Rationale #4 The PreCleanse Balm

Rationale #4 The PreCleanse Balm

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate, Sorbitan sesquioleate + 2 more
Can be harsh
What the product description says
“#4 The PreCleanse Balm”
Source: RATIONALE

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.

Sorbeth-30 tetraoleateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~6.3–9.4%
Sorbitan sesquioleateEffect: HighUsed to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritating~3.3–4.9%
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)~1.5–2.3%
Sodium stearoyl lactylateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.2–0.75%
Anti-blemish
Phytosphingosine
Not delivered
What the product description says
“#4 The PreCleanse Balm is a restorative prelude to your evening cleansing ritual, nourishing as it elevates moisture levels and gently removes all traces of makeup, sunscreen and impurities.”
Source: RATIONALE

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

PhytosphingosineEffect: LowA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.15–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
13 strong irritants: Sorbitan sesquioleate, Santalum spicatum seed oil + 11 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Sorbitan sesquioleateUsed to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~3.3–4.9%est.
PhenylpropanolHelps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulationHigh~0.4–1%est.
Santalum spicatum seed oil—High~0.4–0.9%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.35–0.8%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~0.2–0.7%est.
Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Litsea cubeba fruit oilAn essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragranceHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia leaf oil—High~0.15–0.65%est.
Pelargonium graveolens oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oilAn essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and sensitizingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Ci 73360A red (pink) dyeHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Sorbeth-30 tetraoleateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~6.3–9.4%est.
MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~2.6–3.8%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxHelps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)Medium~1.5–2.3%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~1.3–2%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~1.1–1.6%est.
Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.75%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~0.15–0.6%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
Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~22–33%est.
Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~4.2–6.3%est.
Ci 73360A red (pink) dye2/5~0.05–0.2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ethylhexyl palmitate~22–33%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate
Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate~6.3–9.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate
Hydrogenated vegetable oil~4.2–6.3%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated vegetable oil
Sorbitan sesquioleate~3.3–4.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Used to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Sorbitan sesquioleate
Methylpropanediol~2.6–3.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol
Hydrogenated jojoba oil~2.2–3.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated jojoba oil
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax~1.5–2.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)

More about Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax
Jojoba esters~1.3–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Caprylyl glycol~1.1–1.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Tocopherol~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.55–1.3%
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
Phenylpropanol~0.4–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Phenylpropanol
Santalum spicatum seed oil~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · high
Squalane~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Tocotrienols~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

A type of vitamin E that is more powerful in neutralizing free radicals compared to its other forms

More about Tocotrienols
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oil
Behenyl alcohol~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol
Polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.2–0.7%
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
Citrus grandis peel oil~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
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 grandis peel oil
Citrus limon peel oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Litsea cubeba fruit oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragrance

More about Litsea cubeba fruit oil
Citrus aurantium bergamia leaf oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Juniperus mexicana oil~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Pelargonium graveolens oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Pelargonium graveolens oil
Citrus aurantium amara flower oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower oil
Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and sensitizing

More about Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil
Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate
Ceramide np~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np
Talc~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Absorbs oil and moisture helping to create a dryer product finish

More about Talc
Elaeis guineensis oil~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Elaeis guineensis oil
Tocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.6%
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
Ceramide ap~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide ap
Ceramide ng~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide ng
Phytosphingosine~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine
Ubiquinone~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Coenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen

More about Ubiquinone
Limonene~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Citral~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Ci 73360~0.05–0.2%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Comedogenicity
2/5

A red (pink) dye

More about Ci 73360
Ingredient list view

Ethylhexyl palmitate, Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Sorbitan sesquioleate, Methylpropanediol, Hydrogenated jojoba oil, Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax, Jojoba esters, Caprylyl glycol, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Phenylpropanol, Santalum spicatum seed oil, Squalane, Tocotrienols, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Behenyl alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus limon peel oil, Litsea cubeba fruit oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia leaf oil, Juniperus mexicana oil, Pelargonium graveolens oil, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Ceramide np, Talc, Elaeis guineensis oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Ceramide ap, Ceramide ng, Phytosphingosine, Ubiquinone, Limonene, Citral, Ci 73360

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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
Rationale#4 The PreCleanse BalmYOUR PRODUCTSEPHORA COLLECTIONClean Skin Cleansing Balm with Postbiotics + SqualaneCliniqueTake The Day Off™ Charcoal Cleansing Balm Makeup RemoverCOSRXPure Fit Cica Smoothing Cleansing Balm
Match—31%31%31%
Price—$16.47$15.00$21.00
Shared key ingredients—4 of 152 of 152 of 15
Key difference—Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideMadecassoside
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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More alternatives: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Micro Cleansing BalmThe Crème Shop x BT21 BABY SHOOKY Deep Cleansing Oil - Klean Beauty™

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  5. 5
  6. 6
Rationale #4 The PreCleanse Balm
Rationale#4 The PreCleanse Balm

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