The Calm Balm
The Calm Balm
Product Description
Yepoda The Calm Balm is a vegan olive- and coconut-oil cleansing balm designed as Step 1 of a Korean double-cleanse. The solid balm melts into a nourishing oil that dissolves makeup, SPF, sebum and daily grime, then emulsifies with a little water to rinse clean, leaving sensitive skin soft, calm and comfortable rather than stripped.
โจ Texture & Feel
Olive & Coconut Oil Base
Oil binds oil: this balm melts away waterproof makeup, SPF and sebum that water cleansers leave behind.
Spa-Like Cleansing Ritual
A comforting, slightly sweet and fruity scent from sweet orange, grapefruit, ylang-ylang and cedarwood oils.
Award-Winning Vegan Care
Winner of the PETA Vegan Beauty Award 2023; 100% vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested.
Sustainable By Design
Comes in a recyclable glass jar with a spatula, and Yepoda donates 1% of every order to the planet.
Made in Korea
Formulated by K-Beauty experts and built around the much-loved double-cleansing ritual.
Clinically Soothing
In a 4-week in-use test, 93% of 31 volunteers agreed the balm left their skin feeling nourished and relaxed.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, and it rinses off. Generally considered low-risk, though it does contain essential oils โ confirm with your doctor or midwife. This is informational, not medical advice.
Not malassezia-safe. It is rich in fatty-acid oils (olive, coconut, shea, moringa, sunflower) and fatty esters that can feed the yeast behind fungal acne.
Scented with citrus, ylang-ylang and cedarwood oils. Naturally contains potential EU allergens such as limonene. Reactive skin should patch test first.
Coconut oil is comedogenic. As a rinse-off balm the real-world risk is low, but very clog-prone skin should always follow with a water-based second cleanse.
No leave-on actives, so it pairs with any routine. Cleanse first, then layer retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA on freshly cleansed skin afterwards.
Gentle enough to dissolve eye makeup and mascara without stinging for most users. Rinse thoroughly; contact-lens wearers should remove lenses first.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ซ Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil) ~30โ45% (est.) Proven
The hero base ingredient and first on the INCI list. As an oil it dissolves oil-based grime, makeup and SPF, while acting as a softening emollient that helps skin retain moisture.
- Composition: Mainly oleic, linoleic and palmitic fatty-acid glycerides, plus skin-friendly squalene.
- Antioxidants: Naturally contains vitamin E and other antioxidants that help defend against free-radical damage.
๐ฅฅ Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil) ~5โ15% (est.) Proven
Provides the slip that lets the balm glide and lift makeup quickly. Rich in fatty acids, it helps soften and condition skin during the cleanse.
- Fatty acids: High in lauric and linoleic acids, which dissolve makeup and help trap moisture.
- Antimicrobial: Studied for mild antibacterial properties.
๐ง Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) ~3โ8% (est.) Promising
A nourishing emollient that forms a soft protective film, helping skin feel comforted and supple instead of stripped after cleansing.
- Fatty acids: Rich in stearic and linoleic acids that replenish and soften skin.
- Antioxidants: Naturally contains antioxidant compounds.
๐ Spirulina Extract (Spirulina Platensis) <1% Promising
A blue-green algae extract included for its soothing, antioxidant character that supports a calm, even-looking complexion.
- Nutrient-rich: Contains beta-carotene plus vitamins A and E and proteins.
- Soothing: Associated with antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.
๐ฟ Moringa Seed Oil (Moringa Oleifera) <1% Promising
A lightweight nourishing oil that supports the skin barrier and adds antioxidant care to the cleansing step.
- Active compounds: Contains tocopherols, catechins and ferulic acid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Emollient: Helps soften skin and lock in moisture.
๐ง Vitamin E (Tocopherol) <1% Proven
A well-established antioxidant that helps protect skin lipids from free-radical damage and supports a healthy barrier; it also helps stabilise the oils in the formula.
