Versus

Haruharu Wonder Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm Versus Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser

Makeup Remover
Face Cleanser
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on March 31, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan?

This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Is squalane an oil?

Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.

The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.

While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.

Learn more about Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
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, 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
Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

When to use

25 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
80% use every day
280 Routines
42% use in am
58% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Haruharu Wonder Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm 18 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Hydrating (2) No Scent (2) Great Value (1)
paolalissethgallardo's avatar

Paola

6 months ago
Review

I have rosacea and this works very well with my flare ups and acne. Doesn't dry out my skin but leaves it very clean and fresh.

#hydrating
#light
#no scent
#works well
Auria's avatar

Auria

6 months ago
Review

One of the best cleansing balms out there. I love the buttery texture and it melts my makeup up pretty well. Also, it has no fragrance so this is good for those with sensitive skin! So far, I haven’t experience any negative side effects from this balm and I prefer using it over an oil cleanser for my double cleansing routine as it is more moisturizing!

#great value
#hydrating
#no scent

Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser 30 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Hydrating (3) Works Well (3) Great Value (2)
violetohl's avatar

Violet Ohl

3 months ago
Review

Love this gel cleanser. It is so hydrating and doesn’t strip the skin, but I feel squeaky clean. I use this twice a day & I have Rosacea & acne/fungal acne prone skin. I was concerned about the citric acid but I haven't had any negative reactions or noticed any acne as a result of using this product.

I also have a sensitivity to high strengths of butylene glycol but this one does not irritate Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#no scent
#works well
khrystinaclarke's avatar

Khrystina Clarke

3 months ago
Review

Love this cleanser so much! It has fast become my HG! It feels so comfortable and soothing, no feel of stripping at all and it gives my skin the most beautiful glow and softness. It also has no niacinamide (lol!)... I had way too many products in my routine with that ingredient.

#great value
#hydrating
#works well