Proactiv+ Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide)
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BASED Skin Revival Spray BASED · 4 fl oz View on Amazon · $14.00 See all Face Wash & Skin Care, ranked At a glance
Summary
Proactiv+ Skin Smoothing Exfoliator scores 4/100. U.S. FDA benzene testing of benzoyl peroxide acne products detected benzene in this product. Benzene is an IARC Group 1 known human carcinogen with no safe exposure level, and benzoyl peroxide is inherently unstable — it spontaneously degrades into benzene via free-radical pathways, accelerating under heat. The amount detected has not been publicly disclosed. The inactive deck is cleaner than Proactiv's 3-Step kit (no parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, or coal-tar dyes) and includes a few genuinely beneficial ingredients — glycerin, vitamin E (tocopherol), the barrier-supporting essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acid, and glycolic acid — but the confirmed benzene contamination plus undisclosed fragrance make this hard to recommend.
Contaminants 1
Source: U.S. FDA laboratory testing
Benzene Detected High
Detected by FDA testing. Benzene is an IARC Group 1 known human carcinogen with no safe exposure level, causally linked to leukemia and other blood cancers. Any detectable amount in a topical product is a genuine health concern.
U.S. FDA testing.
Key ingredients 10
BenzeneVery Bad
Detected by FDA testing. IARC Group 1 known human carcinogen with no safe exposure level — causally linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.
See more about Benzene →Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%Very Bad
FDA-approved acne active, but it is inherently unstable and spontaneously degrades into benzene via free-radical pathways, especially under heat.
See more about Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% →Undisclosed FragranceBad
Trade-secret blanket term that can legally hide aromachemicals, phthalate solvents, and synthetic musks; a common contact sensitizer.
See more about Undisclosed Fragrance →ParaffinBad
Petroleum-derived wax.
See more about Paraffin →DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
See more about Dimethicone →PhenoxyethanolBad
Synthetic preservative — a common irritation flag in leave-on products.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →GlycerinGood
Well-tolerated humectant that draws moisture into the skin barrier.
See more about Glycerin →Linoleic + Linolenic AcidGood
Essential fatty acids that reinforce the skin barrier and help calm acne-prone skin.
See more about Linoleic + Linolenic Acid →Glycolic AcidGood
Most-researched AHA — exfoliates, evens tone, and stimulates collagen.
See more about Glycolic Acid →Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Very Good
Lipid-soluble antioxidant that supports the skin barrier.
See more about Tocopherol (Vitamin E) →Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
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Amazon pricing & content
Amazon price for BASED Skin Revival Spray 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.
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