Description
The Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm from Dr. Althea offers an innovative twist-dispenser that “grinds” out the balm, delivering a clean, hygienic amount each time you use it. The balm melts on contact, designed to effectively remove makeup, sunscreen and impurities while remaining gentle on the skin. It uses a minimal and soothing formula with key botanicals such as grape seed oil, camellia seed oil and madecassoside — and is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and formulated with sensitive-skin comfort in mind.
Size: 50ML
Skin Type
Normal to dry skin — The melt-on-contact balm texture and rich oils (grape seed, camellia seed) provide comfort and nourishment for skin feeling tight or makeup-heavy.
Combination skin — Works well for removing makeup/sunscreen and prepping skin for the next steps without over-stripping.
Sensitive or easily irritated skin (including skin with a compromised barrier) — The formula is described as minimal, alcohol-free, fragrance-free and soothing (with madecassoside & centella).
Makeup-wearers or sunscreen-users — Because it’s designed to effectively cleanse off heavier formulations without heavy residue.
Key Benefits
Efficient makeup & sunscreen removal: The balm texture melts on contact, helping to dissolve oil-based residues, waterproof makeup and UV filters — making your double-cleansing routine more effective.
Gentle on the skin barrier: With soothing botanicals (centella, madecassoside), and oils rich in linoleic acid (grape seed oil) the balm helps maintain skin comfort and barrier resilience rather than stripping it.
Hygienic & minimalistic packaging: The twist-grinder mechanism dispenses a measured amount, reduces contamination from repeatedly dipping fingers into a jar, and offers a controlled dose for each use.
Fragrance-free / alcohol-free / minimal formula: Good for sensitive skin or those recovering from barrier damage.
Travel-friendly & convenient: The balm format (solid→melt) is convenient for travel, night use, or as a makeup removal step when on the go
Key Ingredients
Camellia Sinensis (Tea) Seed Oil – lightweight plant oil rich in oleic fatty acid, antioxidants and skin-conditioning benefit.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil – high in linoleic acid, Vitamin E, antioxidants; supports barrier & calms skin.
Madecassoside / Centella Asiatica Extract / Asiaticoside – soothing, anti-inflammatory, supports barrier repair and skin comfort.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate / Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride – emollients that give the balm a soft, silky spreading texture and help with makeup removal.
Ingredients List
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, PEG-10 Isostearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Water, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date product information. However, formulations may change without notice. For the most current ingredient list, usage instructions, and warnings, please refer to the product packaging prior to use.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Safe
YES
While the product contains safe ingredients, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before introducing new skincare products as every pregnancy is unique.
How to use
Evening — Use as the first step in your cleansing routine, especially if you wore makeup or sunscreen:
Without wetting your face, twist the top to grind out a suitable amount of balm (about a pea to dime-size depending on how much makeup/SPF you have).
Massage onto dry face: Using your fingertips, gently massage the balm across dry skin (forehead, cheeks, nose, chin) for ~30–60 seconds. The balm will melt into a texture that lifts makeup/sunscreen/impurities.
Emulsify & rinse: Wet your hands slightly and continue to massage to emulsify the balm, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with your gentle second cleanser (if you double cleanse) and continue with your toner/serum/moisturise.
Frequency: Use nightly (especially if you wear sunscreen/makeup) or on days you feel your skin needs a deeper cleanse without over-stripping.
For your barrier-repair priority: Because your skin barrier is damaged, after the balm and second cleanse, apply a hydrating toner, a barrier-repair serum or cream (with ceramides/fatty acids) and avoid layering strong actives same night if your skin is flaky.
Storage & hygiene: The grinder mechanism helps minimise product exposure to fingers/air — close the lid after use. Keep jar clean. Because your skin is prone to sensitivity, this hygienic mechanism is a bonus.
Optional: If you have heavy makeup (waterproof mascara/lip/stain) consider holding gently onto those areas a few additional seconds with balm to ensure full melt before emulsifying.