Pro activ acne solution is a three step acne treatment launched in 1995 that uses benzoyl peroxide as its main agent for combatting acne. All three steps are designed to work as a combination therapy for acne treatment and are recommended to be used twice daily for best results. The system is available in both a special 30 day trial sized kit and a full sized 60 day supply.

Renewing Cleanser

The "Renewing Cleanser" contains benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient; it has a coarse texture that is meant to gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells and other impurities.

Directions: Use morning and night. Apply a small (pea-sized) amount to dampened skin and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, pat dry. Follow with Revitalizing Toner.

Active Ingredient: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%.
Inactive Ingredients: water (aqua), magnesium aluminum silicate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, disodium dimethicone copolyol sulfosuccinate, sorbitol, dimethyl isosorbide, polyethylene, tridecyl stearate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, tridecyl trimellitate, cetyl esters, anthemis nobilis flower extract, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, propylene glycol, xanthan gum, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum).

Revitalizing Toner

The alcohol-free "Revitalizing Toner" is meant to hydrate the cleansed skin; soothing botanical agents such as witch hazel, dog rose fruit extract, aloe vera leaf juice, allantoin, and anthemis nobilis flower extract help remove excess oil.

Directions: Apply to cleansed skin with cotton ball or pad, morning and night as needed. Allow Toner to dry and follow with Repairing Lotion. If going outside, use a sunscreen. If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use of both products and consult a doctor.

Ingredients: water (aqua), glycolic acid, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, anthemis nobilis flower extract, rosa canina fruit extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium PCA, panthenol, glycerin, propylene glycol, allantoin, polysorbate-20, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, benzophenone-4, tetrasodium EDTA, methylparaben, propylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, fragrance (parfum), blue 1, yellow 5.

Repairing Lotion

The oil-free "Repairing Lotion" is similar to the "Renewing Cleanser" in that it also contains benzoyl peroxide; a comparatively smaller dose of it is applied, and then not rinsed off but rather allowed to dry, in order to suppress bacteria buildup.

Directions: Use morning and night. On clean skin, apply a thin layer to the entire affected area. Allow to dry. Do not rinse off. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application use. If going outside, use a sunscreen.

Active Ingredient: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%.
Inactive Ingredients: water (aqua), cyclomethicone, ethoxydiglycol, propylene glycol, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, panthenol, allantoin, carbomer, ceteareth-20, xanthan gum, triethanolamine, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum).

Supplementary Products

Proactiv Solution also sells an an extensive line of supplementary products such as sunscreens and makeup; the makeup and beauty products are claimed to be non-comedogenic.

Possible Side-Effects

Proactiv Solution was created to treat mild to moderate cases of acne and may not be effective for people with severe cases of acne. As with any product containing benzoyl peroxide, it may cause dryness and peeling of the skin.

A small percentage of people do experience allergic reactions that may include redness, itching, hives, and swelling. When using any benzoyl peroxide medication, be sure to wear a sunscreen of at least spf 15 due to an increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Critisim/Celebrity Endorsement

Criticisms of Pro activ include trying to trap customers into a club membership and charging credit cards without consent. A popular discussion is the the reliability of the celebrities featured in the Pro activ campaign. Did all the celebrities listed below really have acne?

  • Britney Spears
  • Kelly Clarkson
  • Elle Macpherson
  • Stephanie Seymour
  • Jessica Simpson
  • Alicia Keys
  • Sean Combs
  • Judith Light
  • Vanessa Williams
  • Melissa Gilbert
  • Delta Goodrem
  • Brooke Shields
  • Paulina Rubio
  • Lindsay Lohan

Cost

In the United States, a 30-day kit sells for $19.95, while a 60-day supply sells for $39.95, plus $5.95 for shipping and handling.

In the United Kingdom, the 5 piece deluxe system sells for £49.95 and 4 piece system sells for £39.90.

Testimonials

There are over 1000 testimonials at acne.org. Useful for finding out other people's experiences with this product before you decide to purchase it.


Proactiv Solution is a revolutionary, dermatologist-developed Combination Therapy system that helps the skin heal the blemishes you have now. Visit the Official Pro activ Acne treatment website for more information at Proactiv Website.