Aveeno Positively Radiant Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer

A dual-action acne-fighting moisturizer that utilizes Salicylic Acid and Soy to clear breakouts while improving skin tone and texture.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula features a well-balanced combination of 0.5% Salicylic Acid (a BHA) to gently exfoliate pores and prevent breakouts, alongside Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, which is excellent for brightening and evening out skin tone and texture. It includes reliable moisturizing agents like Glycerin and Dimethicone, ensuring the skin remains hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. It is particularly effective for those with mild acne or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Safety Rating: 3.8

The primary safety concern is the inclusion of Fragrance, which can be a sensitizer or irritant, especially for those with sensitive skin barriers or during a breakout. As this contains Salicylic Acid (an exfoliant), users must be diligent about wearing sunscreen as it can increase sun sensitivity. The rest of the ingredient list is generally considered safe, utilizing standard emulsifiers and preservatives.

Final Rating: 4.0

This is a solid daily moisturizer for blemish-prone or combination skin. It effectively creates a bridge between an acne treatment and a moisturizer by combining mild chemical exfoliation with skin-brightening soy. While the performance potential is high for correcting uneven tone, the presence of added fragrance slightly lowers the rating, as it is unnecessary and potentially irritating in a facial skincare product.

Verdict

This facial moisturizer is designed as a multi-functional product that bridges the gap between a daily hydrator and a mild acne treatment. The formulation is centered around 0.5% Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is essential for oily and acne-prone skin types. This active ingredient works by penetrating deep into the pores to dissolve sebum and cellular debris, effectively treating current blemishes and preventing future breakouts without the intense dryness often associated with higher concentrations of acne medication. Complementing the chemical exfoliation is the inclusion of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract. Soy is a well-regarded botanical ingredient known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to manage uneven skin tone. By incorporating soy, the moisturizer addresses the secondary concerns of acne sufferers, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dullness, helping to reveal a brighter and more radiant complexion. In terms of texture, the product employs Dimethicone and C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate to create a smooth, non-greasy finish. These emollients ensure the product applies easily and sits well under makeup, making it an excellent option for daytime wear. The addition of Glycerin provides necessary hydration to counterbalance the potential drying effects of the salicylic acid. However, potential users should be cautious regarding the presence of Fragrance. While it enhances the sensory experience, synthetic fragrance is a common irritant that can trigger reactions in those with sensitive skin or compromised skin barriers. Additionally, the formula includes milder surfactants and thickeners like Polyacrylamide, ensuring the product remains stable but distinct from ‘clean’ beauty formulations. Overall, this is a solid choice for individuals with combination to oily skin who need a lightweight moisturizer that actively maintains pore clarity.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Salicylic Acid (0.5%) / 水杨酸

Purpose: Acne Treatment / Exfoliant

Concerns: Can cause dryness, peeling, or irritation, especially on sensitive skin. Sun sensitivity.

Notes: A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to clear acne and prevent breakouts.

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 Methyl Gluceth-20 / 甲基葡糖醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle water-binding agent.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A highly effective skin-identical ingredient that replenishes hydration.

📁 Emollients & Silicones / 润肤剂与硅油

🧪 C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate / C12-15 醇苯甲酸酯

Purpose: Emollient / Texture Enhancer

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: Provides a silky feel and conditions the skin.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive / Emollient

Concerns: Can trap debris if not washed off properly, but generally non-comedogenic.

Notes: A silicone that forms a protective barrier and provides a smooth slip.

🧪 Phenyl Trimethicone / 苯基聚三甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A silicone used to improve the texture and spreadability.

🧪 PPG-15 Stearyl Ether / PPG-15 硬脂醇醚

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: Helps prevent moisture loss and improves skin feel.

🧪 C13-14 Isoparaffin / C13-14 异链烷烃

Purpose: Texture Enhancer / Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Mineral oil derivative often used in thickening gel blends.

📁 Fatty Alcohols, Emulsifiers & Thickeners / 脂肪醇、乳化剂与增稠剂

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Emulsifier

Concerns: Generally safe, but can be comedogenic for very acne-prone skin types.

Notes: A fatty alcohol that stabilizes the product and softens skin.

🧪 Arachidyl Alcohol / 花生醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol used to boost viscosity.

🧪 Behenyl Alcohol / 山嵛醇

Purpose: Thickener / Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle fatty alcohol.

🧪 Polyacrylamide / 聚丙烯酰胺

Purpose: Film Former / Binder

Concerns: Trace contamination of acrylamide is monitored in cosmetics.

Notes: Creates a thin film on the skin and helps texture.

🧪 Cetearyl Glucoside / 鲸蜡硬脂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle emulsifier typically derived from coconut and glucose.

🧪 Ceteareth-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Can enhance penetration of other ingredients; potential for contamination if not purified generally low in modern cosmetics.

Notes: Helps water and oil mix.

🧪 Arachidyl Glucoside / 花生醇葡糖苷

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Mild surfactant/emulsifier.

🧪 Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer / 乙烯/丙烯酸共聚物

Purpose: Binder / Film Former

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps suspend ingredients and improve texture.

🧪 Laureth-7 / 月桂醇聚醚-7

Purpose: Emulsifier / Surfactant

Concerns: Potential for contamination (1,4-dioxane) if not properly purified.

Notes: Works with Polyacrylamide to stabilize the formula.

📁 Botanicals / 植物提取物

🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract / 野大豆籽提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant / Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains isoflavones and antioxidants that can help brighten skin and provide anti-aging benefits.

📁 Additives (Fragrance, pH, Stabilizers) / 添加剂(香精、pH调节、稳定剂)

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: High risk of irritation or allergic reaction for sensitive skin.

Notes: Added for sensory appeal, offers no skincare benefit.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents minerals in water from bonding with ingredients, ensuring stability.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Can be irritating in high concentrations, but safe as a pH adjuster.

Notes: Ensures the product pH is optimal for the active ingredient and skin.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Highly corrosive in raw form, but safe and neutralized in the final product.

Notes: Used to raise the pH level of the formula.