Pro Activ • Proactiv Repairing Lotion • Treatments

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dsmith16 on 4/18/2013 10:33:00 AM more reviews by dsmith16

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

This product works somewhat. However, their customer service is the worst in the world. They are the most incompetent people I have ever dealt with. I have tried to change my address with them for 6 months because. I call all the time and they reassure me they have changed it but to no avail. I moved, and they still send products to the the old address. I then, talked to some random representative that said my account was inactive. Once I spoke to a supervisor he told me that was done in error. They need more training and I am so surprised how poor their service is. I have canceled my account due to the customer service. You must have a lot of patience if you are going to order and have an account with them.

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MakeupAddictedArtist on 4/16/2013 10:33:00 PM more reviews by MakeupAddictedArtist

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I do not use the entire 3-step system but I do use this alone on my chin and its the ONLY product that has completely stopped my chin break-outs. Love it!!!!

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Kimouna on 4/9/2013 3:11:00 PM more reviews by Kimouna

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

WHILE THE PRODUCT ITSELF IS GREAT (IN MY EXPERIENCE), THE COMPANY IS HORRIBLE AND THEY WILL TRY TO SCAM YOU, SO BE WARE!!

I first bought Proactiv in a kiosk and really enjoyed the product. But then when I purchased another set of products online, I started to receive all kinds of products (and be charged for them) that I never ordered.

When I called them to ask how this could be done without my authorization, they told me that when I purchased the initial product online, the web site informed me that I had to become a member (which costs over $70 and includes periodic deliveries). I am positive that I would not have signed up if I was informed of this.

It took me forever to even reach someone on the phone because there were always technical difficulties when I tried to inquire by email. And often their web page wouldn't even work. Just google it and you'll finds TONS of other reviews just like this one, of bad customer service, unauthorized charges, etc.

I am very disappointed in this company's deceptive ways, especially since I really liked the product itself. I'll never buy it again and will dissuade anyone who asks me from ever supporting them in the future. It's too bad because they probably would do just fine by selling the product in an honest way, because it actually works.

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JuliaK on 4/2/2013 12:28:00 AM more reviews by JuliaK

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Grey    

I am 32 years old and using proactive on and off for 12 years now. 

One note about Proactiv ingredients. These products contain parabens, added fragrance, petrochemicals and an ingredient called benzoyl peroxide that kills bacteria and increases cell turnover by PEELING  the top layer of skin. Benzoyl peroxide is the ingredient causing the frustrating bleaching of towels.


 So....here you go. Dry and peeling skin is  A SIDE EFFECT of using ANY product with Benzoyl peroxide ..

I stopped  using Proactive 2 years ago , as i was tired of dealing with flaking skin every single day .  But my acne came back in most horrible way . I tried everything , spent A LOT of money on dermatologist ...results were less then perfect .  About 3 month ago , I went back to Proactive . And just like that ...clear skin ....peeling and dry .....but acne free .

If you want to keep your acne under control ....you just have to deal with dryness and peeling of the skin ......it is medicated product and it has it's own side effects . Period. 


This time around I decided to use only 2 products in my regiment instead of all 3 ...Toner and repairing treatment ....it is all that I need.  I do not use the cleaner as I found it to be too harsh for my skin . I use good oil free moisturizer and sunscreen to keep up with flaky skin ....and yes , I will keep using Proactive as long as my skin needs benzoyl peroxide .  


Overall....It is not a miracle product ....it will not work for everyone ...it does have side effects , BUT....if you are suffering with acne , please give it a try . What do you have to lose ? If it doesn't work ....stop using it . Just know it works for some of us ;)  

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*TOP REVIEWER* Sarah1325 on 3/7/2013 11:08:00 AM more reviews by Sarah1325

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I've had no reaction to it. But I also think it hasn't done anything at all. I now use benzaclin (prescription). Using this on its own hasn't shown results but when used with the other steps its okay.

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sealight on 3/5/2013 1:13:00 PM more reviews by sealight

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Other, Wavy   Eyes: Brown    

It's a decent product. I'm not sure why it's causing a burning sensation on other reviewers but I never had that problem.
It works (well the whole system) really well on my older brother who has/had severe acne. And i used this guy every time I have pimples and acne problems and it worked for me as well. But it wasn't a life saver (this I attribute to Proactiv's Sulfur mask, oil control mask and Accutane)

I did notice with regular use that my skin was getting darker though. But I didn't start using SS until very recently.

So overall, if you want to give it a try, go for it. I believe it does work but does lose it's potency over time(keep an eye on the expiration). And everyone is different.

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Sam3215 on 1/29/2013 10:07:00 PM more reviews by Sam3215

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

It burns so bad! I immediatly have to wash it off. It makes my face all red. Its full of chemicals that cause aging. Not at all good for your skin.

