CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser Versus Biretix Purifying Active Cleansing Gel
Updated on February 18, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or silicones
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 Renewing SA Cleanser 27 ingredients
Biretix Purifying Active Cleansing Gel 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser 27 ingredients
Biretix Purifying Active Cleansing Gel 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Zea Mays Oil
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Chloride
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholecalciferol
Cholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Tetrasodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Zea Mays Oil, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholecalciferol, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Tea-Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Propanediol
SolventSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCocamide DEA
EmulsifyingAloe Barbadensis Sprout
HumectantAlgae Extract
Emollient
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMel Extract
MoisturisingOligopeptide-10
Antimicrobial
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Emulsifying
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Piroctone Olamine
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Propylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tea-Lauryl Sulfate, Propanediol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamide DEA, Aloe Barbadensis Sprout, Algae Extract, Propolis Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Mel Extract, Oligopeptide-10, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Gluconolactone, Disodium EDTA, Piroctone Olamine, Sodium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Calcium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol
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 WaterGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactonePEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate isn't fungal acne safe.
This ingredient is calcium salt of gluconic acid. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts water to your skin.
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 BenzoatePhenoxyethanol 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.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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 EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser 27 ingredients
Biretix Purifying Active Cleansing Gel 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser 27 ingredients
not good at all lol
1. it didnt clear my acne
2. it irritated tf out of my skin\
3. it broke me out
another miss from cerave
this wasn't a disaster for me because i luckily had skin oily enough to handle this. it was still very stripping though. i did like that it does make my pores, especially my sebaceous filaments on my nose disappear, especially after an oil cleanser, but it stripped my skin too much and possibly caused me a lot of breakouts.
