Thrive Causemetics Bright Balance 3-in-1 Cleanser

Thrive Causemetics Bright Balance 3-in-1 Cleanser

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate + 14 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Our do-it-all gel cleanser removes daily impurities and waterproof makeup, leaving skin feeling hydrated, bright, and balanced — never dry and tight.”
Source: Thrive Causemetics

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (caprylyl/capryl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropylamine oxide, coco-glucoside, hydroxyproline, lauryl glucoside, polyglyceryl-3 cocoate, polyglyceryl-4 caprate, polyglyceryl-6 caprylate, polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, xanthan gum) 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, coco-glucoside

Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~7.6–9.3%
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionateEffect: HighWorks as a cleansing agent~3.6–4.5%
Sodium cocoyl isethionateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~2.5–3%
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.9–2.3%
Lauryl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.5–1.8%
Caprylyl/capryl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~0.95–1.2%
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together~0.6–0.9%
Coco-glucosideEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating~0.6–0.9%
Polyglyceryl-3 cocoateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.5–0.75%
Polyglyceryl-4 caprateEffect: High~0.45–0.7%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.25–0.45%
Cocamidopropylamine oxideEffect: High~0.25–0.5%
HydroxyprolineEffect: HighIs helpful in restoring skin barrier function supporting its moisture levels. Is claimed to stimulte collagen production in skin but evidence is lacking~0.25–0.45%
Polyglyceryl-6 caprylateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.25–0.45%
Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.2–0.4%
LecithinEffect: High, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Limonene, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~7.6–9.3%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.6–0.95%est.
Coco-glucosideUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritatingHigh~0.6–0.9%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
Citrus paradisi peel oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionateWorks as a cleansing agentMedium~3.6–4.5%est.
Sodium cocoyl isethionateHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~2.5–3%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.
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.9–2.3%est.
Lauryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.5–1.8%est.
Sodium acrylates copolymerUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~1.2–1.4%est.
Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.95–1.2%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 cocoateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Polyglyceryl-6 caprylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%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
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.

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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
Cocamidopropyl betaine~7.6–9.3%
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~4.2–5.1%
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
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate~3.6–4.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Works as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate
Sodium cocoyl isethionate~2.5–3%
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
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
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate~1.9–2.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate
Lauryl glucoside~1.5–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Lauryl glucoside
Sodium acrylates copolymer~1.2–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylates copolymer
Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.95–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

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

More about Caprylyl/capryl glucoside
Limonene~0.6–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Coco-glucoside~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating

More about Coco-glucoside
Polyglyceryl-3 cocoate~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 cocoate
Polyglyceryl-4 caprate~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polyglyceryl-4 caprate
Panthenol~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Tocopherol~0.4–0.65%
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
Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Limnanthes alba seed oil~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

This oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient

More about Limnanthes alba seed oil
Hedychium coronarium root extract~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Yeast extract~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.3–0.5%
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
Sodium pca~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Sodium pca
Proline~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Proline
Citrus limon peel oil~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Citrus paradisi peel oil~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus paradisi peel oil
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Lecithin~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Aspalathus linearis leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that might have help to neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is skin is lacking

More about Aspalathus linearis leaf extract
Hydroxyproline~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingAnti-aging

Is helpful in restoring skin barrier function supporting its moisture levels. Is claimed to stimulte collagen production in skin but evidence is lacking

More about Hydroxyproline
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating

More about Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Bromelain~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Bromelain
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
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate
Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate
Cocamidopropylamine oxide~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Cocamidopropylamine oxide
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Chlorphenesin~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ingredient list view

Water, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Glycerin, Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Acrylates copolymer, Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, Lauryl glucoside, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Limonene, Coco-glucoside, Polyglyceryl-3 cocoate, Polyglyceryl-4 caprate, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Sodium hyaluronate, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Hedychium coronarium root extract, Yeast extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Sodium pca, Proline, Citrus limon peel oil, Citrus paradisi peel oil, Xanthan gum, Lecithin, Aspalathus linearis leaf extract, Hydroxyproline, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Bromelain, Chondrus crispus extract, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate, Cocamidopropylamine oxide, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Sodium hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol

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$32.00
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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
Thrive CausemeticsBright Balance 3-in-1 CleanserYOUR PRODUCTBigger than Beauty SkincareTEST- BTBS Bright Balance Hydrating Gel CleanserSkinfixbarrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel CleanserEarth Harbor NaturalsOasis Deep Pore Gel Cleanser
Match—49%41%38%
Price$32.00—$12.00−$20.00$20.00−$12.00
Shared key ingredients—26 of 2612 of 267 of 26
Key difference—FaexNiacinamideMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Irritancy High High Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

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Thrive Causemetics Bright Balance 3-in-1 Cleanser
Thrive CausemeticsBright Balance 3-in-1 Cleanser

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.