Is Proactiv "The best-selling acne system in the world"?
What is Proactiv Solution?
Proactiv Solution is an acne-treatment system that includes five products -- a renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner, repairing lotion, an oil-free moisturizer with sun block and a daily oil controller. Each is offered as part of a five-piece (*est. $60), four-piece (*est. $50) or three-piece kit (*est. $40). The three-piece skin-care kit includes the cleanser, toner and repairing lotion, and seems to be the one most often purchased and reviewed. Proactiv acne treatment is known for its many celebrity endorsements and is an infomercial staple. A club program, which includes discounts, some free bonus products and automatic shipments, is heavily promoted -- which means you'll be paying for regular shipments whether you've run out of product or not.
Proactiv Reviews
Reviews among experts and users are mixed on whether Proactiv is better than other over-the-counter acne treatments that also contain benzoyl peroxide. Some reviewers, such as Good Housekeeping magazine, call Proactive skin-care the best product for fighting teen acne based on the opinions of a panel of dermatologists. Others are more cautious, finding both positives and negatives with the various products that make up the line.
Proactiv User Feedback
There's tons of user feedback on Proactiv, and the great divergence of opinions leads us to believe that its effectiveness lies in the eyes -- and the skin -- of the beholder. Harshness is a key complaint. At least one expert says that the 2.5-percent benzoyl peroxide concentration in Proactiv Renewing Cleanser and Repairing Lotion causes less irritation than higher concentrations, but is still effective. However, user reports lead us to believe that the formulation could still be too strong for some skin types. In addition, the Revitalizing Toner uses glycolic acid, but some experts say that salicylic acid, such as found in Neutrogena Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment (*est. $24 for 2 ounces), is a more effective skin exfoliant for treating acne.
Proactiv Concusion
In the end, most experts say that Proactiv does contain well-proven ingredients and is worth a try if cheaper over-the-counter products aren't working. However, know that if you sign up for the automatic shipments, your costs could balloon.