Balancing Facial Wash
Balancing Facial Wash
Product Description
Product overview
A 99.75% natural, pH-balanced gel cleanser formulated with Manila elemi, bamboo stem extract, loofah, and orange peel oil. Designed for oily and combination skin, it gently removes excess sebum and unclogs pores without stripping your skin's moisture barrier. SLS/SLES-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Manila Elemi Oil Control
Prized Filipino elemi oil (used by luxury brands like Chanel and Dior) balances sebum production and provides antibacterial benefits to keep breakouts at bay.
Texture & feel
SENSORYManila Elemi Oil Control
Prized Filipino elemi oil (used by luxury brands like Chanel and Dior) balances sebum production and provides antibacterial benefits to keep breakouts at bay.
Bamboo Micro-Exfoliation
Bamboo stem extract particles provide gentle physical exfoliation, buffing away dead skin cells and helping to unclog pores without irritation.
Orange Peel Brightening
Natural orange peel essential oil delivers antioxidant flavonoids that help brighten dull skin and provide a refreshing, uplifting citrus scent.
Loofah Deep Cleanse
Finely powdered sponge loofah provides additional gentle exfoliation, helping to draw out trapped oil and impurities from deep within pores.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All-natural ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Contains only gentle plant-derived surfactants.
Contains Glyceryl Oleate (oleic acid ester) which may feed Malassezia yeast. However, as a rinse-off product with brief skin contact, the risk is significantly reduced compared to leave-on formulations.
The formula uses mild coconut-derived surfactants (Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco-Glucoside) with very low comedogenic ratings. Glyceryl Oleate is present in small amounts and rinses off quickly.
SLS/SLES-free formula uses gentle coconut-derived cleansing agents that cleanse effectively without stripping or disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Contains Citrus Sinensis (orange) peel essential oil and Canarium Luzonicum (elemi) gum essential oil. Those with citrus sensitivities or very reactive skin should patch test first.
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid — gentler than AHAs and BHAs — that provides mild exfoliation, antioxidant protection, and moisture-binding benefits without sun sensitivity.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSDecyl Glucoside Coconut-DerivedProven
A mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. Known for gentle yet effective cleansing that creates moderate-to-rich lather without stripping natural oils. Biodegradable and skin-friendly.
- Function: Primary surfactant and foaming agent
- Safety: Approved by Ecocert for natural cosmetics; suitable for sensitive skin
- Comedogenic rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Coconut-DerivedProven
A premium mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, known as the gold standard for gentle cleansing. Creates a rich, creamy lather while being exceptionally non-irritating to skin.
- Source: Often called the "baby foam" due to extreme mildness
- Research: Dermatological studies confirm it is one of the mildest cleansing agents available
- Benefit: Cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin barrier
Canarium Luzonicum (Manila Elemi) Gum Essential Oil Essential OilPromising
A prized Filipino essential oil extracted from the sap of the pili tree. Used by luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Ralph Lauren for its skin-balancing and antibacterial properties. Found only in the Philippines.
- Benefit: Helps balance sebum production and reduce excess oiliness
- Antibacterial: Helps neutralize acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces skin redness and irritation associated with oily skin
Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Extract Plant ExtractProven
Finely milled bamboo particles that act as a natural physical exfoliant. Helps gently buff away dead skin cells and unclog pores without micro-tears or irritation.
- Function: Natural micro-exfoliant for pore cleansing
- Benefit: Rich in natural silica which helps mattify and smooth skin texture
Gluconolactone Corn-Derived PHAProven
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) derived from corn, providing gentle chemical exfoliation. Unlike AHAs and BHAs, PHAs have larger molecular sizes making them less penetrating and less irritating — ideal for sensitive skin.
- Exfoliation: Gently dissolves dead skin cells without the irritation of glycolic or salicylic acid
- Antioxidant: Provides free-radical protection as a chelating agent
- Humectant: Attracts moisture to the skin surface for a hydrated feel
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Peel Essential Oil Essential OilPromising
Cold-pressed essential oil from orange peels, rich in limonene and natural flavonoids. Provides antioxidant protection and a refreshing citrus scent while helping to brighten dull skin.
