Best Reviewed
Acne Treatments
- Best daily acne treatment Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment *Est. $8
- Spot treatment for acne Clean & Clear Advantage Invisible Acne Patch *Est. $10
- Top-rated acne-treatment kit Proactiv Solution 3-Step System *Est. $50
- Prescription-strength treatment for severe acne Differin Cream or Gel *Est. $0
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Top-rated acne-treatment kit
- Cleanser and lotion contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide
- Repairing lotion is full of anti-irritants
- "Club" approach to sales
- Toner contains glycolic acid
Reviewers say that Proactiv Solutions 3-Step System is pricey compared to other benzoyl peroxide treatments, but that it works. Experts are pleased that the Renewing Cleanser and Repairing Lotion contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which may cause less irritation than higher strengths but is still effective. The Revitalizing Toner contains glycolic acid, a skin exfoliant, but the most credible experts explain that it is not as effective as salicylic acid in treating acne. In fact, critics recommend using a salicylic acid product, like Neutrogena Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment (*est. $8/2 ounces), in conjunction with Proactiv for the best results. Consumers at MakeupAlley.com have mixed opinions about Proactiv. While some say that Proactiv is the only product that works for them, others complain that it irritated their skin and made acne worse. Several users prefer to use just one or two products in the system, though favorites vary from one person to the next.
We found the best review for Proactiv Acne Solutions 3-Step System in Paula Begoun's highly rated book Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me. Begoun rates this and other acne treatments based on their ingredient list and the scientific research behind those ingredients. Good Housekeeping magazine also evaluates the system based on ingredients as well as product claims. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com provide insight into consumer experience.
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Our Sources
1. Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without MeDetails/Subscribe
Paula Begoun gives each of the products included in Proactiv Solution 3-Step System a reasonable rating based on the solid scientific evidence behind their ingredients. Begoun notes that the Renewing Cleanser may be too harsh for use around the eyes, but she raves about the Repairing Lotion which contains anti-irritants. She claims that the Revitalizing Toner is a good alpha-hydroxy product but recommends that acne-prone individuals use a salicylic acid treatment instead.
Review: Proactiv Solution, Paula Begoun, 7th edition, 2008
2. Good HousekeepingDetails/Subscribe
Dermatologists evaluate five acne-control kits based on ingredients and claims. Proactiv Solution 3-Step System is chosen as the winner because it provides antibacterial coverage with a "mild, but appropriate" solution of benzoyl peroxide.
Review: Top Teen Skin Savers, Kristyn Pomranz, Nov. 2007
3. About.com
Julyne Derrick, beauty guide at About.com, lists seven facts about adult acne and recommends several products associated with the facts. Derrick recommends Proactiv Solution 3-Step System as a "classic" that has "worked wonders on many." She doesn't, however, rate or compare any of the products listed. (Note that About.com and ConsumerSearch are owned by the same parent company, but are not affiliated editorially.)
Review: Adult Acne Facts & How to Get Rid of It, Julyne Derrick
Consumers at MakeupAlley.com give Proactiv Solution 3-Step System an overall rating of 2.8 (out of five) based on 1,811 reviews. While several consumers are pleased with the results provided by Proactiv, just as many are disappointed. Several say that the system is effective in the beginning, but eventually stops working as their skin builds up a tolerance to it. Many consumers prefer one or two of the products rather than the entire kit.
Review: Proactiv 3-Step System, Contributors to MakeupAlley.com
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