Dr. Barbara Sturm The Cleanser Versus Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser
Updated on November 16, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens and 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
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Cleanser 19 ingredients
Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser 23 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
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Cleanser 19 ingredients
Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate
CleansingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Urea
Buffering
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Pantolactone
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Panthenol, Urea, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Salicylic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Pantolactone, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex
Antioxidant
Phytonadione Epoxide
AstringentTeprenone
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Glucoside, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Phytonadione Epoxide, Teprenone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 BenzoateWe don't have a description for Sodium Cocoamphoacetate yet.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Cleanser 19 ingredients
Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser 23 ingredients
Reviews
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