Then I Met You
Living Cleansing Balm
face cleansing balm
Then I Met You
face cleansing balm
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testThis 12x award-winning cleansing balm created by founder Charlotte Cho will quickly be your favorite step in your skincare routine! Every scoop is a sensorial experience, thanks to its signature sorbet-like texture that is rich in nutrients. The Living Cleansing Balm glides onto skin and melts away oil-based impurities such as excess sebum, sunscreen and stubborn makeup without leaving behind an oily residue. The star ingredient in the luxurious formula is antioxidant and fatty acid-rich seaberry (sea buckthorn) oil, which softens and protects skin, and gives the balm its distinctive bright yellow color. Other skin-benefiting ingredients include anti-aging and brightening persimmon extract and nourishing olive oil and vitamin E.
Living Cleansing Balm is a rich cleansing balm from Then I Met You, a brand based in USA. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 18 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 Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate and Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, 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 Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate and Cera Microcristallina.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetyl Ethylhexanoate 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. 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, 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 fragrance-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain 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.
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.
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive, Olea europaea L., Oleaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic and palmitic
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
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)
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Microcristallina Cera Microcrystalline Wax (U.S.)
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the nuts of the babassu, Orbignya oleifera, Palmaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids lauric, myristic and oleic
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Kaki, Diospyros kaki L., Ebenaceae
15th 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
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexanedioic acid, 3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl diester, esters from reaction with a mixture of octanoic, decanoic, isooctadecanoic, octadecanoic and 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acids
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.
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Ethylene/propylene Copolymer
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera 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 18 ingredients on the label.
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Forms a film that slows water loss
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Dissolves and carries everything else
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.
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive, Olea europaea L., Oleaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic and palmitic
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% 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
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
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- (8 mol EO average molar ratio)
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Microcristallina Cera Microcrystalline Wax (U.S.)
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the fruits of the Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhmanoides L, Elagnaceae
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ceresin. A complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by the purification of ozocerite with sulfuric acid and filtration through bone black to form waxy cakes
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Synthetic Wax is a hydrocarbon wax derived generally through Fischer-Tropsch or ethylene polymerization processes.
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the nuts of the babassu, Orbignya oleifera, Palmaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids lauric, myristic and oleic
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Kaki, Diospyros kaki L., Ebenaceae
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the wood of the Rosewood tree, Aniba rosaeodora, Lauraceae
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the peel of the Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, Rutaceae
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% 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
15th 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
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexanedioic acid, 3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl diester, esters from reaction with a mixture of octanoic, decanoic, isooctadecanoic, octadecanoic and 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acids
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ethene, polymer with propene
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Heimish
Shares 3 key ingredients with Living Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate
Haruharu Wonder
Shares 3 key ingredients with Living Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Haruharu Wonder
Shares 3 key ingredients with Living Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
BANILA CO
Shares 3 key ingredients with Living Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
BANILA CO
Shares 3 key ingredients with Living Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Dr. Althea
Shares 2 key ingredients with Living Cleansing Balm: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL, VITIS VINIFERA SEED OIL, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, PEG-8 ISOSTEARATE, CERA MICROCRISTALLINA, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES OIL, CERESIN, SYNTHETIC WAX, ORBIGNYA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, DIOSPYROS KAKI FRUIT EXTRACT, ANIBA ROSAEODORA WOOD OIL, CITRUS PARADISI PEEL OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE COPOLYMER.
For the first step of your double cleanse, use spatula to scoop a dime sized amount onto dry skin and gently massage in circular motions. Add a splash of warm water to emulsify and remove oil-based impurities. Rinse thoroughly before moving to step two, a water-based cleanser.
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.
6 ingredients could feed malassezia: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-8 Isostearate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf 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.
Yes — it contains Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil.
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 18 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.
Then I Met You, a brand based in USA.
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