In case you missed it, we just launched our first every cleansing balm! Here are some questions you may have about the new Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm, answered below.

Why should I use a cleansing balm?

Cleansing balms are great for anyone who wears makeup regularly, or for those with skin prone to dryness. This formula cleanses without stripping, simultaneously moisturizing skin. Our cleansing balm is formulated to work for all skin types and gives an instant, hydrated glow, even if your skin isn’t dry.

How do the different forms of papaya benefit skin?

The 3 forms of papaya (papaya enzymes, papaya seed oil, papaya extract) are all rich in vitamins A, C, E, and fatty acids, but each form has different concentrations. They all help to smooth, brighten, moisturize, and soothe skin but the oil has higher concentrations of fatty acids while the enzyme actively smooths.

Is this suitable for acne prone and oily skin even though it’s oil-based? 

Yes! The formula will remove stubborn makeup, SPF, and buildup and gently exfoliate the top layer of skin which can help to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Since it exfoliates, is it safe for everyday (and 2x a day) use?

Yes, it is safe. The formula has many soothing ingredients, papaya enzymes are a gentle smoothing ingredient, and it is tested to be safe for sensitive skin and eyes. 

What is the best place to keep this cleanser?

The formula should be stored in a dry, cool environment. Always close the cap fully to keep the formula from drying out. Do not keep the formula in the shower as this is a damp, wet environment. Avoid getting water into the jar.

Can this be used alone, or does it need to be followed with a second cleanser?

Yes, it can be used alone! If you want a more thorough cleanse to remove makeup and SPF, we recommend double cleansing with the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser.

Can I use this when I’m not wearing makeup or in the morning?

Definitely! Since the formula’s benefits go beyond makeup removal, it’s great to use AM and PM. The formula easily removes oil and skincare from the night before. It also preps skin for the day’s skincare and makeup routine by smoothing and hydrating.

Does this remove waterproof makeup, mascara, and SPF?

Yes! If you want a more thorough cleanse, we recommend double cleansing with Blueberry Cleanser and using the 1+1 cleansing method.

How does the formula effectively remove makeup without PEGs (polyethylene glycol)?

PEGs are used as effective ingredients for makeup removal but can cause sensitivity when consistently used, especially for sensitive skin. Because the skin on your face  and around your eyes is delicate, we chose to formulate without any PEGs. Instead, we used sorbitan oleate, a solubilizer extracted from olive and other oils work together to effectively remove the makeup.

How is the formula fragrance-free but still has a fruity scent?

Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm does not have fragrance (synthetic or natural) but has a scent derived from naturally fragrant extracts. Naturally fragrant extracts are plant-based extracts that inherently possess a potent, pleasant scent. The blueberry extract and strawberry extract in the formula naturally smell great which is what gives the formula that fruity scent.

Where does the color come from?

The natural color comes from a small amount of non-irritating bell pepper extract.

Where was the formula made?

The formula is made in Korea.

Will this sting or burn if it gets into my eyes?

No, the formula has been clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin and eyes. 

How long should I massage the formula around my eye area to remove stubborn makeup? Is there a specific cleansing technique for this?

We recommend the 1+1 method. Multiple layers of skincare, makeup, everyday pollution, oil, and dirt require more than one step of cleansing to be fully removed. Double cleansing with the 1+1 method (where each step is 1 full minute) is a great practice to achieve hydrated, bouncy, and truly clean skin. 

Do I use this on dry or damp skin? Will it remove makeup the same either way?

It’s best to apply this to dry skin to more effectively break down makeup. Apply to a dry face and massage into the skin to stimulate circulation and to allow the natural oils in the formula to latch on to dirt and grime. Then, splash your face with water and the formula will emulsify and turn from a balm to a milky oil.

What’s unique about papaya enzymes in comparison to pineapple enzymes?

Enzymes are a type of protein that allow a reaction to take place. Some enzymes can be used to dissolve proteins to help exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells and while some of their actions are similar, different enzymes are found in different fruits. Papaya enzymes are specifically called “papain”, while pineapple enzymes are called “bromelain”. Papain  helps to dissolve and remove dead skin cells, improving skin tone and texture. It may also help with wound healing, reduce inflammation and have antibacterial properties. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, contains cysteine proteases and is considered particularly helpful for wound healing as well as for bruising.

Can I use the cleansing balm in the shower? Is it as effective?

Yes! Be sure to tightly close the jar and remove it from shower after usage. We recommend storing in a cool, dry spot.

Why does this cleanser leave a glow?

The papaya enzyme gently sloughs away dead skin cells and brightens while the nourishing oils create a healthy, hydrated look.

Is it non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic?

Enzymes are great for acne-prone skin since they resurface the skin, getting rid of the dead skin cells and prevent pores from getting clogged. While the formula is not certified non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic, we use lightweight oils that are suitable for all skin types.

What’s the difference between this cleanser and the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser? Doesn’t Blueberry remove makeup and smooth it too?

Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser is a water-soluble, foaming cleanser with AHA while the balm is oil-soluble with enzymes. 

What’s the difference between enzymes and acids?

Acids can exfoliate dead skin cells and living skin cells, whereas enzymes are proteins that digest protein bonds between dead skin cells to gently exfoliate the skin. Acids can also affect the pH of the skin and the type of acid and the concentration determines the depth of exfoliation that can occur with an acid. Some acids, like BHA (beta hydroxy acids), are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeply to help to clear out clogged pores. While both acids and enzymes are considered chemical exfoliants, enzymes break down protein bonds to help eliminate dead skin and do not rely on acids or other granules. While enzymes can be used on all skin types, it is especially good for those with sensitive skin or those just starting with exfoliation.

Can I leave it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect?

Yes, this won’t affect the formula’s effectiveness and can create a soothing sensation.

Will this leave a filmy residue on my face after I wash it off?

It will not leave an oily, greasy residue, or alternatively strip skin of moisture. Instead, your skin will feel fresh, smooth, and moisturized.

Can I use enzymes and acids together in my routine?

Yes! If the acid products are very potent, we recommend to patch test or gradually introduce new products into your routine.

Can I use it to remove Watermelon Glow or Avocado Sleeping Masks after cleansing with this?

Yes, you can use this cleanser to remove makeup, skin care, and SPF. For removing our face masks, we recommend using a water-based cleanser like Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser.

If I lose the spatula that comes with the product, should I be dipping my fingers directly into the tub? Is that hygienic? Will the formula be affected if there’s water residue left in the tub?

We recommend using a spatula with all jar products. If you have another clean spatula, that works just as well! If you use your fingers, it is best to wash your hands and dry them thoroughly to make sure the formula remains hygienic. 

Can this packaging be recycled?

Every part of this packaging is recyclable. The glass jar, the inner lid, and the entire carton can be recycled curbside. The plastic cap and spatula can be recycled through our Terracycle program. Please clean the leftover product out of the jar before recycling!