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rachel03 on 1/25/2013 9:14:00 PM more reviews by rachel03

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

It buuuuuuuuuuurns your face. Sort of helps with breakouts but the difference is pretty insignificant.

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Tearbag1969 on 1/13/2013 5:10:00 PM more reviews by Tearbag1969

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Nothing special about thus product. It is no different than lotions you can buy at the drugstore. Also (and most importantly) the company that sells Proactiv engages in deceptive and fraudulent practices. If you order from them, you are automatically enrolled in a membership and will be charged $ 30 or more monthly. They make it next to impossible to cancel. Search the web and you will find hundreds if complaints from consumers who continued to be charged for months or years after they cancelled. Very few people were issued a refund when they sent products back. Take my advice and stay away from anything distributed by Guthy Renker (proactive, wen, sheer cover to name a few)

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missidek on 1/11/2013 12:41:00 AM more reviews by missidek

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I have to agree with everyone on this product. Overpriced for what it is and I'm a little concerned with the long-term effects. I'm actually in the process of weaning myself off of this for good (if you stop cold-turkey, be ready for massive breakouts like everyone else has mentioned. I tried once before and panicked when I broke out so I was forced to start using it again.)
I actually have never had terrible skin but way back when, I decided that I would try this to take care of the odd blemish. Big mistake because I believe what happens is that the BP/repairing lotion almost becomes an addiction for your skin and disrupts the natural detoxification your body needs to go through. As a result, cysts have begun to appear instead of that odd blemish. Now, in all fairness, I don't know if I can blame Proactiv completely (since I have also read about hormones/stress being a possible cause) but at the same time, I have to say that I do find it strange that more than one person has claimed the same thing after using Proactiv for more than a year. (I've been using it for 5 years!) Interesting that we all have come to the same conclusion in time. Another issue for me is the dryness/redness it causes. If only I could turn back time and tell my younger self not to buy this. Anyway, I do not recommend this for anyone. I suppose Benzoyl Peroxide does help control oil to some extent but overall I think Proactiv causes more harm than good and in no way is it the be all and end all of clear skin.

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alrynlds on 11/30/2012 11:07:00 PM more reviews by alrynlds

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Over counter works just as good and for a lot less. I would not recommend nor buy this product or their vitamins again..

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*TOP REVIEWER* leoisillon on 11/25/2012 10:51:00 AM more reviews by leoisillon

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

I got this about a year ago as a gift and when I first started using it, I swear it worked on my blemishes! Then after setting in my bathroom cupboard for some time (don't always need to use it), I noticed it started to not work as well. Now normally benzoyl peroxide doesn't do much for my skin anyways and I believe that is the main component that helps fight acne in this product. So I was quite surprised that I got any good results in the first place. What I noticed is that it had expired so I threw it out. I think it's a good product but you have to watch the expiration dates for sure in order to get the most out of it. The amount that comes in the bottle is insane I think for someone only using it to treat pimples (a generous sized bottle). I believe you can spread it all over your face like a cream if you have more severe acne. I don't find it extremely drying like some pimple creams and it does reduce bumps very quickly. It just doesn't do it as quick as Clearasil for me. The other thing I thought I'd mention is I hate the packaging. It comes in a bottle that you squeeze and it comes out the top like shampoo or conditioner. It would be less awkward to get out if it came in a squeeze tube. Less waste IMO.

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daniellejmckenzie on 10/23/2012 6:28:00 PM more reviews by daniellejmckenzie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Black, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Just doesn't help improve my skin at all. The minute you stop using it the bumps come back...I believe the 2nd step which is the toner is extra drying. It may work wonders for some people but it does nothing for me.

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smiles4life on 9/16/2012 1:52:00 PM more reviews by smiles4life

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I started getting pimples in 6th grade. And I began using store products (clean and clear, st. ives, neutrogena, eveeno, biore, etc) but nothing ever really worked! I've had black heads on my nose for the past 5 years of my life! And just last year, I began to break out on my cheeks, which left me horrible scars. I began to ask people about proactiv, and some said to not use it because my skin will get addicted and other said it worked wonderfully. I was in desperate measures so I bought it and began using it. At first, proactiv brings out all the bad stuff, which is a good thing! This takes a while, but then i really began to see changes in my skin. and i liked it! i would still get minor pimples with proactiv, but not as bad. but then the area around my eyes began to dry out.and when i would put concealer, you could totally see the peeling skin. it looked horrible. so i stopped using it. but i realized i shouldnt have used it around my eye area. and its true, your skin does get addicted, but as long as you keep using it until you grow out of the whole pimple era, you'll be fine. I havent used proactiv in a few months and i did break out so i went to the doctors. and if this perscription med doesn't work, im going back to proactiv but using extra caution around my eyes.

