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Origins Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash

What it is:A face cleanser that cleverly balances dry and oily places. What it is formulated to do:When it comes to faces with dry and oily places, it takes a clever cleanser to balance the two. This gentle, frothy face wash carefully does both jobs without canceling each other out. Skin feels comfortably refreshed after cleansing, never tight, pulled or parched.What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petrochemicals- Phthalates- GMOs- Triclosan What else you need to know:Broad leaf kelp extract discourages excess oil production while wheat protein balances and protects dry-prone zones. And tourmaline actually makes water wetter to more easily disperse dirt and sebum down the drain. There's also aromatic bergamot, spearmint, and lavender to add pleasure to the process. Best for all skin types.
Questions & Answers:
10 Questions
 | 
46 Answers
Overall Rating:
4.525 out of 5
4.5
out of
5
Product Details

Questions & Answers for Origins Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash

Question
Can I use the Checks and Balances cleanser with the Origins Perfect World moisturizer?
I need SPF protection in a moisturizer but there is no Checks and Balances moisturizer available with SPF
asked 11 months ago
clh622
(Carlsbad, CA)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
5 answers
Answers
answer 1
Yes! I use this with A Perfect World Age Defense moisturizer SPF 25 for the day and have not had any skin issues or irritations.
answered 3 months ago
Guamie
(Houston, TX)
answer 2
Yes, I use the Checks and Balances cleanser and then follow it up with my A Perfect World moisturizer. I think that Origins products are made to work together. There is no Checks and Balances moisturizer.
answered 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Heatoyos
(L.A., CA)
answer 3
yes, you can mix and match the types of cleansers/masks/serum/moisturizer.. i do.
answered 5 months, 4 weeks ago
Apal2
(San Francisco, CA)
answer 4
Yes, the checks and balances cleanser can be used with any of the Origins moisterizers.
answered 7 months ago
nicolelourie
(miami beach, FL)
answer 5
Of course you can mix and match! I do all the time!
answered 8 months ago
cas24
(Miami, FL)
Question
Too squeaky clean?
I wanted to love this cleanser because I prefer natural products and this is less expensive than other cleansers I've used. Checks and Balances was specifically recommended for my skin, which can be oily with minor breakouts but also gets dry in So Cal's desert climate. With all the positive reviews I was surprised to find this cleanser soapy. It smelled and felt like soap on my skin and left my face "squeaky". Is it supposed to act this way? Would a different Origins cleanser be better for my skin? Any input is appreciated!
asked 1 year, 7 months ago
xolulu
(Los Angeles, CA)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
9 answers
Answers
answer 1
yes, this product is meant to leave your skin feeling squeaky clean..LITERALLY. I actually did not like this aspect of the cleanser.

This cleaner actually made my small breakout turn into a nightmare. I gave this cleanser 2 weeks of use and by the end of the 2 weeks my skin was completely broken out on my cheeks, my skin tone was blotchy and my pores were larger. I had to switch cleansers right away.
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
caskaslyrik
(Escondido, CA)
answer 2
Yes, it is supposed to make your face feel very clean, but it shouldn't dry your skin out. You might be using too much. You need less than a pea sized amount.
answered 1 year, 3 months ago
paulinahearts
answer 3
I've never had this problem. I live in Ohio now, but I lived in So Cal all of my life... and I must say I had that problem with a lot of cleansers. It's winter here right now and my face gets so dry that I feel like my skin is really stiff after I wash it. However, if you use a cleanser with some beads after using this to wash your face of any dirt/makeup it will help with that. Also make sure you're using a moisturizer after. If you're like me and moisturizer makes you break out, Dr. Brandt Blemishes No More really helped and did NOT cause me to break out. It does tingle a little, but it feels good as long as it doesn't get near your eyes.
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
lindsayforbes
(New Philadelphia, OH)
answer 4
Yes it 's supposed to make your skin feel that way. It's the ingredients that make your skin feel squeaky. It cleans everything out and the squeaky clean feeling only lasts a few minutes.
