Real Consumer Reviews and Ratings
Proactiv Solution Reviews and Ratings
Rate this product.
Overall Rating 
Manufacturer
Guthy Renker
Product Description
Proactiv Solution is a revolutionary, dermatologist-developed Combination Therapy® system that helps the skin heal the blemishes you have now - and helps stop new ones from forming - in three quick, easy steps. Stop acne now with proactiv solution. The proactiv solution infomercial features vanessa williams, serena williams, puff daddy, jessica simpson, elle macphearson, alicia keys, kelly clarkson, lindsay lohan, and more. Proactive solution reviews below.
Average Retail Value
$39.95 (prices may vary)
Comparisons
Epiclear | Acne Complex
Consumer Ratings
Did not work(x2)
11/12/2008 - Catherine of New Mexico, USA writes:
Sorry, but I bought two sets of these for each(2) of my two sons. They used them religiously. They, nor I, saw any noticeable change. I even bought the second set, because I thought maybe they needed to use it for longer, but still no change. I was so totally disappointed that there is no way that I could ever recommend it to anyone....SORRY!!!!
Pretty good products.
11/8/2008 - Tiffany of Ontario, Canada writes:
I've used the system for several years now - and there are a couple of things to know about it. First, if you read the booklet that comes with it it DOES mention that you may need to start with just the cleanser ONLY every other day and slowly add in the rest of the system and then start to use it every day. It is a strong product and it may irritate if you use it all at once - it bothered my skin when I first started it. Second, it will bleach facecloths and towels. So I only use white cloths now. Third, the repairing lotion isn't meant to be a moisturizer - I've spoken to the reps and they recommend following up with something more moisturizing afterward. Fourth, the facial mask is great! I really do find that it works well to spot treat anything that's starting to appear. Fifth, the scent - it's a little medicinal. But, I find that dermatologist strength stuff smells even worse, so this isn't all that bad. You're treating acne, not having a bath. Sixth, it's not a cure - you have to keep using it. Some people are prone to bad skin - it won't just magically make it stop altogether.
Not worth the $
11/7/2008 - Kelly of Ohio, USA writes:
I bought this for my teen daughter. She liked it at first (didn't smell bad). After about a month of use, she noticed that she was getting MORE breakouts and that her skin seemed to be rougher, like sandpaper. Maybe her skin is too sensitive for this product, but I found the same thing at [] for much cheaper and it works better.
Dishonest Company
10/31/2008 - maria of Tx, Dallas writes:
I ordered the product for my daughter, it does seem to work. However, the copany is dishonest. They tell you one price over the phone, and then they charge you another one. I am fighting the charges. Be aware, they are not upfront and honest. I will never but from an infomercial again. The product is ok. but not worth the hassle of dealing with a dishonest company.
Chances are 50/50
10/24/2008 - J.C. of Fla, USA writes:
I have used the kit for yrs, and now that i am in my mid 30's it doesn't seem like it does anything for my skin overall, i noticed the texture of my skin getting bumpier & rougher. It does great at keeping new blemishes from forming and the mask as a zit zapper overnight is good. But I am a mother and i just want to mention to all the moms writing in regarding their teens please go to [] & [] they have all kinds of acne products to choose from and both have great return policies!!! I have been using [] products for a couple of months now and have not broken out to any of their products. and the ladies in [] will take alot of time to suggest items they think will work. the best thing to do is read reviews on their website and get an idea of what might work and what you might want to try.
Wonderful!
10/24/2008 - Sara of IA, USA writes:
I have suffered from acne for many years. Proactive is the only thing that I found that works for me. My skin has never been clearer. It does not overdry. The only thing I don't like is the price tag.
PROACTIV - Only use the Repairing lotion & Mask!
