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CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm Versus Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

Makeup Remover
Makeup Remover
Canadian Brand Canada
American Brand United States

Updated on September 19, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 1 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Ethylhexyl Palmitate Emollient
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
3 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyethylene Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon

Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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.

Ceramide NP Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
CeramideCeramide Icon 4 Benefits

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramide AP Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
CeramideCeramide Icon 4 Benefits

Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.

Ceramide EOP Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
CeramideCeramide Icon 4 Benefits

Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide.

Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Triethyl Citrate Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Triethyl Citrate is a fragrance.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifying

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.

Cholesterol Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon
2 Benefits

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

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.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

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.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Tocopherol Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 4 Benefits May cause irritationMay cause irritation Icon

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.

0-3 Com. / 0-3 Irr.
Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Phytosphingosine Skin Conditioning

Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.

Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

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.

Disliked Full details ->
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Benzoic Acid Masking, Preservative
Preservative IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Ppg-26-Buteth-26 Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ppg-26-Buteth-26.

Disliked Full details ->
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Emulsifying
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Living Cleansing Balm
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0 Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
2-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-8 Isostearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-8 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Cera Microcristallina Emulsion Stabilising
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cera Microcristallina isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil also known as seabuckthorn oil. This oil is usually extracted from the fruit pulp or seeds.

Ceresin Emulsion Stabilising
0 / 0

Ceresin is a wax derived from ozokerite. It is an alternative to beeswax.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Synthetic Wax Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon 2 Concerns

Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil Emollient
1 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil is from the seed of the Babassu palm plant. This plant is native to Brazil.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract comes from the persimmon, a fruit native to India, China, and Korea. It is rich in antioxidants and contains skin nourishing vitamins.

Unknown Full details ->
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil Astringent, Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon OilOil Icon

Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.

Disliked Full details ->
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon OilOil Icon

Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the peel of the Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, Rutaceae.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil Masking, Skin Conditioning
Oil Icon
OilOil Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is oil expressed from the leaves of the rosemary plant.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin.

Disliked Full details ->
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon

Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is an exfoliant.

Unknown Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emollient, Emulsifying
Very Disliked

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.

This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
9
1
11
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Living Cleansing Balm
2
4
9
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

61 Routines
11% use in am
89% use in pm
85% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
93 Routines
12% use in am
88% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Broke Me Out (1) Doesn't Work (1) Great Value (1)
freechurro's avatar

-‘🕯️’-

24 days ago · Combination Skin
Review

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.) 🥲

HarpEvs's avatar

Harper Evans

2 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

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

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm 18 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
JeeNee's avatar

JeeNee

3 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

It’s just okay for me. I received in a box I subscribe to and I don’t find myself reaching for it