Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser
Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A mildly acidic pH 5.5 foaming cleanser by innisfree that gently rebalances skin without stripping. Powered by antioxidant-rich North American blueberry extract, glycerin (20,000mg), and soothing allantoin, this Korean cult-favorite cleanser whips into a soft, creamy lather that washes away dirt, sebum, and light makeup while preserving the moisture barrier — leaving skin clean, balanced, and never tight.
pH 5.5 Rebalancing
Mildly acidic pH matches your skin's natural barrier, preventing the tight, stripped feeling caused by harsh alkaline cleansers.
Texture & feel
SENSORYpH 5.5 Rebalancing
Mildly acidic pH matches your skin's natural barrier, preventing the tight, stripped feeling caused by harsh alkaline cleansers.
Antioxidant Blueberry
500mg of North American Vaccinium Angustifolium fruit extract delivers vitamins A, C, E and polyphenols that defend against free radical damage.
Glycerin Hydration
Loaded with 20,000mg of glycerin plus diglycerin to draw moisture into the skin during cleansing, leaving it soft instead of squeaky-dry.
Gentle Coconut Surfactants
Sulfate-free formula uses mild amino-acid and coconut-derived cleansers (sodium cocoyl isethionate, potassium cocoyl glycinate) for a creamy, non-stripping lather.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Suitable throughout pregnancy and nursing.
As a rinse-off cleanser with no problematic fatty acids or esters left on skin, it's considered malassezia-safe.
No pore-clogging oils. Butylene glycol is a very low-rated trigger; safe for breakout-prone skin in a rinse-off product.
Lavender oil and orange peel oil may irritate very sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin. Patch test recommended.
As a rinse-off cleanser, it pairs safely with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA, and BHA serums applied afterward.
Contains no animal-derived ingredients. Note: innisfree as a parent brand is not certified cruelty-free.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSVaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract ~0.5%Promising
The hero ingredient — extract from North American lowbush blueberries, packed with polyphenols, anthocyanins, and vitamins A, C, and E. Acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals from pollution and UV exposure.
- Source: A 2023 study showed blueberry extract helps protect skin from UV-B-related inflammation in vitro.
- Dosage: Innisfree lists 500mg per tube — modest but contributes to overall antioxidant network.
Glycerin + Diglycerin High (20,000mg)Proven
A powerhouse humectant duo that pulls water into the upper layers of skin during cleansing. This is the key reason this cleanser feels soft rather than tight after rinsing.
- Source: Glycerin is one of the most studied skin-identical humectants, well documented for hydration and barrier support in dermatological literature.
- Concentration: Listed in second position on the INCI — exceptionally high for a cleanser.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Primary surfactantProven
A coconut-derived, sulfate-free cleansing agent known as one of the gentlest surfactants on the market. Produces a creamy lather without disrupting the skin barrier.
- Source: Considered exceptionally mild compared to SLS/SLES and is biodegradable.
- Bonus: Has not been shown to feed Malassezia yeast, making this cleanser fungal-acne friendly.
Allantoin ~0.1%Proven
A classic soothing and barrier-supporting ingredient that calms redness, irritation, and discomfort. Especially valuable in a foaming cleanser to offset surfactant disruption.
- Source: Allantoin is widely studied for its keratolytic, soothing, and wound-healing properties at concentrations of 0.5–2%.
- Dosage: 100mg per tube — present at functional levels.
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate & Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Co-surfactantsProven
Amino-acid–based and coconut-derived secondary cleansers that boost foaming and soften the action of the primary surfactant. Among the mildest options used in modern cleansers.
- Source: Amino-acid surfactants are widely recognized as substantially less irritating than sulfates.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil + Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil Low (fragrance)Caution
Natural essential oils used to add a light scent. Both contain limonene and linalool, which can oxidize over time and become potential allergens.
- Source: Lavender oil cytotoxicity to skin cells has been documented in dermatological research at certain concentrations.
- Risk: Generally low irritation risk in rinse-off products, but a concern for highly reactive or compromised skin.
23 ingredients
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Raspberry Ketone, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Benzyl Glycol, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Cocoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-67, Sodium Acetate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as yoursecond step in a double-cleanse at night, or as yourfirst cleanse in the morning. Always follow with a hydrating toner to lock in moisture.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet your face
Splash your face and hands with lukewarm water (avoid hot water — it strips the barrier).
Dispense an almond-sized amount
Squeeze a small dollop (about 1cm) into wet palms — a little goes a long way.
Lather between palms
Add a few drops of water and rub between your hands until a soft, creamy foam forms.
Massage onto skin
Gently work the foam over your face in circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel and continue with toner.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or normal skin
- You want a gentle daily cleanser that doesn't strip
- You're acne-prone and need a fungal-acne–safe option
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want a safe formula
- You're on a budget and want K-beauty quality at a low price
- You want to layer with actives like retinol, vitamin C, or AHA/BHA
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (may still feel slightly cleansing)
- You're highly sensitive to fragrance or essential oils
- You have rosacea or a compromised barrier
- You want to remove heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen alone
- You prefer a 100% fragrance-free formula
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum and grime without over-stripping. The pH 5.5 prevents rebound oil production.
