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Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser Versus Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser For Sensitive Skin - US

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
British Brand United Kingdom
American Brand United States

Updated on October 24, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any 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

Free from

Safety & Ethics

British Brand

Brand country of origin

Free from

Safety & Ethics

American Brand

Brand country of origin

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Flawless Cleanser
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.

Loved by users
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PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides Emulsifying

This ingredient is derived from caprylic and capric acids. It is an emulsifier with emollient properties.

Disliked by users
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PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Emulsifying
Can worsen Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is created from polyethylene glycol and fatty acids from coconut oil.

Very disliked
2 Concerns
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Poloxamer 188 Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Poloxamer 188 yet.

Not enough ratings
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Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.

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Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not 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
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
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Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.

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2 Benefits
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Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative 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
PreservativePreservative Icon
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Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant 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.
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Vitamin EVitamin E IconAntioxidantAntioxidant Icon
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Benzyl Alcohol Perfuming, Preservative, Solvent
Alcohol IconFragrance IconPreservative IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

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.

Very disliked
AlcoholAlcohol IconFragranceFragrance IconPreservativePreservative Icon6 Concerns
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Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked by users
AHAAHA Icon5 BenefitsMay worsen RosaceaMay worsen Rosacea Icon
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Allantoin Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
4 Benefits
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Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked by users
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Dehydroacetic Acid Preservative
Preservative Icon

Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.

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PreservativePreservative Icon
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BHT Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant Icon

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

Very disliked
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon
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Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
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.

Loved by users
Learn more
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
2 Benefits
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Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Mixed reviews
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
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Avena Sativa Kernel Flour Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant Icon

Oatmeal flour is created by grinding down the kernels of oats. Oatmeal helps sooth, hydrate, and protect the skin.

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ExfoliantExfoliant Icon
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Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not 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
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Learn more
Poloxamer 188 Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Poloxamer 188 yet.

Not enough ratings
Learn more
Zea Mays Starch Abrasive, Absorbent, Skin Protecting
Exfoliant Icon

Zea Mays Starch is starch made from corn. You might know this as cornstarch . It is used to thicken a product. It can replace talc as an absorbent.

Disliked by users
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon
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Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Emulsion Stabilising

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Disliked by users
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Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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

Liked by users
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Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative 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
PreservativePreservative Icon
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Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked by users
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Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Mixed reviews
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Sodium Polyacrylate Absorbent, Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid.

Mixed reviews
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Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

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.

Mixed reviews
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Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant Icon

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice is an antioxidant.

Disliked by users
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon
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Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon
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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
Loved

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
Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Poloxamer 188 yet.

Emulsifying
Very Disliked

Polysorbate 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 20
Preservative
Very Disliked

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.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Disliked

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 EDTA

When to use

38 Routines
37% use in am
63% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
822 Routines
44% use in am
56% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser 15 ingredients

Flawless Cleanser hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser For Sensitive Skin 16 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 22 ratings
Works Well (8) Light (7) Great Value (6)
mfodorova's avatar

Marketa Fodorova

3 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Great for my broken skin barrier. I have dehydrated skin, clog prone (acne prone) with oily T-zone. This one is gentle, non striping and did NOT...

Great for my broken skin barrier. I have dehydrated skin, clog prone (acne prone) with oily T-zone. This one is gentle, non striping and did NOT cause me acne.

honimoli's avatar

honimoli

1 month ago · Dry Skin
Review

It's even gentler than LRP Toleriane Hydrating cleanser, and doesn't sting my eyes compared to that one! I love it so much! It has a creamy gel,...

It's even gentler than LRP Toleriane Hydrating cleanser, and doesn't sting my eyes compared to that one! I love it so much! It has a creamy gel, slightly sticky consistency, very soft, with a slight oat smell that I have fallen in love with. It is non-foaming, and while it's not hydrating or moisturizing, it doesn't strip your face at all.

It is now my holy grail cleanser, especially when my face is sensitive.