10/24/2008 - Elle of BC, Canada writes:
Proactiv definitely got rid of the breakouts fast, but then my skin was red & itchy afterwards. It was too irritating to use the cleanser, toner & repairing lotion all together. To keep my breakouts at bay I wash my face with either unscented baby wash or [] for sensitive skin. The trick is to dampen your face with warm water & use a soft wash cloth to gently slough away dead skin cells & rinse with warm water, I find that works the best. I don't tone, instead I use a cool rinse or water on my face to my shrink my pores & tighten the skin. After that I moisturize my face with []cream with SPF 20 & Retinol. Thankfully, this particular product doesn't contain the irritating version of Vitamin E produced in a lab. (So many skin creams contain Vitamin E (Tocopherlol or Tocopheryl Acetate) which causes skin irritation with me if I use it regulary, even chap sticks or lip gloss containing any form of Vitamin E irritates my skin & makes it appear & feel chapped. The only Vitamin E good for the skin is the natural stuff from Natural foods like Avocados etc, not the stuff produced in a lab.) Basically, if you find a good moisturizer that works for you, use that instead. I found most Proactiv products to be too drying. After you've moisturized, then use a tiny amount of the Proactiv Reparing Lotion to the areas of your face (or body) that break out. Use the smallest amount possible, you don't need a lot. If you use less, you'll be less likely to have redness on your skin. If I need to clear a large blemish, I used a little bit more (just a dab) only on that area & they seem to clear up pretty fast. The Sulpher mask is really good for clearing up breakouts as well. But, if you can afford it, you can get some really good skin care systems through your Esthetician while getting a facial. My healthiest skin happens when I drink enough water, get enough rest, exercise often, gently exfoliate daily, moisturize, spot treat with Proactiv repairing lotion & always wash my face in the morning & before bed. Washing pillow cases regularly keeps bacteria at bay as well. Plus, keeping hair away from the face & not touching your face as much as possible. Bacteria is what causes most breakouts & that's why I find Proactiv reparing lotion to work for me, because it kills the bacteria, yet doesn't damage my skin. It can be a bit drying, so I find it's not so drying when you moisturize first. Maybe this system would work for you. I've tried a lot of different things & so far this is the only system that seems to keep my skin clear, hydrated & more youthful. Hope this helps you. :)
The sulfur treatment works well.
10/22/2008 - Taylor of CA, USA writes:
I have been getting painful acne on and off for the last few years. My mom has been buying the Proactive stuff for me for a few months now from a mall booth. While the actual 3 step treatment doesn't do much for me, the extra sulfur mask that my mom buys really clears it up. I often get sometimes bumps on my face that normally take 2 weeks to clear up, but when I use the sulfur mask the pain and swelling go down in 1 to 2 days, and it is completely gone within a week. So while the actual 3 step product doesn't do much for me, the sulfur mask really helps.
So Far, So Good!
10/12/2008 - Lilly K of Australia, Australia writes:
Well, I found this site today by doing some research on tingling sensations caused from Proactiv. I do feel a slight tingling sensation after I have washed my face and put make up on. So, maybe it is just the make up? At the same time as starting to use ProActive I also started using [] make up again. (This really does do wonders for your skin!) But - ProActive is going fine. I have only been using it for 2 weeks and i have seen an improvement. I have spent humdreds of dollars on off the shelf products, have even spent up to $59 on face washes in the hope to eliminate my mild acn - and nothing!! My skin can get a little dry, but nothing the moisturiser provided doesnt take care of! I have no FRESH acne or blemishes and the old ones are definetely being eliminated! So - i am confident in the product and will absolutely keep you updated!!
Not for me
10/11/2008 - Catherine of North Carolina, United States writes:
My sister-in-law gave me the whole proactiv system. I used it until it was all gone with no positive results. It dried my skin and didn't do anything for my acne.
Did not work on Adult Acne
10/11/2008 - Tonya of Indiana, USA writes:
I tried this product for a year and it did not help get rid of Adult Acne. It actually made me face more oily. I finally went to the Doctor and she put me on [], which worked wonders after about 2 months.
Okay Product
10/5/2008 - Odessa of NE, USA writes:
I had used ProActive for a while. Not because of the healing power of it, but it is a great product that feels GREAT on the skin. I have slight acne and have since I was a child. It didn't clear up my acne and finally went back to using cheaper products for my facial skin care.
If it seems too good to be true....
9/27/2008 - Andrea of CA, United States writes:
I bought this very expensive system for my daughter, who after going to college had moderate acne. It's a subscription system, so you have the initial cost and you keep paying and paying. The acne accelerated after using the product and got so bad it left scarring. All I'm saying is beware. Like most infomercials, the product looks amazing. In this case it failed miserably.
