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What Are Some Uses for Noxzema

By Jason Wong
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 71,345
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Discover the secret uses of Noxzema, a versatile skin-care staple with a legacy of efficacy. Originating in a distinctive blue jar, Noxzema is more than just a cleanser; it's a multi-purpose solution for various skin concerns. 

While Noxzema has not been clinically proven to prevent wrinkles, its refreshing formula has made it a popular choice for those seeking a rejuvenating skin experience. While moisturizers do not cure eczema, they can help manage its symptoms, which is why some users turn to Noxzema, inspired by its name, to alleviate discomfort. Explore how this time-honored brand can be an integral part of your daily skin-care regimen.

This cream takes the redness out of the face and evens out the complexion. A little of it helps tighten and regain smooth skin, and it can be used as a everyday moisturizer to treat rough patches anywhere on the body — behind knees, inside elbows, ankles, and wrists. People have even used it to treat sunburns and cool overheated skin. On the flip-side, it can help soothe cold chapped hands and be rubbed over tired feet during a foot wash for equally satisfying results.

Innovative people have uncovered some surprising secret uses for Noxzema® that are not advertised on its label. It can be applied on a soft cloth and used to remove scuff marks from patent leather shoes. The cleanser can also remove paint and stains from hands, making it a gentle alternative to turpentine. It also soothes the itching from insect bites and remove chewing gun that is stuck in hair or carpeting. Noxzema® also gets rid of the sticky glue residue left when price tags are removed from DVD and CD cases — people can just apply it and wipe it clean. Enterprising men swear by its effectiveness as a pre- or post-shave product, applying it over the face before lathering up. It also leaves the skin smooth and less irritated after shaving.

Apart from the original cream formula, Noxzema® comes in a variety of other cleansers, creams, and cleansing pads. Some are specifically designed to remove dirt and makeup, while others include moisturizers to keep the skin soft. The company also has a range of products designed specifically for people who are prone to acne breakouts. Some of these products are available in the standard blue tub with a screw-off lid, although others come in pump bottles and tubes that allow users to squeeze the cleanser out. Makeup removal cloths are disposable wipes that can be used to remove waterproof mascara and other makeup.

Noxzema's Versatility

Chances are the iconic blue Noxzema jar was in your grandmother’s medicine cabinet, and for good reason. 

Noxzema is an over-the-counter skin care product with many uses. With Classic Clean Noxzema priced at about $5 for 12 ounces, it’s also affordable.

This cream has been used by many, dating all the way back to 1914, and was originally intended as a pharmacist’s cream for eczema. Eczema’s dry, cracked, itchy skin and blisters can be soothed by the moisture of Noxzema, but it’s not for everyone.

Read on to find the uses for Noxzema, its advantages, and its disadvantages. 

What’s In Noxzema? 

Noxzema includes linseed oil and soybean oil (to provide moisture), water, stearic acid, propylene glycol, gelatin, camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, and fragrance. Since some have allergies to these ingredients, you should try using Noxzema on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face.

How Can You Use Noxzema?

A staple in bathroom vanities and medicine cabinets, Noxzema is an inexpensive product with lots of uses. Some of them include: 

Treating Eczema 

As its name implies, Noxzema will moisturize the dry, cracked skin of eczema and make the condition less noticeable. However, some people have sensitivity to Noxzema’s ingredients, so it could worsen conditions.

Psoriasis Care 

Noxzema can treat the symptoms of psoriasis, but prescription medications may be more effective against this autoimmune condition. 

Removes Makeup 

The creamy texture of Noxzema will cleanse away makeup. Apply Noxzema to your face, massaging it in, and then wipe away with a damp washcloth. 

Evens Complexion 

For those with a blotchy complexion, Noxzema evens skin tone, calms inflammation, and smooths skin.

Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles 

The rich moisturizers of Noxzema also treat wrinkles, making them less noticeable, and help prevent new ones. 