Glycerin offsets some dryness, but very dry skin may prefer a cream or milk cleanser. Use once daily and follow with a rich moisturizer.
Ideal balance — clears the T-zone without dehydrating drier cheeks. One of the most universally recommended fits.
Gentle surfactants and allantoin help, but lavender and orange peel oils may trigger reactive skin. Patch test first.
Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, and pH 5.5 — supports a healthy acid mantle that resists breakouts.
Results timeline
6+ WEEKSSoft, balanced, never tight
Skin feels clean but cushioned — no squeak, no sting. The signature glycerin-rich after-feel is noticeable from the first wash.
92% noticedReduced redness & sensitivity
Daily use of a pH-balanced cleanser allows the acid mantle to recover, reducing reactive flushing and tight feelings.
78% noticedClearer pores, fewer breakouts
Sulfate-free, low-irritation cleansing combined with consistent makeup/sebum removal helps reduce surface congestion.
68% noticedHealthier overall barrier
Long-term users report skin that tolerates actives better and stays comfortable in cold or air-conditioned environments.
71% noticedRatings by platform
12K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent value — generous size at a budget-friendly price
- Doesn't dry out or strip skin after washing
- Skin-friendly pH 5.5 supports the acid mantle
- Sulfate-, paraben-, alcohol-, and silicone-free
- Glycerin-rich for cushioned after-feel
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Vegan ingredient list
Criticized
- Light scent comes from citrus and lavender oils — not fragrance-free
- Doesn't actually smell like blueberries
- Foam is gentle/light — not a thick "fluffy" lather
- Tube packaging awkward with wet hands
- Blueberry extract is low on the INCI list
- May still feel slightly cleansing on very dry skin
- innisfree (parent) not certified cruelty-free
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same pH 5.5 philosophy, also gentle and sulfate-free. Uses tea tree leaf oil and BHA instead of blueberry. Slightly more astringent feel; better for very oily skin.
K-beauty fruit-extract cleanser with low pH and AHA from green plum. Slightly more exfoliating than the innisfree version; comparable mildness.
Drugstore favorite with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Non-foaming and even gentler — better for dry skin but lacks antioxidant story.
Even cheaper K-beauty foaming cleanser with rice water extract for brightening. Slightly more drying than innisfree's formula.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures.
Soft squeeze tube with flip cap
Yes — 100ml tube is TSA carry-on compliant
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters that are typically flagged during pregnancy. The active ingredients (blueberry extract, glycerin, allantoin, mild coconut surfactants) are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, consult your OB-GYN if you have specific concerns.
Yes. The formula does not contain problematic fatty acids (C11–C24), polysorbates, or ferments that feed Malassezia yeast. Sodium cocoyl isethionate, the primary surfactant, has not been shown to trigger fungal acne. Because it's a rinse-off product, even trace ingredients have minimal contact time with skin.
Absolutely. As a rinse-off cleanser at pH 5.5, it pairs safely with all common actives. Cleanse first, pat dry, then apply your serum. Vitamin C in particular benefits from a low-pH-prepped skin surface. The cleanser doesn't leave behind active ingredients that could conflict.
Best suited for oily, combination, and normal skin — and excellent for acne-prone skin thanks to its non-comedogenic, fungal-acne–safe formula. Dry skin types may find it slightly cleansing if used twice daily; consider using it only at night and pairing with a hydrating cream cleanser in the morning.
Most users notice softer, more comfortable skin from the first wash. Reduced redness and tightness usually appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Long-term barrier improvement (better tolerance to actives, calmer skin) typically develops over 4–6 weeks of daily use.
Use it as the second step in a double-cleanse at night (after an oil cleanser or balm to remove makeup and SPF) or as your first morning cleanse. Always follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF (in the morning). It is not designed to remove heavy or waterproof makeup on its own.
No. The formula has a comedogenic rating of 1/5. The only flagged ingredient is butylene glycol, rated as a very mild, low-likelihood comedogenic — and as a rinse-off product, it has minimal time on the skin. The cleanser is widely used by acne-prone individuals without issue.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store the tube in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The flip-cap tube design helps keep the formula sealed and protected. With normal once-or-twice-daily use, a 100ml tube typically lasts 2–4 months.
Verdict: The innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser is a stellar everyday cleanser for the price. Its pH 5.5, sulfate-free, glycerin-loaded formula gently cleans without stripping — and its fungal-acne–safe, non-comedogenic profile makes it an easy yes for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin. The blueberry extract is more of a marketing star than an active workhorse, and fragrance-sensitive users should note the lavender and orange peel oils. But for value, ease, and a genuinely gentle daily wash, it earns its cult status.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Diglycerin
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Hydrotrope, Surfactant
|
|