Works for
CleansingPeg-30 lanolin, Cetearyl alcohol + 1 moreCleanses gently
“Cleanser”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cetearyl alcohol, peg-30 lanolin, peg-75 lanolin) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Chamomilla recutita flower oil, Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale4 flagged
User reviews
0 of 1 community members would buy it again.
I decided to try this again out of nostalgia, as this was the first cleansing balm I ever tried back when there were maybe three cleansing balms available in the mainstream western beauty market. It still fairs well in comparison to newer balm cleansers in terms of its cleansing power, how well it emulsifies, and how it rinses off clean without leaving the skin feeling stripped or tight. This has a lovely herbal scent that isn't too overpowering and definitely made my nostalgia kick in.
However, newer balms (and many older ones too, like the Clinique TTDO balm) definitely beat this when it comes to consistency. This one has these tiny beads or granules, and I have never been able to find out whether they're an intentional part of of the formula to provide some light exfoliation (similarly to jojoba beads) or if its just some kind of an issue in the formula that makes the ingredients "crystallize" in that way. They don't feel harsh or like they're scrubbing off the skin, but I don't really prefer texture like that in a balm cleanser that I like to take my time to massage my face with. The granules also can get easily stuck on the hairline where they're a bit cumbersome to remove.
Overall this definitely a good product despite its "age". I still prefer this over plenty of the newer cleansing balms I've tried since I originally moved on from using this one. However, there are many cheaper options available now (such as the aforementioned Clinique) that work just as well, so I wouldn't recommend this product for any other reason than for the nostalgia.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Paraffinum liquidum~23–35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
More about Paraffinum liquidumPeg-30 lanolin~4.9–7.3%
Cetearyl alcohol~2.9–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholBis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2~3.9–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface
More about Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2Aluminum stearate~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation
More about Aluminum stearateTheobroma cacao seed butter~2.2–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Theobroma cacao seed butterPeg-75 lanolin~1.6–2.5%
Chamomilla recutita flower oil~1.2–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant oil that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains volatile compouunds that are potential allergens and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower oilEugenia caryophyllus leaf oil~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and sensitizing
More about Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oilEucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilHumulus lupulus oil~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolMethylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Bht~0.15–0.55%
Butylparaben~0.1–0.4%
Ethylparaben~0.05–0.3%
Propylparaben~0.05–0.25%
Isobutylparaben~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Paraffinum liquidum, Peg-30 lanolin, Cetearyl alcohol, Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, Aluminum stearate, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Peg-75 lanolin, Chamomilla recutita flower oil, Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Humulus lupulus oil, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Bht, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| Eve LomCleanserYOUR PRODUCT | Paul & JoeCleansing Cream | innisfreeJeju Volcanic Blackhead Out Balm | DermalexPsoriasis Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 52% | 51% | 50% |
| Price | $24.00 | $34.39+$10.39 | $6.32−$17.68 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 6 | 1 of 6 | 2 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Dimethicone | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | Petrolatum |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oilskintific Centella Deep Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 4 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2
- 3
- 4
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.