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Moisturizing Cleansing Cream

Moisturizing Cleansing Cream

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A classic American cleansing cream that deep cleans pores while providing extra moisture. Formulated with soybean and linseed oils, this cream cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup while delivering the signature Noxzema cooling tingle sensation for refreshed, soft skin.

Dermatologist Tested Non-Comedogenic Removes Makeup Deep Cleansing Added Moisturizers Cooling Tingle
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2/5
Size
12 oz (340g)
Type
Cream Cleanser
Concern
Deep Cleansing
Use
AM/PM
Key Oil
Soybean
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Deep Pore Cleansing

Reaches deep into pores to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping skin of essential moisture.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Rich Cream
Scent
Eucalyptus-Menthol
Absorption
Rinse Off
Finish
Soft & Smooth

Deep Pore Cleansing

Reaches deep into pores to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping skin of essential moisture.

Added Moisturizers

Enhanced with soybean oil and glycerin to provide extra hydration while cleansing for softer skin.

Cooling Tingle Sensation

The signature Noxzema tingle from eucalyptus and menthol leaves skin feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Natural Plant Oils

Formulated with linseed and soybean oils rich in omega fatty acids to nourish and condition skin.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. Topical use in cleansers is generally considered low-risk, but consult your healthcare provider before use.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not FA-safe. Contains soybean oil, linseed oil, and stearic acid which can feed malassezia yeast.

Dermatologist Tested

Clinically tested and approved for safety. Non-comedogenic formula designed not to clog pores.

Contains Parabens

Formula includes methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives. Also contains DMDM Hydantoin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil 3-5%Proven

A cost-effective plant oil rich in barrier-repairing linoleic acid (48-59%) and nourishing oleic acid (17-30%). Provides moisturizing and emollient benefits.

  • Linoleic Acid: 48-59% - Helps repair skin barrier
  • Oleic Acid: 17-30% - Provides deep nourishment
  • Vitamin E: Natural antioxidant protection
May not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin as it can feed malassezia.

Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil 3-5%Proven

One of the few natural plant oils rich in omega-3 fatty acid (linolenic acid). Known for anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

  • Linolenic Acid: 35-65% - Anti-inflammatory omega-3
  • Oleic Acid: 11-35% - Skin nourishing
  • Linoleic Acid: 11-24% - Barrier repairing

Glycerin 2-4%Proven

A powerful humectant naturally found in skin. Studies show it may be more effective than hyaluronic acid at hydrating skin.

  • Humectant: Draws moisture to skin
  • Low Molecular Weight: Penetrates deeper layers
  • Antimicrobial: Natural protective properties
Safe for all skin types including sensitive and fungal acne-prone skin.

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil 0.5-1%Promising

Essential oil with antibacterial properties and the signature cooling sensation. Contains eucalyptol (80-91%) as its main component.

  • Eucalyptol: 80-91% - Antibacterial properties
  • Cooling Effect: Creates refreshing tingle
  • Aromatherapy: Invigorating scent
May cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies or very reactive skin.

Menthol & Camphor <1%Functional

Cooling agents that create the signature Noxzema tingle. Camphor also has anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties.

  • Cooling Sensation: Activates cold receptors in skin
  • Refreshing Effect: Invigorating feel after cleansing
  • Anti-inflammatory: May help soothe irritation

22 ingredients

Water (Aqua, Eau), Stearic Acid, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum), Gelatin, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Hydroxide, Methylparaben, Camphor, Menthol, DMDM Hydantoin, Propylparaben, Calcium Hydroxide, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride

FREE FROM: Sulfates, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Alcohol (Denat.), Phthalates, Artificial Colors
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your first cleansing step. Can be used AM and PM. For heavy makeup, consider double cleansing with an oil cleanser first.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Apply to Face

On a wet or dry face, apply a generous amount of the cleansing cream with your fingertips.

2

Massage Gently

Using fingertips or a wet washcloth, gently massage in circular motions for 30-60 seconds.

3

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Avoid direct contact with eyes.

4

Pat Dry & Continue

Gently pat face dry and follow with your regular skincare routine.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want a budget-friendly deep cleanser
  • You enjoy the classic cooling tingle sensation
  • You have oily or combination skin
  • You need effective makeup removal
  • You prefer nostalgic, time-tested products
  • You want added moisture while cleansing

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You are sensitive to fragrances or essential oils
  • You prefer fragrance-free products
  • You have very dry or eczema-prone skin
  • You want to avoid parabens or formaldehyde-releasers
  • You are pregnant/breastfeeding (consult doctor first)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Deep cleansing formula effectively removes excess oil. The cooling sensation helps control shine and refreshes oily skin.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across T-zone and cheeks. Added moisturizers prevent over-drying dry areas.

Normal Skin
Good

Works well for daily cleansing. Provides a thorough clean without disrupting skin balance.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Added moisturizers help, but may still feel slightly drying. Follow with a rich moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Contains fragrance, eucalyptus, and menthol which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test first.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic and deep cleansing. However, not suitable for fungal acne specifically.

08

Results timeline

ONGOING
Immediately

Clean, Refreshed Feeling

Skin feels deeply cleansed with a cooling tingle sensation. Makeup and daily grime are removed.

