Proactiv 3 Step System
New micro-crystal medicine and 24/7 Skin Care Advisor support for ActivMembers™ are just two parts of Proactiv's more powerful, more complete approach to treating acne.
Renew
This medicated Renewing Cleanser is made with new, exclusive micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide — featuring smaller, finer particles designed to quickly penetrate pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact. Tiny exfoliating beads gently remove dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells to help keep pores from clogging.
Revitalize
This refreshing, alcohol-free toner helps remove impurities and excess oil so your skin looks and feels clean, soft and refreshed -- not tight and dried out. Soothing botanical agents gently balance your skin tone.
Repair
The repairing treatment is a feather-light medicated lotion that gets deep into clogged pores faster but is designed to be gentler on the skin. It's an oil-free formula that's safe for your entire face.
Reviews
Jessica
Friend's advice
Quick Take:
Heard it was horrible
Usage Tips:
Use lotion if your skin dry's out too quick
From what my friend's have told me, if you break out frequently then you should try it. But I was told it DOES dry your face. I heard it also makes you worse, it depends mostly on your skin.
kelli
DIDNT WORK FOR ME
Quick Take:
IF YOU WANAN TRY IT TRY IT...EVERYBODY SKINS DIFFERNT !
Usage Tips:
DIDNT WORK FOR ME...EVERYBODYS DIFFERNT THO
The Verdict:
DIDNT WORK FOR ME.
IDK WHY.. BUT THIS PRODUCT DIDNT REALLY DO MUCH FOR ME...I MEAN IT CALMED MY SKIN AN ACNE BUT MY ACNE WAS STILL THERE.. N ITS PRETTY PRICEY TOO....
kelli
DIDNT WORK FOR ME
Quick Take:
IF YOU WANAN TRY IT TRY IT...EVERYBODY SKINS DIFFERNT !
Usage Tips:
DIDNT WORK FOR ME...EVERYBODYS DIFFERNT THO
The Verdict:
DIDNT WORK FOR ME.
IDK WHY.. BUT THIS PRODUCT DIDNT REALLY DO MUCH FOR ME...I MEAN IT CALMED MY SKIN AN ACNE BUT MY ACNE WAS STILL THERE.. N ITS PRETTY PRICEY TOO....
kelli
DIDNT WORK FOR ME
Quick Take:
IF YOU WANAN TRY IT TRY IT...EVERYBODY SKINS DIFFERNT !
Usage Tips:
DIDNT WORK FOR ME...EVERYBODYS DIFFERNT THO
The Verdict:
DIDNT WORK FOR ME.
IDK WHY.. BUT THIS PRODUCT DIDNT REALLY DO MUCH FOR ME...I MEAN IT CALMED MY SKIN AN ACNE BUT MY ACNE WAS STILL THERE.. N ITS PRETTY PRICEY TOO....
Amanda
Skincare Hoax
Quick Take:
Didn't work for me.
The Verdict:
I would pass but if you've never tried it and are curious, take advantage of a discount/promotion (which they usually have for first time customers).
Just as a reference: I have combination, acne prone skin. I have tried Proactive twice with little to no results each time. I find their products to be irritating and drying, thus further adding to my hyper-pigmentation. It did not reduce my cystic acne. I find that gentler and more natural formulas work better for my skin. But it may work for you.
Also, it will bleach your clothes so be sure to wear a shirt you don't care about when using products.
Kathryn
Works great, but....
Usage Tips:
Be prepared
The Verdict:
Not for me, but I know many people have had amazing results
This is very drying and will bleach any colored towels. Yes, it did clear my skin, but I felt like it was causing deeper damage. I switch to a more gentle cleanser.
Lucy H.
SO-SO
I used it for a couple of years, but it stopped its effect.
Rosemarie V.
Varies from person to person
Personally it dried my skin out way too much. But it worked wonders on a friend of mine, he especially enjoys the body bar.