- Antioxidant: Fat-soluble, so it is readily absorbed and works within the skin's lipid layer.
- Barrier support: Helps keep natural skin lipids healthy and nourished.
๐ก Turmeric Root Extract (Curcuma Longa) <1% Promising
Adds the balm's soothing, brightening reputation thanks to curcumin, a plant antioxidant with calming properties.
- Curcumin: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; studied for soothing and helping with sun-related hyperpigmentation.
- Anti-microbial: May help keep blemish-causing bacteria in check.
๐ธ Essential Oil Blend (Citrus ยท Ylang-Ylang ยท Cedarwood) <1% Promising
Sweet orange, grapefruit, ylang-ylang flower and cedarwood oils create the signature spa scent and add minor antioxidant notes.
- Aromatics: Citrus peel oils are rich in limonene and flavonoid antioxidants.
32 ingredients
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sucrose Polystearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Propanediol, Water, Decyl Glucoside, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil) Leaf Extract, Amber Powder, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Juniperus Mexicana (Cedarwood) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Limonene.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
The Calm Balm is Step 1 โ the oil-cleanse phase of a double cleanse. Use it in the PM (or whenever you wear makeup/SPF), then follow with a water-based cleanser such as The Bubble Double before the rest of your routine.
๐ How to Use
Warm & Massage
Scoop a pea-size amount (two for full glam) with the spatula, warm it between dry fingers, then massage over dry skin in circular motions.
Emulsify With Water
Add a little water and keep massaging so the balm turns milky. Don't forget the eye area to lift away mascara and makeup.
Optional Warm Cloth
Press a warm, damp cotton cloth onto the face for a moment to let the steam soften pores โ and enjoy the calming scent.
Wipe & Double Cleanse
Gently wipe or rinse with lukewarm water in upward motions, then follow with a water-based cleanser for a complete double cleanse.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You wear makeup or SPF and want a gentle first-step oil cleanse
- You have dry, normal or sensitive skin that gets tight after washing
- You want vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably packaged skincare
- You enjoy a lightly scented, spa-like cleansing ritual
- You're building a K-Beauty double-cleanse routine
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) โ the oils and esters can feed it
- You're very clog-prone and react to coconut oil
- You need a fragrance-free, essential-oil-free formula
- You want a large, budget-priced jar (80g is small for the price)
- You dislike balm textures or rinsing with a cloth
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Nourishing oils and shea butter cleanse without stripping, leaving dry skin soft and comfortable.
Effortlessly removes makeup and SPF while keeping the barrier balanced and calm.
Marketed and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin, but the essential oils mean a patch test is wise for very reactive skin.
An oil cleanse is great for clearing oil-based impurities โ just always follow with a water-based second cleanse.
Not malassezia-safe and contains coconut oil; clog-prone and fungal-acne-prone skin should look at a leaner, FA-safe cleanser.
๐ Results Timeline
Makeup & SPF Melt Away
Skin feels clean, soft and comfortable straight away โ not tight or squeaky. Eye makeup and mascara lift off gently.
90%+ notice immediatelyCalmer, More Comfortable Skin
Daily double cleansing leaves skin feeling calmer and gives the rest of your routine a clean base to absorb into.
Most users by 1 weekNourished & Relaxed
In Yepoda's 4-week in-use test, 93% of 31 volunteers agreed their skin felt nourished and relaxed after using the balm.
93% agreed (clinical)Consistent Gentle Cleansing
A pea-size dose means one 80g jar typically lasts around two months, supporting a steady, barrier-friendly cleansing habit.
