Versus

Merle Norman Super-Lube Versus Nivea Crème - American

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
American Brand United States
German Brand Germany

Updated on July 26, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or silicones

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

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

Merle Norman Super-Lube 7 ingredients

Nivea Crème 16 ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Merle Norman Super-Lube 7 ingredients

Nivea Crème 16 ingredients

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Emollient

Petrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.

This ingredient is effective at reducing water loss by 99%. This is because it is an occlusive. Occlusives create a hydrophobic barrier on the skin to prevent evaporation. This property makes it great for hydrating dry skin.

Pro tip: Use occlusives, such as this ingredient, on damp skin for the best results.

The quality or origin of petrolatum is only known when disclosed by the brand. Most cosmetic petrolatum has gone through several purification stages.

Another benefit of occlusives is it protects your skin against infection or allergies.

Petrolatum may not be safe for fungal-acne. Studies show mineral oil / petroleum leads to the growth of M. Furfur, a type of yeast.

Learn more about Petrolatum
Emulsion Stabilising

Microcrystalline Wax is created by de-oiling petroleum. It is highly refined and purified before being added to cosmetics.

Microcrystalline Wax is used to enhance the texture and create even consistency. It helps stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.

Emollient, Skin Protecting, Solvent

Paraffinum Liquidum is also known as liquid paraffin. It is a type of highly refined mineral oil.

Like other oils, Paraffinum Liquidum has emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. By creating a barrier to trap moisture within, emollients help keep your skin hydrated.

Paraffinum Liquidum does not irritate the skin and is non-comedogenic.

Learn more about Paraffinum Liquidum
Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

When to use

Merle Norman Super-Lube 7 ingredients

Nivea Crème 16 ingredients

2 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
100% use every day
508 Routines
41% use in am
59% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Merle Norman Super-Lube 7 ingredients

Super-Lube hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Nivea Crème 16 ingredients

3.1 /5
from 12 ratings
Heavy (9) Oily (7) Hydrating (6)
rizz's avatar

rizz

1 year ago
Review

It's just so so, gives my skin a smooth and glowy finish but it looks too oily on my skin as someone that has oily skin. I only use this at night though

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#oily
MadisonB's avatar

MadisonB

1 year ago
Review

It works well before you put on make up but I mostly use it early in the evening. Right before bed I wipe off the excess. Moisturises well and is not irritating. Difficult to work with if your face/fingers are still somewhat damp.

#great value
#hydrating
#heavy
#oily