Tiffany H.
don't like it
disappointed! it doesn't work for me and i've used it religiously. expensive. smells bad.
Morgana D.
so, so
Quick Take:
seemed exciting with all the proactive hype, but didn't see an improvement over time.
The Verdict:
i would not buy this agin because it is expensive, and especially because all the commercials about how life changing and instant the results were really got my hopes up- but it didn't end up working out for me.
i was really excited when tried a while ago, but i really didn't see a difference, since then i have found many other products that work well for me. a tip- name brand, largely advertised products usually do not work as well. I have found that the products i haven't heard of or seen advertised a lot, (but the package says a lot of good things that pertain to my skin) work better.
Lisa
NOT FOR ME!
This definitely did not work for me. Broke me out soo bad..but I know others who find this product amazing so just depends on your skin type I guess.
Salatha H.
Doesn't work for everyone
Quick Take:
Not for long-term use
The Verdict:
I'll pass.
Unfortunately, this product didn't work well for my skin type. I have combination, sensitive skin, and it just made my skin worse. I think the products may have been a bit too strong chemically for my sensitive skin.
Shawna K.
works great
Quick Take:
work the next day for me
Usage Tips:
use the refining mask as a spot treatment.
The Verdict:
works great, dried out the pimple the next day!
This product really worked for me, but I do not have a really bad acne problem. More of a pimple here and there.
Sandra
Slightly better than drugstore brands
I used to have acne pretty badly. After using this product (and then stopping), it slowly started to clear up on its own. I don't know that I just grew out of the acne problem or that the product help stop the acne. Either way I didn't notice the difference while using it.
Vanessa
Meh
Unfortunetly, even though there are many raves about this product, there are also many dislikes to this product as well. It personally did not do anything to my skin at all and it even broke me out more. On the other hand, I have a close friend who uses this everyday and she now has perfect skin. It just depends on the person, their skin type, hormonal reaction to the product and everything so that it creates good skin. It might not work for me, but it doesn't mean it won't work for everyone else. You just need to give it a try and see how it goes with you skin basically.
jocelyn
works great
Quick Take:
great product deff recomend
Usage Tips:
use daily make sure you clompete each step properly for best results.
The Verdict:
very happy with this product when i used it
keeped my skin clean and nourished. and it keeped me on a schedual for my skin
Mimi P.
miracle
I never used this since I don't have acne but all my friends who used it have incredible skin now
Victoria
Did not work!
I used this because I was breaking out hard core and this did not work at all!! I had high hopes for this and it just disappointed me. It did not work for me but everyone has different skin.
Wendy O.
Not for All Forms of Acne
The Verdict:
Would not recommend
This product does not work for persons with cystic acne, which has to be treated with antibiotics and retinol products.
linda
Hmm
It didn't work for me. My skin is to sensitive for this product.
Karla S.
made me break out more
Quick Take:
expensive
The Verdict:
wouldntt buy it again, sucksss
this sucks. it only helps for a little till you stop using it, than it all comes back x10000 worsee
Gretchen
Dislike this product
I would NOT recommend this to anyone. All it does is dry your face out.
Samantha S.
Proactiv
Quick Take:
Does exactly what it says! Do all 3 steps as directed.
Usage Tips:
Follow the directions on each particular item.
The Verdict:
Totally recommend!
This is a really amazing product. I experienced great results: clear, smooth and moisturized skin. I used this product primarily during my early teen years (13-16) and saw first hand why it's such a highly rated product.
Nicole
It works for me
The Verdict:
Just try it once and if you don't like it go try something else. It doesn't hurt to try.
I been using pro active for forever. I love this product. It actually works for me. It doesnt burn my skin at all. You should try the refining mask. That actually works really well and you will have results over night.
Tammie C.
PROACTIV YOU OWE ME NEW TOWELS!
Quick Take:
Be cautious of their auto supply program. I kept getting billed for products that I sometimes didn't even receive. It was a nightmare trying to solve it with their customer service.
