Table of Contents
About ProActiv
Acne — the bane of anyone’s existence. Not just prevalent in a teenager’s life anymore, this annoyance can crop up at any time with today’s stress levels. Thankfully, brands like ProActiv have been changing the skin landscape for several decades.
The brand has been mentioned in news sources such as Shape, Allure, Teen Vogue, and Seventeen, plus celebs like Olivia Munn, Jessica Simpson, and Mandy Moore are fans. Their Instagram account has over 109k followers, and with over two decades in the market, the company continues to evolve and adapt their products in hopes of increasing its effectiveness.
This ProActiv review will go over the brand’s history, customer reviews and ratings, best-selling products, highlights, and frequently asked questions so you can decide if this acne-fighting line is for you.
Overview of ProActiv
In 1995, Dr. Kathy Fields and Dr. Katie Rodan, two American dermatologists who met at Stanford, created and released ProActiv. The brand debuted its three-step skincare line to help teens relieve and reduce their acne. Four years later, the brand acquired even more media attention by marketing its products through infomercials.
Throughout the early to mid-2000s the brand brought on celebrity ambassadors, enhanced its formulas, and even partnered with Amazon and Nestlé Skin Health. In 2017, they launched ProActivMD with a key ingredient called adapalene, a new and powerful topical retinoid.
Before we take an up close and personal look at some of the brand’s products, this ProActiv review will go over some of the highlights:
Highlights
- Great selection of products for all skin types
- Dermatologist-tested products
- Over 20 years in the industry
- Millions of customers worldwide
- Many positive testimonials
- Membership with savings
- 90-day supplies
- 60-day return policy
If you’re looking to step-up your skincare game then you may be interested in what ProActiv has to offer. The brand is one of the first skincare lines to exist and after two decades in the industry it’s still going strong today.
Next, this ProActiv review will explore some of the tried and true formulas used within some of the company’s top-selling products.
ProActiv Review
We’ve noticed that the brand offers various skincare kits and bundles that customers can subscribe to. The brand carries everything from its original acne-fighting system to more enhanced acne treatment systems. Let’s take a look at the different three-step kits offered by the brand.
ProActiv Solution Acne Treatment System Review
The original formula that helped put ProActiv on the map. If you’re new to following a proper skincare regime, going through a three-step process is an easy way to start caring for your skin. The ProActiv Solution Acne Treatment System is the pioneering at-home skincare system that changed the way people approached their acne.
This three-step kit is designed to fight acne with consistent use. Benzoyl peroxide is the star ingredient of the formula and promises to break the acne cycle by targeting oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
This kit starts at $25 per month. You have the option of ordering a trial size which includes a 30-day supply, or you can order the regular size which will keep you stocked for 90 days.
ProActiv+ Acne Treatment System Review
There are times when you need something a bit more potent when it comes to treating stubborn acne. If you’re looking for a more powerful treatment with a higher medicinal content, then the ProActiv+ Acne Treatment System will give you that much-needed boost.
Created to target acne faster and more efficiently, this system was born after many years of extensive research and customer feedback. Unlike the classic ProActiv system, this one uses a powerful Smart Target technology that targets your pores to give users better results.
The brand recommends that you use these steps every day in the morning and evening to achieve the best results. They also note that excessive drying of the skin may occur during the process, which is something to be aware of.
This three-step kit starts at $25 per month. For the best results, the brand encourages you to purchase the regular-sized product that lasts 90 days as it may take that amount of time to see any real changes.
ProActivMD 3-Piece System Review
Let’s be real, acne can be very persistent and difficult to control at times. This next product is for those who want to medically stop acne in its tracks without having to go to the dermatologist’s office for a prescription. No one has time for that.
The ProActivMD 3-Piece System is the new kid on the block, and is infused with a retinoid similar to ones you could only get with a prescription. Not only does this system claim to treat acne, but it’ll also reduce redness and inflammation which often accompany it.
This three-step system is designed to remove blemishes without stripping your face of its natural oils. The adapalene gel attacks acne at a cellular level — all you need is a pea-sized amount of the product, once a day. Finally, the ultra-hydrating moisturizer helps to restore your skin’s moisture for up to 8 hours.
The product starts at $25 a month, and is available in trial or regular size.
