Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm - AHA

Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm - AHA

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate, Peg-10 isostearate
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Formulated for dry and combination skin, Hanskin's Pore Cleansing Balm AHA purifies pores, replenishes moisture and removes makeup in a single step.”
Source: Ulta

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (peg-10 isostearate, peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate) 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.

Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~3.5–5.2%
Peg-10 isostearateEffect: High~1.1–1.6%
Exfoliation
Tartaric acid, Glycolic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Designed for dry skin, the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm AHA purifies and exfoliates parched skin in a single step.”
Source: Soko Glam

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.

Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.1–0.35%
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~0.05–0.3%
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)~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.55–1.25%est.
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.45–1.05%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~0.35–0.85%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~0.05–0.3%est.
Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~3.5–5.2%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~1.3–2%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.4–0.95%est.
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.4–0.9%est.
Moringa oleifera seed oilA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acidMedium~0.3–0.75%est.
Ethyl macadamiateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.4%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~0.1–0.4%est.
Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~2.9–4.4%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Paraffinum liquidum~23–35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 liquidum
Ethylhexyl stearate~5–7.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Ethylhexyl stearate
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~4.6–6.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate~3.5–5.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate
Cocos nucifera oil~2.9–4.4%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Polyethylene~2.4–3.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product's texture

More about Polyethylene
C13-15 alkane~1.5–2.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in the formula

More about C13-15 alkane
Olea europaea fruit oil~1.3–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Peg-10 isostearate~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-10 isostearate
Trihydroxystearin~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture

More about Trihydroxystearin
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Tocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.35–0.85%
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
Water~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Camellia japonica seed oil~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A plant oil that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help restore skin's barrier function. Might have an anti-oxidant effect

More about Camellia japonica seed oil
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Moringa oleifera seed oil~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid

More about Moringa oleifera seed oil
Ethyl macadamiate~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Ethyl macadamiate
Glycerin~0.15–0.65%
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
Tocopherol~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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
Sodium pca~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Sodium pca
Citric acid~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Lactic acid~0.1–0.4%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-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
Tartaric acid~0.1–0.35%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationExfoliation

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid
Glycolic acid~0.05–0.3%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Ingredient list view

Paraffinum liquidum, Ethylhexyl stearate, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate, Cocos nucifera oil, Polyethylene, C13-15 alkane, Olea europaea fruit oil, Peg-10 isostearate, Trihydroxystearin, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Water, Camellia japonica seed oil, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Ethyl macadamiate, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium pca, Citric acid, Lactic acid, Tartaric acid, Glycolic acid, Malic acid

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 18:21 GMT
$17.60
Buy
Soko Glam
$22.00
Buy
Ulta2.82 oz
$22.00
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
HanskinPore Cleansing Balm - AHAYOUR PRODUCTinnisfreeJeju Volcanic Blackhead Out BalmskintificCentella Deep Cleansing Oil Makeup RemoverErno LaszloPhelityl Pre Cleansing Oil
Match—43%41%37%
Price$22.00$6.32−$15.68$28.89+$6.89$77.18+$55.18
Shared key ingredients—2 of 124 of 125 of 12
Key difference—Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractMadecassic AcidRetinyl Palmitate
Irritancy High Medium Medium High
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

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Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm - AHA
HanskinPore Cleansing Balm - AHA

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.