~2 months per jarโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Gentle and non-stinging; removes makeup and mascara well
- Calms and nourishes sensitive, dry skin without stripping
- Lovely, lightly sweet-fruity spa scent
- A little goes a long way โ pea-size dose
- Vegan, cruelty-free, PETA award winner, reef safe
- Recyclable glass jar; 1% for the Planet
- Clinically tested: 93% felt skin nourished & relaxed
โ Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Coconut oil can bother very clog-prone skin
- Contains fragrant essential oils and allergens (limonene)
- Small 80g jar โ pricier per gram than K-Beauty rivals
- Solid texture can feel stiff or slow to melt when cold
- Needs a second water-based cleanse for best results
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
The cult K-Beauty olive-oil balm in a larger 100ml tub. Adds acerola and vitamin C. Also fragranced and not FA-safe, with a slightly more slippery feel.
Shea butter and herbal oils in a big 120ml jar โ excellent value and a sherbet-like melt. Also fragranced; great if you want more product for your money.
A minimalist 10-ingredient balm at 85g. Lighter and simpler than the Calm Balm, with far less essential-oil fragrance, but less of that rich nourishing slip.
Fragrance-free with ceramides and jojoba โ the best pick for reactive or clog-prone skin. More drugstore in feel and scentless rather than spa-like.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Yepoda The Calm Balm (Featured)
$25Banila Co Clean It Zero Original
$21Heimish All Clean Balm
$25Clinique Take The Day Off Balm
$37๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use the spatula with dry hands and keep the lid closed to avoid introducing water or bacteria into the jar.
Recyclable glass jar with a tiny spatula for hygienic, mess-free scooping.
Yes โ it's a solid 80g balm, so it isn't affected by carry-on liquid rules (mind the glass jar).
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, and it rinses off the skin, so it is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does contain essential oils (citrus, ylang-ylang, cedarwood), which some people prefer to limit, so confirm with your doctor or midwife. This is general information, not medical advice.
No. The balm is built around fatty-acid oils (olive, coconut, shea, moringa and sunflower) and fatty esters such as cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate, which can feed the malassezia yeast linked to fungal acne. If you're managing fungal acne, choose a leaner, ester-free cleanser instead.
Yes. As a rinse-off first-step cleanser it has no leave-on actives, so it won't clash with anything. Cleanse with the balm, rinse, then apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA products onto freshly cleansed skin afterwards.
It suits dry, normal and sensitive skin best, leaving skin soft rather than stripped. It also works well for combination and oily skin as an oil cleanse, provided you follow with a water-based cleanser. It's the weakest match for fungal-acne-prone or very clog-prone skin.
You'll feel the cleansing benefit right away โ skin is soft, comfortable and makeup-free after the first use. For the calming, nourishing effect, Yepoda's 4-week in-use test found 93% of 31 volunteers agreed their skin felt nourished and relaxed.
It's Step 1 โ the oil-cleanse phase of a double cleanse. Use it on dry skin in the evening (or whenever you wear makeup or SPF), then follow with a water-based cleanser, and continue with toner, treatments and moisturizer. It is not a leave-on product.
Yepoda states the balm has been clinically tested as non-comedogenic, and because it's rinsed off rather than left on, the real-world risk is low. That said, it does contain coconut oil, which is comedogenic and which one or two reviewers felt broke them out โ so very clog-prone skin should always follow with a water-based second cleanse.
Around 12 months once opened (the standard PAO for this type of balm). To keep it fresh, scoop with the spatula using dry hands, close the lid after use, and store it somewhere cool and dry. A pea-size dose means an 80g jar typically lasts about two months.
Verdict: Yepoda The Calm Balm is a genuinely pleasant olive-and-coconut cleansing balm that shines as the first step of a double cleanse for dry, normal and sensitive skin โ vegan, sustainably packaged, dermatologist-tested, and backed by a clinical test where 93% of users reported calmer, nourished skin. It loses points for a small, relatively pricey 80g jar, an essential-oil fragrance, and a formula that isn't fungal-acne safe and leans on coconut oil. If you double cleanse and aren't malassezia-prone, it's an easy, soothing recommendation; if you need fragrance-free or FA-safe, look elsewhere.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Olivate
Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sucrose Polystearate
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbitan Olivate
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|