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Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving

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Active ingredient
Salicylic Acid 0.5 g/100 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Gel
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2013
Label revision date
January 7, 2026
Active ingredient
Salicylic Acid 0.5 g/100 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Gel
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2013
Label revision date
January 7, 2026
Manufacturer
Alchemee, LLC
Registration number
M006
NDC root
11410-024

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Drug Overview

Proactiv® is a blackhead dissolving gel that contains salicylic acid, a medication commonly used to treat acne. This gel is designed to help manage acne by breaking down blackheads and preventing new ones from forming.

If you're struggling with acne, Proactiv® may be a helpful option to consider as part of your skincare routine. Its active ingredient works to clear pores and reduce the appearance of blemishes, promoting healthier-looking skin.

Uses

If you're dealing with acne, this medication can help manage your condition effectively. It is specifically designed to treat acne, helping to reduce breakouts and improve the overall appearance of your skin.

You can feel reassured that there are no known teratogenic effects (which means it doesn't cause birth defects) associated with this medication, making it a safer option for those concerned about such risks.

Dosage and Administration

Before you start using this product, it's important to test your skin's sensitivity. Apply a small amount to one or two small areas for the first three uses. If you don’t experience any discomfort, you can proceed with the full application.

Make sure to clean your skin thoroughly before applying the product. You should cover the entire affected area with a thin layer and rinse it off completely. Initially, apply it once a day to avoid excessive drying of your skin. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the application to two or three times a day, but only if needed or as your doctor advises. If you notice any bothersome dryness or peeling, reduce the application to once a day or every other day to help your skin adjust.

What to Avoid

It's important to use this product safely. Keep it out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. If someone swallows it, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Additionally, avoid getting the product in your eyes; if this happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.

There are no specific contraindications, controlled substance classifications, or risks of abuse or dependence associated with this product. However, following these precautions will help ensure your safety and well-being.

Side Effects

When using this product, you may experience skin irritation and dryness, especially if you are using another topical acne medication at the same time. To minimize irritation, it’s best to use only one topical acne treatment at a time. Additionally, be careful to avoid contact with your eyes; if this happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.

Remember, this product is for external use only.

Warnings and Precautions

This medication is for external use only, so please avoid applying it to any areas other than your skin. If you are using another topical acne treatment, be cautious, as using both at the same time can increase the risk of skin irritation and dryness. If you experience irritation, it’s best to stop using one of the products.

Make sure to keep this medication out of reach of children. If it is accidentally swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Additionally, be careful to avoid contact with your eyes; if this happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.

Overdose

If you or someone else has swallowed a medication and you suspect an overdose, it’s important to act quickly. You should seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center. They can provide guidance on what to do next.

Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual symptoms that are not typical for the medication. If you notice any concerning changes in behavior or health, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Remember, it’s always better to be safe and get professional advice in these situations.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's important to be cautious with the use of salicylic acid. The safety of this ingredient during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally advised against due to potential risks to your developing baby. There is a possibility of teratogenic effects, which means it could cause developmental issues in the fetus.

Before using any product containing salicylic acid, you should consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help you make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby.

Lactation Use

If you are breastfeeding, you can feel reassured that there are no specific warnings or recommendations regarding the use of this product while nursing. This means that, according to the information provided, it is considered safe for you to use without concerns about potential effects on your milk production or the nursing infant.

However, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about medications and breastfeeding, as they can provide personalized advice based on your situation.

Pediatric Use

It's important to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. If a child swallows it, you should seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center for guidance. Taking these precautions can help ensure your child's safety.

Geriatric Use

While there is no specific information about the use of Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel in older adults, it's always wise to approach new products with caution. If you or a caregiver are considering this product, it's important to monitor for any unusual reactions or side effects, especially since older adults may have different skin sensitivities or health conditions.

Since the drug insert does not mention any dosage adjustments or special precautions for elderly patients, you should follow the general usage instructions provided with the product. If you have any concerns or experience any adverse effects, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the information provided does not include specific guidelines for dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations related to renal impairment (kidney issues). This means that there are no tailored recommendations for how your treatment may need to change based on your kidney function.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that your treatment is safe and effective for your specific condition. They can help you understand how your kidney health may affect your medication and what steps to take for your safety.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that there are no specific guidelines or dosage adjustments mentioned for your condition in the available information. This means that the standard recommendations for the medication do not change based on liver impairment. However, it’s always a good idea to discuss your liver health with your healthcare provider, as they can offer personalized advice and monitor your condition appropriately.

Make sure to keep your doctor informed about any liver issues you may have, as they can help ensure that your treatment is safe and effective for you.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications or tests you may be taking. While there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted for this medication, your healthcare provider can help ensure that everything you are taking works well together and is safe for you. Always share your complete list of medications and any recent lab tests to avoid any potential issues. Your health and safety should always come first.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance of your product, store it at room temperature and keep it away from direct light. It's important to keep the tube tightly closed when not in use to maintain its integrity. Once you open the tube, please remember to discard it after use to ensure safety and effectiveness. Following these simple guidelines will help you handle the product safely and effectively.

Additional Information

This medication is intended for external use only and should be applied topically. To minimize the risk of skin irritation and dryness, avoid using it simultaneously with other topical acne treatments. If you experience irritation, it's best to use only one topical acne medication at a time.

Be careful to avoid contact with your eyes; if this happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water. Keep this medication out of reach of children, and if it is swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

FAQ

What is Proactiv® used for?

Proactiv® is used for the management of acne.

