Face Reality Skincare Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser
Works for
CleansingSodium stearoyl glutamate, Glyceryl stearate + 4 moreCleanses gently
“This gentle formula cleanses, calms, and hydrates skin while supporting a healthy moisture barrier and microbiome, all key elements to achieving and maintaining clear skin.”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cetyl alcohol, cocamidopropyl betaine, glyceryl stearate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, stearic acid, xanthan gum) 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.
Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~9–11%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateGlyceryl stearate~3.7–4.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateStearic acid~2.9–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidCocamidopropyl betaine~3.1–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineGlycerin~2–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetyl alcohol~1.4–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglyceridePanthenol~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolInulin~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking
More about InulinHydrolyzed jojoba esters~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed jojoba estersSaccharide isomerate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateAllantoin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinBisabolol~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololAlpha-glucan oligosaccharide~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Alpha-glucan oligosaccharideAloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 juice powderCentella asiatica leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.
More about Centella asiatica leaf extractXanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.2%
Sodium gluconate~0.05–0.15%
Citric acid~0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium citrate~0.01–0.05%
- 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 citrateIngredient list view
Water, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Glycerin, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Cetyl alcohol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Panthenol, Inulin, Hydrolyzed jojoba esters, Saccharide isomerate, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Xanthan gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Potassium sorbate, Sodium gluconate, Citric acid, Sodium citrate
Compare prices
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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.
| Face Reality SkincareBarrier Balance Creamy CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | NaturiumThe Calmer Ceramide Body Wash | Soho SkinCream Cleanser | J-PalletBVC Cleansing Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 32% | 31% | 30% |
| Price | $36.00 | $14.13−$21.87 | $73.19+$37.19 | $53.80+$17.80 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 16 | 5 of 16 | 5 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Eop | Anhydroxylitol | Ceramide Ap |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Cleansing CreamManuka Doctor Anti-Redness Gentle Cream Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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