Proactiv in the Press

A great oil and fragrance-free pick for acne-prone skin

It shouldn't surprise you that Proactiv makes one of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin—the brand’s been a leading player in the category for years. “I love that this moisturizer is lightweight, and oil-free, which is so good for my acne-prone patients,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “It also includes green tea, an antioxidant that works to improve skin aging, and hyaluronic acid to help maintain skin hydration.”

Best Pimple Patches

"The hydrocolloid technology protects skin to promote healing while salicylic acid sloughs away pore-clogging oil and dead skin"

"Figuring out a routine for acne-prone skin is challenging, but this kit makes it easy. It's not only perfect for travel but includes everything you need to target breakouts. The three-step routine consists of a sulfur-based cleanser, the Azelaic Pore Perfector to help decongest buildup in the pores and improve skin texture, and a moisturizer that contains salicylic acid to treat existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming."

"Charcoal on its own is a deep cleansing superstar, so Proactiv has created a dual-action brush that digs and pulls debris out of pores using innovative charcoal-infused bristles. It has two speeds and works on all types of skin, but it’s especially a must for acne-prone guys and those of us with oily skin."

"Proactiv has been around for so long that the brand has multi-generational users; parents not only pass it along to their adolescent children but continue to swear by the products themselves, too."

Best Glycolic Acid Cleanser

"It's my favorite cleanser in the world because it really worked for me to help get rid of adult acne" - on Proactiv+ Skin Smoothing Exfoliator."

Best Overall: Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer

"If your skin is acne-prone and oily, investing in a good exfoliator is invaluable. Dr. Henry likes to use this one a few times a week. It has benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid to kill acne-causing bacteria, brighten, and unclog pores."

Best Pore-Refining Mask: Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask

"This mask feels so good, you’ll be marking your calendar for the days you can slather this on! The luxuriously creamy, natural clay mask is designed to purify pores and leave your skin feeling ultra-clean, nourished, and moisturized."

Best Moisturizer For Acne-Prone Skin: Green Tea Moisturizer

"I love that this moisturizer is lightweight, and oil-free, which is so good for my acne-prone patients," says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board- certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. "It also includes green tea, an antioxidant that works to improve skin aging, and hyaluronic acid to help maintain skin hydration."

Best Acne Treatment for Last Minute Fixes: Emergency Blemish Relief

"Spot treatments deliver a powerful dose of active ingredients — typically salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide — to a pesky pimple," says New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, name-checking Proactiv's 5% benzoyl peroxide formula. This gel works fast by penetrating deep into your pores to clear them out and absorb excess oil — your breakouts won't even know what hit them."

Best Affordable: Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask

"Proactiv’s Amazonian Clay Mask purifies and shrinks pores, but it won’t dry your skin out post-mask session thanks to nourishing botanicals."