Usage Tips:
Throw in trash can immediately.
The Verdict:
If you want stained/bleached spots on your beautiful towels then SURE! Order away!...I'm still bitter...can you tell?
Ugh...I honestly do not care for the Proactiv brand. I didn't notice any difference and I used it almost a 1/2 a year. The green tea moisturizer is nice, but everything else was just ehhhh.
Oh and if you use Proactiv, stay away from your beautiful colored towels!!
Christine
meeh
The Verdict:
DON'T BUY IT FULL OF BAD CHEMICALS.
i don't like proactiv. I want to become a dermatologist so hearing people use this makes me angry! This thing is full of chemicals. Yes it might clear your skin but it makes your skin addicted to it. So after you stop using proactiv you will break out again.
Amanda A.
Great for everyone!
The Verdict:
great!
although i have not used this particular product myself, i have had many friends use it and they all loved it. it works for all skin types and that is what probably makes it one of the best skin products out there!
Nicole D.
miss
I used this for a whole year hoping that it would magically work one day....nope never did anything but irritate my skin
Sara
nothing works like it
Quick Take:
easy to use and doesnt irritate my skin like many other products
Usage Tips:
easy enough to stick with since its only 3 products
The Verdict:
sort of expensive but it works like nothing else. i gladly pay the price for clear skin
ive used this for 6 years now and its amazing
Clara
Great Product
Usage Tips:
Follow the regime and it will work better.
The Verdict:
It helped clear my skin and continues to do it.
Depending on the season change my face tends to change from oily to dry. Therefore it will not work as acurately, but I continue to use it and so far its helped keep my acne in check.
Maureen
Not for me
I wanted the Proactiv system to be everything it claims to be, but unfortunately for me it was not effective. I dislike the texture and foaming capability of the cleanser, the toner has a slippery feel, which I can assume comes from the many added chemicals and dyes, and the repair lotion is irritating. It really did nothing for blemishes and breakouts. I find a healthy fruit and vegetable rich diet, drinking a lot of water and mixing tea tree oil with an unscented high quality face cream, works much better for acne.
Victoria
Worked better before
Quick Take:
Inconsistent results. Worked before, doesn't work now.
The Verdict:
Probably going to just continue trying other products to deal with light acne breakouts.
I first used Proactiv a few years ago when I had heavy acne, and it worked like a charm. In about two days, I had the beautifully clear skin I was promised. After I ran out, I didn't bother to order a refill, and my breakouts stopped happening for a while. Now, however, I have light acne when I get stressed, and decided to return to Proactiv for a quick fix. Unfortunately, the results this time were no more miraculous than what I could have achieved after buying any skin care product at CVS or a other generic drugstore. I'm not sure if they've changed their formula since I used it last, or my skin no longer takes it as well, but the results were inconsistent for me.
Lorena A.
not worth the price!
The Verdict:
dont waste your monayy!!
i found that this product made my acne worst. it not only dried out my skin wayy too much, but it also caused me to break out even more. i thought this was just going to last the first few days given the fact that I had just started trying out, i decided i would keep on trying it to see if it made a difference and it didnt.
i stopped using it and instead picked up acnefree (the orange severe one) and it definitely worked!! it was even half the price :D
Lauren
It's a flop.
ME and my sister used it and it dried our skin out and it didn't really remove any of the acne. We stopped using it after a couple of months..
Sally
Good
The Verdict:
I will keep re-purchasing it!
I've used proactiv off and on so about 3 times now. The first two times I didn't follow the routine as strictly as I do now and it works great for me! I love proactiv now and if I don't have it, I panic because it does keep my skin nice and clear.
Lili
results may vary
im unsure how to rate this product because i have light acne and my boyfriend has moderate acne and it worked for me and not him we used the same product and at the same times morning and night sooo im not sure what to think of proactive
ashley a.
alright
i have super dry skin but acne it did dry my skin out a lot and my acne wasnt bad enough to need something so strong
Joan Y.
