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OleHenriksen Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner
OleHenriksen

OleHenriksen Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing
Polysorbate 20, Oleth-20 + 2 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“- 100% said it removes residual dirt, makeup, and impurities”
Source: Sephora

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleth-20, polysorbate 20) 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.

Polysorbate 20Effect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~4.7–7.1%
Oleth-20Effect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.4–2%
Linoleic acidEffect: HighAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores~0.45–1%
Linolenic acidEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation~0.15–0.6%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Gluconolactone + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“- Acne and blemishes”
Source: Sephora

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

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: gluconolactone, glycolic acid, linoleic acid

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.9–1.35%
GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.1–3.1%
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~1.7–2.6%
Linoleic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores~0.45–1%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.15–0.5%
Exfoliation
Side benefit the brand mentions · Gluconolactone, Glycolic acid + 2 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Formulated with Green Fusion Complex™, a powerful blend of both BHA and AHAs—salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids—and neem seed oil, its gentle clarifying action helps unclog, purify, and minimize the appearance of pores.”
Source: Sephora CA

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: gluconolactone, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.1–3.1%
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~1.7–2.6%
Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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)~1.5–2.2%
Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.9–1.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana water, Menthyl lactate + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Hamamelis virginiana waterA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~3.6–5.4%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~1.7–2.6%est.
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.9–1.35%est.
Menthyl lactateUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.05%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
Mentha piperita oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~2.1–3.1%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~1.5–2.2%est.
Oleth-20Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.4–2%est.
Linolenic acidAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammationMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
Macrocystis pyrifera extract—3/5~0.2–0.75%est.
Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.15–0.6%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel
COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel
Cheaper82% match
$10.46
Clarifying Do-Over Peel
Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel
Cheaper80% match
$21.64
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Polysorbate 20~4.7–7.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Hamamelis virginiana water~3.6–5.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana water
Glycerin~2.7–4%
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
Gluconolactone~2.1–3.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Glycolic acid~1.7–2.6%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-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
Lactic acid~1.5–2.2%
Key activeIrritant · 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
Oleth-20~1.4–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Oleth-20
Salicylic acid~0.9–1.35%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Sodium hydroxide~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Menthyl lactate~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Menthyl lactate
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Mentha piperita oil~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita oil
Melia azadirachta seed oil~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function due to the high linoleic acid content

More about Melia azadirachta seed oil
Linoleic acid~0.45–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansingAnti-blemish

An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores

More about Linoleic acid
Macrocystis pyrifera extract~0.2–0.75%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Macrocystis pyrifera extract
Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract
Chondrus crispus extract~0.15–0.6%
Comedogenic 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 extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Linolenic acid~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation

More about Linolenic acid
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Calcium gluconate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate
Benzoic acid~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Tocopherol~0.05–0.2%
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
Limonene~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Ingredient list view

Water, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis virginiana water, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Oleth-20, Salicylic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium benzoate, Menthyl lactate, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Mentha piperita oil, Melia azadirachta seed oil, Linoleic acid, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, Chondrus crispus extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Linolenic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Calcium gluconate, Benzoic acid, Tocopherol, Limonene

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/5 15:16 GMT
$24.00
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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
OleHenriksenBalancing Force™ Oil Control TonerYOUR PRODUCTCOSRXThe AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 PeelBeautycounterAll Bright Triple Acid AHA TonerCliniqueClarifying Do-Over Peel
Match—82%81%80%
Price$24.00$10.46−$13.54$68.00+$44.00$21.64−$2.36
Shared key ingredients—4 of 124 of 124 of 12
Key difference—Capryloyl Salicylic AcidNiacinamideLactobionic Acid
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol——— Contains drying alcohol
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studydovepress.com
  6. 6
    A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
OleHenriksen Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner
OleHenriksenBalancing Force™ Oil Control Toner
Buy on Amazon$24.00 · as of 11/5 15:16 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$24.00 · as of 11/5 15:16 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.