are the most effective and I don't think that as a company they have your honest best interests in mind. My take at least.

For all those who keep talking about the big, cystic acne that they have never had before, you are having an allergic reaction. Especially if its itchy and happens within a day or two of first using it. That happened to me with Proactive. It has nothing to do with the products effectiveness, just that you are allergic to some ingredient in it.

This facial cleanser may as well be considered as hand soap. It does not clear acne, but prevents bacteria from coming back. It leaves a leathery, oily, residue for 10-15 minutes during and after lathering on the cleanser. All in all, I do not recomend this facial cleanser.

I'm a black woman with hyperpigmintaion, and this product is the only one that worked to clear my skin. Also, I've tried proactive, rx for brown skin, image, philosify, vantax, neutrigina, olay, mary kay and avon. Nothing even comes close to the results I've gotten with this 8.00$ bottle. I've spent 1000's trying to clear up my skin. Where has this product been all my life? I will post youtube vid soon to show my results!!!

Is is a pretty good product. A first it made some pimples and cystic acne go away, but now that I've been using it for a week, it's been making me break out even more

Let's get it straight, the reason people on this website use this product is because they think it will help them with their acne. However, this simply does not work for mine. Biore certainly makes attractive products- they all smell great and feel really refreshing. The problem with this product and moderate to severe acne is that the active ingredient is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid in reality doesn't do a whole lot other than open your pores, making them susceptible for *other* treatments. For many acne-sufferers, this is simply not going to improve their condition. I read one reviewer saying this is "gentle" and doesn't do "stripping". "Stripping", or removing a layer of skin may actually help some acne sufferers. The reason some people get acne is because they have relatively thick skin, which doesn't promote regular cell turnover, thereby clogging their pores. This is exactly what tretinoin does as a prescription medication. In short, this product is just far to mild to be effective. I think it may benefit people with very light acne, but it just didn't do anything for me.

this smells good. i like the texture. plus, right after you wash it off there's this goood tingle in your face and it feels "minty". i guess it opens the pores so the treatment stuff can work better :)

It's a good facial cleanser that does what it claims to do. (which is to remove dirt and oil- not to clear up pimples) But I would not use it as my only means of fighting acne. After cleansing with this I usually use medicated acne cream.

I just try almost everything out there/ I used proactive regular and it work but dry and made me red spots by irritation. I switch to gentle formula and it really help for the first two weeks. The problem is that I think is not good with oily skin and in Miami with the humidity it may make it worse. I have used it twice a day and wash my face 3 times a day. i always do this bc my oily face. I know people out here will say that -that is the reason your face is more oily, but not is my genes. anyways.. I have used in the morning and in two hours my face looks like drench in sweat I will try to stop wiping it and wait but then i see peoples growing around my temple and cheeks. very small but they could bet worse. I don't think this works on oily skin, and I am thinking of using the gentle with the normal formula. I have not saw any reviews with people with oily skin.

Before going to the expensive higher end acne medications, give this a try. You really have nothing to lose seeing as it costs around $5. I swear by it.