Has Noxzema Stood the Test of Time? Dermatologists Weigh In

While new-to-market brands and products tend to spark buzz with whatever cutting-edge technology or ingredient they're using, we've found that sometimes the best finds are ones that our mothers and grandmothers have sworn by for years. Of the many tried-and-true products that come to mind is Noxzema's Original Deep Cleansing Cream ($5).

For decades, the cobalt blue jar full of thick, white cream was in mostly every American household, followed shortly after by the brand's anti-blemish pads. They became a skincare staple for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people. But over the last few years, the beauty industry has evolved and consumers have made the switch from old favorites to newer formulas as R&D and science has evolved. So we have to ask: has Noxzema held up over time?

To get to the bottom of whether or not this oldie-but-goodie is still as good as our parents and grandparents remember it, we tapped two board-certified dermatologists and asked them to weigh in. Their insights, below.

What Is Noxzema?

To put it simply, Noxzema is a skincare brand that was made famous by their Original Deep Cleansing Cream ($5). Although the brand now has a range of products that includes a face wash and a scrub, it's still the original thick cream that people think of. Five key ingredients are found in both the deep cleansing cream and the moisturizing cleansing cream: camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, linseed oil, and soybean oil. Read on for a deep dive on these ingredients.

Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream $5.00

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Made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree, camphor decreases inflammation and reduces pain topically, according to dermatologist, Rachel Nazarian, MD. You can credit menthol for the tingly cool feel. "Similar to peppermint, menthol has a cooling sensation when applied topically to skin," says Dr. Nazarian. It's often used in after-sun creams to relieve pain, and in lip balms and glosses to give a plumping effect, as it improves blood flow. Menthol can be derived from peppermint or eucalyptus plants, but it's also frequently synthetically made.

The eucalyptus in Noxzema also contributes to its cooling sensation, dermatologist, Debra Jaliman, MD, adds. This ingredient cleanses pores and may help with acne because it’s a natural antiseptic that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Linseed oil is a fatty oil that improves hydration and the skin barrier; Dr. Nazarian says it's calming for dry and sensitive skin. Lastly, Dr. Nazarian adds that soybean oil is high in fatty acids and antioxidants. Not only is it moisturizing and calming, but it also protects skin from free radical damage, potentially helping to prevent wrinkles and premature aging.

Arguably the second most favorite Noxzema product is the Anti-Blemish Pads ($5). These pads also contain camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus, but with the added bonus of salicylic acid 2%, which is meant to gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.

Noxzema Anti-Blemish Pads $5.00

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Is Noxzema Safe?

It’s important to note that the Noxzema cleansing cream contains fragrance that may cause irritation. “Because it does have added fragrance (parfum), someone with very sensitive skin might react to this cleansing cream,” Dr. Jaliman says. This product also contains propylene glycol, which is known to be a common allergen. To be on the safe side, Dr. Nazarian says to avoid applying the cleansing cream to broken, inflamed, or highly reactive skin. Otherwise, Dr. Jaliman says this hydrating cleanser is good for all skin types and it cleanses without over-drying the skin, thanks to the oils in the formula.

As for the pads, Dr. Jaliman says they are safe for everyday use. “When starting these pads for the first time you might experience extra dryness or peeling,” she says. “This is normal for a product of this type. You might want to start with every other day and increase your usage over time as your skin becomes accustomed to them.” With that said, Dr. Jaliman recommends avoiding the pads if you have very sensitive skin. Similar to the cleansing cream, the anti-blemish pads contain fragrance, which might be irritating to some. Also worth noting: These pads don’t have any ingredients that could help soothe and calm your irritated, acne-prone skin.

Can Noxzema Help With Eczema?

Rumor has it, Noxzema got its name from a customer that claimed the cream "knocked out" his eczema. (The name was a portmanteau of "no eczema," but it was also a play on the customer’s words—knocks-zema). However, the manufacturer (Unilever) states that the product has not been tested as a treatment for eczema, and they don't make this claim. Curious as to why or how some consumers have noticed positive results from using the cleansing cream on their eczema or even psoriasis flare-ups, we consulted Dr. Jaliman for her opinion. As she explains it, the cleansing cream contains linseed oil (aka flaxseed oil), which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and benefits the health of the skin. Fatty acids keep the skin hydrated and moisturized and are also known to help with inflammation. With all of that information in mind, Dr. Jaliman says she would consider it safe for someone with those conditions. However, because it contains fragrance and propylene glycol, which are known to be irritating, it’s always important to consult your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

The Final Takeaway

All in all, Dr. Jaliman says these Noxzema products are safe for those who do not have sensitive skin that could react to the fragrance in the formula. As for the anti-blemish pads specifically, Dr. Jaliman also approves of these for everyday use on those with acne-prone skin, although you might want to start with every other day and build up over time. So what’s the final verdict? If you like the cooling, tingling sensation it gives, and you notice an improvement in your skin with Noxzema products, there’s no reason to swap out your classic favorites for the latest and greatest.