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
rockyourworld
(Houston, TX)
answer 5
Hi there, I have the same issue with the product... I have a combination/dry skin and live in SoCal. I also use Origins Clean Energy which is a gentle cleansing oil. My skin feels clean and soft after using it and most importantly, it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry. It also removes my make up so I don't need to use a separate make-up remover. Hope this helps!
answered 1 year, 5 months ago
puppylove812
(Los Angeles, CA)
answer 6
I found the exact same thing. It was too drying but doesn't remove eye makeup nearly at all. I have better luck with the Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser - same refreshing feeling and foamy texture, but without the burning/drying/squeaky feel.
answered 1 year, 5 months ago
blondie1985
(Pittsburgh)
answer 7
Wow I had a very different experience! I have super oily skin and I love this face wash, so maybe it's different for someone with drier skin. Also, maybe you're using too much product? I take a very, verrrrrrry small (much smaller than a pea-sized) amount in my palm, add a little bit of water, and then rub my hands together to create a foam. I did use too much of the product when I first got it and it felt way too heavy. I kept reducing the amount that I used until I found an amount that works best for me. I'd be curious to see what you think after giving it another try!
answered 1 year, 5 months ago
karliiii
(Florida)
answer 8
Hi,

This product will leave your skin feeling very clean. I suggest using less of the product since it is highly concentrated. Try using a pea size amount for the entire face. I hope that this helps!
Sephora Staff
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
melissabt
answer 9
I too was originally turned off by the "squeaky clean" feeling and tried a couple of the other face washes meant for combo skin (my favorite, Get Down, was discontinued a while ago). Never A Dull Moment was great at first, but then my skin got INCREDIBLY dry. I went back to this one...if you can get past that "squeaky clean" feeling it is really a great cleanser...totally balances my combo skin.
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
brittneyj
(Florida)
Question
Can it remove eye makeup?
I'm looking for a face cleanser that will also remove eye makeup without irritating my eyes.
asked 5 months, 2 weeks ago
ellencsi
(Rochester, NY)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
7 answers
Answers
answer 1
Nope. Doesn't remove eye makeup OR makeup, period.
answered 4 weeks, 1 day ago
ElleLA
(Los Angeles)
answer 2
It is not recommended for the eye area. I would try the origins eye makeup remover it works great.
answered 4 months ago
4catslady
(bath, pa)
answer 3
I use it in the shower every morning and if i happen to have mascara on still, etc - it has removed it. I do use a cream and wipe afterwards for under the eyes, but if it's a minimal amount you have on... it shoudl remove it. Probably better to use an actual make up remover though.
answered 4 months, 2 weeks ago
julesey
(London)
answer 4
I haven't used it to try and remove eye makeup since Origins specifies to stay away from eyes. The mint in the cleanser is probably a. Cause of stinging/burning in eyes.
answered 4 months, 3 weeks ago
ckkgirl
(CA)
answer 5
It can remove a bit of eye makeup but don't expect it to clean the eyeliner from your waterline without making your eyes sting and burn like crazy. Maybe I just have sensitive eyes but I think this stuff burns soooooo bad.
answered 5 months, 1 week ago
reviewtruly
answer 6
Oh, yes! It removes make-up with no irritation (unless you really get wild and get some in your eye!)
answered 5 months, 1 week ago
Calypel
(Saginaw, MI)
answer 7
If you're referring to Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Wash, it does NOT remove eye makeup very well. I still have to remove it with an actual makeup remover after using the cleanser.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
lambchop13
(Overland Park, KS)
Question
Does this help with visible pores?
