Proactiv Solution (Original) 3-Step System Review: The original Proactiv system launched back in 1995, and in the 20+ years since, it has grown into one of the most popular acne treatment systems in the world. But can it really clear your acne and why do we prefer Exposedđ?Â
About Proactiv
Proactiv was created in 1995 by dermatologists Katie Rodan and Kathy A. Fields, who later went on to start their own skincare company called Rodan+Fields. The product was mainly promoted via infomercials and is one of the most highly marketed acne treatments in the United States and in some other countries around the world. Proactiv has used many big-name celebrities to promote its products including Sean Combs (Puff Daddy) and more recently Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and even Adam Levine.
In March 2016, In March 2016 Guthy-Renker Corporation partnered with NestlĂ© Skin Health SA as a majority owner of Proactiv. Guthy-Renker is a massive direct response (infomercial) television company. Infomercials not only sell Proactiv, but also exercise videos, make-up, Rock n’ Roll concert albums and DVDs of The Dean Martin Variety Show. This is one reason why there have been so many TV ads and infomercials for Proactiv. NestlĂ© is the world’s largest food and beverage company. NestlĂ©’s products include baby food, medical food, bottled water, breakfast cereals, coffee and tea, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream, frozen food, pet foods, and snacks.
Over the years, Proactiv has developed a variety of formulas for their products, and they currently sell three different acne systems: the Proactiv Solution 3-Step System, Proactiv+, and ProactivMD. This review focuses on the Proactiv Solution (original) 3-Step System because it has been around since the beginning, though it has undergone several formula adjustments over the years. The current formula is the most used Proactiv solution, but it still isnât our top pick for the best acne system.
đ Benefits:
Even though Proactiv isnât our top pick, itâs still a powerful acne treatment system with many benefits for your skin. First, itâs widely available and easy to access. There are even Proactiv vending machines in various locations. This means itâll be easy for you to stay up-to-date on your skincare routine, which is important for maintaining clear skin. Second, it includes one key acne-fighting OTC ingredient, benzoyl peroxide. Third, it also incorporates a few soothing natural ingredients to keep the skin from getting irritated, such as chamomile extract and aloe vera extract. There is a good chance you could experience some success while using Proactiv due to these key benefits.
đ Drawbacks:
No Salicylic Acid?! The main reason we donât love the Proactiv Solution 3-Step System is because it doesnât include salicylic acid. This ingredient is absolutely key when it comes to getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads and works with Benzoyl peroxide. Glycolic acid also good for your skin but it is a skin surface exfoliant but doesn’t penetrate into the pores like salicylic acid. We highly recommend seeking out an acne treatment that utilizes both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Amazon Reviews Reveal Some Issues with Proactiv
Another reason we hesitate to recommend Proactiv because the reviews on Amazon are often less-than-stellar. Many people report that the system dries out their skin, and some people even noted that Proactiv seemed to cause cystic acne, which they had never experienced before.
Amazon Customer Reviews*
Click the button below to read customer feedback on Amazon for Proactiv’s original 3-step acne treatment solution:
Ratings and reviews taken on 6/19/19 from:
https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B001A3ML3K
Overall Opinion on Proactiv Solution 3-Step System
If you want clear skin thatâs free of acne, Proactiv might work, but it might not. Be prepared for any result.
Proactiv sure has made a name for itself on TV but it also has left many users searching for an acne treatment that does more and does not dry out their skin. Overall, we believe the Proactiv Solution 3-Step System could help some people get clear skin, but itâs definitely not for everyone. If you have particularly dry, sensitive skin, we recommend staying away from Proactiv, but if your skin is oily and resistant, and you typically have far more pimples than blackheads or whiteheads, then Proactiv could be an option for your skin. Proactiv does not contain many natural ingredients shown in the chart and it may be harsh on your skin. Also, Proactiv’s 60-Day guarantee might be too short for some users to really test the product out.
