ProActiv

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Common questions

Is ProActiv healthy?

ProActiv scores 72/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Coco-Glucoside, which are gentle surfactants derived from coconut oil, as well as hydrating agents like Sodium Hyaluronate.

How processed is ProActiv?

ProActiv is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive ProActiv's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco-Glucoside, Coconut Acid count in its favor; Acrylates Copolymer, 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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ProActiv

72 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$36.00 · $7.20 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 11
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Unilever
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Coco-Glucoside, which are gentle surfactants derived from coconut oil, as well as hydrating agents like Sodium Hyaluronate. However, the presence of acrylates copolymer and phenoxyethanol, which are synthetic additives, slightly lowers the score. The product is processed, which also impacts its overall rating, despite the inclusion of effective acne-fighting ingredients like sulfur and benzoyl peroxide.

Key ingredients 26

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Good

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is less irritating than traditional sulfates. It is suitable for sensitive skin types.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

It provides a creamy lather and helps to cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate →
Coco-Glucoside
Good

Coco-Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. It is biodegradable and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of the product.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with Coco-Glucoside, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the cleansing properties of the product while being gentle on the skin.

See more about Coco-Glucoside →
Coconut Acid
Good

Coconut Acid is derived from coconut oil and is used as a surfactant and emulsifier. It helps in cleansing the skin and maintaining the product's consistency. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with Coconut Acid, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It aids in cleansing the skin while providing moisturizing benefits.

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Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It is widely used in cosmetics for its hydrating properties. It is suitable for all skin types.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Glycerin in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.

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Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Good

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract is a botanical extract known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial for calming irritated skin. It is suitable for sensitive skin types.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation.

See more about Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract →
Sulfur (3.0%)
Good

Sulfur is an active ingredient known for its antibacterial and keratolytic properties. It is effective in treating acne and reducing excess oil. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Risks

In some cases, it may cause dryness or irritation if used excessively.

Benefits

It helps to treat acne and reduce oiliness, improving skin clarity.

Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%)
Good

Benzoyl Peroxide is a well-known acne treatment ingredient with antibacterial properties. It helps to reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevent breakouts. It is effective for acne-prone skin.

Risks

It may cause dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to clear acne and prevent future breakouts, improving skin texture.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid known for its excellent hydrating properties. It helps to retain moisture in the skin, improving elasticity and plumpness. It is suitable for all skin types.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Sodium Hyaluronate in cosmetics.

Benefits

It provides deep hydration and improves skin texture and elasticity.

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Allantoin
Good

Allantoin is a skin-soothing agent known for its ability to promote skin healing and reduce irritation. It is beneficial for sensitive and irritated skin. It is widely used in cosmetics for its calming properties.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Allantoin in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps to soothe and protect the skin, promoting healing and reducing irritation.

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Hyaluronic Acid
Good

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It is known for its ability to improve skin hydration and plumpness. It is suitable for all skin types.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Hyaluronic Acid in cosmetics.

Benefits

It provides intense hydration and improves skin texture and elasticity.

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Salicylic Acid (2%)
Good

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its exfoliating and acne-fighting properties. It helps to unclog pores and reduce acne breakouts. It is effective for oily and acne-prone skin.

Risks

It may cause dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to clear acne and improve skin texture by exfoliating dead skin cells.

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Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming emulsions and is essential for hydration. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in hydrating the skin and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.

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Coconut Alcohol
Neutral

Coconut Alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil. It is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Coconut Alcohol in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate
Neutral

Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate is an emollient used to improve the spreadability of cosmetic products. It provides a smooth and silky feel. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate in cosmetics.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and application of the product.

Glycereth-18
Neutral

Glycereth-18 is a polyethylene glycol derivative used as a humectant in cosmetics. It helps to retain moisture in the skin. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Glycereth-18 in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps to maintain skin hydration.

Behenyl Alcohol
Neutral

Behenyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Behenyl Alcohol in cosmetics.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

See more about Behenyl Alcohol →
Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)
Neutral

Titanium Dioxide is a mineral used as a pigment and UV filter in cosmetics. It provides opacity and sun protection. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Titanium Dioxide in cosmetics.

Benefits

It provides sun protection and improves the product's appearance.

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Sodium Isethionate
Neutral

Sodium Isethionate is a surfactant used in cleansing products. It helps to create a creamy lather and cleanse the skin. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Sodium Isethionate in cosmetics.

Benefits

It enhances the cleansing properties of the product.

Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It is effective in small concentrations. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

In high concentrations, it can be irritating to the skin.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Arachidyl Alcohol
Neutral

Arachidyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Arachidyl Alcohol in cosmetics.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

See more about Arachidyl Alcohol →
Stearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Stearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Stearyl Alcohol in cosmetics.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

See more about Stearyl Alcohol →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of the product. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Xanthan Gum in cosmetics.

Benefits

It improves the texture and stability of the product.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics. It enhances the efficacy of other preservatives. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Ethylhexylglycerin in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and improve skin feel.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Neutral

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent used to enhance the stability of cosmetic products. It helps to prevent the degradation of active ingredients. It does not have direct skin benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.

See more about Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate →
Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with Acrylates Copolymer in cosmetics.

Benefits

It improves the texture and application of the product.

See more about Acrylates Copolymer →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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