Balance Me

Balance Me Radiance Face Mask

Name: Balance Me - Radiance Face Mask
Brand: Balance Me

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid, Lactic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“Synergising Ground Walnut Spheres and a Fruit Acid Complex, the 99% natural mask delivers a gently exfoliating action to buff away dead skin cells and eliminate impurities, revealing a smoother, more refined complexion with enhanced luminosity.”

Source: Skinstore

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.25–0.45%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.2–0.4%

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 9 more

Works

What the product description says

“Treat dull complexions to the Balance Me Radiance Face Mask; a multi-beneficial, five-minute formula that works to replenish moisture and restore a radiant glow.”

Source: Skinstore

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, sodium lactate.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetearyl alcohol.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4–4.9%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.2–3.9%

Prunus amygdalus dulcis seedKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.3–2.8%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2–2.4%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.3–0.5%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.25–0.5%

Chondrus crispusKey activeEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.2–0.4%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.7–2%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.95–1.15%

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.75–1.1%

Anti-blemish

Glycolic acid, Kaolin

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Kaolin Clay effectively clears pores, whilst Rosemary and Lavender Oils leave skin rejuvenated, revitalised and deeply refreshed. 99% natural.”

Source: Skinstore

This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.25–0.45%

KaolinEffect: LowA type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color~4.8–5.9%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Lactic acid

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Tocopherol + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 strong irritants: Juglans regia shell powder, Cymbopogon martini oil + 9 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 25 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Juglans regia shell powder—High~1.3–1.6%est.

Cymbopogon martini oilAromatic plant oil used in cosmetics as a fragrance. A likely irritantHigh~0.55–0.8%est.

Lavandula angustifolia flower oilA fragrant plant oil, can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.

Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.45–0.7%est.

Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil—High~0.45–0.65%est.

Anthemis nobilis flower oilAn essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skinHigh~0.3–0.6%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.3–0.6%est.

Cananga odorata flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.

Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~3.2–3.9%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~1.4–1.7%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.2–0.4%est.

Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulationMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

Tetrasodium pyrophosphateHelps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Chondrus crispusRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.2–0.4%est.

CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation3/5~0.25–0.4%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2–2.4%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

SOBEL SKIN Rx 11% Triple Acid Mineral Mask

Higher efficacy · 90/10061% match

Elizabeth Grant Wonder Effect Detoxifying Mask

Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Kaolin~4.8–5.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MattifyingAnti-blemish

A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color

More about Kaolin

Glycerin~4–4.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.2–3.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed~2.3–2.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed

Cetearyl alcohol~2–2.4%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Glyceryl stearate~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Cetearyl glucoside~1.4–1.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside

Juglans regia shell powder~1.3–1.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Juglans regia shell powder

Tocopherol~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.75–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract

Cymbopogon martini oil~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Aromatic plant oil used in cosmetics as a fragrance. A likely irritant

More about Cymbopogon martini oil

Lavandula angustifolia flower oil~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrant plant oil, can be irritating

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower oil

Pelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation

More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oil

Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil

Angelica archangelica root oil~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Angelica archangelica root oil

Anthemis nobilis flower oil~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

An essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin

More about Anthemis nobilis flower oil

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidation

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil

Cananga odorata flower oil~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Cananga odorata flower oil

Sodium lactate~0.3–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Sodium pca~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Sodium glycolate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium glycolate

Sodium citrate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Sodium malate~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium malate

Lactic acid~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Glycolic acid~0.25–0.45%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid

Malic acid~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid

Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate

Chondrus crispus~0.2–0.4%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus

Carrageenan~0.25–0.4%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation

More about Carrageenan

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps preserve the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium pyrophosphate

Benzyl alcohol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Dehydroacetic acid~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid

Citric acid~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Limonene~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Geraniol~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Citronellol~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

() pure essential oil, () , ()

Not recognized

Ingredient list view

Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl glucoside, Juglans regia shell powder, Tocopherol, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Cymbopogon martini oil, Lavandula angustifolia flower oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil, Angelica archangelica root oil, Anthemis nobilis flower oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Cananga odorata flower oil, Sodium lactate, Sodium pca, Sodium glycolate, Sodium citrate, Sodium malate, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Malic acid, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Chondrus crispus, Carrageenan, Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Citric acid, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Unknown

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/5 15:06 GMT

$35.00

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Balance MeRadiance Face MaskYOUR PRODUCT	SOBEL SKIN Rx11% Triple Acid Mineral Mask	Elizabeth GrantWonder Effect Detoxifying Mask	Herbal EssentialsIlluminating Mask With Papain and Honey
Match	—	61%	61%	61%
Price	$35.00	—	—	$10.69−$24.31
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 9	4 of 9	5 of 9
Key difference	—	Salicylic Acid	Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7	Cera Alba
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Balance Me - Radiance Face Mask" is effective for: Exfoliation, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Humectants (sodium pca 0.25% - 0.50%, sodium lactate 0.30% - 0.50% and glycerin 4.00% - 4.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.