Works for moderate acne
9/8/2008 - Shawn N of Ontario, Canada writes:
I would recommend Proactiv for occasional or moderate acne. Don't lie to yourself and properly assess your condition. I tried Proactiv when I was in high school with acne that was severe and Proactiv didn't work. Now that I'm older and my acne is occasional rather than severe, I tried it 3 months ago again and have been happy since. I would like to mention the mask that comes with it because it really helps. Sometimes the pimple will fade overnight, but usually it will shrink it and disappear the next day. Proactiv does work but not for severe cases. Be honest with yourself when judging if you have occasional, moderate or severe. I needed a doctor to tell me that I was wrong about thinking I had moderate acne when it was so severe. Don't make the same mistake.
FANTASTIC!
9/3/2008 - Claire of NY, USA writes:
I am in my mid 30's and have had mild to moderate acne since I was 11. It has come and gone over the years but seemed to be worsening after I turned 30. I was acutally not interested in trying Proactiv at first because I generally stay away from infomercial products. I did some research on the ingredients in Proactiv and found that the BP concentration was low compared to what was available in the drugstore, so I decided to try it. I bought a kit on an auction site so I would not have to subscribe to the shipments. I had a little dryness at first (I have very pale and fairly sensitive skin) but I alternated use of the Repairing Lotion with a moisturizer and the results were fantastic! I have been using Proactiv for about a year and my skin is soft and NOT dry at all. I still have the occasional pimple but NOTHING like I used to get (very painful cysts and lots of whiteheads). I am a skeptical person by nature but I love this product! Definitely worth a try!
It Works for Me
8/26/2008 - Susan` of CA, USA writes:
I have had acne since I was 13. I am now 50. So you know that I have tried many, many products and have seen many dermatologists over the years. This is by far the best over-the-counter product. I also purchase ProActive’s deep cleansing wash which is less harsh than the regular cleanser. The product combination is drying so my suggestion to those that experience dryness is to use the product less and combine it with a milder acne wash cleanser that you get in the drug store. Buy a sensitive skin oil free moisturizer too. If your skin is dry it will respond to that by creating more oil which exacerbates the problem. Also do not wear make-up if you can avoid it. Liquid Make-up will soak into your pores and can cause more problems. If you experience redness or dryness it means you are using the product too much. Cut down to 2 or 3 times a week then see what happens.
Overrated--See Your Dermatologist Instead!
8/16/2008 - Barbee of Florida, US writes:
I have had moderately severe acne since I was 12 (I am now 19). I tried Proactiv in high school and it improved my acne slightly, although my skin never completely cleared from it. After a few months of use the product stopped working completely and my acne was worse than before. Now I use prescription products from my dermatologist that work, and are actually less expensive than Proactiv.
C/Card stuff up
8/13/2008 - Kara Lach of Western Australia, Australia writes:
I bought this product,samples; one off. Not only was it NOT a once off but I can only use it a max of 3 days out of the week, it is too aggressive for my skin type, sensative. Also they charged my credit card which I had to fight to get back. Then a few weeks ago they charged my c/card again and returned the money the same day. It is just not very consumer friendly.
Swing and miss
8/12/2008 - Allie of ohio, United States writes:
I have had an acne problem since i was in 6th grade. I have tried many products includuing proactive. I used proactive for about 3 months. In the first week i didn't notice much. As the weeks went on my skin became very dry and started peeling. I convinced myself that this was what it was supposed to do. I kept using it and after about a month it became too painful to use. Everytime I used Proactive it felt as if acid was burning off my skin. By this time Proactive hadn't helped at all with my acne and was still drying out my skin. I discontinued my use of it, but after a few weeks I used it again with the same results. This product does work for many, many people. It may be because I have sensative skin, or it may be another reason, but it does not work on me at all.
The best product ever
8/11/2008 - Erica of ga, USA writes:
Most people are commenting that it uses benzoyl peroxide, but they should read the labels! The cleanser uses salicylic acid, and the repairing lotion uses bp. This is why it is such an amazing combination. I have used it for about 6 years and there is nothing better. I have tried [], [], [] but my skin always seems to be lacking. With Proactiv my skin is clear and healthy. My complexion is wonderful.