CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser - US Versus CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Updated on January 15, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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 Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 33 ingredients
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 33 ingredients
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate isn't fungal acne safe.
Coco-Betaine is the natural version of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is often derived from coconuts.
Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is used to improve texture and stability of a product. It is sugar based and helps thicken a product.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is created from polyethylene glycol and fatty acids from coconut oil.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleanser and surfactant. It is the sodium salt of the Cocoyl Glutamic Acid and comes from coconut oil. As a surfactant, it helps lift dirt and oil to be washed away.
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.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Capryloyl Glycine is created by adding an acyl group to glycine and caprylic acid chloride.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
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.
May worsen Eczema
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate isn't fungal acne safe.
This ingredient is derived from caprylic and capric acids. It is an emulsifier with emollient properties.
Water, Glycerin, Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Coco-Betaine, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polysorbate 20, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Squalane, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Capryloyl Glycine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Ppg-5-Ceteth-20, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
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.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Not safe for Fungal Acne
This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
May worsen Eczema
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Benzoic Acid, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
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 WaterPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Ceramide 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 NPCeramide 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 APCeramide 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. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCarbomer 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.
Triethyl Citrate is a fragrance.
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 LactylateCholesterol 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 CholesterolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolPhytosphingosine 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 PhytosphingosineXanthan 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 GumBenzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 33 ingredients
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 33 ingredients
channelorange
my fav foaming cleanser!! i've been through 5 bottles already and would always go back to buy this. i also have 2 other favorite foaming cleanser...
my fav foaming cleanser!! i've been through 5 bottles already and would always go back to buy this. i also have 2 other favorite foaming cleanser but i will buy this one in a heartbeat everytime i'm running out of this. there is no detectable fragrance and u can literally smell nothing. it foams into a silky lather once rubbed in ur hands and on ur face and it hydrates the skin so well and works for every skin type!! 5 outta 5 stars
Sara
Amazing product for such a great price! It works on every skin type without causing any breakouts nor irritation. It leaves my skin clearer than...
Amazing product for such a great price! It works on every skin type without causing any breakouts nor irritation. It leaves my skin clearer than any other gel cleanser i've ever tried, even melting waterproof makeup but without striping my skin at all. The only thing I dislike about it, it's the way it's advertised: It really makes you think it's an oil cleanser not only because of the writing in the bottle, but also because of the yellowish color (which is just a tint on the plastic, the product inside is transparent watery gel). But I don't mind it because it does such a great job that you could use it to substitute both your oil and water cleanser, turning two steps into one. Perfect for the days you're in a hurry and don't want to go with the full double cleansing method.
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients
-‘🕯️’-
Don’t get this omg. This was the FIRST skincare product i’ve ever used, I used it the night before my first homecoming,😭💔 It broke me out so bad...
Don’t get this omg. This was the FIRST skincare product i’ve ever used, I used it the night before my first homecoming,😭💔 It broke me out so bad especially on my forehead, which I now know was fungal acne. Since then I have never been able to get rid of my fungal acne (help.) So basically I went to my first hs hoco with a bumpy forehead (still bumpy.) 🥲
Harper Evans
Genuinely picked whatever was chapest from CVS. I was considering using cleansing oil but if I remember correctly, this one was cheaper. Also, I...
Genuinely picked whatever was chapest from CVS. I was considering using cleansing oil but if I remember correctly, this one was cheaper. Also, I felt like I could use this for longer. Another thing is that I saw influencers using cleansing balms and thought that was cool. (I am easily influenced)
Anyways started using this and I didn't really know how to use cleanser balms or oils. I thought you use it like normal soap. Later I learned that you have to apply it on your face and rub it for a while, take a bit of water and rub it for a while so that foam starts appearing, then you wash it off, then you wash again with your cleanser.
I never really trust cerave products because of so many bad reviews on how they make people break out. However, this balm actually worked so well for me. I am not entirely sure about how good it is in removing my makeup, but I didn't break out after this cerave balm.
I don't think its completely mild, because I would feel a tiny bit irritated after washing my face. I do have sensitive skin so thats probably why. My face becomes irritated a little but it would go away within 10 minutes. If you have extremely sensitive skin, then maybe don't use this one.
One thing that was amazing about this product was that **it cleans black heads and sebum plugs** !!! There was this once I would have so much sebum plugs and blackheads on my face. I wore foundation that day and when i was cleansing, I just rubbed this cleanser on my face. But then the more I rub, it was like taking the sebum plugs out of my skin. A very big amount of it disappeared. Ngl it worked better than exfoliating. Blew my mind.
Maybe this works for every cleansing balm or oil and not just cerave??(highly likely)
But I will be using this one, for I have no money.
Anyways liked the product
Thats surprising. Heard so much bad things abt this. Maybe i should try
Thats surprising. Heard so much bad things abt this. Maybe i should try
