ProactivMD Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer 3oz Daily Face Moisturizer Nourishing Hydrator w/Skin Brightening Complex Hyaluronic Acid Skin Moisturizer
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and various plant extracts that offer hydration and antioxidant benefits. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol and fragrance, which can cause irritation, along with a moderate level of processing, impacts its overall safety profile. The inclusion of synthetic ingredients like dimethicone and polysorbates also contributes to a lower score compared to more natural formulations.
Key ingredients 35
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractVery Good
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, commonly known as green tea extract, is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Risks
There are minimal risks, but it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides strong antioxidant protection and helps to soothe the skin.
SqualaneVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils. It helps to hydrate and protect the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with squalane in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides deep hydration and helps to improve skin texture and elasticity.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, making it a highly effective hydrating agent. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with glycerin in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.
Morus Alba Root ExtractGood
Morus Alba Root Extract is known for its skin brightening properties and antioxidant content. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out skin tone.
Risks
There are minimal risks, but it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and helps to brighten the skin.
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf ExtractGood
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract contains arbutin, which is known for its skin lightening effects. It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to lighten dark spots and provides antioxidant benefits.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractGood
Licorice Root Extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin brightening properties. It helps to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
Risks
There are minimal risks, but it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to calm the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractGood
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is rich in flavonoids and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Risks
There are minimal risks, but it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and helps to soothe the skin.
Kojic AcidGood
Kojic Acid is known for its skin lightening properties and ability to reduce hyperpigmentation. It inhibits the production of melanin, helping to even out skin tone.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to lighten dark spots and improve skin tone.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that is highly effective in retaining moisture in the skin. It helps to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with sodium hyaluronate in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides intense hydration and helps to improve skin elasticity.
BisabololGood
Bisabolol is a natural compound known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Risks
There are minimal risks, but it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It is essential for hydration but does not provide active benefits on its own.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate the skin by providing moisture.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and conditioning agent in skincare products. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of formulations.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to retain moisture in the skin, enhancing hydration.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
Risks
Generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Glycol StearateNeutral
Glycol Stearate is an emulsifying agent that helps to blend oil and water components in formulations. It also acts as a skin conditioning agent.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It contributes to a creamy texture and helps to condition the skin.
Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol EstersNeutral
This ingredient is used as an emollient and conditioning agent in skincare products. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Sodium PolyacrylateNeutral
Sodium Polyacrylate is used as a thickening agent and film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to enhance the texture and consistency of the product.
Ethylhexyl PalmitateNeutral
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an emollient that helps to improve the spreadability of skincare products. It provides a smooth and silky feel upon application.
Risks
May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin due to its comedogenic nature.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Ceteareth-20Neutral
Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifying agent that helps to blend oil and water components in formulations. It improves the texture and stability of products.
Risks
There are minimal risks, but it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateNeutral
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is used as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and feel of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to absorb excess oil and improve product texture.
Hydrogenated PolydeceneNeutral
Hydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient that provides a smooth and silky feel to skincare products. It helps to improve the spreadability and texture of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
PPG-2 Myristyl Ether PropionateNeutral
PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate is used as an emollient and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and feel of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideNeutral
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps to improve the spreadability and texture of skincare products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
GlycogenNeutral
Glycogen is a polysaccharide that acts as a moisturizing agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin hydration and texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to enhance skin hydration and improve texture.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a conditioning agent and preservative booster used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to enhance the texture and stability of the product.
C12-15 Alkyl LactateNeutral
C12-15 Alkyl Lactate is an emollient and skin conditioning agent used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and feel of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a conditioning agent and preservative booster used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to enhance the texture and stability of the product.
Hexylene GlycolNeutral
Hexylene Glycol is a solvent and viscosity agent used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to enhance the texture and spreadability of the product.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It also acts as a mild exfoliant and antioxidant.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the stability of the product and provides mild exfoliation.
PPG-5-Laureth-5Neutral
PPG-5-Laureth-5 is a surfactant and emulsifying agent used in cosmetics. It helps to blend oil and water components effectively.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
Polyquaternium-11Neutral
Polyquaternium-11 is a film-forming agent used in cosmetics to provide a smooth and even application. It helps to improve the texture and feel of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to enhance the texture and application of the product.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
It may cause breakouts in acne-prone skin due to its occlusive nature.
Benefits
It provides a silky feel and helps to prevent moisture loss.
Polysorbate 60Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to enhance the texture and stability of the product.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to enhance the stability and shelf life of the product.
FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. However, it can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a pleasant scent to the product.
Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle PlayAmazon pricing & content
Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.