1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
Dr. Althea
Pure 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 testExperience 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.
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm is a rich cleansing balm from Dr. Althea, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 14 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 Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate and Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, 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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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)
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
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
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)-
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
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)
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.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera 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 14 ingredients on the label.
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
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.
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.
Synthetic Wax is a hydrocarbon wax derived generally through Fischer-Tropsch or ethylene polymerization processes.
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.
Sorbitan, (Z)-9-octadecenoate (2:3)
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
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
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
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
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)-
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
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Octane-1,2-diol
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)
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Dr.Althea
Shares 8 key ingredients with Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract
BANILA CO
Shares 6 key ingredients with Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside
Dr. Althea
Shares 5 key ingredients with Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin
Haruharu Wonder
Shares 5 key ingredients with Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
Haruharu Wonder
Shares 5 key ingredients with Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
Pyunkang Yul
Shares 5 key ingredients with Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 14 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.
Dr. Althea, a brand based in Korea.
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