Is Proactiv the solution to having skin just like the celebrities? And if so what specifically makes it so special? I wanted to find out what ingredients make it more beneficial in treating acne than a regular over-the-counter skin care line. A dermatologist reviewed Proactiv and she broke down the ingredients and commented on them below.
Proactiv has cornered the 3-Step acne treatment market for years. These products have limited availability outside the mail order option. I also wanted to break down the ingredients in the kit so that we can see if you’re paying for quality or just the Jessica Simpson endorsement.
Geez, do you think they have enough celebrities endorsing this product? Proactiv is well-known for its infomercials starring a long line of celebs. There’s Jessica Simpson, Alicia Keys, P. Diddy, Britney Spears, Vanessa Williams and Elle McPherson. And now I see Serena Williams, Alyssa Milano and Julianne Hough are endorsing it!
The Proactiv Basic Kit
For the whole kit below, Proactiv retails from $55 to $67 depending on where you buy it. If it’s by mail, add shipping and handling costs.
Anyone who orders the system automatically becomes a member in the Proactiv Solutions Clear Skin Club. That means the company will automatically ship a new kit every two months.
Continuing with the kit for multiple months can be very expensive. To opt out of the club, or change the rate that Proactiv products are delivered - customers have to call the customer service number and cancel their membership.
The kit contains:
- Renewing Cleanser - 120 ml
- Revitalizing toner - 120 ml
- Repairing Lotion - 60 ml
- Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15
- Daily Oil Control
- A bonus gift - choice of a Refining Mask or Green Tea Moisturizer
Proactiv Ingredients Explained
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
Dr. Vicki Taraska, a cosmetic dermatologist did a review on Proactiv and this is what she found. Proactiv is on the right track when it comes to ingredients. The active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide which has been a pretty standard acne-fighting ingredient for years.
Proactiv has 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in both the cleanser and repairing lotion.
The benzoyl peroxide can help acne and the higher the concentration - the more the effect. Some products have a 3.7% concentration as compared to Proactiv which has 2.5%. Since the difference is so small, it wouldn’t be significant in terms of results.
Also some alternative products have benzoyl peroxide in the cleanser and some don’t. Dr. Taraska mentions that it’s more important that there is benzoyl peroxide in the lotion since it stays on the skin allowing time for the medication to work.
Proactiv Renewing Cleanser contains small granules - it’s an ‘exfoliating cleanser.’ Dr. Taraska says “This is worth mentioning because if a cleanser has exfoliating properties, it will increase the absorption of the other ingredients in the product - like benzoyl peroxide. The Proactiv product was exfoliating to some extent.”
2. Glycolic Acid
Proactiv also has glycolic acid. Dr. Taraska said that “glycolic acid can help exfoliate the skin and unplug blocked pores which helps improve acne.” Technically speaking, glycolic acid would help with skin care a little bit.”
Proactiv is now available in airport terminals!
Looking Beyond Proactiv
Dr. Taraska made the point that these kits can help mild acne. “Just don’t get sucked in by all the marketing and actresses hyping its success. You can find less costly over the counter products that have more benzoyl peroxide in them. See a dermatologist if you’re not getting any results from these products - because there are many treatments available.”
What’s her best advice to teens with acne and limited budgets? “If you only had $10 in your pocket, head to the drugstore and get a topical benzoyl peroxide treatment. There are lots available over-the-counter. And get a gentle cleanser….you don’t need the fancy kit with the infomercial.”
The other point she wanted to emphasize to teens is that if you’re having scarring and really serious acne – you can’t buy something for $10 for that. “Go in and get help. Go see a dermatologist. There are prescription treatments that will do more than these kits ever can. And remember too - you can treat acne, but you can’t cure it.”
If you still want to give it a try you can find it at www.proactiv.com and 
Ebay USA.
www.Canada.proactiv.com and Proactiv on Ebay Canada
The Bottom Line on Proactiv Products
Proactiv works for the majority who try it. I looked at several reviews and I noticed also that there are a small percentage of people that it absolutely does not work for. This groups biggest complaints were that it made their skin very dry or made their acne much worse. The truth is that there isn’t one acne treatment that works for absolutely everyone. The biggest problem with Proactive is that they use a “one size fits all” approach to acne treatment. The actual products you use for your skin are up to you. Choose them based on your particular skin type and your skin’s needs. Hopefully this review helped you decide if Proactiv is right for you. They sure do market it to death! By the way, I’ve done an Infinity Razor review that comes with the most unusual bonus gift. A 7 inch chef’s knife! Hmmm interesting!
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2 responses so far ↓
1 wigiwood // Sep 6, 2009 at 7:46 am
I have to say that proactive is great. I am 45 with adult acne and I use it once a day now to save money. It is the only thing I have tried that gets rid of the zits and keeps them away.
2 Mena // Sep 9, 2009 at 9:00 am
I used ProActive when I was younger (I am now 30). This is the only product that worked on my embarrassing acne as a teenager and up to my early 20’s. Yes, I did experience the redness and sensitive skin, but all I had to do was reduce the frequency of usage and my skin eventually adjusted to it. I’ve actually recommended ProActive to any young adult who is experiencing acne as well.
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