Essential Balm Cleanse
Why this score
Concern54 / 55
- No ingredients carry meaningful, evidence-backed concern.
How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.
Transparency20 / 20
- No hidden fragrance blend.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint23 / 25
- 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Phenethyl Alcohol.
Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.
Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026
What’s inside
Meadowfoam Seed OilGenerally safe
A lightweight emollient oil from meadowfoam seeds, prized in cosmetics for its stability and skin feel. Very well tolerated with no documented safety concerns in published assessments.
Full ingredient details →Sunflower OilGenerally safe
A linoleic-acid-rich plant oil used as an emollient and, in some small pediatric studies, associated with support of the skin barrier when applied to infant skin. It is well tolerated with a low reported rate of contact reactions.
Full ingredient details →Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateGenerally safe
A mild plant-derived emulsifier combining polyglycerol and lauric acid. Used in gentle formulas to blend oil and water phases; well tolerated across skin types at cosmetic concentrations.
Full ingredient details →WaterGenerally safe
The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.
Full ingredient details →Vitamin EGenerally safe
An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →Leuconostoc and Radish Root Ferment FiltrateGenerally safe
A fermented extract of radish root that acts as a natural preservative and skin-conditioning agent. It has shown antimicrobial properties in formulation work and is well tolerated in rinse-off and leave-on products, though individual sensitivities can vary.
Full ingredient details →Phenethyl AlcoholWatch if sensitive
A fragrance component with a mild rose and honey scent, widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. Most people tolerate it without issue, though patch-test studies indicate a minority of individuals with fragrance sensitivities may react to it.
Full ingredient details →EthylhexylglycerinGenerally safe
A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.
Full ingredient details →Citric AcidGenerally safe
Used in tiny amounts to set a product to skin-friendly pH. No concern at those levels.
Full ingredient details →Potassium SorbateGenerally safe
A widely used, gentle preservative also common in food. It is generally well tolerated, though it can occasionally cause mild, transient irritation in people with already-compromised or very reactive skin.
Full ingredient details →Sodium BenzoateGenerally safe
The sodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in both foods and cosmetics. Decades of safety review support its use at typical cosmetic concentrations, with mild irritation the main reported issue in sensitive skin.
Full ingredient details →Lower-concern alternatives
Same category, higher PlainScore.
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.