Proactiv Solution

Proactiv Solution is a three-step acne treatment system launched in 1995. It was developed by dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, who have since left ProActiv for unknown reasons. Some speculate that Rodan & Fields did not agree with Guthy-Renker's marketing scheme of ProActiv being the "Answer for Acne". Others say that it was time for them to move on with their careers and are now doing business with Estee Lauder. In North America, the product is sold mainly through infomercials, as advertised by Guthy-Renker, at mall kiosks, and online, where buyers are automatically entered into a subscription business model. This automatic subscription has angered many consumers, especially those whom the product did not work for, primarily because ProActiv continued to ship additional ProActiv products and debit the consumer's card and making it quite difficult to cancel enrollment and obtain a refund for any debits (Ref.: bbb.org, infomercialscams.com, Acne.org). Another reason is that this automatic subscription is in fine print and many consumers do not even realize that they have enrolled in such a program.

Product Description
The Proactiv system comprises three different core products. All three steps are advertised as being designed to work as a combination therapy for acne treatment, and according to the manufacturer, Proactiv is recommended to be used twice daily for best results.

Indications and Side Effects
According to the company's website, Proactiv Solution was created to treat mild to moderate cases of acne and may not be effective for people with severe cases. Like most antibacterials for treating acne, Proactiv Solution uses Benzoyl peroxide as one of the main active ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide may cause dryness and peeling of the skin. Certain side effects may include: allergic reactions such as redness, itching, hives, swelling and a burning sensation after applying it. Benzoyl peroxide may also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. In response to this, Proactiv Solution developed the Gentle Formula kit, containing Salicylic acid instead of Benzoyl Peroxide. However, Salicyclic acid MAY also include the same side effects as that of Benzoyl peroxide. If not, there is a causitive ingredient in the ProActiv ingredients of both the Regular and Gentle Formulas, which may or may not be benzoyl peroxide or salicyclic acid.

Celebrity Spokespeople
Celebrities are featured heavily in Proactiv informercials, recounting their "true-life" stories of using the product. They include:


 * Kelly Clarkson
 * Sean Combs (P. Diddy)
 * Melissa Gilbert
 * Delta Goodrem
 * Jennifer Love Hewitt
 * Jessica Simpson
 * Alicia Keys
 * Judith Light
 * Lindsay Lohan
 * Elle Macpherson
 * W. Brian Ross
 * Paulina Rubio
 * Stephanie Seymour
 * Brooke Shields
 * Britney Spears
 * Serena Williams
 * Vanessa L. Williams
 * Juan Valle