Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser versus CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia .
Last updated on December 19, 2023. Published on April 02, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 17 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA, ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Price
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser 60 ingredients
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 24 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser 60 ingredients
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 24 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser 60 ingredients
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 24 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate • Coco-Betaine • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate • Sodium Chloride • PCA • Ppg-5-Ceteth-20 • Peg-100 Stearate • Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate • Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides • Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate • CI 77891 • Aspartic Acid • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Sorbitan Isostearate • Carbomer • Glycol Distearate • Glyceryl Stearate • Glyceryl Oleate • Glycine • Trideceth-6 • Cetearyl Alcohol • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Threonine • Sodium Hydroxide • Salicylic Acid • Sodium PCA • Sodium Lactate • Arginine • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Serine • Sodium Benzoate • Valine • Sodium Hyaluronate • Proline • Isoleucine • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Alanine • Phenylalanine • Coconut Acid • Coco-Glucoside • Chlorphenesin • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyethyl Urea • Citric Acid • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Caprylyl Glycol • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum • Histidine • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Polyquaternium-53 • Polyquaternium-39 • Polysorbate 60 • Ethylhexylglycerin • Benzoic Acid
Water • Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine • Glycerin • Niacinamide • Gluconolactone • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate • Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Calcium Gluconate • Salicylic Acid • Sodium Benzoate • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Disodium EDTA • Tetrasodium EDTA • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum • Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 1.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 1.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 2.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 4.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate isn't fungal acne safe.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 3.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 7.
Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate isn't fungal acne safe.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 10.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 8.
Ceramide 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 NPCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 15.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 9.
Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. 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 NP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide APCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 16.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 10.
Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide. EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
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 NP
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 17.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 11.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 19.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 12.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 29.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 14.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.
Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl LactylateCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 33.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 16.
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.
Sodium Benzoate 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 BenzoateCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 35.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 15.
Cholesterol 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 CholesterolCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 40.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 17.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 41.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 18.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTACeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 47.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 19.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine is already present in our skin. On our skin, it is a building block for ceramides.
Phytosphingosine tells our skin to increase its natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Phytosphingosine is also abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosineCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 52.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 22.
Xanthan 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 GumCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 53.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 23.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 59.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Australia contains this as ingredient number 24.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser 60 ingredients
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 24 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser 60 ingredients
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser 60 ingredients
(Using since 2020) This is one of my most reliable products since the start of my skincare journey and I've not switched to any other cleansers because of it. I've never experience issues with irritation or breaking out when using this...
(Using since 2020) This is one of my most reliable products since the start of my skincare journey and I've not switched to any other cleansers because of it. I've never experience issues with irritation or breaking out when using this product as there is no harsh fragrance and it's non-comedogenic. Aside from being a solid budget buy, it's very hydrating as a cleanser as my skin does not feel stripped after using it, and it does a great job at removing makeup (I even use this to clean my brushes). I would personally recommend this as a well-rounded cleanser for dry skin.
Quite hydrating
Helped me maintain a healthy skin barrier and gave nive hydration, otherwise my skin was still quite oily and mad many breakouts after usign this for 1 month
Quite hydrating
Helped me maintain a healthy skin barrier and gave nive hydration, otherwise my skin was still quite oily and mad many breakouts after usign this for 1 month
Great for dry skin!!
I used the normal Hydrating Facial Cleanser for over 2 years, I found my skin never felt clean and it made it feel extremely dry, I decided to try this one and its so much better!!!!! My skin doesn't feel stripped or...
Great for dry skin!!
I used the normal Hydrating Facial Cleanser for over 2 years, I found my skin never felt clean and it made it feel extremely dry, I decided to try this one and its so much better!!!!! My skin doesn't feel stripped or dry after using this, I use it after an oil cleanser and my skin always feels clean, definitely recommend.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 24 ingredients
Unbelievably good! I used this last night and it made my very sensitive skin quite red. However I need a cleanser to deal with my clogged pores and was reassured by the beneficial skin barrier ingredients. I also followed it with a...
Unbelievably good! I used this last night and it made my very sensitive skin quite red. However I need a cleanser to deal with my clogged pores and was reassured by the beneficial skin barrier ingredients. I also followed it with a soothing toner and lots of ceramides. Woke up and the redness is gone, and my clogged pores are visibly faded. Overnight! No new little breakouts, either. Highly recommend!
Doing the job!
I use this cleanser daily, and for my oily skin it’s been amazing and it’s affordable. Cleansing the face good and doesn’t dry out the skin. Just doing what it needs to. Recommend for acne prone skin.
Doing the job!
I use this cleanser daily, and for my oily skin it’s been amazing and it’s affordable. Cleansing the face good and doesn’t dry out the skin. Just doing what it needs to. Recommend for acne prone skin.
This cleanser cleanses your skin using 0.5 salicylic which cleans your pores really well without disrupting or damaging your skin barrier
This cleanser cleanses your skin using 0.5 salicylic which cleans your pores really well without disrupting or damaging your skin barrier
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