Habitual Beauty Balancing Cleanser

Habitual Beauty Balancing Cleanser

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl glucoside + 4 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Balancing Cleanser”
Source: Sephora New Zealand

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (coco-glucoside, glyceryl oleate, lauryl glucoside, sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate) 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: coco-glucoside, glyceryl oleate

Sodium cocoamphoacetateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foam~4.1–5%
Lauryl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~2.5–3%
Coco-glucosideEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating~2.1–2.5%
Glyceryl oleateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating~1.6–1.9%
Sodium cocoyl glutamateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.6–0.95%
Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent~0.55–0.85%
Exfoliation
Lactic acid ~0.4–0.65%
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“A daily gel-to-light-foam cleanser that is rich in naturally occurring AHA’s and lactic acid to provide a gentle enzymatic exfoliation of the skin.”
Source: Sephora New Zealand

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

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)~0.4–0.65%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Works well
What the product description says
“Also rich in Lactic Acid, Papaya and Pomegranate extract, the Balancing Cleanser helps to brighten dull complexions and has antibacterial properties for blemish prone skin.”
Source: Sephora AU

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.1–1.4%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally 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~7.3–8.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
11 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus limon peel oil + 9 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 23 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Coco-glucosideUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritatingHigh~2.1–2.5%est.
Glyceryl oleateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~1.6–1.9%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Backhousia citriodora leaf oilA plant oil containing volatile compounds. Used as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Coriandrum sativum seed oilUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
Sodium anisateUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Carica papaya fruit extract—High~0.25–0.45%est.
Microcitrus australasica fruit extractMost likely used for its fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Citrus glauca fruit extract—High~0.15–0.3%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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~7.3–8.9%est.
Sodium cocoamphoacetateHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foamMedium~4.1–5%est.
Lauryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~2.5–3%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.8–1.2%est.
Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
Sodium cocoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.95%est.
Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylateHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~0.55–0.85%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~0.4–0.65%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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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
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~7.3–8.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishAnti-aging

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
Glycerin~4.2–5.1%
Formula
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
Sodium cocoamphoacetate~4.1–5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foam

More about Sodium cocoamphoacetate
Lauryl glucoside~2.5–3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Lauryl glucoside
Coco-glucoside~2.1–2.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating

More about Coco-glucoside
Glyceryl oleate~1.6–1.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Glyceryl oleate
Panthenol~1.4–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Niacinamide~1.1–1.4%
Hero · Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Citric acid~0.8–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Sodium levulinate~0.65–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate
Sodium cocoyl glutamate~0.6–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glutamate
Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate
Lactic acid~0.4–0.65%
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
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Citrus limon peel oil~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
Backhousia citriodora leaf oil~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil containing volatile compounds. Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Backhousia citriodora leaf oil
Coriandrum sativum seed oil~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Coriandrum sativum seed oil
Salvia sclarea flower/leaf/stem oil~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Pimenta officinalis leaf oil~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Cedrus atlantica wood oil~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Sodium anisate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Sodium anisate
Carica papaya fruit extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Punica granatum seed extract~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation
More about Punica granatum seed extract
Microcitrus australis fruit extract~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Microcitrus australasica fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Most likely used for its fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Microcitrus australasica fruit extract
Citrus glauca fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Limonene~0.1–0.15%
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~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Water, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Glycerin, Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl glucoside, Coco-glucoside, Glyceryl oleate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Citric acid, Sodium levulinate, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, Lactic acid, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus limon peel oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Backhousia citriodora leaf oil, Coriandrum sativum seed oil, Salvia sclarea flower/leaf/stem oil, Pimenta officinalis leaf oil, Cedrus atlantica wood oil, Sodium anisate, Carica papaya fruit extract, Punica granatum seed extract, Microcitrus australis fruit extract, Microcitrus australasica fruit extract, Citrus glauca fruit extract, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Limonene, Linalool

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

🌐 Sephora New Zealand (NZ)
≈ $44.45
Buy
🇦🇺 Sephora AU (AU)
≈ $47.75
Buy

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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
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Match—83%79%76%
Price———$44.81
Shared key ingredients—3 of 115 of 113 of 11
Key difference—Salicylic AcidLysineSalicylic Acid
Irritancy High Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

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Habitual Beauty Balancing Cleanser
Habitual BeautyBalancing Cleanser

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.