CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Versus Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser 25 ingredients
Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel 25 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser 25 ingredients
Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingPropanediol
SolventPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tetrasodium EDTA
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Propanediol, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Niacinamide, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingBoswellia Serrata Resin Extract
SmoothingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingMannitol
HumectantCholesterol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Salicylic Acid, Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Ceramide NP, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylcholine, Mannitol, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolThis ingredient is derived from caprylic and capric acids. It is an emulsifier with emollient properties.
According to the manufacturer, it is hydrophilic and soluble in aqueous solutions (water). They also state this ingredient is stable in a medium pH range (~5 - 8).
As an emulsifier, it helps make oils and oil-soluble ingredients more soluble in water.
Learn more about PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser 25 ingredients
Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser 25 ingredients
It was the first western cleanser that i ever used and definitely the last.
Hated how no matter how much i scrub my face it doesn’t feel clean at all, plus it dried my face like hell.
Never buying anything from this brand❌
It’s bot the worst cleanser there is, but it’s bad enough. it doesnt even deserve these two starts. instead of helping me with my fungal acne, it’s causing more. i have oily skin and this cleanser dries my skin SO bad. i tried once not to use mosturizer to see if the dry feeling is from the cleanser and it was; my whole face hurt and it was very red and sensitive. i don t recommend this cleanser Show more
Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel 25 ingredients
(for context i have very dry sensitive-ish acne prone skin) WAYYY too drying and irritating after one use my skin was so red and inflamed and dry it was flaking off around my mouth and overall just a horrible painful experience i thought at first i just went too hard with differin the other night so i used it again the next day (WORST DECISION EVER) it felt like my skin was on FIRE would not Show more
Its not made my acne go away entirely but i certainly saw an improvement. I went to Barcelona and broke out so bad with my normal products and when I got back home was suffering it became almost cystic acne and this reduced the amount on my face and the severity so much 🙏
