OXY ® Maximum Strength Acne Spot Treatment - 1 oz Tube

Common questions

Is OXY ® Maximum Strength Acne Spot Treatment - 1 oz Tube healthy?

OXY ® Maximum Strength Acne Spot Treatment - 1 oz Tube scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This acne treatment contains benzoyl peroxide, which is effective for acne but can cause dryness and irritation.

Which ingredients drive OXY ® Maximum Strength Acne Spot Treatment - 1 oz Tube's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Benzoyl Peroxide 10%, Glycerin count in its favor; Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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OXY ® Maximum Strength Acne Spot Treatment - 1 oz Tube

Oxy
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$5.86 · 1 oz · $5.86 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Occidental Petroleum
Category Face Wash
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.

See more about Benzoyl Peroxide 10% →
Glycerin
Good

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.

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Water
Neutral

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.

See more about Water →
Butylene Glycol
Neutral

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.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Carbomer
Neutral

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.

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Chlorphenesin
Neutral

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.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Citric Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Citric Acid →
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Neutral

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.

See more about Dimethyl Isosorbide →
Hydrated Silica
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydrated Silica →
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydrolyzed Soy Protein →
Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Neutral

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 Dimethicone
Neutral

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 Extract
Neutral

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.

Propanediol
Neutral

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.

See more about Propanediol →
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
Neutral

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 Citrate
Neutral

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.

See more about Sodium Citrate →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

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.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

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.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

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.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

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.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Fragrance
Very 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.

See more about Fragrance →

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