Versus

Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm Versus Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Makeup Remover
General Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on August 08, 2024

Overview

What they are

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

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for 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 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Moisture Surge™ 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
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
Masking, Preservative

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 Benzoate

When to use

94 Routines
10% use in am
91% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,052 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm 26 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Aquila's avatar

Aquila

3 years ago
Review

Farmacy's most gentle product
I first used its big sister, Green Clean, and loved it. However, Clearly Clean is superior for those with super sensitive, reactive skin. This gently cleanses, exfoliates, and removes all types of makeup just like Green Clean, but is safe for even the most sensitive skin. I have zero irritation from this product, and it doesn't leave my skin stinging and red like so Show more

kassia's avatar

Kassia

4 months ago
Review

Very meh. I do find it takes off makeup fine, but not any better than any other generic balm or oil, and not without using a considerable amount of product. I really don’t like its consistency and feel like it kind of sits on the skin, for which reason I don’t like using it for double cleansing either.

Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator 43 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 19 ratings
Hydrating (10) Light (8) Absorbs Well (7)
miss_dior's avatar

miss_dior

3 years ago
Review

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
My skin type: Dry, sensitive, eczema and redness-prone.
How long have I been using it? Two months.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros:
- Highly moisturizing, it does exactly what it promises
- Very light, pleasant gel-like texture, absorbs easily into the skin
- Excellent as a makeup base
- Allergy tested and fragrance-free, it did not Show more

haileyh's avatar

Hailey Henry

7 months ago
Review

I am soooo dry, but can’t use oil because of my acne, this solves both these issues. It leaves me glowing ✨

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well