Noxzema is a historic American personal care brand best known for its deep cleansing creams and medicated skincare products. Founded in 1914 by pharmacist Dr. George A. Bunting, the brand is currently owned globally by Unilever (marketed through its Elida Beauty division) and in Greece by the Sarantis Group.

Core Identity and Offerings

Noxzema is widely recognized for its signature “Classic Clean Original Deep Cleansing Cream,” characterized by its distinctive eucalyptus scent and a “tingle” sensation upon application.

Key Products:
Its portfolio includes deep cleansing creams, anti-blemish pads, shaving creams, razors, deodorants, and shower gels.

Active Ingredients:
Formulations often include camphor, menthol, phenol, and eucalyptus. Some anti-acne products contain 2% salicylic acid to clear pores, while older specialized cleansers may have used triclosan (0.3%).

Efficacy:
The products are dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and designed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without over-drying the skin.

History and Corporate Ownership

The brand’s evolution is marked by its growth from a local Baltimore remedy to a global household name:

Early Beginnings (1914–1966):
Originally developed as a “sunburn remedy,” the “Miracle Cream of Baltimore” was hand-mixed by Dr. Bunting and sold in iconic cobalt blue jars. The company was originally known as the Noxzema Chemical Company.

Noxell Corporation (1966–1989):
The company was reorganized as Noxell Corporation, which also produced the recognizable Cover Girl makeup brand.

Acquisitions (1989–Present):
Procter & Gamble acquired Noxell in 1989.
Alberto-Culver purchased the rights from P&G in 2008.
Unilever acquired Alberto-Culver in 2010, integrating Noxzema into its portfolio.
In 2014, the Greek portion of the brand was sold to Sarantis Group for €8.7 million.

Business Profile

Headquarters:
Globally, Noxzema is managed under Elida Beauty (Unilever), with operations recently headquartered in Lewisville, Texas. The Greek branch is headquartered in Athens, Greece.

Market Position:
It is positioned as a mass-market brand, often available for under $5 per jar, and has recently seen a resurgence in popularity due to viral trends on platforms like TikTok.

Key Competitors:
Top competitors in the skincare space include NU Skin, Paula’s Choice, Banana Boat, SkinCeuticals, and Rodan + Fields.

Usage and Applications

Beyond its primary use as a facial cleanser and makeup remover, Noxzema is marketed for:

Skin Irritations:
Soothing chapped or sunburned skin.

Blemish Control:
Drawing dirt out of pores to address acne and pimples.

Application Method:
It can be applied to a wet or dry face, massaged in a circular motion, and rinsed thoroughly. It is a “vanishing cream,” meaning it disappears into the skin after a few minutes if left on.