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emmibabyy on 8/19/2012 11:29:00 AM more reviews by emmibabyy

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

A necessity for me. I used to use the whole proactiv treatment which pretty much ruined my skin. Now I just use this, keeps most break outs at bay. When I feel a really bad painful one coming on, I put a whole bunch of this on the area and usually it never even comes. It stops hurting and never comes to a head. Best benzoyl peroxide treatment you can buy in my opinion. But do NOT buy directly from Proactiv, buy on amazon. You can get a huge bottle for a little less than 20$. Lasts me for months.

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SummerlForster on 8/5/2012 7:17:00 AM more reviews by SummerlForster

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

So ,my acne isnt to bad but it is very persistent and all of my pimples are these weird,under the skin,no head kinda of pimples. I have about 5 full blown active pimples on my forehead generally whenever but along with that i have alot of permanent acne scarring and red blotches in the same area :l I got the proactive 3 step system in june and i noticed results in about 1 weeks. The pimples were'nt so red and the area that the pimples were in wasnt so....inflated. However i stopped noticing these results about 3 weeks later. My forehead become very oily and red :( I decided to try and use the cleanser and the toner by itself AND OMG! My pimlples are nearly all gone and the reddness is basically non-existent! The toner basically dries the pimple out and adding heaps of moisure to it ontop is just going to undo the drying out process. Even though this product leaves your skin feeling nice and smooth, it does nothing for the actual acne itself. The cleanser and the toner are a much better combination!

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kloud04 on 7/8/2012 10:38:00 AM more reviews by kloud04

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Summertime causes tiny little bumps on my hairline, I am guessing from perspiration. A BP cream at night is the only thing that makes them go away. This product is completely overpriced and super dupeable. Nature's Cure Acne treatment (the one with the pills) has a cream that is ten times better than this. I tried this proactiv product again the other day b/c I found it tucked away in a drawer and quickly remember why I stuck it there. This causes tiny clogged pores on my face (jawline and chin) no matter how little I apply.If used as a spot treatment it causes the entire area to become inflamed and over a period of a couple of days you end up with dry flaky patches. I pitched this and went back to my natures cure.

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texasbeautyaddict on 6/25/2012 2:39:00 PM more reviews by texasbeautyaddict

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I use this lotion in combination with Purpose Gentle Cleanser and Dan's AHA + lotion.
The Pro-activ system as a whole (I used it when I was 16), is unnecessary, but the lotion by itself is a good component as it is actually the step that you want to treat your acne with because it is what is soaking into your skin (versus the wash that well...just washes off).
The lotion has a mild fragrance, and there is nothing moisturizing about the product (at least, not for me), and it will more than likely dry out your skin and make it red. As a stand alone product (if I'm lazy or going to be in the sun a lot, I may skip the AHA), I use it to treat my pimples and have had great success so far in doing this. I started my regimen in December 2011, and break out much less now (if ever- unless I have finals or I've been physically active lately...you can treat acne...but acne and stress on your body is a different story). It dries out pimples and kills the bacteria inside them quickly, and in combination with the AHA+ essentially annihilates them and allows for quick recovery if they pop up.
Salicylic acid breaks me out like no other. Consider trying BP if this is a problem for you, but take into consideration what else you are doing as well and experiment with your regimen to find what works for you.

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jrbmua on 5/21/2012 9:15:00 PM more reviews by jrbmua

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Lenth of use: 7 years
Frequency of use: Daytime only.
PROS:
-Prevents major breakouts... I am prone to cystic breakouts and several pimples at a time.
-Does not irritate skin and I have tried MANY lotions and creams... I always go back to this.
-Works well on its own. I used to do the whole 3 step system for the first couple years. Then found a cheaper toner and cleanser as my skin calmed down.
-Absorbs well into skin. I wait 15 min before applying foundation.
-Does not make my skin look oily.
-Feels hydrating enough for me and I do not need too much hydration having oily skin.
-A nickle size is enough to cover my whole face.
-For daytime use only, the 3oz bottle lasts me about 6 to 7 months... not bad at $20 something dollars for a bottle.
*CONS:
-I prefer tubes versus bottle so I can really squeeze out the last bit left.
*Notes:
Do not expecta a miracle. This does not completely prevent acne... what product actually does though? The occassional pimple I get, which is a lot less than prior to use of this product, is a pimple usually related to my cycle, sleep, activity and eating pattern. The major flareups I have ever had were the three times I strayed from using this BP lotion and tried other acne fighting lotions which only gave me more acne. This seems to be the only BP lotion that works with my skin.

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Redbone21 on 4/12/2012 3:36:00 PM more reviews by Redbone21

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

As a system you have to be very careful because it can burn your face. Lately I havent used the whole system. Just my sensitive cleanser cetaphil + this lotion at night and my acne had been calm. This individual product is good but for this lotion alone is like $18 and the bottle is kind of small so be aware

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No