Smooths Rough Patches 

Noxzema will moisturize rough areas of skin such as elbows, leaving them soft and smooth with regular use.

Cools Sunburns 

The menthol of Noxzema makes sunburns less painful, and its moisture helps heal sunburned skin. 

Takes the Itch Out of Bug Bites 

Insect bites can leave you with itchy skin in the spring and summer, but Noxzema will remove some of the inflammation and discomfort. 

Pros and Cons of Noxzema 

Noxzema has been around for more than a century, so using it must have some advantages. The classic over-the-counter cream also has some cons. 

Noxzema Pros 

The pros of using Noxzema include: 

  • Noxzema is among the least expensive skin care products on the market. 
  • The list of ingredients on the iconic blue jar is short and includes natural products such as linseed and soybean oils. 
  • Noxzema will power away makeup gently. 
  • Noxzema is a powerful moisturizer and calms inflamed skin. 
  • The classic product is handy in the summer since it makes insect bites and sunburns more bearable.
  • The Classic Clean version of Noxzema is air-travel friendly so tucks into a carry-on bag easily. 
  • Noxzema is a vacation must since it fits into a cosmetic bag easily yet has multiple uses. 
  • Noxzema gives users a cooling, tingling sensation thanks to its essential oils. 

Cons of Noxzema 

While Noxzema is an over-the-counter product, it has powerful ingredients that may not be for everyone. Here are some of Noxzema’s disadvantages. 

  • Some report that Noxzema’s ingredients irritate their skin, causing redness and breakouts. 
  • Noxzema has a strong fragrance that some consider unpleasant. 
  • Though rooted in treating eczema, Noxzema is not the most effective eczema treatment available. 
  • Those with allergies to essential oils such as eucalyptus and camphor should avoid Noxzema. 

Do Noxzema’s Pros Outweigh Its Cons? 

Whether Noxzema is the best skin care product for your medicine cabinet depends on your personal preferences and skin sensitivities. Those who like fragrance-free skin care products or have allergies to ingredients such as propylene glycol, camphor, and menthol should avoid Noxzema. 

Though Noxzema includes some powerful ingredients, it is an over-the-counter skin care product so it won’t yield the results that prescription-strength treatments will. 

However, if you like the fragrance, tingling sensation, and many uses of Noxzema, you’ll find this classic, affordable skin care product to be a health and beauty staple that moisturizes skin, reduces inflammation, and takes the sting out of insect bites and sunburns.

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Discussion Comments
By anon1002949 — On Mar 29, 2020

I apply Noxzema under my nose when my nose is stuffy. It does improve breathing. If I get a headache, I apply Noxzema on my temples and forehead, rest and most times it helps relieve the headache. Of course, it's very refreshing to cleanse your face with.

By SeanH — On Jun 12, 2017

A lot of guys use it on their penises to improve skin texture. I don't mess with it though. I use a creme called Man1 Man Oil. Unlike Noxzema, it is made just for the penis skin and contains natural moisturizers like Vitamin E and shea butter. It keeps my penis skin in excellent shape with no risk of side effects either. Keep this creme in mind.

By RipW — On Apr 12, 2015

Noxema enhances and holds the wave pattern in my (African-American) hair.

By amypollick — On Nov 09, 2009

Bless you and your friend for caring so lovingly for his wife. It is not easy to care for someone who has any kind of dementia. It is a blessing to read about someone who believes the "in sickness" portion of his marriage vows. What a great guy.

By anon51793 — On Nov 09, 2009

i help and have been helping a good friend care for his wife for some eleven years now. he takes impeccable care of her as she is invalid due to alzheimer's disease. one thing he has always insisted on is the use of noxzema with a warm wash cloth to rinse treatment during her bath each week as a facial cleansing.

she is almost 72 years old and she's not even aware that she doesn't look a day over 60. he and i both attribute the beautiful radiance of her skin to the noxema. it's truly amazing. he treats her like a queen and even though she can't talk we both agree that she enjoys it.

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