1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
Dr.Althea
Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm
face cleansing balm
Dr.Althea
face cleansing balm
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
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Take the skin testDr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm is a silky cleansing balm in a unique twist-dispense format that transforms into a cream on the skin. It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while being enriched with green tea leaf extract, turmeric root extract, rice bran oil, jojoba seed oil, and guaiazulene to soothe redness. The balm features emollients like caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetyl ethylhexanoate, and synthetic wax to gently cleanse yet leave skin soft and hydrated without greasy residue. It is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, vegan, and designed for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm is a cushioning cleansing balm from Dr.Althea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 28 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. 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: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Cetyl Ethylhexanoate.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Tocopherol.
On richness alone it suits Dry, Combination (dry) and Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Combination (oily) and Oily skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, oil control, brightening and tone and cell renewal. 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 fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
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.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
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
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
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.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% 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)
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Glycine Soja Oil is the oil obtained from the soybean, Glycine soja, Leguminosae, by extraction or expression. It consists esentially of triglycerides of oleic, linoleic and saturated acids
9th 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
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Neem Tree, Melia Azadirachta L., Meliaceae
14th 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
16th 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
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is an extract of the Alga, Corallina officinalis L., Corallinaceae
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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)
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
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Simmondsia Chinensis 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 28 ingredients on the label.
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Dissolves and carries everything else
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Forms a film that slows water loss
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
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.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Synthetic Wax is a hydrocarbon wax derived generally through Fischer-Tropsch or ethylene polymerization processes.
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% 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)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxoisooctadecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (10 mol EO average molar ratio)
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Ester of diglycerol and oleic acid
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Sorbitan, (Z)-9-octadecenoate (2:3)
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Glycine Soja Oil is the oil obtained from the soybean, Glycine soja, Leguminosae, by extraction or expression. It consists esentially of triglycerides of oleic, linoleic and saturated acids
9th 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
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% 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.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of Coccinia indica, Cucurbitaceae
14th 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
15th 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
16th 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
17th 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
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, Labiatae
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is an extract of the rhizomes of the Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is an extract of the Alga, Corallina officinalis L., Corallinaceae
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glyceryl Oleate Citrate is the reaction product of glyceryl oleate and citric acid
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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)
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil is the fixed oil expressed from the bran of the Rice, Oryza sativa L., Poaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic, palmetic and stearic
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 3,8-dimethyl-5-(isopropyl)-1-azulenesulfonate
27th 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)
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Dr. Althea
Shares 12 key ingredients with Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Glycine Soja Oil, Water
Pyunkang Yul
Shares 7 key ingredients with Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Water, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol
beplain
Shares 7 key ingredients with Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm: Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Glycerin, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
I'M FROM
Shares 6 key ingredients with Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Beauty of Joseon
Shares 6 key ingredients with Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Glycerin
Heimish
Shares 4 key ingredients with Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Butylene Glycol
CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SYNTHETIC WAX, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, PEG-10 ISOSTEARATE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 OLEATE, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, GLYCINE SOJA OIL, WATER, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, MELIA AZADIRACHTA LEAF EXTRACT, MELIA AZADIRACHTA FLOWER EXTRACT, COCCINIA INDICA FRUIT EXTRACT, SOLANUM MELONGENA FRUIT EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS FLOWER EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, OCIMUM SANCTUM LEAF EXTRACT, CURCUMA LONGA ROOT EXTRACT, CORALLINA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, GLYCERYL OLEATE CITRATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHEROL, ORYZA SATIVA BRAN OIL, SODIUM GUAIAZULENE SULFONATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL.
Twist the compliance mechanism to dispense an appropriate amount. Massage onto dry skin using circular motions to melt makeup and impurities. Add a small amount of water to emulsify into a milky texture. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with your usual skincare routine.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Dry, Combination (dry), Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Combination (oily), Oily skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
6 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate. 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.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
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 28 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.
Dr.Althea.
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