Deep Clear Cleansing Balm
Deep Clear Cleansing Balm
Product Description
A buttery sherbet-textured cleansing balm from ma:nyo that melts on contact to dissolve waterproof makeup, sunscreen, sebum and blackheads in one step. Built on the brand's Revercellarβ’ technology and a blend of plant oils, a 7-form hyaluronic acid complex, ceramide NP, niacinamide and gentle LHA, it deep-cleanses without stripping or leaving a greasy film. Vegan, PEG-free, fragrance-free and reportedly tested at a 0.00 skin-irritation index.
β¨ Texture & Feel
One-Step Deep Cleanse
Revercellarβ’ technology attracts and lifts sunscreen, waterproof makeup, foundation and sebum so impurities rinse away cleanly.
Melting Sherbet Texture
A buttery solid balm that liquefies the moment it touches warm skin, so makeup dissolves with almost no rubbing or tugging.
Hydration-Locking Finish
A 7-type hyaluronic acid complex plus panthenol and ceramide NP leaves skin comfortable rather than tight or squeaky.
Plant-Oil Powered & Vegan
Over a dozen botanical oils (squalane, argan, jojoba, camellia, oat) nourish the barrier in a 100% vegan, PEG-free formula.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains a salicylic-acid derivative (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid / LHA) and ascorbic acid. As a rinse-off cleanser, contact time and absorption are minimal, but many practitioners advise caution with any BHA. Check with your OB-GYN.
Rich in esters and fatty-acid plant oils that Malassezia can feed on, so it is not "FA-safe" by formula. Because it is washed off and rinsed thoroughly, many FA-prone users still tolerate it.
Fragrance-free, PEG-free and hypoallergenic-tested; the brand reports a 0.00 primary skin-irritation score. Patch test first if highly reactive.
As a first-step cleanser it does not conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA used later in your routine β it is rinsed off before any treatment step.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
𫧠Cleansing Ester & Oil Base Base Proven
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isododecane and Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate form the lightweight emollient base. They dissolve makeup, sunscreen and sebum, then the Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate emulsifier lets everything rinse off cleanly once water is added.
- Source: SkinSort notes Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate is the surfactant that lets oils and dirt be washed away with water.
- Source: Isododecane spreads smoothly, is not absorbed into skin and leaves no sticky residue.
π§ Hyaluronic Acid Complex (7 forms) ~0.1β2% Proven
Seven molecular weights of HA β including Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, crosspolymer and hydrolyzed forms β work at different depths to hold water in the skin so it stays plump and comfortable after cleansing rather than tight.
- Source: A 2016 human study found crosslinked HA raised epidermal water content by 7.6% and cut transepidermal water loss by 27.8%.
- Source: Low-molecular-weight HA is linked in clinical evidence to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity and barrier repair.
π§ͺ Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) Trace Proven
A gentle lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid that helps loosen oil and debris inside pores, supporting the balm's claim to soften blackheads. Its large molecule size makes it noticeably less irritating than standard BHA.
- Source: An in-vitro study found only ~6% of LHA penetrated past the stratum corneum versus 58% of salicylic acid, making it gentler.
- Source: A 2009 study found LHA comparable to benzoyl peroxide, a useful option for sensitive, breakout-prone skin.
π‘οΈ Ceramide NP + Phytosphingosine <1% Proven
Ceramide NP mirrors the skin's own dominant ceramide and slots into the barrier's lipid matrix, while phytosphingosine is a ceramide building block. Together they help offset the barrier disruption that any cleanser can cause.
- Source: A study of 312 patients found a ceramide-containing routine reduced atopic-dermatitis severity by over 61% in 4 weeks.
β¨ Niacinamide + Vitamin C & E ~0.1β1% Promising
Niacinamide (vitamin B3), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E) add brightening and antioxidant support. In a rinse-off product their benefit is modest, but vitamin C and E together meaningfully boost photoprotection on skin.
- Source: Combining topical vitamins C and E roughly doubles photoprotective effect and reduces UV-induced DNA damage.
- Source: Niacinamide is well-tolerated and supports the barrier, pore appearance and tone.
πΏ Botanical Nourishing Oils Blend Proven
Squalane, argan, jojoba, camellia, sweet almond, oat kernel and meadowfoam oils soften and condition skin during the massage step. Squalane in particular mimics skin's own lipids and is suitable for all skin types.
- Source: Squalane integrates into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores and shows antioxidant activity.
- Source: Jojoba esters up to 90% reduced water loss and boosted barrier recovery by 81% in testing.
52 ingredients
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Isododecane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Wax, Pisum Sativum Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Squalane, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Juglans Regia Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Carum Carvi Seed Oil, Matricaria Recutita Flower Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Panthenol, Glycerin, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Montana Root Extract, Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract, Rose Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Papain, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Allantoin, Niacinamide, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Carrot Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Water, Ceramide NP, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosphingosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as the oil-based first step of a PM double cleanse. Always follow with a water-based cleanser to remove any residue, then continue with your treatment and hydration steps.
π How to Use
Scoop with the spatula
Use the built-in spatula to take an appropriate amount onto dry hands β keeping water out of the jar protects the formula.
Massage onto dry skin
Gently massage in circular motions over dry face to melt and lift makeup, sunscreen, dirt and sebum.
Add water to emulsify
Wet your hands and continue massaging β the balm turns milky as it emulsifies and binds to impurities.
