Proactiv is an American acne treatment that is available online and from some US retail outlets (read our Proactiv review).
Well known in the USA because of celebrity endorsements by such luminaries as Justin Beiber, Avril Laverne and Katy Perry. The brand spend an estimated $15 million each year on endorsements alone plus their other advertising costs. No wonder then that it is a slick looking website.
Proactiv advertising promises to treat your acne in three easy steps as well as offering 24/7 online support.
Does Proactiv help you get clearer skin?
So what is all the fuss about? Does Proactiv treatment work and does it live up to the hype?
The simple answer is that yes, it can work for some skin types but the overriding consensus is that it is too strong and actually can make acne worse. It seems there is nothing exceptional in Proactiv just high strength Benzoyl peroxide.
The Proactiv three step system features:
- Renew – a renewing cleanser containing microcrystalline Benzoyl peroxide designed to penetrate pores and kill bacteria
- Revitalise – an alcohol free toner to remove impurities and excess oil
- Repair – an oil free medicated lotion
These are the three core products but you can also buy add ons suitable for teens or the Proactiv plus deluxe system that includes extra products.
What do customers say about Proactiv?
Despite the hype about Proactiv, some customer reviews have been alarming and feedback is generally not good. Sure, it does work well for some people, but they do seem to be in a minority.
Proactiv contains high strength Benzoyl peroxide that is within US guidelines but at 6% is too strong for many users. Customer have complained of it making their acne worse, drying out the skin and having a reaction that some have described as a serious allergic reaction.
Another cause for concern is the payment terms. When buying direct from the Proactiv site you have to sign up for a direct debit agreement for a monthly supply costing $30.00.
Despite the advertised 24/7 helpline, many customers have complained of being unable to cancel and have find themselves locked into the agreement for longer than they would like.
Amazon customer reviews on Proactiv
Looking at the ratings given by Amazon customers, Proactiv receives far more negative reviews than positive!
A couple of examples of negative feedback from Proactiv customers.
I am 28 and had a few blemishes, so I decided to try proactiv. Now my skin is a mess! It seemed like it would work, so I stuck with it for a month, and then I got another box in the mail of more product. Be wary, it is not obvious that once you buy the initial kit you will automatically be signed up to receive proactive and be charged continuously. Perhaps proactiv works for some, but since it was having reverse effects for me I called to return the additional box of product that they sent me. Though I still had 2 weeks left to return proactiv for a refund, the customer service representative said that they take 4-6 weeks to process returns, and so it would not be enough time to get my return order refund!
ProActiv will NOT refund your money and puts you on auto-shipments once you order ANYTHING from them. My second auto shipment was 2 boxes of stuff for over $100! I sent it back in July and was promised a refund…NOTHING! Don’t give them your credit card # or else use a preloaded credit card # so they can’t keep charging you. Their customer service reps will just lie and say you are getting your money back but you never will!! Too bad they don’t let you just buy the product ONCE to TRY IT but you NOOoooo you can’t–no matter what, if you buy a kit you are enrolled AUTOMATICALLY in their “skin care club” which translated means: we will send you boxes of stuff you didn’t order and charge your credit card forever!!
Is Proactiv recommended to give your good skin?
When considering there are safer alternatives to Proactiv that are good for your skin it is difficult to recommend Proactiv!
Clear Skin Max is six-part system is based on natural ingredients and uses tea tree oil so is gentle and will not dry out your skin. Suitable for all skin types it kills acne bacteria without damaging your skin so is safe and effective to use.
One of the best acne treatments on the market, independent customer feedback is positive and there are no reported unpleasant side effects. An added benefit is that Clear Skin Max do not make you sign up for a direct debit agreement, so the costs are completely transparent.
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