My cousin is looking for a cleanser that tones down visible pores and is good for her dry skin. Is this a good pick?
asked 8 months ago
LuvKpop
(Vancouver, BC)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
Yes. This is good for cleaning pores deeply which does help with visibility. I have a combination skin and it doesn't dry me out.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
houri
(Studio City CA)
answer 2
It has helped with mine all around my t-zone. It is not immediate, but will take a couple of weeks to really start seeing results (like any new skin care product)
answered 4 months, 3 weeks ago
erozyskie
(San Antonio, TX)
answer 3
I don't know if it really tones down pores but it does clear them out. And as for the dryness I don't know if this is the best face wash to use I have combo. skin and It sometimes makes my dry patches feel dryer.
answered 5 months, 1 week ago
briannathebrave
(Virginia)
answer 4
this definitely is great for reducing pore size, i've always had larger pores and this face wash seems to really deep clean and help with that..also i would recomend the biore pore strips like once a week, and i know they're pricey, but the clairsonic brush i purchased has done wonders for my pore size
answered 6 months ago
sampsonkris10
(pinehurst, nc)
answer 5
IT IS GREAT FOR DRY SKIN, LEAVES MY SKIN NOURISHED AND NOT OILY OR GREASY. MY SKIN TENDS TO DRY AFTER USING OTHER CLEANSERS, NOT WITH ORGINS. I BELIEVE MY PORES HAVE BEEN REDUCED BUT WAS MORE INTERESTED IN WATCHING FOR SIGNS OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND DRY PATCHES, BOTH OF WHICH DID NOT HAPPEN WITH THIS PRODUCT.
answered 7 months ago
lma62
(Huntington, New York)
answer 6
I havent noticed a decrease in pore size (I have large pores on my nose). I have used Clinque Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum and I find that that does decrease the size of my pores.
answered 8 months ago
MikeyC13
(New York, NY)
Question
What about skin with Rosacea?
I have been using Philosophy's Purity cleanser, but I want something with sulfates and other nasty stuff. I would like to give this cleanser a try because of the mostly positive reviews, but I am wondering if anyone with Rosacea has has tried this product and had any luck?
asked 1 year, 5 months ago
heep11
(Baltimore, MD)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
4 answers
Answers
answer 1
I have moderate rosacea and this cleanser does not irritate my skin. It actually helped calm my skin during a really bad flare up.

I recommend this cleanser 100%, especially if you're looking for something more natural and have combination skin.
answered 1 year ago
viennalen
(New York, NY)
answer 2
I have mild rosacea. I started using this several weeks ago and I absolutely love it. Does not irritate skin.
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
beachgranny
(Destin, FL)
answer 3
This cleanser will likely be to harsh for your skin. I totally agree with wanting a sulfate, parabens etc. Origins is a great product but they have more gentle cleansers available. Try A Perfect World and following with a redness reducing moisturizer :)
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
mckenk4
(Hamilton, ON, Canada)
answer 4
I actually switched from Pure & Simple Cleanser to this one because I loved it so much. I can't say that it helped with my rosacea on its own, but I use an abrasive cleanser after this in the mornings and finish with Dr. Brandt Blemishes No More moisturizer and it's seemed to reduce it a LOT.
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
lindsayforbes
(New Philadelphia, OH)
Question
Break outs
Does this wash help prevent break outs? I've been having more break outs recently. I want to get a new wash after the one I have runs out and I'm wondering which one would be the best to help battle these huge, red, angry pimples I keep getting.
asked 1 year, 3 months ago
kayb6891
(Boston,MA)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
4 answers
Answers
answer 1
I have regular break outs. But Origin products in general casue me to break out terribly! Their products contain wheat. I recently found out I have a mild wheat allergy and I cannot use their products.
answered 3 months, 3 weeks ago
spedteacher74
(Midwest)
answer 2
I don't get many breakouts, but it made my pores look better. My fiance said his skin was looking better after using it, and he does get break outs.
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
spartygirl99
(East Lansing, MI)
answer 3
I've been using this for two years now with United State toner and Balanced Diet (in the summer) or A Perfect World (in the winter) moisturizers. These three products have really soothed my skin tone and I've had less breakouts. I have combo skin, but have never had super bad acne as of late. I do get the occasional breakout, and I use Spot On. I first was recommended these products at an Origins store where the sales lady asked me what my skin problems were, and she picked the products for me. Maybe talked to an expert would help. I love Origins products though. Give this one a try or find another one to suit your skin better! Thank you Sephora for carrying Origins!