- Antioxidant: Flavonoids protect skin from environmental free radical damage
- Brightening: Helps improve the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone
13 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Decyl Glucoside (Coconut-Derived), Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut-Derived), Coco-Glucoside (Coconut-Derived), Glyceryl Oleate (Plant-Derived), Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Extract, Gluconolactone (Corn-Derived), Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Luffa Cylindrica (Sponge Loofah) Fruit Powder, Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288) (Natural), Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Peel Essential Oil, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Gum Essential Oil
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening as the first step in your skincare routine. Pair with the Human Nature Balancing Face Toner for optimal oil control. Alternate with a gentle scrub 2–3 times per week for deeper exfoliation.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face and neck with lukewarm water to open pores and prepare your skin for cleansing.
Apply a Small Amount
Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way — you only need about half a pea-sized drop to generate a good lather.
Massage Gently
Using your fingertips, massage the gel onto your face in gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Focus on oily areas like the T-zone. Let the bamboo and loofah particles do the work — no need to scrub hard.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel — avoid rubbing. Follow immediately with toner and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin and struggle with excess shine
- You want a natural, SLS-free cleanser that still lathers well
- You prefer eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan skincare
- You need a gentle daily cleanser with mild exfoliation
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and want a safe cleanser
- You want to support Filipino-made, ethically sourced products
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (this targets oil control)
- You have active fungal acne and need a strictly FA-safe formula
- You are sensitive to citrus essential oils or fragrances
- You need a heavy-duty makeup remover (use an oil cleanser first)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free cleansers
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for oily skin. Elemi oil and bamboo effectively control excess sebum without over-stripping, leaving skin matte and shine-free.
Balances oily T-zone while keeping drier cheeks comfortable. The gentle surfactants cleanse thoroughly without causing dryness on non-oily areas.
Works well as a daily cleanser for normal skin. The mild exfoliation helps maintain clear, smooth texture. Follow with a light moisturizer.
The surfactants are gentle, but physical exfoliants (bamboo, loofah) and essential oils may irritate very sensitive skin. Limit use to 2–3 times per week and patch test first.
Not recommended for dry skin types. The oil-control formulation may feel too stripping. Consider the Human Nature Nourishing or Hydrating Facial Wash instead.
Low comedogenic rating and antibacterial elemi oil help prevent breakouts. Gentle exfoliation keeps pores clear. Not ideal for active fungal acne due to Glyceryl Oleate.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and fresher after the first use. The gentle scrubby particles leave a satisfying clean sensation. You may notice a slight tingling coolness from the elemi and orange oils.
90% noticedReduced Oiliness & Smoother Texture
Sebum production begins to feel more balanced. Skin texture improves as bamboo and loofah gently exfoliate dead skin cell buildup. Less need for midday blotting papers.
75% noticedFewer Breakouts & Clearer Pores
With consistent daily use, pores appear less congested. Users report fewer small bumps and blackheads. The antibacterial properties of elemi help keep new breakouts at bay.
65% noticedBalanced, Shine-Free Complexion
Long-term users report consistently balanced skin that stays matte longer throughout the day. Overall skin clarity and tone improve with continued use of the full oil-control regimen.
60% noticedRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effectively controls excess oil and shine throughout the day
- 99.75% natural ingredients — no harsh chemicals or sulfates
- Very affordable price point for a natural cleanser
- Lathers surprisingly well despite being SLS/SLES-free
- Doesn't dry out or strip the skin after cleansing
- Pleasant, subtle citrus scent from natural essential oils
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly packaging
- Safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- A little product goes a very long way
Criticized
- Bamboo scrub particles may feel too abrasive for sensitive skin types
- Contains essential oils — not suitable for fragrance-sensitive users
- Not ideal for dry skin (formulated for oil control)
- Glyceryl Oleate makes it not fully fungal acne safe
- Needs shaking before each use to redistribute scrub particles
- 50ml travel size runs out quickly
- Not widely available outside the Philippines and select Asian markets
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAnother Filipino brand with a gentle, pH-balanced formula. Uses NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) instead of elemi oil. Less natural overall but widely available at all Philippine drugstores. Lacks the physical exfoliation component.
