Product details These three steps are specially formulated to work together to treat and prevent breakouts for oily or combination skin. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and works hard alongside glycolic acid, an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid, to keep pores clear and skin breakout free.

Most impressive, Proactiv has been so successful by relying on - and almost solely because of - a focus on direct-response marketing: infomercials and internet advertising. It goes far beyond the traditional brand awareness marketing harnessed by giants like Coca-Cola (KO) or Apple (AAPL).

The Proactiv Company became Alchemee in November and released its first line under the new name, Restorative Routine, this week. The company said that following this launch, Alchemee will be introducing new brands and products to address common skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

Guthy-Renker Galderma Proactiv

Proactiv clears existing blemishes, soothes inflammation and redness, and helps to prevent new breakouts from occurring. Proactiv Solution has a complete line of products beyond the 3-Step System, including moisturizers, sunscreens, spot treatments and body washes, formulated specifically for acne prone skin.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Proactiv contains a 2.5 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide. Sulfur: works in a similar way to benzoyl peroxide by targeting acne lesions that are triggered by dirt, bacteria, and hormone imbalances. Unlike benzoyl peroxide, sulfur has less of a drying effect on your skin.

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.

Designed specifically for acne-prone skin, Proactiv delivers finely-milled benzoyl peroxide deep into your pores to help stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks and prevent new breakouts from forming.

Proactiv Clean™ (for sensitive skin to clear mild acne) Formulated with proven acne-clearing ingredients like mineral-derived sulfur and salicylic acid, and skin-loving ingredients like azelaic acid, chamomile and bakuchiol, this clean and gentle routine smooths and helps calm skin, while helping to clear blemishes.

Best for oily and combination skin: Proactiv Solution® Acne Treatment System. An ideal solution for oily or combo skin is proactiv's original acne treatment system. This solution is specially formulated to target the root causes of acne with powerful ingredients.

For some people, Proactiv does a good job of clearing up acne (or at least keeping it under control). But for others, Proactiv just isn't effective. The result you get is completely dependent on your skin and the severity of your acne.

Side Effects of Proactiv These are mainly dryness, skin infections and infestations and nasopharyngitis (swelling of the nasal passage and back of the throat). A few people in trials have also experienced burning at the application site, influenza, sinusitis and gastroenteritis.