OXY ® Maximum Strength Acne Spot Treatment - 1 oz Tube
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This acne treatment contains benzoyl peroxide, which is effective for acne but can cause dryness and irritation. The presence of fragrance is a concern due to potential skin irritation and undisclosed chemical content. Additionally, the product includes PEG/PPG compounds, which are synthetic and contribute to a higher processing level, affecting the overall safety and naturalness of the formulation.
Key ingredients 21
Benzoyl Peroxide 10%Good
Benzoyl Peroxide is a well-known acne treatment that helps to reduce bacteria and clear pores. It is effective in reducing acne lesions and preventing future breakouts. However, it can cause dryness and irritation in some individuals.
Risks
Potential risks include skin dryness, irritation, and peeling, especially for sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It is effective in reducing acne lesions and preventing future breakouts.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is beneficial for maintaining skin moisture balance and improving skin barrier function. It is generally well-tolerated and suitable for all skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it may cause irritation in very rare cases.
Benefits
It helps to keep the skin hydrated and improves skin barrier function.
WaterNeutral
Water is commonly used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It acts as a solvent and helps in the application of the product.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It improves the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize and maintain the consistency of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It stabilizes and maintains the consistency of cosmetic products.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetics. It helps to extend the shelf life of products. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to prevent microbial growth, extending the product's shelf life.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It can also act as a mild exfoliant, helping to improve skin texture. It is generally safe when used in appropriate concentrations.
Risks
High concentrations may cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
It helps to adjust pH and can improve skin texture through mild exfoliation.
Dimethyl IsosorbideNeutral
Dimethyl Isosorbide is used as a solvent to enhance the delivery of active ingredients in cosmetics. It helps to improve the penetration of ingredients into the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the delivery and penetration of active ingredients.
Hydrated SilicaNeutral
Hydrated Silica is used as an abrasive and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and application of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation if inhaled in large quantities.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of cosmetic products.
Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinNeutral
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein is used to condition and strengthen the skin. It helps to improve skin texture and elasticity. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause allergic reactions in individuals with soy allergies.
Benefits
It conditions and strengthens the skin, improving texture and elasticity.
Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate CrosspolymerNeutral
This ingredient is used as a film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to create a smooth and even application of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It creates a smooth and even application of cosmetic products.
PEG/PPG-4/12 DimethiconeNeutral
PEG/PPG-4/12 Dimethicone is used as an emollient and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and feel of cosmetic products on the skin.
Portulaca Oleracea ExtractNeutral
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties in cosmetics. It helps to calm and hydrate the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very rare cases.
Benefits
It soothes and hydrates the skin, providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is used as a solvent and humectant in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and moisture retention of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves texture and moisture retention in cosmetic products.
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit ExtractNeutral
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract is used for its antioxidant properties in cosmetics. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very rare cases.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Sodium CitrateNeutral
Sodium Citrate is used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize the product and improve its efficacy. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very rare cases.
Benefits
It stabilizes formulations and maintains pH balance, improving product efficacy.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of the product. It is generally considered safe when used in appropriate concentrations.
Risks
High concentrations may cause skin irritation or burns.
Benefits
It helps to adjust pH and maintain product stability and efficacy.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very rare cases.
Benefits
It improves texture and consistency, stabilizing cosmetic formulations.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in rare cases.
Benefits
It stabilizes formulations and improves product efficacy.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to prevent microbial growth, extending the product's shelf life.
FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. However, it is a common cause of allergic reactions and skin irritation. It can also contain undisclosed chemicals that may be harmful.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and exposure to undisclosed chemicals.
Benefits
It provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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