Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

Dr.Althea

Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

face cleansing balm

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
95%
Combination (dry)
95%
Balanced
75%
Combination (oily)
45%
Oily
45%

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14
Ingredients
3
Benefits
0
Actives
Find Dupes

Experience a gentle yet effective cleanse with the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm. Designed with a unique grinding mechanism, this cleansing balm dispenses the perfect amount of product while maintaining freshness. Formulated with 14 essential ingredients, including Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil and Grape Seed Oil, it effortlessly removes sunscreen, makeup, and waterproof products, leaving your skin clean, moisturised, and rejuvenated. Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin, the balm is enriched with soothing Madecassoside and Centella Extract to reduce redness and irritation.

Key Insights

Benefits

3
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Soothing

About Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

Overview

Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm is a rich cleansing balm from Dr.Althea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 14 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

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 Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate and Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride and Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract and Asiaticoside.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Dry and Combination (dry) 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.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on oil control, brightening and tone, cell renewal and firmness signalling. 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.

What is not in 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.

Where it fits in a routine

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.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • 5 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Sensitive 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.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 5 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 3 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 3 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy 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.

Key ingredients

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

Hydration

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

Hydration

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)

Hydration

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

O-6-Deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (2α,3β,4α,6β)-2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oate

Anti-Aging Soothing

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Centella Asiatica Extract is the extract of the whole plant Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae

Soothing Anti-Aging

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,23-trihydroxy-, O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha)-

Anti-Aging Soothing

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

14th 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)

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Low

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support Low

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Facial oils

    Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Cleanse" step.

  • Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
  • Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
5 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive 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.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 14 ingredients on the label.

4
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

4
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

1
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

1
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

Estimated level
10–40%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.

Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate

Hydration
2 scientific references
  • Engineering in Life Sciences, March 2019, pages 370-388
  • International Journal of Toxicology, Nov-Dec 2015, pages 61S-73S
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

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

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

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)

Hydration
1 scientific reference
  • Toxicological Research, June 2015, pages 105-136
4 Synthetic Wax Exfoliant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Texture agent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Synthetic Wax is a hydrocarbon wax derived generally through Fischer-Tropsch or ethylene polymerization processes.

Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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)

Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Sorbitan, (Z)-9-octadecenoate (2:3)

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds from the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil is the fixed oil, consisting primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids, obtained by pressing the seeds of the Grape, Vitis Vinifera L., Vitaceae

9 Madecassoside Antioxidant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

O-6-Deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (2α,3β,4α,6β)-2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oate

Anti-Aging Soothing
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Soothing, Surfactant, Plant extract

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Centella Asiatica Extract is the extract of the whole plant Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae

Soothing Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Phytomedicine, April 2018, pages 110–119
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 2017, pages 311–315
  • Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jan-Feb 2016, pages 27–33
  • Postepy Dermatologii I, February 2013, pages 46–49
  • Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010, pages 546–556
  • Scientific Reports, June 2021, ePublication
11 Asiaticoside Antioxidant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,23-trihydroxy-, O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha)-

Anti-Aging Soothing
12 Water Solvent
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
13 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Octane-1,2-diol

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

14th 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)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm?

CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, SYNTHETIC WAX, PEG-10 ISOSTEARATE, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS SEED OIL, VITIS VINIFERA SEED OIL, MADECASSOSIDE, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, ASIATICOSIDE, WATER, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN.

How do I use Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm?

Turn the product in a clockwise direction to take an appropriate amount. Massage gently in a rolling motion on the skin to dissolve makeup, then gradually add a bit of water to emulsify. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

What skin types is Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm good for?

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.

Is Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm good for sensitive 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.

Is Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm fungal acne safe?

5 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm while pregnant?

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.

Is Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm have?

It lists 14 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm?

Dr.Althea.

Brand
Dr.Althea

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