This balm’s ingredient list screams *farmer’s market chic* — but third-party tests flagged phenoxyethanol hiding at 0.9%. That’s the “clean” preservative alternative that still makes half my friends’ eyes water.
The real kicker? The brand calls it “hypoallergenic” — but never actually patch-tested on a sensitive panel. Just slapped the word on the box.
**🧴 What You’re Actually Paying For**
$38 for 3.4 oz. The claim that hooked me: “5 ingredients or less.” Sounded impossible for a balm that melts glitter and SPF.
1. **Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride** — Fancy name for fractionated coconut oil. Sinks in fast, doesn’t clog.
2. **Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate** — The emulsifier that lets this rinse clean without soap. Smart.
3. **Tocopherol** — Vitamin E. Antioxidant insurance against rancidity.
4. **Candelilla Wax** — Gives it that solid-to-oil texture. Vegan wax, not beeswax.
5. **Phenoxyethanol** — The uninvited guest. Keeps mold out, but stings if you have eczema.
**⚠️ The Ingredient That’s Not On The Label**
Two hero ingredients: **Fractionated coconut oil** melts makeup in 15 seconds. **Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate** means no foaming agents — so no stripping.
– **Fractionated Coconut Oil**: Melts waterproof mascara faster than my patience on a Monday
– **Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate**: Rinses clean without that squeaky “I just washed a plate” feeling
– **Tocopherol**: Stops the oil from going rancid in your cabinet
– **Phenoxyethanol**: The preservative that’s “clean enough” — unless your skin disagrees
**🔬 First Touch, Week 2 Reality**
Scoop feels like cold butter. Melts to clear oil in 3 seconds — no tugging. Rinses to a finish that’s *almost* clean but leaves a thin film. Not greasy. Just… present.
Week 2: My chin broke out in tiny whiteheads. Not cystic — just texture. Stopped using it for 3 days, cleared up. Restarted, same thing. Skin barrier didn’t love something.
**💡 One Thing** — Warm it between your palms for 10 seconds before applying. Cold balm doesn’t spread evenly, and you’ll tug your undereyes.
**📢 Did It Actually Work?**
Makeup removal? Flawless. Even tubing mascara surrendered. But my skin stayed slightly congested — that “clean” film didn’t rinse fully for me.
– **✅ Buy if** — You have normal-to-oily skin and want a one-step cleanse that doesn’t strip
– **⏭️ Skip if** — You’re prone to closed comedones or hate the feeling of a residue
– **💰 Worth it?** — Not at $38 for 3.4 oz. The Inkey List’s Oat Cleansing Balm ($10) does the same thing without the irritation lottery.
**✅ Final Call**
**6.5/10 — Clean label, dirty truth.**
A good balm for normal skin that wants “5 ingredients.” But the “hypoallergenic” claim is marketing, not medicine — and the phenoxyethanol is a dealbreaker for reactive skin.
**🛍️ Where to Buy** — Sephora or Credo. Grab the mini ($16) first — the full size is a commitment your skin might not thank you for.