ProActiv Subscription Review
This ProActiv review discovered that the brand offers a membership program that includes exclusive deals and subscription packages.
ProActiv members can:
- Save money on subscription boxes
- Get gifts
- Have the option to customize their system
- Rush delivery, if needed
- Schedule automatic kit renewals
- Have access to additional low-cost products
If you want to give your skincare system more of a boost, you can try using one of the additional products that the brand offers. Next, we will take a peek at some of the extra items available to members.
ProActiv Green Tea Moisturizer Review
The ProActiv Green Tea Moisturizer is a lightweight formula that can soothe your dry skin without all the medicinal content found in the three-step systems. This product is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
If you follow a three-step routine, the brand recommends using the ProActiv Green Tea Moisturizer as an additional step to your routine. Since many of the brand’s products can cause the skin to peel, applying an extra moisturizer may not be a bad idea.
This item retails at $36 for 3 fl oz.
ProActiv Body Wash Review
Surprise! Acne on a part of your body that’s not your face? Unfortunately, these pesky bumps have zero boundaries and can pop up anywhere. Fortunately, products like this next one can help target your existing body acne.
The ProActiv Body Wash uses a salicylic acid and glycolic formula to get rid of any acne, regardless of where it appears. Simply use this body wash as a replacement for your regular soap.
This product retails for $32 (9 fl oz), which is considerably more expensive than most body washes you’ll find at the drugstore. However, the medicinal properties in this product may make the price worth it if you’re determined to battle your body acne.
Who Is ProActiv For?
ProActiv is for anyone who has acne-prone skin and looking to reduce their blemishes. Nowadays, acne doesn’t only target teenagers but can impact people of all ages. ProActiv acne treatments can be used by anyone who is struggling with their skin and is looking for evidence-based solutions.
Although the brand’s site says it makes products for all skin types, this ProActiv review does not recommend the brand for people who have extra sensitive skin, as some of the chemicals can be quite harsh. As well, people who have super dry skin may want to avoid some of the products in this line due to the potency.
If you have an existing skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, you should speak to a dermatologist before starting any of the ProActiv systems.
What Do Dermatologists Say About ProActiv?
Sure, this brand can say it’s dermatologist-tested but we wanted to get some real input from other skin specialists. This ProActiv review looked at how the brand’s products sit with different dermatologists on the web.
Dr. Tess Mauricio, a dermatologist from Stanford School of Medicine says this about the ProActiv acne treatment, “Benzoyl peroxide can help fight bacteria and decrease oiliness on the face. Adapalene can help decrease formation of plugs and comedones and a moisturizer to restore barrier function makes sense.”
Although many dermatologists agree that the key ingredients in ProActiv formulas are effective at killing acne, the high alcohol content can be harsh to sensitive skin and strip away some of its natural oils.
According to The Derm Review, “One drawback of benzoyl peroxide is that while it does effectively kill P. acnes, it also kills the good bacteria that keep your skin healthy. This can leave skin feeling dry and irritated, which for some people can make skin look worse.”
On a positive note, Dr. Tracy Evans, a California-based dermatologist says, “One of the hardest parts about treating acne is maintaining a great skincare routine and sticking to it like glue.”
In this case, the three-step system that ProActiv is known for can reduce people’s acne by promoting the habit of regular, twice-daily cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
ProActiv Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
After thoroughly scouring the internet, this ProActiv review found that customers reacted to the brand’s products differently. However, many reviewers had success treating their breakouts and acne by using their products.
Before diving into the ProActiv reviews, here is a breakdown of the brand’s best-selling products according to Amazon ratings:
- ProActiv Solution Acne Treatment System: 4.5/5 stars with 42,684 global ratings
- ProActiv+ Acne Treatment System: 4.5/5 stars with 5,181 global ratings
- ProActivMD 3-Piece System: 4.2/5 stars with 2,738 global ratings
- ProActiv Green Tea Moisturizer: 4.7/5 stars with 1,813 global ratings
- ProActiv Acne Body Wash: 4.5/5 stars with 577 global ratings
When it comes to the ProActiv Solution Acne Treatment System, one customer reviewer on the brand’s website says, “I have used this product for over 30 years and it has always worked great. You may need to adjust the way you use it for your specific skin type though.”
