Versus

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm Versus Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

Makeup Remover
Makeup Remover
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on April 29, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, 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 dry 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

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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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

The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.

The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.

Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.

The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.

Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Cetyl 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.

Emollient, Emulsifying

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 Triisostearate
Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking

Synthetic 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 Wax

When to use

122 Routines
11% use in am
89% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
106 Routines
5% use in am
95% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm 19 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Heavy (1) Light Scent (1) No Scent (1)
samanthamary's avatar

Samantha Dyer

8 months ago
Review

I like this cleansing balm but it isn't my favourite. The balm doesn't melt down enough so it takes a long time to work it into my skin. I don't find that it cleanses my skin as effectively as other cleansing balms and the yellow colour almost stains my skin. There is a slight scent, definitely isn't overpowering though. I do love the packaging!

#heavy
#light scent
JeeNee's avatar

JeeNee

1 year ago
Review

It’s just okay for me. I received in a box I subscribe to and I don’t find myself reaching for it

#no scent
#works well

Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 14 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 5 ratings
No Scent (5) Great Value (3) Works Well (3)
Elapidae's avatar

Ela

5 months ago
Review

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.

#great value
#absorbs well
#oily
#no scent
yarasweedan's avatar

Yara Sweedan

9 months ago
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 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

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well