Explore Routine Login
Versus

Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm Versus iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

Face Cleanser
Makeup Remover
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on February 26, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and reef safe . They have a total of 1 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Synthetic Wax Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon 2 Concerns

Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-10 Isostearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sorbitan Sesquioleate Emulsifying
0-1 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Sorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.

0-1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds from the tea plant. This is the same plant we get green, black, and oolong tea from.

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
2-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Madecassoside Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Madecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.

Centella Asiatica Extract Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
2 Benefits

Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Asiaticoside Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Asiaticoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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.

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon 2 Concerns

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Canola Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Canola Oil is Rapeseed oil with low amounts of erucic acid. It is an emollient and helps hydrate the skin. Emollients help hydrate and soften your skin by trapping moisture.

Disliked Full details ->
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is part of the PEG Sorbitan/Sorbitol Fatty Acid Esters group. As an emulsifier, it helps ingredients such as oil and water mix together. This allows the dirt and oils in your skin to be washed away.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Benefits

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the common Marigold plant. This ingredient is a skin conditioner.

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from Macadamia nut.

Disliked Full details ->
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon OilOil Icon 2 Concerns

Cananga Odorata Flower Oil comes from the ylang-ylang flower, Cananga odorata.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sorbitan Sesquioleate Emulsifying
0-1 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Sorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.

0-1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emulsifying
Very Disliked

Sorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.

Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.

Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Sorbitan Sesquioleate

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
6
4
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
1
1
6
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

17 Routines
18% use in am
82% use in pm
82% use every day
401 Routines
9% use in am
90% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 14 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1)
yarasweedan's avatar

Yara Sweedan

12 days ago · Dry Skin
Review

I love using this as double cleansing step instead of oil cleanser as the oil one caused me acne breakouts
This one is very hygienic i love the...

I love using this as double cleansing step instead of oil cleanser as the oil one caused me acne breakouts
This one is very hygienic i love the packaging also u dont need to use alot if amount it removes makeup and sunscreen very easily
You first rub it on dry skin and then emulsify with some water and then wash it off and move on to the cleanser step

iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil 8 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 9 ratings
Heavy (3) Broke Me Out (3) Strong Scent (3)
Pronicio's avatar

Pronicio

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

A pretty good make-up remover oil, it's very thick and heavy on the skin which is why it removes make-up very easily, I recommend it for dry and...

A pretty good make-up remover oil, it's very thick and heavy on the skin which is why it removes make-up very easily, I recommend it for dry and sensitive skin as it's not drying at all and even has a positive effect on redness. However, I wouldn't recommend it at all for acne-prone skin as it can potentially clog pores, and even if I emulsify assiduously with double cleansing I end up with white commedons.

CustardBunny's avatar

CustardBunny

9 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

a great oil cleanser!
u dont even need a water based cleanser afterwards bc the oil rinses off emediatly with the water! so lick and feels so nice...

a great oil cleanser!
u dont even need a water based cleanser afterwards bc the oil rinses off emediatly with the water! so lick and feels so nice and warm on ur sensitive acne-prone skin.. cheap and lasts well enough for long! a big recommend!