95% noticed
1 Week

Softer, Smoother Skin

With consistent use, skin texture begins to improve. Pores appear cleaner and less congested.

80% noticed
2-4 Weeks

Improved Clarity

Regular use helps maintain clear skin. Oil production may feel more balanced on oily skin types.

70% noticed
Ongoing

Maintained Results

Long-term users report consistently clean, soft skin. Many have used Noxzema for decades with good results.

85% satisfied
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Target
★★★★½ 4.5
Rating
340+
Reviews
Main complaint: Formula seems thinner than the original version
Walmart
4.2
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some received products with watery consistency or damaged packaging
Amazon
★★★★½ 4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Formula changes over the years; may feel drying for some
MakeupAlley
4.0
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong eucalyptus scent; not effective enough as a standalone makeup remover
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Affordable drugstore price point (~$5-7)
  • Nostalgic, time-tested formula since 1914
  • Signature cooling tingle is refreshing
  • Deep cleans without over-drying
  • Removes makeup effectively
  • Added moisturizers for softer skin
  • Large 12oz jar is economical
  • Dermatologist tested

Criticized

  • Strong eucalyptus scent may be overpowering
  • Formula has changed over the years
  • Contains parabens and DMDM Hydantoin
  • Not suitable for fungal acne
  • May be too intense for very sensitive skin
  • Jar packaging less hygienic than tubes
  • Menthol/camphor concerning for pregnancy
  • Some batches have inconsistent texture
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
Equate Deep Cleansing Skin Cream (Walmart)
$2.50
Budget Pick

Nearly identical formula to classic Noxzema with camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. Same cooling tingle at half the price.

75% Match
Cream Cleanser
$5.99
Similar Price

Another classic cold cream cleanser. 50% moisturizer formula is richer but lacks the cooling tingle. Better for dry skin.

60% Match
Hydrating Cream-To-Foam Cleanser
$14.99

Modern formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe. No cooling sensation.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Cream Cleanser
Size 6.1 oz (173g)
Key Ingredients Mineral Oil, Beeswax
Fragrance Powdery Rose
Fungal Acne Safe No
Price per oz $0.98/oz
Hydrating Cleanser
Size 12 oz (355ml)
Key Ingredients Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe No
Price per oz $1.25/oz
Moisturizing Cleansing Cream
Size 12 oz (340g)
Key Ingredients Eucalyptus Oil, Soybean Oil
Fragrance Stronger Eucalyptus
Fungal Acne Safe No
Price per oz $0.46/oz
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lid tightly closed to prevent drying out.

Packaging

Plastic jar with screw-top lid (45% less plastic than previous packaging)

Travel Friendly

12oz jar exceeds TSA limit. Purchase 2oz travel size for carry-on.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This product contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil which some experts recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While topical use in rinse-off cleansers is generally considered lower risk than leave-on products, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use. Do not apply near the breast area if breastfeeding.

No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains soybean oil, linseed oil, and stearic acid - all of which can feed malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne. If you have pityrosporum folliculitis, consider FA-safe alternatives like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.

Yes, as a cleanser, Noxzema can be used with most active ingredients since it rinses off. However, the menthol and eucalyptus may cause additional sensitivity when combined with strong actives. If you experience irritation, consider using a gentler cleanser on nights when you use potent treatments, or buffer by waiting 15-20 minutes after cleansing before applying actives.

This cleanser works best for oily and combination skin types. The deep cleansing action effectively removes excess oil, while the added moisturizers prevent over-drying. Normal skin will also benefit. Those with dry or sensitive skin may find it slightly drying or irritating due to the menthol and eucalyptus - always follow with a good moisturizer.

You'll feel clean, refreshed skin immediately after the first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you should notice softer, smoother skin with less congestion. For acne improvement or significant changes in skin texture, allow 4-8 weeks of regular use. Remember, a cleanser's primary job is to clean - pair it with appropriate treatments for specific skin concerns.

Noxzema is your cleansing step - use it first in your routine, both morning and evening. Apply to wet or dry skin, massage gently, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with toner (optional), serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). For heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser first, then Noxzema.

Noxzema is labeled as non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested. We rate it 2/5 on the comedogenic scale. While it contains soybean oil which has medium comedogenic potential, as a rinse-off cleanser the risk of clogging pores is minimal. The deep cleansing action actually helps remove pore-clogging debris. However, ensure you rinse thoroughly to prevent residue buildup.

Noxzema has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best results. Store with the lid tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the texture becomes watery, changes color, or develops an off smell, discard and replace. The 12oz jar typically lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Noxzema Moisturizing Cleansing Cream is a classic, affordable cleanser that has stood the test of time since 1914. It excels at deep cleaning oily and combination skin while providing the signature cooling tingle that fans love. The added moisturizers make it gentler than the original formula. However, it's not for everyone - those with fungal acne, fragrance sensitivities, or concerns about parabens should look elsewhere. At under $6 for a 12oz jar, it offers exceptional value for those who tolerate the formula well. A reliable drugstore staple for no-fuss, effective cleansing.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
45% 13% 4% 36%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 22 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
0 Unknown
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS