Among the strongest PROS of Proactive are:

• It’s comprehensive – All the products you need are included in the kit, and are designed to avoid unpleasant interactions between disparate products.
• It includes an acne-fighting moisturizer – One of the perpetual traps many of us fall into is keeping our face clean but without adequate moisture. Especially for those of us with oily skin, the idea of using a moisturizer seems counter-productive. However, this is an important part of the Proactiv system that Drs. Rodan and Fields take into account.
• It’s mild – What, “mild?” You might think this is a bad word if we’re talking about getting to the heart of your unstoppable acne. But as a mild solution, you use Proactive twice a day—before bed, and again in the morning. Just like when you eat multiple meals a day to keep hunger at bay, this system is more effective in controlling acne-causing bacteria and the occurrence of zits because it’s mild enough that you can use it without doing damage to your skin.
• It’s effective – This is what it really comes down to. Because of the 3-part system, you can successfully exfoliate dead skin cells, kill the acne-causing bacteria, and seal up your pores with the clean moisture they need. The 3-step process also encourages compliance with a full care regimen in a world where most ineffective reports of acne-fighting systems comes from non-compliance or quitting early.

Proactiv is not without its shortcomings, particularly if you’re part of the 34% that don’t see results after a couple of months. Also, its active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, which might not be the best option for some folks.

Our strongest CONS of Proactive are:

• There’s no guarantee it will work – When we talk about acne, we’re talking about different types of acne across different skin types. The causes of one person’s case of acne aren’t always certain, and sometimes this mild, one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t work. Just be sure to give it a full 8 weeks to see if it works for you.
• Reactions to benzoyl peroxide – Of the over-the-counter solutions for acne, you’ll find lots of products with the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide. It’s popular because it kills the bacteria that causes acne, leaving pores clean and able to breathe again. But it has common side effects, like dryness or redness of skin. Some people have strong reactions where they’re left with what looks like a sunburn until their skin heals.
• Proactiv doesn’t cure acne – Then again, nothing does. As soon as you stop using the product, your acne can come back. It’s designed for use until you outgrow acne altogether, which for some of us can mean using it until we’re into our 30s.
• It can be more expensive than other items – The three-part system typically runs between $35 and $40, where other products containing benzoyl peroxide can be bought at the pharmacy for as little as $5. When you decide to pay for Proactiv 3-Step, it’s because you want the whole system it provides.

Where to buy Proactiv cheap?

Proactive was originally available only by infomercial, as the product was launched by marketing company Guthy-Renker. The product is still distributed through Guthy-Renker today, but also sold in pharmacies and larger retailers. Proactiv has a map on their website to find local retailers near you that carry Proactiv in stock.

Proactiv is also well-known for setting up kiosks in malls and shopping centers, and their website will also tell you where to find centers with open kiosks.