Overview
Rodan and Fields is a skincare company that was started by two doctors – Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields – who both have impressive credentials as physicians and dermatologists. They were two of the doctors who were instrumental in the creation of the Proactiv brand of acne products. Since that time, Rodan and Fields have gone on to create their own line of cosmeceuticals and skincare formulas, which are based on the premise of combining effective OTC formulas with botanicals for natural support. Although the research on botanicals and their effect on acne has yet to be definitively established, we decided to take a closer look at the Rodan and Fields anti-acne formulas, called Unblemish.

Featured Ingredients
The Rodan and Fields Unblemish acne regimen includes three formulas. A Facial Cleanser, Facial Toner and Medicated Lotion. Of the three formulas, only the medicated lotion contains FDA-approved medication for the treatment of acne. The first two formulas (Cleanser and Toner) are meant to clean the face and prepare it for acne treatment. 

Rodan and Fields claim that the Facial Cleanser can both clean the face and heal acne, but a closer look at the ingredients reveals that this formula is mostly made up of botanicals like Green Tea and Arnica. While both of these plants will have a gentle cleaning effect on the skin – and help clear pores – we are not aware of any scientific research showing that they directly treat acne.

The Rodan and Fields Toner also features a unique combination of botanicals and natural compounds, including Witch Hazel, Arginine (an amino acid precursor to protein), Rosemary extract and Aloe. Much like the Cleanser, these extracts will likely have a positive effect on the skin – probably by cleansing the skin and soothing it, but we cannot find any research proving that they can affect acne. 

The Rodan and Fields Medicated Lotion seems to be the only product to support claims that it can help acne. Unfortunately, the active ingredient in this product is Benzoyl Peroxide, not one of the preferred compounds. While Benzoyl Peroxide was established as one of the first ingredients to treat acne, it has started to become phased out because of the large percentage of users (more than 75%) who report dry and irritated skin after its use. A much better choice seems to be Salicylic Acid or Silicol Dioxide.

Web Site at a Glance
The Rodan and Fields web site is quite comprehensive, because it also contains information about its anti-wrinkle line of products. A full description and history for both Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields is included, which shows their impressive background. While a full ingredient list for all of the products is available, we found the site to be lacking some convincing medical research on the botanicals used in the formulas. This research would have made us feel better about their effect on acne. In addition, while there are customer testimonials featured on the site, there is no free trial offer available. 

Pros
- Impressive medical background for Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields

- Unique formulations that will have some benefits for acne-affected skin

Cons
- Relies too much on Benzoyl Peroxide as the active ingredient

- No research on botanicals’ effects on acne

- No free trial offered

Summary
While we do not doubt the background of Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields, we do question the formulas within the Unblemish line of formulas, if for no other reason that the only active anti-acne ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide, and we still are not sure whether the botanicals in the formulas will directly treat acne.