Versus

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser - Australia Versus Balea Med Ultra Sensitive Waschgel

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
German Brand Germany

Updated on February 24, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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.

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 Water
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
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.

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 Gum

When to use

1,918 Routines
42% use in am
58% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
322 Routines
41% use in am
59% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 24 ingredients

3.2 /5
from 29 ratings
Irritating (9) Broke Me Out (9) Works Well (8)
Samantha_628's avatar

Samantha_628

1 year ago
Review

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 Show more

#light
#no scent
#works well
Nero's avatar

Nero

1 year ago
Review

Broke me out for months on end

#broke me out
#irritating
#sticky
#doesn't work

Balea Med Ultra Sensitive Waschgel 10 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 11 ratings
Drying (5) No Scent (5) Works Well (4)
noorclean's avatar

Noor Clean

3 months ago
Review

Gentle formula suppose for sensitive skin but sadly it gave me closed comedones

#broke me out
#light
#no scent
javierbellidoroldan's avatar

Javier Bellido Roldan

5 months ago
Review

Great for the price. It is fungal acne safe but for my oily skin it is a bit too dry. I love the texture!

#great value
#drying
#no scent
#works well