Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: The Gentle Way to Remove Sunscreen

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In Sri Lanka, sunscreen is not optional. But the long-wear, sweat-resistant sunscreen that protects you all day is built to stay put, and a quick splash with face wash at night often leaves it behind. Add sweat, city dust, and makeup, and you have a recipe for dull skin and clogged pores.

The answer is double cleansing, and the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm makes the first step easy. Here is how it works and how to use it properly.

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing simply means washing your face in two steps at night.

Together, they leave skin properly clean without scrubbing or stripping it.

Why it matters in Sri Lanka

• Daily sunscreen: strong sun means sunscreen every day, and sunscreen is designed not to wash off easily.
• Heat and sweat: sweat mixes with sunscreen and sebum on the skin throughout the day.
• City pollution: dust and traffic fumes settle on the skin, especially on long commutes.
• Clogged pores: leftover residue is one of the easiest ways to end up with blackheads and breakouts.

Meet the Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm.

Made for stubborn sunscreen, long-wear makeup, and skin that feels stripped after cleansing. The balm melts away build-up and rinses clean, leaving skin soft and comfortable.

• Only 14 ingredients: a short, simple formula that suits sensitive skin
• Madecassoside, centella, and asiaticoside: soothing compounds from our own gotu kola
• Green tea seed oil and grape seed oil: plant oils that help lift makeup while keeping skin soft
• Built-in emulsifiers: the balm turns milky with water, so it rinses away cleanly instead of leaving an oily film
• Removes waterproof formulas: dissolves sunscreen, daily makeup, and waterproof products

The clever part: the grinder

Most cleansing balms come in an open jar, so you dip your fingers in every night. This one has a built-in grinder. Twist the container, and it dispenses a fresh portion of balm, so your fingers and spatulas never touch the rest of the product. You also get just the amount you need, with less mess and less waste.

How to use it

Community tip: Dr. Althea's customers recommend it for gently removing mascara too.

Common mistakes

• Using it on a wet face: balm works best on dry skin, where it can grab onto sunscreen and makeup.
• Skipping the milky step: adding water before rinsing is what helps it rinse clean.
• Rubbing hard: let the balm do the work. Gentle circles are enough.
• Stopping at step one: follow with a water-based cleanser, especially if your skin is oily or acne-prone.

Loved by customers

Meet its award-winning sister.

Dr. Althea also makes the Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm, with green tea extract and guaiazulene for deeper pore cleansing and oil control. It was highly commended in the Cleansing Champion category at the UK's Beauty Awards 2025.

Complete your night routine.

After double cleansing, finish with a moisturizer. Dr. Althea pairs this balm with the 345 Relief Cream for a simple, gentle evening routine for sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a cleansing balm if I don't wear makeup?
If you wear sunscreen every day, yes. Sunscreen is made to stay on your skin, so an oil-based first cleanse helps remove it properly.

Is it suitable for oily skin?
Yes. Oil dissolves oil, so it helps lift excess sebum. Always follow with a water-based cleanser.

How much should I use?
A small amount is enough for the whole face. Twist until you have roughly a fingertip's worth.

Can I use it every night?
Yes. It is gentle enough for daily use.