1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Hexadecanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester; Octyl palmitate
Dr.Althea
Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil
face oil cleanser
Dr.Althea
face oil cleanser
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testThe Dr.Althea Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, non-comedogenic deep cleanser designed to melt away heavy makeup, sunscreen, and stubborn impurities while keeping the pores clear. Formulated with a blend of 12 natural plant oils, including Jojoba, Sunflower, and Sweet Almond oil, it effectively dissolves oxidized sebum and blackheads without stripping the skin's natural moisture. This formula features Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) extract to soothe sensitive skin and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil is a rich oil cleanser from Dr.Althea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 33 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as rich: occlusives and butters sit high enough in the order to give it real weight on skin. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Butylene Glycol and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Ethylhexyl Palmitate.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Houttuynia Cordata Extract and Tocopheryl Acetate.
On richness alone it suits Dry and Combination (dry) skin best, and is the least natural fit for Combination (oily) and Oily skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes first step. Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Hexadecanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester; Octyl palmitate
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Tetradecanoic acid, isopropyl ester
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris-.omega.-[(1-oxo-16-methylheptadecyl))oxy]-, (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Neem Tree, Melia Azadirachta L., Meliaceae
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Solanum Melogena Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Eggplant, Solanum melongena L., Solanaceae
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is an extract of the Alga, Corallina officinalis L., Corallinaceae
20th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, Moringaceae
21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Plukenetia volubilis, Euphorbiaceae
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Limonene
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Limonene
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Cleanse" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 33 ingredients on the label.
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Forms a film that slows water loss
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Changes how the product smells or looks
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Hexadecanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester; Octyl palmitate
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Tetradecanoic acid, isopropyl ester
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris-.omega.-[(1-oxo-16-methylheptadecyl))oxy]-, (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil is the oily liquid obtained from the seeds of Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L., Compositae. It consists principally of the triglycerides of linoleic acid
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is the essential oil obtained from the flowering tops and leaves of the Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lamiaceae
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Neem Tree, Melia Azadirachta L., Meliaceae
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Citrus Sinensis Oil,Orange Oil,Orange oil terpeneless (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) (RIFM),Orange peel oil, sweet (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) (RIFM),Orange Yu (JPN)
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of Coccinia indica, Cucurbitaceae
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Solanum Melogena Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Eggplant, Solanum melongena L., Solanaceae
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Amber Powder is the fossilized resin obtained from the pine tree, Pinus succinifera
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is an extract of the rhizomes of the Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, Labiatae
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is an extract of the Alga, Corallina officinalis L., Corallinaceae
19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil is the fixed oil expressed or extracted from seeds of the desert shrub, Jojoba, Simmondsia chinensis, Buxaceae
20th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, Moringaceae
21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Plukenetia volubilis, Euphorbiaceae
22nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract is an extract of the herb, Houttuynia cordata, Saururaceae
23rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the fresh leaves of the Eucaluptus, Eucalyptus globulus and other species of Eucalyptus, Myrtaceae. Syn. Yuukari Yu (Japanese)
24th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Vigna Radiata Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of the Vigna radiata (L.), Leguminosae
25th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract is an extract of the fresh leaves of the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtaceae
26th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-yl acetate
27th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Isopropyl palmitate
28th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
29th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
30th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-Methyl-4-Isopropenylcyclohexene; dipentene
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Dr. Althea
Shares 13 key ingredients with Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Anua
Shares 6 key ingredients with Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract
Missha
Shares 6 key ingredients with Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
IUNIK
Shares 5 key ingredients with Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil: Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Biodance
Shares 5 key ingredients with Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Water, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
NEOGEN
Shares 5 key ingredients with Gentle Pore Cleansing Oil: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS SEED OIL, WATER, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL, MELIA AZADIRACHTA LEAF EXTRACT, MELIA AZADIRACHTA FLOWER EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS PEEL OIL, COCCINIA INDICA FRUIT EXTRACT, SOLANUM MELONGENA FRUIT EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS FLOWER EXTRACT, AMBER POWDER, CURCUMA LONGA ROOT EXTRACT, OCIMUM SANCTUM LEAF EXTRACT, CORALLINA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL, MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, PLUKENETIA VOLUBILIS SEED OIL, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, VIGNA RADIATA SEED EXTRACT, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF EXTRACT, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ISOPROPYL PALMITATE, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CERAMIDE NP, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, LIMONENE.
CERAMIDE NP.
Dispense 2–3 pumps of the cleansing oil onto dry palms. Gently massage the oil onto your dry face in circular motions for about 30 seconds to dissolve makeup and impurities. Add a small amount of lukewarm water to emulsify the oil into a milky texture. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with a water-based cleanser (double cleansing) if desired.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Dry, Combination (dry) skin best. It is the least natural fit for Combination (oily), Oily skin.
Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.
10 ingredients could feed malassezia: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
No — it contains Limonene.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Yes — it contains Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Limonene.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it morning and evening, first step.
It lists 33 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.
Dr.Althea.
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