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Acne Free, Proactiv

MedDerm Associates · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Acne Free, Proactiv is a Topical acne treatment combination Small molecule drug developed by MedDerm Associates. It is currently FDA-approved for Acne vulgaris (mild to moderate).

Proactiv and Acne Free are topical acne treatment systems that work by reducing bacteria, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation through a combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Acne Free and Proactiv are topical acne regimens that have been studied in a clinical trial for the treatment of moderately severe acne vulgaris. The comparison study, completed in 2014, was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these two regimens in treating acne.

At a glance

Generic nameAcne Free, Proactiv
SponsorMedDerm Associates
Drug classTopical acne treatment combination
TargetCutibacterium acnes; follicular keratinocytes
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDermatology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

These over-the-counter acne systems typically contain benzoyl peroxide, which kills Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria and has antimicrobial properties, combined with salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores. The multi-step regimen is designed to address multiple pathogenic factors of acne including bacterial colonization, sebum production, and follicular hyperkeratinization.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Acne Free, Proactiv

What is Acne Free, Proactiv?

Acne Free, Proactiv is a Topical acne treatment combination drug developed by MedDerm Associates, indicated for Acne vulgaris (mild to moderate).

How does Acne Free, Proactiv work?

Proactiv and Acne Free are topical acne treatment systems that work by reducing bacteria, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation through a combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

What is Acne Free, Proactiv used for?

Acne Free, Proactiv is indicated for Acne vulgaris (mild to moderate).

Who makes Acne Free, Proactiv?

Acne Free, Proactiv is developed and marketed by MedDerm Associates (see full MedDerm Associates pipeline at /company/medderm-associates).

What drug class is Acne Free, Proactiv in?

Acne Free, Proactiv belongs to the Topical acne treatment combination class. See all Topical acne treatment combination drugs at /class/topical-acne-treatment-combination.

What development phase is Acne Free, Proactiv in?

Acne Free, Proactiv is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Acne Free, Proactiv?

Common side effects of Acne Free, Proactiv include Skin irritation, Dryness, Redness, Peeling.

What does Acne Free, Proactiv target?

Acne Free, Proactiv targets Cutibacterium acnes; follicular keratinocytes and is a Topical acne treatment combination.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing