Versus

Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser Versus SebaMed Clear Face Antibacterial Cleansing Foam

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
British Brand United Kingdom
German Brand Germany

Updated on October 03, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and 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 and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

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
Preservative

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.

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

15 Routines
47% use in am
53% use in pm
80% use every day
117 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
99% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser 23 ingredients

Calmwise Soothing Cleanser hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

SebaMed Clear Face Antibacterial Cleansing Foam 8 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Great Value (1) Light Scent (1) No Scent (1)
renatatjan's avatar

Renata

9 months ago
Review

Been using this for years but honestly, when it comes to fighting acne, this cleanser doesn't seem to have any effect on my skin. It leaves a somewhat "filmy" feeling afterward, which wasn't a pleasant experience initially, but I'm starting to get used to it over time. Doesn't remove sunscreen or any light makeup. Just a regular gentle and malassezia safe cleanser that doesn't exacerbate my skin Show more

#light scent
ShwethaRamakrishnan_682's avatar
Review

Does its job
Not stripping, cleanses well.