Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm Versus Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm

Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm Versus Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm Detailed comparison of Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm versus Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm. This oil-based makeup remover is made to dissolve makeup

This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.

Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm Versus Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm Detailed comparison of Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm versus Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm. This oil-based makeup remover is made to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup. This oil-based cleanser is made to cleanse without leaving your skin tight or dry. Ethylhexyl Palmitate Cetyl Ethylhexanoate PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Synthetic Wax PEG-8 Isostearate 1,2-Hexanediol Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Tocopheryl Acetate Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, PEG-8 Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil Diisooctyl Succinate Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters Trihydroxystearin Glyceryl Stearate Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Diisooctyl Succinate, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Trihydroxystearin, Glyceryl Stearate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel. While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns. Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source. This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out. This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%. Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In cosmetics, it plays many roles: One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day. For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is an ester of palmitic acid, a C16 fatty acid that falls within the C11-24 range that Malassezia can metabolize. PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate is a synthetic, oil-loving helper ingredient that does two jobs: This ingredient is made by joining three building blocks: PEG, Isostearic Acid and glycerin. The PEG gives it the oil-and-water blending power. This ingredient has been found safe for use in cosmetics and broader PEG family testing shows minimal irritation/sensitization. The molecule's large size also means it isn't expected to penetrate skin to any meaningful degree. Fungal acne note: This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe due to isostearic acid (C18). Isostearic acid falls into the C11-24 range that Malassezia can feed on. Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E. Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life. It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-rele