Image: Dr.Althea
Dr.Althea
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
A makeup remover built around Centella asiatica, for barrier repair and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 22.90 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · on the brand's site
From the brand
What the brand says about this product. Our ingredient analysis follows below.
The brand recommends it for
- Oiliness & shine
How to use
With dry hands, twist the container clockwise to dispense the desired amount. Apply to dry skin and gently massage in circular motions to dissolve makeup and sunscreen. Add a small amount of water and continue massaging until the balm turns milky. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with a water-based cleanser if double cleansing. Our community recommends using this to wipe off mascara.
What's inside
Ingredients List
6 trigger at least one check · 8 trigger none
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Key Ingredients
Centella asiatica (Cica)3
Centella asiatica (cica), used to calm irritation.
Benefits
Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Barrier Repair8
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Redness Reducing3
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Caprylyl Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis6
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-10 Isostearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
May Worsen Oily Skin2
May increase shine or excess oil.
Ingredients Explained
Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetyl Ethylhexanoate →Synthetic Wax
Abrasive, Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling
Synthetic Wax is a hydrocarbon wax derived generally through Fischer-Tropsch or ethylene polymerization processes.
Learn more about Synthetic Wax →Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Fragrance, Perfuming, Occlusive, Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is the mixed triester of glycerin and caprylic and capric acids.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Sesquioleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan Sesquioleate →PEG-10 Isostearate
Cleansing, Emulsifying
PEG-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-10 Isostearate →PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate →Caprylyl Glycol
Deodorant, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol is the diol that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil →Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil →
Dupes
- Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm80% match
- Celimax Dual Barrier Purifying Cleansing Balm69% match
- Rejuran Pore Tightening Cleansing Balm62% match