Proactiv+ Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 3 Ounce (90 Day)
Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This product contains several beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronate sodium, kojic acid, and various plant extracts known for their skin-brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the presence of synthetic compounds like phenoxyethanol and sodium polyacrylate, along with a moderate level of processing, slightly lowers its overall rating. The formulation balances natural actives with some synthetic ingredients, making it a mixed option for skincare.
Key ingredients 32
HYALURONATE SODIUMVery Good
Hyaluronate sodium, or sodium hyaluronate, is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It helps in keeping the skin hydrated and plump. It is highly beneficial for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides intense hydration and improves skin elasticity.
SQUALANEVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils. It helps in providing deep hydration and improving skin elasticity. It is beneficial for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and improves skin texture.
SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOTGood
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in soothing the skin and reducing redness. It is considered beneficial for sensitive and irritated skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin.
SOPHORA FLAVESCENS ROOTGood
Sophora flavescens root extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It helps in reducing hyperpigmentation and calming irritated skin. It is beneficial for improving skin tone and texture.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Brightens the skin and reduces inflammation.
MORUS ALBA ROOTGood
Morus alba root extract is known for its skin-brightening and antioxidant properties. It helps in reducing the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It is beneficial for achieving a more radiant complexion.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Brightens the skin and provides antioxidant protection.
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRAGood
Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root extract, is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It helps in reducing redness and hyperpigmentation. It is beneficial for soothing sensitive skin and improving skin tone.
Risks
Generally safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes the skin and reduces hyperpigmentation.
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI LEAFGood
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract is known for its astringent and skin-brightening properties. It helps in reducing the appearance of dark spots and improving skin clarity. It is beneficial for achieving a more even skin tone.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Brightens the skin and improves clarity.
KOJIC ACIDGood
Kojic acid is a well-known skin-lightening agent that helps in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It works by inhibiting melanin production in the skin. It is beneficial for achieving a more even and brighter complexion.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Reduces hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin.
ZINC GLUCONATEGood
Zinc gluconate is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps in calming irritated skin and reducing redness. It is beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes the skin and reduces inflammation.
LEVOMENOLGood
Levomenol, also known as bisabolol, is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps in calming irritated skin and reducing redness. It is beneficial for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes the skin and reduces inflammation.
ALLANTOINGood
Allantoin is known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties. It helps in calming irritated skin and promoting healing. It is beneficial for sensitive and damaged skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes the skin and promotes healing.
GLYCERINGood
Glycerin is a well-known humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps in keeping the skin hydrated and soft. It is beneficial for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides hydration and improves skin softness.
EDETATE DISODIUMNeutral
Edetate disodium is a chelating agent used to bind metal ions, which can help stabilize formulations. It is generally considered safe in cosmetics at low concentrations. It does not provide direct skin benefits.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation for sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining the stability and efficacy of the product.
HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE TYPE INeutral
Hydrogenated polydecene is an emollient that provides a smooth application and helps in moisturizing the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not have significant risks or benefits beyond its emollient properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and provides a silky feel.
BUTYLENE GLYCOLNeutral
Butylene glycol is a common solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Enhances product absorption and provides a smooth application.
CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOLNeutral
Cetostearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Provides moisturizing properties and improves product texture.
.ALPHA.-GLUCAN OLIGOSACCHARIDENeutral
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a prebiotic ingredient that helps in maintaining the skin's natural microbiome. It supports the skin's barrier function and overall health. It does not provide direct skin benefits beyond microbiome support.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Supports the skin's natural microbiome and barrier function.
C12-15 ALKYL LACTATENeutral
C12-15 alkyl lactate is an emollient and skin-conditioning agent used to improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps in providing a smooth application and enhancing skin feel. It does not offer direct skin benefits beyond its emollient properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
MEDIUM-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDESNeutral
Medium-chain triglycerides are used as an emollient and carrier oil in cosmetics. They help in improving the spreadability and absorption of products. They do not provide direct skin benefits beyond their emollient properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product absorption and provides a smooth application.
CAPRYLYL GLYCOLNeutral
Caprylyl glycol is a humectant and skin-conditioning agent used to improve moisture retention in the skin. It helps in enhancing the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It does not provide direct skin benefits beyond its moisturizing properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves moisture retention and enhances product texture.
SODIUM POLYACRYLATE (8000 MW)Neutral
Sodium polyacrylate is a thickening agent used to improve the texture and stability of cosmetic products. It helps in providing a smooth application and enhancing product consistency. It does not offer direct skin benefits beyond its texturizing properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERINNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin-conditioning agent and preservative enhancer used in cosmetics. It helps in improving the efficacy of preservatives and providing a smooth application. It does not provide direct skin benefits beyond its preservative-enhancing properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances preservative efficacy and provides a smooth application.
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATENeutral
Ethylhexyl palmitate is an emollient used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It helps in providing a smooth application and enhancing skin feel. It does not offer direct skin benefits beyond its emollient properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
POLYQUATERNIUM-11 (1000000 MW)Neutral
Polyquaternium-11 is a film-forming agent used to provide a smooth application and enhance product texture. It helps in improving the feel and consistency of cosmetic products. It does not offer direct skin benefits beyond its texturizing properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
POLYOXYL 20 CETOSTEARYL ETHERNeutral
Polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether is an emulsifier used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of products. It does not provide direct skin benefits beyond its emulsifying properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.
ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATENeutral
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate is used as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and feel of products. It does not provide direct skin benefits beyond its absorbent properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and reduces greasiness.
HEXYLENE GLYCOLNeutral
Hexylene glycol is a solvent and viscosity-reducing agent used in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of products. It does not provide direct skin benefits beyond its solvent properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and spreadability.
PPG-2 MYRISTYL ETHER PROPIONATENeutral
PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate is an emollient used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It helps in providing a smooth application and enhancing skin feel. It does not offer direct skin benefits beyond its emollient properties.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
SODIUM HYDROXIDENeutral
Sodium hydroxide is used as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulations. It helps in maintaining the stability and efficacy of products. It does not provide direct skin benefits beyond pH adjustment.
Risks
Potential for irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Maintains product stability and efficacy.
PHENOXYETHANOLBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps in preserving the product and extending its shelf life.
DIMETHICONEBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Helps in reducing water loss and provides a silky feel.
POLYSORBATE 60Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.
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