Updated on September 19, 2023
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, silicones or sulfates
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
No7 Nourishing Cleansing Balm 17 ingredients
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
No7 Nourishing Cleansing Balm 17 ingredients
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
Oil 2 Concerns
Cocos Nucifera Oil is obtained from the kernels of the coconut fruit. In other words, this is coconut oil.
Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax isn't fungal acne safe.
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter comes from the Theobroma cacoa, or Cacao tree. Cacao trees are native to tropical landscapes.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
2 Concerns
Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Antioxidant Helps brighten skin
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.
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.
7 Benefits 3 Concerns
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
Paraben 2 Concerns
Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.
Paraben Non-Reef-Safe
Ethylparaben is a preservative, is a paraben, and is not reef safe.
Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Retinyl Palmitate, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isopropyl Myristate, Tocopherol
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
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.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Not safe for Fungal Acne
This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.
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.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
May worsen Eczema
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Benzoic Acid, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly. In fact, it is commonly used to evenly mix sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone. It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitatePeg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.
This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Peg-20 Glyceryl TriisostearatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
No7 Nourishing Cleansing Balm 17 ingredients
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
No7 Nourishing Cleansing Balm 17 ingredients
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm 22 ingredients
Harper Evans
Genuinely picked whatever was chapest from CVS. I was considering using cleansing oil but if I remember correctly, this one was cheaper. Also, I...
Genuinely picked whatever was chapest from CVS. I was considering using cleansing oil but if I remember correctly, this one was cheaper. Also, I felt like I could use this for longer. Another thing is that I saw influencers using cleansing balms and thought that was cool. (I am easily influenced)
Anyways started using this and I didn't really know how to use cleanser balms or oils. I thought you use it like normal soap. Later I learned that you have to apply it on your face and rub it for a while, take a bit of water and rub it for a while so that foam starts appearing, then you wash it off, then you wash again with your cleanser.
I never really trust cerave products because of so many bad reviews on how they make people break out. However, this balm actually worked so well for me. I am not entirely sure about how good it is in removing my makeup, but I didn't break out after this cerave balm.
I don't think its completely mild, because I would feel a tiny bit irritated after washing my face. I do have sensitive skin so thats probably why. My face becomes irritated a little but it would go away within 10 minutes. If you have extremely sensitive skin, then maybe don't use this one.
One thing that was amazing about this product was that **it cleans black heads and sebum plugs** !!! There was this once I would have so much sebum plugs and blackheads on my face. I wore foundation that day and when i was cleansing, I just rubbed this cleanser on my face. But then the more I rub, it was like taking the sebum plugs out of my skin. A very big amount of it disappeared. Ngl it worked better than exfoliating. Blew my mind.
Maybe this works for every cleansing balm or oil and not just cerave??(highly likely)
But I will be using this one, for I have no money.
Anyways liked the product
Thats surprising. Heard so much bad things abt this. Maybe i should try
Thats surprising. Heard so much bad things abt this. Maybe i should try
