Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm
Why this score
Concern49 / 55
- Lemon Peel Oil: watch if sensitive
- Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil: watch if sensitive
- Geraniol: watch if sensitive
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 restraint18 / 25
- 8 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredients: Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lemon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citral, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool.
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
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 →Avocado OilGenerally safe
A rich botanical oil from avocado fruit, used to nourish and soften the skin. It is generally well tolerated across skin types and provides conditioning benefits.
Full ingredient details →Jojoba EstersGenerally safe
A wax ester derived from jojoba oil that closely resembles the skin's own sebum esters, used to soften and smooth skin. Available safety data has not flagged meaningful irritation or sensitization risk at cosmetic use levels.
Full ingredient details →Cetearyl OlivateGenerally safe
Derived from olive oil fatty acids, this PEG-free emulsifier is used at low concentrations to hold water and oil phases together in creams. Available safety and dermatological testing has not shown meaningful irritation or sensitization at use levels.
Full ingredient details →Sorbitan OlivateGenerally safe
An olive-oil-derived emulsifier, almost always paired with cetearyl olivate, that holds water and oil together and leaves a light skin-like finish. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.
Full ingredient details →Argan OilGenerally safe
A fatty-acid and tocopherol-rich plant oil used as a hair and skin emollient; CIR's review of plant-derived fatty acid oils found no evidence of irritation or sensitization and a long history of safe use in food and cosmetics.
Full ingredient details →Colloidal OatmealGenerally safe
Finely milled oat that the FDA recognizes as an over-the-counter skin protectant for temporary relief of minor itching and dryness. Well tolerated, including on eczema-prone skin, with rare contact allergy in people with pre-existing oat or cereal sensitivity.
Full ingredient details →Cucumber Fruit ExtractGenerally safe
An extract from cucumber fruit valued in skincare for its hydrating and soothing properties. It is well tolerated across skin types and commonly included in formulas designed to refresh and calm the skin.
Full ingredient details →Azelaic AcidWatch if sensitive
A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used to even tone and calm breakout-prone or redness-prone skin, also available at higher strengths by prescription. It is well tolerated overall, though mild tingling or dryness can occur when starting use.
Full ingredient details →Vitamin EGenerally safe
An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →Lactic AcidWatch if sensitive
A larger, gentler alpha hydroxy acid than glycolic acid, used to exfoliate and to draw in moisture. It can still cause stinging or increased sun sensitivity at higher concentrations, so daytime SPF use is sensible, but it is generally better tolerated than glycolic acid.
Full ingredient details →Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) ExtractGenerally safe
A hydrating plant extract from sugarcane rich in amino acids and minerals. It conditions and softens skin and is generally well tolerated across skin types.
Full ingredient details →Lemon Peel OilWatch if sensitive
A citrus essential oil with a fresh scent, extracted from lemon peel. It contains recognized fragrance allergen constituents (limonene, citral) and can trigger contact reactions in fragrance-sensitive individuals. Additionally, citrus peel oils carry documented phototoxicity risk, meaning skin treated with the product should avoid direct sunlight.
Full ingredient details →Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) OilWatch if sensitive
A cold-pressed oil from sweet orange peel with a bright, citrus scent, containing furanocoumarins that can cause phototoxic reactions (pigmentation and irritation) when exposed to sunlight. This oil is best reserved for rinse-off products or formulations where sun exposure is unlikely or protected, as it can trigger adverse reactions in reactive individuals on sun-exposed skin.
Full ingredient details →Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractWatch if sensitive
A warming root extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some individuals report mild warming or tingling sensations; those with sensitive skin should start with lower concentrations or patch test first.
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 →CitralWatch if sensitive
A natural fragrance component found in citrus oils and lemongrass, giving a lemony scent. It is a named EU fragrance allergen that can oxidize into potent contact allergens over time; people with known fragrance sensitivities may react.
Full ingredient details →LimoneneWatch if sensitive
A citrus-scented fragrance component. Fine for most, but it oxidizes over time into a known contact allergen, so it must be labelled in the EU.
Full ingredient details →GeraniolWatch if sensitive
A floral, rose-like fragrance compound found in many essential oils. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens, meaning a documented minority of people can develop contact sensitization, so brands must disclose it above set thresholds.
Full ingredient details →LinaloolWatch if sensitive
A floral fragrance component and one of the EU-labelled fragrance allergens. Usually fine, worth watching if you react to scented products.
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.