Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm Versus Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm
Updated on April 29, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 14 ingredients
Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm 32 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 14 ingredients
Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Benzyl Glycol
SolventCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Juice
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Raspberry Ketone
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Synthetic Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Raspberry Ketone, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Beta-Carotene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideSynthetic 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 WaxWater. 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 WaterEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 14 ingredients
Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 14 ingredients
Oh Boy, this prolly gonna end on my holy grail! ❤️ Sensible to the skin, doesn’t break me out, no residue after washing it off … no endless rubbing on waterproof make up. The only “bad thing” is prolly that it contains oil that rests on your eyeballs a bit. So you just see everything a bit milky for few minutes.
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
Mary & May Vitamin B, C, E Cleansing Balm 32 ingredients
This is a really thick balm that makes a nice oil. Starts to emulsify with water, but definitely needs to be thoroughly rinsed off or followed up with a second cleanser. I love it though.
