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OleHenriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
OleHenriksen

OleHenriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Decyl glucoside + 6 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Find Your Balance™ Oil Control Cleanser”
Source: Sephora AU

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, glycol distearate, hexylene glycol, laureth-4, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, sodium cocoyl isethionate) 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, decyl glucoside

Sodium cocoyl isethionateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~11–13%
Decyl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating~5.6–6.8%
Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~4.5–5.5%
Glycol distearateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~1.7–2.1%
Laureth-4Effect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~0.5–0.75%
Hexylene glycolEffect: HighHelps create a more spreadable product texture~0.45–0.65%
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~0.45–0.65%
Linolenic acidEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation~0.25–0.45%
Anti-blemish
Glycolic acid, Linoleic acid + 1 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“A pore-purifying cleanser with powerful AHAs to reduce excess oil and unclog pores, without stripping skin.”
Source: Sephora AU

This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid, linoleic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycolic acidEffect: 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~1.2–1.5%
Linoleic acidEffect: 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~0.45–0.65%
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~0.25–0.5%
Exfoliation
Side benefit the brand mentions · Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Powerful AHAs--glycolic and lactic acids--help loosen and lift dead skin cells that can cause pore-clogging build-up.”
Source: Boots

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.

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~1.2–1.5%
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)~0.95–1.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Mentha piperita oil + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~5.6–6.8%est.
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~4.5–5.5%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~1.2–1.5%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.55–0.8%est.
Mentha piperita oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.7%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Sodium cocoyl isethionateHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~11–13%est.
Acrylates copolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~1.9–2.4%est.
Glycol distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1.7–2.1%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~0.95–1.2%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.65–0.95%est.
Laureth-4Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Linolenic acidAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 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
Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.25–0.45%est.
Macrocystis pyrifera extract—3/5~0.15–0.3%est.
Laureth-4Helps water and oil mix together2/5~0.5–0.75%est.

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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
Sodium cocoyl isethionate~11–13%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cocoyl isethionate
Decyl glucoside~5.6–6.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside
Cocamidopropyl betaine~4.5–5.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen

More about Cocamidopropyl betaine
Glycerin~2.4–3%
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
Acrylates copolymer~1.9–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency

More about Acrylates copolymer
Glycol distearate~1.7–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glycol distearate
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Glycolic acid~1.2–1.5%
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~0.95–1.2%
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
Sodium hydroxide~0.7–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Caprylyl glycol~0.65–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.55–0.8%
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~0.5–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita oil
Laureth-4~0.5–0.75%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Laureth-4
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Hexylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Melia azadirachta seed oil~0.45–0.65%
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~0.45–0.65%
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
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

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
Chondrus crispus extract~0.25–0.45%
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
Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract
Macrocystis pyrifera extract~0.15–0.3%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Macrocystis pyrifera extract
Phytic acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid
Linolenic acid~0.25–0.45%
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
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Tocopherol~0.1–0.15%
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~0.05–0.1%
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, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Decyl glucoside, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates copolymer, Glycol distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Caprylyl glycol, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Mentha piperita oil, Laureth-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Melia azadirachta seed oil, Linoleic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Chondrus crispus extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Phytic acid, Linolenic acid, Sodium benzoate, Tocopherol, Limonene

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 21:01 GMT
$48.00
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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
OleHenriksenFind Your Balance Oil Control CleanserYOUR PRODUCTADVANCED CLINICALSGlycolic Acid + Lactic Acid CleanserCliniqueClarifying Do-Over PeelDope Skin CoAHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Match—48%48%48%
Price$48.00$19.99−$28.01$21.75−$26.25$33.00−$15.00
Shared key ingredients—5 of 143 of 144 of 14
Key difference—Salicylic AcidSalicylic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy High High Medium 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 19 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionatejournals.sagepub.com
  2. 2
    Ecofriendly surfactant is allergen of the yearmdedge.com
  3. 3
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Acrylates Copolymer and 33 Related Cosmetic Ingredientsjournals.sagepub.com
  5. 5
    Amended Safety Assessment of Acrylates Copolymers as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  6. 6
    Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
OleHenriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
OleHenriksenFind Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
Buy on Amazon$48.00 · as of 11/10 21:01 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$48.00 · as of 11/10 21:01 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.