What is the active ingredient in Proactiv®?

The active ingredient in Proactiv® is salicylic acid, which is an acne medication.

How should I use Proactiv®?

Clean the skin thoroughly before applying Proactiv®. Cover the affected area with a thin layer and rinse thoroughly one to three times daily, starting with one application daily and gradually increasing if needed.

What should I do if I experience dryness or irritation?

If you experience bothersome dryness or peeling, reduce application to once a day or every other day.

Is Proactiv® safe to use during pregnancy?

Proactiv® is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus, and pregnant women should avoid its use unless directed by a healthcare provider.

What precautions should I take when using Proactiv®?

Avoid contact with eyes, keep out of reach of children, and if swallowed, seek medical help immediately.

Can I use Proactiv® with other topical acne medications?

Using Proactiv® with another topical acne medication may increase the risk of skin irritation and dryness. It's best to use only one topical acne medication at a time.

How should I store Proactiv®?

Store Proactiv® at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving (salicylic acid). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the management of acne.

There are no teratogenic effects associated with this medication. Additionally, no nonteratogenic effects have been reported.

Dosage and Administration

Before initiating treatment, a sensitivity test is recommended for new users. This involves applying the product sparingly to one or two small affected areas during the first three uses. If no discomfort is experienced, the following dosing instructions may be implemented.

Prior to application, the skin should be cleaned thoroughly. The product should then be applied to cover the entire affected area with a thin layer. Rinsing should be performed thoroughly after application.

Initially, it is advised to start with one application daily to minimize the risk of excessive drying of the skin. Based on individual tolerance and as directed by a healthcare professional, the frequency of application may be gradually increased to two or three times daily.

In cases where bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of application to once a day or every other day.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • The product should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

  • In the event of accidental swallowing, immediate medical assistance should be sought or contact with a Poison Control Center is advised.

  • Contact with eyes should be avoided; if contact occurs, it is essential to rinse the eyes thoroughly with water.

Warnings and Precautions

For external use only. Healthcare professionals should advise patients that the application of this product may lead to skin irritation and dryness, particularly if used concurrently with other topical acne medications. In cases where irritation is observed, it is recommended that patients limit their use to one topical acne medication at a time to mitigate adverse effects.

It is imperative to avoid contact with the eyes. Should contact occur, patients must rinse their eyes thoroughly with water to prevent potential complications.

This product should be stored out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of swallowing the product, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the patient should contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware that it is intended for external use only. The use of this product in conjunction with other topical acne medications may increase the likelihood of skin irritation and dryness. In the event that irritation occurs, it is recommended that patients limit their use to one topical acne medication at a time to mitigate these effects.

Additionally, care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes. Should contact occur, patients are advised to rinse the eyes thoroughly with water to alleviate any potential discomfort.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving (salicylic acid). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients should be advised to keep this medication out of reach of children. In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted without delay.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information regarding the use of Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel in geriatric patients. The prescribing information does not provide guidance on dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions for elderly patients. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution and consider individual patient factors when prescribing this product to geriatric patients, as the absence of specific data necessitates careful monitoring and assessment of treatment outcomes in this population.

Pregnancy

The safety of salicylic acid during pregnancy has not been established, and its use is contraindicated due to potential risks to the fetus. There is a recognized risk of teratogenic effects associated with the use of salicylic acid during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant patients should avoid the use of this product unless directed by a healthcare provider. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to consult a healthcare professional before using this product if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Lactation

There are no specific warnings or recommendations regarding the use of this product by lactating mothers. Additionally, there is no information available concerning the potential for excretion in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the available prescribing information. There are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or safety considerations outlined for individuals with reduced kidney function. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider the lack of data when prescribing to this patient population.

Hepatic Impairment

There is no information available regarding the use of this medication in patients with hepatic impairment. Consequently, there are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions specified for individuals with compromised liver function. Healthcare professionals should exercise clinical judgment when considering the use of this medication in patients with liver problems, as the absence of data does not preclude the need for careful evaluation and monitoring based on individual patient circumstances.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdosage, immediate medical assistance is crucial. If the substance is ingested, healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Prompt intervention is essential to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with overdosage. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms accordingly.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual patient's needs. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are recommended to ensure patient safety and effective resolution of any complications arising from the overdosage.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in question. Further studies may be necessary to elucidate these aspects of nonclinical toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are provided in the insert.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep the medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event that the medication is swallowed, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Patients should be informed that the use of this medication may lead to skin irritation and dryness, particularly if they are using another topical acne medication concurrently. It is recommended that patients use only one topical acne medication at a time to minimize the risk of irritation.

Additionally, healthcare providers should instruct patients to avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, patients should rinse their eyes thoroughly with water to alleviate any potential discomfort.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a tube format, with specific handling and storage requirements to ensure its integrity and efficacy. It should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light exposure. To maintain the product's quality, it is essential to keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Additionally, the product must be discarded after opening to prevent any potential degradation or contamination.

Additional Clinical Information

The product is administered topically and is intended for external use only. Clinicians should advise patients that the use of multiple topical acne medications concurrently may increase the risk of skin irritation and dryness. If irritation occurs, patients should limit their use to one topical acne medication at a time.

Patients are also cautioned to avoid contact with the eyes; in the event of contact, they should rinse their eyes thoroughly with water. Additionally, the product should be kept out of reach of children, and if swallowed, medical assistance or contact with a Poison Control Center should be sought immediately.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

Learn more in our Editorial Policy

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Primary FDA sources:

Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.