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The Daily Insight Hub

Is Proactiv really that bad?

Author

Isabella Turner

Updated on January 20, 2026

The FDA has issued consumer warnings about potentially severe side effects that products such as Proactiv do not list on the product label. There have been 131 severe allergic and hypersensitivity reactions to these products, with 44% of these requiring hospitalization.

What can I use instead of Proactiv?

Bargain Hunting

  • AcneFree Clear Skin Treatments (benzoyl peroxide)
  • Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin Acne Solutions System (salicylic acid)
  • Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid)
  • La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne System (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid)

Do dermatologists recommend Proactiv?

Some dermatologists advise that their patients avoid using Proactiv. “We do not recommend Proactiv because it uses harsh ingredients on your skin, which can eventually lead to early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles,” says Evans. Evans does admit that Proactiv can help with certain forms of acne.

Why do dermatologists hate Proactiv?

Some dermatologists advise that their patients avoid using Proactiv. “We do not recommend Proactiv because it uses harsh ingredients on your skin, which can eventually lead to early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles,” says Evans.

Is Proactiv worth the money?

With that being said, Proactiv may be an effective treatment option for mild to moderate acne outbreaks and scarring. But it’s not a miracle cure, and it won’t work for everyone. According to its product description, Proactiv doesn’t work on cystic or nodular acne. It’s also not the best option for severe acne.

Can you order Proactiv just once?

You can! You can purchase any single step individually or any of our catalog products–moisturizers, makeup wipes, oil blotter sheets, travel kits, and more–on DiscoverProactiv.com. What’s your favorite Proactiv product? Once you’ve ordered your Proactiv skincare kit, there’s no need to continuously reorder product.

Why do dermatologists not like Proactiv?

Does Proactiv make skin worse before better?

For a lot of prescription acne medications, like Tetracycline, your doctor will tell you that your skin will get worse before it gets better. Similarly, the myth with Proactiv is that your skin gets worse before it gets better.

Does Proactiv ruin your skin?

It may cause your skin to peel, bringing newer skin cells to the surface. Over-the-counter (OTC) Proactiv contains a 2.5 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide.

Why is proactive bad for you?

Combining it with Benzoyl Peroxide makes skin very sun sensitive, and there are no sunscreens anywhere in the ProActiv line! Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly alkaline product and known skin irritant. In concentrated doses it causes severe burns.

Are there any stores that sell Proactiv products?

Here’s the basic intel. Proactiv products have cruised into 375 Ulta stores and online. While Proactiv became known via its infomercials, its new status as “sold as Ulta” makes it accessible to a wider selection of people who are dealing with acne.

Where to buy Proactiv revitalizing Toner at Walmart?

Shop for Proactiv . Buy products such as ($25 Value) Proactiv Revitalizing Toner, 4 Oz, Proactiv Mask Skin Purifying 1 oz at Walmart and save.

Who are the celebrity endorsers of Proactiv?

Even if you don’t use it the products yourself, you are undoubtedly (and at least) aware of the brand based on the informercials and the celebrity endorsers, from Adam Levine to Katy Perry to Julianne Hough. Proactiv products have long been considered a miracle cure for acne sufferers.

Where can I buy Proactiv charcoal cleansing brush?

Shop for Proactiv . Buy products such as Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush – NIB, X Out Shine Control, 1.7 Fluid Ounce at Walmart and save.