I bought more! This grinder holds my favourite cleanser
21.5.2026
Translation: Eva Francis
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
Take the lid off and dig in? Not with the Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm by Dr. Althea. This facial cleanser takes a smarter approach – and has become an essential part of my evening routine.
The mother of all make-up removers – that’s what I called the Cleansing Balm in one of my articles from 2017. I still feel the same way today. But one essential thing’s changed (and continues to change) and that’s which balm I go for. I’ve come across many great products over the years. My current favourite is the Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm by vegan K-beauty brand Dr. Althea is my favourite.
Great twist-top design
The rich green colour of the jar is a real eye-catcher and the dispensing mechanism simple yet ingenious. The magic lies in the practical twist mechanism, which makes it particularly hygienic to use. Unlike a regular jar that involves digging into the product with your fingers (or, at best, a spatula), you can dispense Dr. Althea’s Balm in a much more elegant way.
Simply remove the lid and twist the top of the cylinder clockwise. This pushes the sorbet-like texture through two gaps. The more you twist, the more of the product comes out. In other words, it’s super easy to control how much you use. Ideally, you should clean the green surface regularly with a bit of alcohol, as it comes into contact with your fingers.
Note: The twist-top jar contains 50 millilitres of product. That’s about half as much as you’d usually get. I’m happy to overlook this minor flaw in exchange for the well-designed dispensing mechanism. Plus, you’ll only need a small amount of product to cleanse your entire face.
Why I like this balm
This is already my second jar. I’m not only a fan of the dispensing mechanism, I also think the price and balm quality are great.
The formula...
- ...is fragrance-free and has a pleasant natural scent.
- ...is suitable for sensitive skin.
- ...melts into a silky veil upon contact with the skin.
- ...reliably removes sunscreen and make-up (but not waterproof products!).
- ...doesn’t dry out the skin.
- ...contains tea seed oil to support the skin barrier, grape seed oil, which is rich in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids and madecassoside, which is said to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Many people use a cleansing balm as the first step in a two-step make-up removal routine (known as double cleansing). I do the opposite and end my skincare routine with the balm. Why? Because I like how my skin feels afterward. Pampered, nourished and content. I start by removing the bulk of the make-up using micellar water and/or eye make-up remover and then finish with balm. When I’m not wearing make-up, I use just the balm.
The brand emphasises that it’s cruelty-free, but isn’t certified. During my research, I came across conflicting information. So take this information with a grain of salt.
In a nutshell
Hygienic, handy, must-have
The Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm makes removing your make-up a truly enjoyable experience. The creamy formula cleanses your skin thoroughly yet gently, leaving it feeling refreshed and clean. But it’s the twist-top design that takes this balm to a whole new level, as it makes it harder for air and bacteria to get inside. In my opinion, this is a great product that I’m happy to recommend.
Pro
- Unscented
- Gently cleanses the skin
- Moisturising
- Convenient and hygienic dispensing
- Good price
Contra
- 50 ml instead of the standard 100 ml
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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