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
bflogal27
(Buffalo, NY)
answer 4
I personally would not recommend this product to prevent your breakout or treat it. This cleanser does leave your skin squeaky clean, almost a little too clean feeling, but made my breakouts worse. I would recommend the Amore Pacific line or Bare Essentials Exfoliating cleanser.
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
caskaslyrik
(Escondido, CA)
Question
essential oils = oil free?
I have very fair skin, oily/combination, and I've suffered from mild to moderate acne for 11 years. I've been using this cleanser for a few months now, and I love the way it makes my skin feel, but I am still breaking out badly (especially around mouth/chin area). In the past, I've always stuck with "oil-free" products, but I know Origins uses essential oils in their products...do essential oils somehow not clog pores? Or could my skin be reacting to the "oily-ness" of essential oils?
asked 1 year ago
11point5
(Burlington, Ontario, Canada)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
3 answers
Answers
answer 1
Try dropping dairy from your diet. I had the same issue...all related to what is happening on the inside. Dropped dairy out of my diet and my skin is clear...for the first time in 24 years.
answered 2 months, 3 weeks ago
BeetleChick
answer 2
I would use their oil and acne control line. The spot treatment Origins makes is fabulous and really works!!! Hope it works for you as well! :)
answered 4 months, 3 weeks ago
sher59
(Rancho Santa Margarita, CA)
answer 3
This product will not make you break out. Essential oils are not the same as say mineral oil which is terrible for your skin. Try washing your make up brushes once a week with baby shampoo and laying them flat to dry. Also change your pillow cases twice a week. Use a Clarisonic brush to cleanse your skin and use an oil free moisterizer. You should also stop using liquid foundation and switch to Bare minerals powder instead (it works as a foundation and a powder and won't clog your pores. Also get a glycolic peel once a month.
answered 7 months ago
nicolelourie
(miami beach, FL)
Question
Is this product cruelty free?
I'm looking for a cleanser that is cruelty free, do they test their products on animals? Thank you!
asked 10 months ago
dobemomsf
(Joplin, MO)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
3 answers
Answers
answer 1
Yes. Origins sells in China which REQUIRES animal testing. While Origins does not do the actual testing they do provide samples and give their permission for testing their products on animals in China as well as pay the Chinese goverment to do so. mybeautybunny.com, leapingbunny.org, NAVS.org, and PETA.org all have excellent lists of companies that do and do not test on animals.
answered 4 months, 3 weeks ago
lucky1988
answer 2
I don't think they do since Origin is strictly a plant/herbal based line. To be sure, you can call any Origin store to confirm. Good luck!
answered 8 months ago
Mindy73
(Orange, CA)
answer 3
No animal testing on Origins products.
answered 8 months ago
cas24
(Miami, FL)
Question
How does this work with the clarasonic?
asked 1 year, 5 months ago
justjessi
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
3 answers
Answers
answer 1
Fine, a little goes a long way.
answered 8 months ago
cas24
(Miami, FL)
answer 2
I use this with my clairisonic and it works so well. It gets very frothy.
answered 1 year, 3 months ago
astraughn
(Mobile, AL)
answer 3
This cleanser works amazing with the clarisonic because of its frothy texture. a little goes a very long way.
answered 1 year, 3 months ago
vsbeauty
(Dallas, tx)
Question
Comparison to Kate Somerville Purifying Cleanser
How does this compare to Kate's Purifying Cleanser? Is it milder or stronger?
asked 4 months ago
mcoopers1981
(Jersey City, NJ)
on Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
It's cheaper and better.
answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Cyll
(Ontario, CA)
answer 2
I found this cleanser to be more drying on the skin. It gives you a squeaky clean feeling. Once my face was dry I felt like I NEEDED to put on moisturizer. Kate Sommerville's left me feeling hydrated without the oiliness. I have combination skin if that helps.
answered 3 months, 2 weeks ago
lovepink
(Long Island, NY)
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