DUO The Cleansing Balm
A makeup remover that contains ceramides, exfoliants, peptides, vitamin c and vitamin e.
Overview
What it is
Makeup remover with 56 ingredients that contains ceramides, exfoliants, peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Cool Features
It is reef safe
Suited For
It has ingredients that are good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
Fun facts
DUO is from Japan.
We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.
About this product
Ingredients List
Dive into the full list of ingredients.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveIsotridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientPEG-6 Glyceryl Isostearate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientStearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientBenzylsulfonyl D-Seryl Homophenylalanine Amidinobenzamide Acetate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveAspergillus/Rice Ferment Extract
HumectantLactobacillus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Ferment Filtrate
BleachingSaccharomyces/Day Lily Flower Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningSchizosaccharomyces/Fig Fruit Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Hydrolyzed Stachys Affinis Tuber Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract
HumectantGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ag
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantVaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract
AstringentHydroxystearic Acid
CleansingSilica
AbrasiveLactobacillus/Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningZymomonas Ferment Extract
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingUndecane
EmollientTridecane
PerfumingGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientBis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, PEG-6 Glyceryl Isostearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Benzylsulfonyl D-Seryl Homophenylalanine Amidinobenzamide Acetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Charcoal Powder, Aspergillus/Rice Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Day Lily Flower Ferment Filtrate, Schizosaccharomyces/Fig Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Hydrolyzed Stachys Affinis Tuber Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Honey Extract, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ag, Ceramide NP, Ceramide EOP, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract, Hydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Lactobacillus/Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Ferment Filtrate, Zymomonas Ferment Extract, Maltodextrin, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Undecane, Tridecane, Glycine Soja Sterols, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Explained
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly. In fact, it is commonly used to evenly mix sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone. It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateThis 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 TriglyceridePeg-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 TriisostearateSynthetic 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 WaxWe don't have a description for Isotridecyl Isononanoate yet.
PEG-6 Glyceryl Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
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.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilWe don't have a description for Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate yet.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. Argan Oil has antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties.
Studies have shown argan oil can help fight again radical damage from the sun. This makes it effective at preventing hyperpigmentation.
Large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil helps the skin retain water. Argan oil also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also a good source of lipids.
Another benefit of argan oil is skin-soothing. It can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms.
Argan Oil is effective at regulating sebum production in pores. This can make it effective at treating hormonal acne.
Traditionally, argan oil was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, argan oil contains fatty acids that may make it not fungal-acne safe.
Argan Trees are native to Morocco.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilWe don't have a description for Benzylsulfonyl D-Seryl Homophenylalanine Amidinobenzamide Acetate yet.
This synthetic peptide is created from lysine, valine, and palmitic acid.
According to the manufacturer, in-vitro studies show tissue growth and collagen synthesis. Another in-vivo study found 60 volunteers saw a significant reduction in wrinkles after 84 days.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this peptide may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5Charcoal powder comes from grounded charcoal. Charcoal can originate from peat, coal, wood, coconut shell, or petroleum.
This ingredient has absorbent properties, making it great at absorbing oil.
We don't have a description for Aspergillus/Rice Ferment Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate yet.
We don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate yet.
We don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Ferment Filtrate yet.
We don't have a description for Saccharomyces/Day Lily Flower Ferment Filtrate yet.
We don't have a description for Schizosaccharomyces/Fig Fruit Ferment Filtrate yet.
We don't have a description for Saccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate yet.
We don't have a description for Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Saccharomyces/Hydrolyzed Stachys Affinis Tuber Ferment Filtrate yet.
We don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate yet.
This ingredient comes from honey made by bees. It is hydrating, antibacterial, anti-aging, and skin soothing.
Honey also contains amino acids, peptides, Vitamins A, C, and E.
The humectant property of honey draws moisture from the air to your skin. This makes it great at helping to hydrate the skin.
Honey may help reduce the signs of aging due to its antioxidant properties. Fun fact: darker honey has more antioxidants than light honey. The antibacterial property of honey may make it effective at helping to treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria.
Many people wonder if honey extract is vegan. It is technically a byproduct from bees. This is because honey is created from the digestive enzymes in a bee's stomach.
Remember to be kind to bees :) They are important for many ecosystems and are endangered.
Learn more about Honey ExtractWe don't have a description for Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment yet.
Ceramide NG is a type of Ceramide. The NG stands for a sphinganine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP Ceramide NP
Learn more about Ceramide NgCeramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide NP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide APCeramide AG is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramide AG is the N-acylated sphingolipid consisting of Sphinganine having the D-erythro structure linked to an alpha-hydroxy saturated or unsaturated fatty acid.
Learn more about Ceramide AgCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPCeramide EOP is a type of Ceramide.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPWe don't have a description for Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract yet.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a version of ascorbic acid, or pure Vitamin C.
This ingredient has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.
It helps with dark spot fading by interfering with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. Like other forms of vitamin C, this ingredient encourages the skin to create more collagen.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
One study found Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate to degrade in sunlight, but is stabilized when combined with acetyl zingerone.
Learn more about Ascorbyl TetraisopalmitateWe don't have a description for Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract yet.
Hydroxystearic Acid (HSA) is a wax-like fatty acid. It is a surfactant, emollient, and emulsifier.
Surfactants are cleansing ingredients. They reduce the surface tension of dirt and grime to be removed easily.
HSA is an emulsifier in certain formulations. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne, safe.
Learn more about Hydroxystearic AcidSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaWe don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Ferment Filtrate yet.
We don't have a description for Zymomonas Ferment Extract yet.
Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinCitrus Grandis Peel Oil is an essential oil that is derived from the peel of a Grapefruit. It is composed largely of limonene, which is a fragrance that can cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Citrus Aurantifolia Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.
Undecane is an emollient and helps create a lightweight base for products.
Is is not soluble in water and naturally occurring in some species.
Tridecane is a lightweight emollient and fragrancing ingredient. It is a paraffin and often called a silicone alternative.
According to official INCI guidelines, this ingredient is used to give a light odor to raw materials. It is often used as a starter ingredient to create parfum.
This ingredient can be derived from palm oil, or coconut oil. It is also naturally found in certain species of organisms.
According to the NOAA, this ingredient can cause skin sensitivity with prolonged use. However, this warning is taken from the Coast Guard and no studies have been done on this in relation to cosmetics.
Tridecane is not water soluble.
Learn more about TridecaneGlycine Soja Sterols is derived from the soybean plant. Sterols are an organic compound and technically an alcohol.
Unlike solvent alcohols, glycine soja sterols have emollient properties and help hydrate the skin.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Sterols can be found in plants, animals, and fungi.
Learn more about Glycine Soja SterolsWe don't have a description for Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate yet.
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.
This silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateThis ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateWater. 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 WaterButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinTocopherol (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 TocopherolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidPolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideReviews
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Where it's from
DUO is a Japanese brand
We're dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and science-backed ingredient info out there.
The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.
Read more about us· Updated August 14, 2024 • Added by tsukidoki