They continued: “Now that I am older, the entire regimen is not good for me because it dries out my skin. I use the cleanser only and it works like a charm. I struggled with cystic acne my whole life and using the cleanser once a day completely eliminated it.”
Many customer reviews of ProActiv Green Tea Moisturizer comment on the product’s gentleness. One reviewer says, “I’m 35 and have had acne rosacea since I was 15. I’ve tried countless creams and products. This moisturizer is the best thus far. It’s hydrating and soothes sensitive, painful, red skin. It’s also light and delicate without any peeling or residue.”
On Ulta, where the brand has a 4,4/5 star rating (out of 10 reviews), one person commented on the ProActiv Acne Body Wash: “I use this on my face after Proactiv discontinued the deep cleansing wash. […] I also use a good dose of moisturizer afterward as it is meant for the body, but I can tell a big improvement in the texture of my face since using!”
Finally, a 5-star Amazon reviewer says that using ProActiv+ Acne Treatment System says that the product works well in due time:
“Proactiv has been a lifesaver for me since my preteen years when I had severe acne and blemishes. […] Now, almost 30, I still have acne issues occasionally. I purchased this recently and just like last time, it gets worse before it gets better. That’s the only catch. I broke out a little in the beginning of treatment but after a week my skin started to adjust.”
Ultimately, a lot of reviewers report that the products from this brand are effective. This ProActiv review noticed that the brand also has many dedicated subscribers who have been using the systems for several years. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the brand and its product.
Is ProActiv Worth It?
This ProActiv review recommends the brand for some people. If you have stubborn acne and need to follow a skincare routine that includes medicinal ingredients, then this brand is worth a try.
Before embarking on a skincare journey with ProActiv, it could be useful to check out some of the resources on the brand’s website. You can learn about the different types of acne, what causes breakouts, and explore the different treatment options. The brand also has a free online quiz that can guide you towards a system that will work best for you.
Your skin is unique so it’s important to do your research before following any strict protocol. If you’re concerned about how your skin will react to the formulas, then you should speak to a professional before purchasing any of the brand’s products.
That being said, the brand also offers trial sizes so you can see how your skin reacts to their formulations before fully committing.
ProActiv Promotions & Discounts
The brand is currently offering free standard shipping. For a limited time, ProActiv is also giving new subscribers a gift with their purchase.
You can choose between:
- Pore Cleansing Brush (retails at $55)
- Post Acne Scar Gel (retails at $36)
Where to Buy ProActiv
You can buy the ProActiv‘s products directly from their website, Amazon, or by visiting one of their automated kiosks. The brand’s products are also sold at some pharmacies and retailers such as:
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Sephora
- Ulta Beauty
FAQ
Who owns ProActiv?
Guthy-Renker Galderma, a marketing company based in California, owns ProActiv. The products were first introduced and developed by Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields — two dermatologists who met at Stanford School of Medicine.
Does ProActiv get rid of acne scars?
No, ProActiv products do not remove acne scars. The products in this line are designed to prevent and treat the acne itself. If you want to treat acne scars, your best bet is to visit a dermatologist and find out your options.
Does ProActiv ship internationally?
Unfortunately, this ProActiv review found out that the brand only ships within the US. However, ProActiv products can be purchased on Amazon, which provides shipping to customers outside of the states.
What is ProActiv’s Shipping Policy?
If you have a ProActiv Subscription Membership, the brand will automatically supply you with a new shipment of products 3-4 weeks after you receive your first batch. You can control the frequency of how often you get new shipments delivered, ranging from every 4-20 weeks.
The brand does its best to make sure you never run out of product.
What is ProActiv’s Return Policy?
There are times when products don’t work out, and ProActiv understands that really well. This is why they offer a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re really unhappy with how things have turned out or your skin isn’t clear, then you can return the bottles (even if they’re empty).
To send your products back, this ProActiv review found the following instructions:
- Box up your containers (even empty ones).
- Add in your original receipt or packing slip.
- If you’ve lost the original receipt, then make sure to add in your name plus shipping address.
- Send it back, and wait about 1-2 payment cycles for the refund to come through.
How to Contact ProActiv
Need a bit more info than this ProActiv review provided? You can contact the brand’s customer service team through various methods:
- Live chat
- Phone: 1-800-309-4796
- Contact form
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