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What is Proactiv?

Most people have heard of Proactiv as one of the most popular and effective acne treatments on the market.  It is a three step system that includes a cleanser, toner and a repairing lotion.  The cleanser is an oil-free, soap-free medicated exfoliating cleanser that kills acne causing bacteria with benzoyl peroxide.  The toner is alcohol free and refines and purifies pores.  It also contains glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells to keep pores free of clogs.  The repairing lotion is very light and works to kill bacteria with benzoyl peroxide.  The main ingredient in both the cleanser and repairing lotion is benzoyl peroxide, which yes, is effective, but can also be extremely harsh on skin.  While many celebrities endorse Proactiv as the only solution that has worked for their acne, is there more to this product than meets the eye?  And how safe is it to use?

What are the ingredients in Proactiv?

Below is a breakdown of the main ingredients found in each of the three products of Proactiv.

• Cleanser:  The only active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide.  It does contain a long list of other ingredients that are difficult to pronounce, but many of them are alcohol based.
• Toner:  A few of the main ingredients found in the toner are glycolic acid, witch hazel, and panthenol.
• Repairing Lotion:  The main active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide.  Much like the cleanser, most of the remaining ingredients are difficult to pronounce and are alcohol based.

Is Proactiv safe to use?

If you are looking for a product that is gentle on your skin and that has minimal or no side effects, this is NOT the product for you.  Benzoyl Peroxide is an extremely harsh chemical that will most likely cause severe irritation, burning, itching, redness, flaking, peeling, and swelling.  It will also bleach hair and fabrics that it comes in contact with.  It specifically states on the product website to keep it away from children and that if swallowed, to get medical attention immediately and call a Poison Control Center.  Is it safe?  I would definitely say NO! 

Does Proactiv have a money back guarantee?

Proactiv does offer a fairly decent money back guarantee.  If you aren’t satisfied for any reason, you can return the product for a full refund, less shipping and handling, within 60 days after the order is placed.  The containers can even be returned empty.   This does allow customers the peace of mind of purchasing Proactiv risk free. 

What does Proactiv cost?

The price of Proactiv is quite reasonable.  Each three piece kit costs $19.95 and also comes with several free extras such as a refining mask.  There are several different kits available as well.  The Proactiv Plus for Teens costs $29.95 and includes the original three steps, but also includes a deep cleansing wash and an advanced blemish treatment.  There is also the Proactiv Plus Deluxe System which is also $29.95 and includes the three steps as well as an oil free moisturizer and a daily oil control product. 

Proactiv Conclusion:

While many celebrities may endorse Proactiv, lets face it; they get paid for it, which is part of the price you pay for the product itself.  Proactiv may stop acne, but at the expense of having red, irritated skin.  I’m not sure which is worse – acne or the side effects of using a benzoyl peroxide based product like Proactiv.  Luckily, it does include a relatively good money back guarantee, which may be worth having knowing what could possibly happen to your skin.  Is this the product I would choose for acne?  I don’t think so.  With a lot of other excellent products out there that are much safer to use and that have the same or even better money back guarantees at about the same price, I would move on.

Best Online Deal:

The best deal is found on the products official website www.proactiv.com for $19.95 per kit.