Rinse & follow up
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then follow with a water-based cleanser to finish your double cleanse.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You wear sunscreen, waterproof or heavy makeup daily
- You want a gentle first cleanse that doesn't leave skin tight
- You have dry, sensitive or combination skin
- You prefer vegan, fragrance-free, PEG-free formulas
- You're prone to blackheads and want a softening cleanse
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne / Malassezia folliculitis
- You dislike any oil-cleansing or balm textures
- You won't follow with a second water-based cleanser
- You're sensitive to salicylic-acid derivatives
- You want a jar-free, more hygienic pump format
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Melts away excess sebum and softens blackheads; just be sure to rinse fully and double cleanse to avoid residue.
Plant oils plus a 7-form HA complex leave skin nourished and comfortable rather than stripped or tight.
Cleanses oilier zones thoroughly while keeping drier areas balanced and hydrated.
Fragrance-free, PEG-free and reportedly tested at a 0.00 irritation index; allantoin and panthenol soothe.
Gentle LHA helps clear pores, but those with fungal acne should note the oil/ester content and patch test.
π Results Timeline
Clean, comfortable skin
Makeup, SPF and grime dissolve and rinse away with no tight or greasy after-feel. Skin feels soft and hydrated immediately.
Most users notice instantlySmoother texture & fewer clogs
With nightly use, gentle LHA and the massage step help soften blackheads and visible congestion around the nose and chin.
Reported by many regular usersHealthier-looking, balanced skin
A consistent gentle first cleanse supports the barrier so follow-up products absorb better and skin looks clearer and calmer.
Cumulative routine benefitβ Ratings by Platform
Aggregated community sentiment; ratings and counts are approximate and change over time.
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Melts off makeup, SPF and red lipstick with almost no rubbing
- Gentle, non-stripping finish that leaves skin hydrated
- Truly fragrance-free with only a faint natural citrus note
- Vegan, PEG-free and sensitive-skin friendly
- Generous 132ml jar that lasts a long time
β Criticized
- Jar-and-spatula format less hygienic than a pump
- Not fungal-acne-safe by formula (oils & esters)
- Requires a second water-based cleanse to remove fully
- Contains a BHA derivative β caution in pregnancy
- Limited availability at some Western retailers
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Rice-bran and ginseng balm with a similar melt-and-rinse experience and gentle finish. Lighter on actives but a community-favorite dupe and slightly cheaper.
Minimalist plant-oil balm aimed at heavy makeup with a moisturized finish. Pared-back ingredient list and lower price, fewer hydrating extras.
A 10-ingredient balm focused on simple, fragrance-free makeup removal. Great value but lacks ma:nyo's HA complex, ceramides and LHA.
The classic sherbet balm that defined the category. Comparable cleansing power but it is fragranced, which ma:nyo's fragrance-free formula avoids.
π Comparison with Competitors
ma:nyo Deep Clear Cleansing Balm (Featured)
$24.00Banila Co Clean It Zero Original
$19.00Heimish All Clean Balm
$23.00Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
$18.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the lid closed and use the spatula with dry hands.
Screw-top jar with pop-open cap and a built-in spatula stored in the lid.
Solid balm, so no liquid restrictions; the 132ml jar is bulkier than travel minis but TSA-friendly.
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (a salicylic-acid / BHA derivative) and ascorbic acid. As a rinse-off cleanser, contact time and absorption are very low, which many consider low-risk, but because any salicylic-acid ingredient is involved, it's safest to check with your OB-GYN before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Not as a formula β it's rich in esters and fatty-acid plant oils (such as ethylhexyl palmitate, olive, coconut, argan and jojoba oils) that Malassezia yeast can feed on. However, because it is massaged on and then fully rinsed off, contact time is short, so some fungal-acne-prone users tolerate it. If you're sensitive, patch test or choose a fungal-acne-safe gel cleanser.
Yes. Because it's the first, rinse-off step of your routine, it doesn't conflict with leave-on actives. Cleanse and rinse with the balm, double cleanse with a water-based cleanser, then apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA treatments afterward as normal.
It suits all skin types and shines on dry, sensitive and combination skin thanks to its hydrating, fragrance-free formula. Oily and acne-prone skin can use it too, as long as you follow with a second water-based cleanse to remove all residue.
Cleansing benefits β clean, soft, non-tight skin β are immediate. With consistent nightly use over 1β2 weeks, the massage step and gentle LHA can help soften blackheads and refine texture, while a healthier barrier shows over about 4 weeks.
It's the very first step of your evening routine. Apply to dry skin to melt makeup and sunscreen, emulsify with water, rinse, then follow with a water-based cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. Use SPF in the morning.
It contains some higher-comedogenic oils (like coconut oil) in its blend, but as a rinse-off product that's removed within minutes, real-world pore-clogging risk is low β we rate it around 2/5 in practice. Always rinse thoroughly and double cleanse so nothing is left sitting on the skin.
Around 12 months once opened. To keep it fresh, store it cool and dry, keep water out of the jar, and always scoop with the built-in spatula using dry hands.
Verdict: The ma:nyo Deep Clear Cleansing Balm is a standout first-step cleanser that punches above its price. Its melting sherbet texture dissolves even waterproof makeup and SPF with minimal rubbing, while a 7-form hyaluronic acid complex, ceramide NP, niacinamide and gentle LHA leave skin clean, soft and hydrated rather than stripped. Vegan, PEG-free and fragrance-free, it's an easy recommendation for dry, sensitive and combination skin. The main caveats: it isn't fungal-acne-safe by formula, the jar-and-spatula format is less hygienic than a pump, and the BHA derivative warrants caution during pregnancy. Pair it with a water-based second cleanse and it earns a permanent spot in most PM routines.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 5 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 11 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 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 |
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isododecane
Solvent, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 1 |
Synthetic Wax
Masking, Emollient, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Antistatic Agent, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|