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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel versus Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on May 05, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Makeup Remover American Brand United States

Makeup Remover

Makeup removers work to remove makeup from the skin.

Makeup Remover

Makeup removers work to remove makeup from the skin.

Price

Shop

Buy Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel

Starts at $17.00
Shop

Buy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

Starts at $36.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 1.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 26.

2
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 3.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 27.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 5.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 15.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.

Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 13.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 16.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.

Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 16.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 17.

6
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Liked

Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.

Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.

Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.

The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. It has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.

Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 17.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 24.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.

Holy Basil is rich in antioxidants due to its high romarinic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin content. The ferulic acid may help with skin brightening and help soothe the skin.

Antioxidants may help with anti-aging due to its ability to neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage skin cells and DNA.

While Holy Basil has many claims to help fight acne, more research is needed.

One thing to note is the presence of tannins. Tannins are naturally found in nature. This compound may be skin-sensitizing.

Learn more about Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 19.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 25.

8
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.

Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.

The term '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.

Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 22.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 19.

9
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. This bergamot is native to Italy.

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is used to add fragrance to products. It contains limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate.

The term '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.

When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to its furanocoumarins. Photosensitizers make the skin and eyes much more sensitive to sunlight. Photosensitizers are linked to skin cancer.

However, more cosmetics using Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil are removing the furanocoumarins.

Bergamot oil was also found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 23.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 14.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.

Corallina Officinalis Extract contains antioxidant and emollient properties.

Extracted polysaccharides, galactose and xylose, in red algae showed antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help with anti-aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA. Galactose is also a PHA.

Corallina Officinalis is structurally similar to coral due to its high calcium content.

Learn more about Corallina Officinalis Extract

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 26.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 18.

11
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 31.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 2.

12
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 33.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 30.

13
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term '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.

Learn more about Limonene

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 37.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 32.

14
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 38.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 33.

15
What it does: Perfuming

Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.

The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.

The term '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.

The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.

Learn more about Citral

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel contains this as ingredient number 39.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm contains this as ingredient number 31.

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

33% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet
33% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
36% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Tula Skincare Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel 39 ingredients

Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm 33 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 5 ratings
Expensive (2) Works Well (2) Drying (1) Irritating (1) Strong Scent (1)
lina_164's avatar

lina_164

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

phenomenal for removing makeup and feels nice on the skin, but unfortunately this made my eczema flare up and dried my skin out :p also just too...

phenomenal for removing makeup and feels nice on the skin, but unfortunately this made my eczema flare up and dried my skin out :p also just too pricey for me

xena's avatar

xena

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

my favorite cleanser to date! it does not make me dry like other products, and it leaves my face feeling so soft.

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