Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm Versus Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Balm
Updated on June 11, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm 28 ingredients
Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Balm 36 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm 28 ingredients
Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Balm 36 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
PEG-10 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Oleate Citrate
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Tocopherol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Caprylyl Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPEG-10 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Bifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Jasminum Officinale Extract
Masking
Protease
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Protease
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
This ingredient has emollient and skin conditioning properties. This is due to its polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran OilPEG-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.
This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-20 Glyceryl TriisostearateThis oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.
It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.
This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.
Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSynthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.
Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm 28 ingredients
Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Balm 36 ingredients
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