Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm
Works for
CleansingPeg-5 glyceryl triisostearate, Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate + 3 moreCan be harsh
“An ultra gentle 3-in-1 cleansing balm that melts away makeup, deeply cleans away impurities and leaves the skin fully supple and hydrated.”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.
It contains the following cleansing agents that tend to be harsh on the skin: sorbitan sesquioleate.
Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Parfum, Sorbitan sesquioleate + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Cetyl ethylhexanoate~22–33%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture
More about Cetyl ethylhexanoateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~5.3–8%
- 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 triglycerideSorbeth-30 tetraoleate~3.4–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sorbeth-30 tetraoleatePeg-5 glyceryl triisostearate~3.5–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Peg-5 glyceryl triisostearatePeg-10 isostearate~2.5–3.8%
Polyethylene~2.1–3.1%
Parfum~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolWater~0.95–1.4%
Sorbitan sesquioleate~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Sorbitan sesquioleatePolyglyceryl-10 oleate~0.5–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-10 oleateCamellia sinensis leaf~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Green tea leaf powder that might contain antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Camellia sinensis leafPhyllostachys edulis shoot water~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Nelumbo nucifera flower extract~0.35–0.8%
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
More about Citrus nobilis peel oilButylene glycol~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolLactic acid~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidSodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPotassium sorbate~0.1–0.45%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.45%
Hexylene glycol~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolMaltodextrin~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinCi 19140~0.05–0.3%
Ci 42090~0.05–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate, Peg-5 glyceryl triisostearate, Peg-10 isostearate, Polyethylene, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Sorbitan sesquioleate, Polyglyceryl-10 oleate, Camellia sinensis leaf, Phyllostachys edulis shoot water, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Butylene glycol, Lactic acid, Sodium benzoate, Caprylyl glycol, Potassium sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Maltodextrin, Ci 19140, Ci 42090
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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.
| Physicians FormulaThe Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing BalmYOUR PRODUCT | Dr. AltheaPore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm | CliniqueTake The Day Off™ Charcoal Cleansing Balm | Estée LauderAdvanced Night Cleansing Balm with Lipid Rich Oil-Infusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 41% | 38% | 38% |
| Price | $12.14 | $17.49+$5.35 | $32.12+$19.98 | $43.10+$30.96 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 7 | 3 of 7 | 3 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil | Algae Extract |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Chasin’ Rabbits All About Clear Cleansing BalmSEPHORA COLLECTION Clean Skin Cleansing Balm with Postbiotics + Squalane
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Air oxidation increases skin irritation from fragrance terpenesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
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