Worked decently but not worth the damage to clothes
Quick Take:
Not worth the bleach spots on my clothes
Usage Tips:
Do it completely naked with disposable wash rags.
The Verdict:
Not worth it for me.
It is one of the best products I have used for acme but the peroxide made bleach spots on my clothes. I went out of my way to keep my wash clothes separate and even made wore only my underclothes or old pajamas and it still managed to damage my clothes. For me, the clear(ish) skin wasn't worth it.
Traci
Only good for a quick fix
The Verdict:
Not worth it! Look for a better skin care line that can provide you with long term use like Glo Therapeutics!
Proactive is great for people with oily and acneic skin that want to clear it up fast. BUT this product is not good for long term skin care. It dries out your face and eventually stops working and you end up with acne again because you skin is over producting oil to make up for the dryness. It's a vicious cycle!
Kayla C.
Works for Most
I know a lot of people love proactive but it didn't work for me. But that's just me! everyone's skin is different. I've seen it work really well for others.
Heather H.
Disappointed
Quick Take:
Supposed to help clear your face of acne in 3 steps.
Usage Tips:
Use each step, every day.
The Verdict:
Ugh, I used to have acne VERY bad and my mother thought this would be the solution - we had tried everything and we thought this would work. It made things worse.
We each are different and have different makeups, but this just isn't worth your time. Expensive for no or worse results.
Julie S.
It's ok...
It didn't really clear my skin up it just basically dried my skin.
Lisa T.
Worked for my Teenage Acne
I used this system in high school when my face was breaking out because of my crazy teenage hormones. I used it in tandem with a pill that my dermatologist has prescribed me to calm my hormones. It worked great at clearing the acne on my face. However I do not know if this product would work well at preventing new outbreaks since I did not use it alone.
Bella F.
Awful
does nothing, don't waste your money!
Amy
Not for all skin problems
Quick Take:
Only use if you have major acne problems. It's too harsh otherwise.
The Verdict:
I will use MaryKay over this stuff any day.
I tried ProActive when I was younger and it did terrible things to my face. I had dry and flaky skin from use which made my moderate pimples worse. This stuff is for people who have hardcore acne. It doesn't work for people with normal-dry skin who breakout when they are stressed or hormonal.
Kim T.
drying
Quick Take:
too drying
Usage Tips:
not for sensitive
The Verdict:
not buying again
my skin is very sensitive. I can't use this product.
Ashley A.
ash
not a fan of proactive,i dont have the patience to maintain using itfor it to work,my skin doesnt stay clear
Danielle D.
Skin Acclimated to this
Quick Take:
Works well, dries skin out
Usage Tips:
Follow with a good moisturizer.
The Verdict:
Alternate Proactiv with another skincare routine so your skin doesn't become used to it and the product won't stop working.
For my first year of using Proactiv, which was about 8 years ago, it worked great, though it did dry my skin out. However, after finding a good moisturizer to follow up with, it worked well. After the first year, my skin became used to the routine and began breaking out again. I have since found an alternative skin care routine that works for me... either that, or I have just outgrown my acne.
CECILIA S.
SOFT SKIN
Quick Take:
BE CAREFUL WITH OVER DRYING IT.
Usage Tips:
MOITURIZE!
The Verdict:
I LIKE IT. NOT LOVE BUT LIKE
THIS STUFF DRIED OUT MY SKIN! THEIR MOITURIZER IS AMAZING. IT REVIVED IT FROM THE DRYNESS. BUT I DONT HAVE ACNE SO I DIDNT THINK IT WAS SAFE TO USE IT OFTEN. ALTHOUGH IT DOES LEAVE MY SKIN FEELING CLEAN.
michelle
great green tea moisturizer
I used the entire line. However, my favorite was the green tea moisturizer. This is the first moisturizer that keeps me from drying out without oiliness.