K-beauty gel cleanser with tea tree oil and BHA (Betaine Salicylate) for oil control. Chemical exfoliation instead of physical. pH-balanced but contains cocamidopropyl betaine as the primary surfactant. More widely available internationally.
A gentle, non-foaming cleanser that melts into an oil-like consistency. Squalane-based rather than surfactant-based. No physical exfoliation and a different cleansing mechanism — better for makeup removal but less effective for deep oil control.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed. Shake well before each use to redistribute the natural scrub particles.
Recyclable squeeze tube made from sugarcane-derived bio-plastic. Available in 50ml and 200ml sizes.
Yes — the 50ml size is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit, making it perfect for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The Balancing Facial Wash is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is free from retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, and other ingredients typically flagged during pregnancy. All surfactants are gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agents, and the formula is 99.75% natural. However, as with any skincare product, performing a patch test is always a good practice during pregnancy when skin can be more sensitive than usual.
Use with caution. The formula contains Glyceryl Oleate, an oleic acid ester that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast, the fungus responsible for fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). However, since this is a rinse-off product with very brief skin contact time, the risk is considerably lower than with leave-on products. If you have active fungal acne, you may want to choose a strictly FA-safe cleanser or consult your dermatologist before use.
Yes, this cleanser is compatible with most active ingredients. Since it contains a mild PHA (Gluconolactone) and physical exfoliants (bamboo, loofah), be mindful of over-exfoliation if you are also using strong AHAs, BHAs, or retinol in your routine. On days you use potent exfoliating treatments, you may want to use a gentler cleanser or skip the scrubbing action. Vitamin C serums can be applied after cleansing without any interaction concerns.
This cleanser is specifically formulated for oily and combination skin types. It excels at controlling excess sebum production, unclogging pores, and leaving skin matte and balanced. It also works well for normal skin. It is not recommended for dry or very sensitive skin, as the oil-control properties and physical exfoliants may be too much. For dry skin, consider the Human Nature Nourishing Facial Wash instead.
Most users notice an immediate clean, refreshed feeling after the very first use. Reduced oiliness and smoother skin texture typically become noticeable within the first 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use. More significant improvements in pore clarity, fewer breakouts, and overall skin balance usually develop over 3–4 weeks. For best results, use consistently as part of a complete skincare routine with the Balancing Face Toner and a suitable moisturizer.
This cleanser is the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. If you wear makeup or heavy sunscreen, use an oil cleanser or micellar water first (double cleansing method), then follow with this facial wash as your second cleanse. After cleansing, apply toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (morning only) in that order. Human Nature recommends pairing it with their Balancing Face Toner for optimal oil control.
The overall comedogenic rating of this product is low (approximately 1 out of 5). The primary surfactants — Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, and Coco-Glucoside — all have comedogenic ratings of 0. Glyceryl Oleate has a low comedogenic profile when used in small concentrations, and since this is a rinse-off product, it has minimal time to interact with pores. The formula is designed to help unclog pores rather than clog them.
The Period After Opening (PAO) for this product is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and effectiveness. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap tightly closed between uses. Always shake the bottle before use to evenly distribute the natural bamboo and loofah scrub particles that may settle at the bottom.
Verdict: The Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash is an exceptional value for anyone with oily or combination skin looking for a natural, ethical cleanser. Its standout ingredient — Filipino Manila elemi oil — provides genuine antibacterial and sebum-balancing benefits rarely found in this price range. The 99.75% natural, SLS-free formula lathers well and cleanses effectively without stripping the skin. The mild physical exfoliation from bamboo and loofah is a nice bonus for keeping pores clear. Points docked for essential oil fragrance (not everyone's preference), the fungal acne caution from Glyceryl Oleate, and the fact that the scrub particles can be slightly abrasive for sensitive skin. Overall, it's an outstanding affordable natural cleanser and a proud showcase of Philippine-sourced skincare innovation.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Xanthan Gum
Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant -Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles
Masking, Hair Conditioning
|
|







