APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Balm 80ml

Values You Can Trust: 100% Genuine | Fragrance-Free (see allergen note)

Pros:

• Genuinely dissolves sunscreen/makeup without stripping like a foaming cleanser would
• Leaves a non-greasy, comfortable finish once rinsed
• Suitable for dry/sensitive skin

Honest caveats:

• Contains Limonene (a natural EU 26 fragrance allergen) from its essential oils — see Allergens section
• Contains Polyethylene, a synthetic solid polymer — see Conscious Formulation section for the honest microplastic note
• As a rinse-off product, Glutathione/Niacinamide's brightening contribution here is minor compared to a leave-on

Mauritius heat means visible sebum and sweat by midday, which many people mistake for "dirt" requiring aggressive cleansing — but over-washing strips the skin's acid mantle (pH 4.5-5.5) and triggers compensatory oil production. This balm breaks that cycle by dissolving sebum and sunscreen gently with oil chemistry rather than surfactant stripping, so a single balm-plus-gentle-cleanser double cleanse is usually enough — reaching for a second harsh foaming wash on top of this is what restarts the cycle.

Step 1 (When): PM, as the first step of a double cleanse (or AM if wearing sunscreen). Step 2 (How much): A grape-size scoop. Step 3 (How): Massage on completely dry skin with dry hands, then add water to emulsify before rinsing.

The one rule: Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

Dosage: Grape-size scoop. Technique: "Emulsify first" — massage on dry skin for 30-60 seconds, add water gradually until the texture turns milky, then rinse; this is the correct technique for any oil/balm cleanser. Required skin state: Fully dry hands and face at the start — water added too early reduces the oil's ability to dissolve sunscreen/makeup.

Cotton pad vs. hands: Hands deliver 100% of product. Cotton pads absorb approximately 30-40%. Use hands unless applying as an exfoliant swipe.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global rules: Viscosity ladder — thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20 seconds, serum layers 30-60 seconds, before sunscreen 10-15 minutes if going outdoors or applying makeup. Amount defaults unless brand-specific guidance overrides: watery toner/essence 5-8 drops per layer; serum/ampoule 2-3 drops or 1 pump; eye product half a rice-grain per eye; gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream moisturizer 1-2 peas; occlusive seal rice-grain to pea-size; sunscreen the 2-finger rule for the face plus one finger for the neck. Hydrators go on slightly damp skin; retinoids go on fully dry skin (wait 10 minutes after cleansing if sensitive); exfoliating acids go on dry or lightly damp skin depending on tolerance, and stay in one lane per night. If the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers rather than adding more.

In AM, prioritize comfort and SPF adherence over stacking. In high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier/hydration — and reduce layers.

Viscosity tier: Balm — thick in the jar but melts to a liquid oil on contact with warm skin, then emulsifies further with water. This is a shear/heat-thinning texture: do not judge it by how solid it looks in the jar.

Prerequisites: A functioning cleanse-and-moisturize routine and daily SPF if used in the AM. Without these foundations, an active-containing product causes more harm than benefit.

Primary target: Removing sunscreen, makeup, and sebum buildup as the first step of a double cleanse — this is fundamentally a cleansing product, not a brightening treatment.

What this product cannot do: It cannot meaningfully brighten skin tone on its own; the Glutathione/Niacinamide contribution here is secondary given the short, rinse-off contact time.

Best paired with (second-cleanse step):

• Primary pick: APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cleanser 80ml. Same complex; use the Facial Cleanser as your second-cleanse step after this balm, or the Cleansing Oil as an alternative first-cleanse texture.
• Alternative: APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Oil 105ml. Same complex; use the Facial Cleanser as your second-cleanse step after this balm, or the Cleansing Oil as an alternative first-cleanse texture.

MYTH: "Oil cleansers make oily skin oilier." REALITY: Oil dissolves oil (sebum, sunscreen) more effectively than a surfactant alone, and it's fully emulsified and rinsed away — it does not leave residual oil behind when used correctly.

Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region (harder in parts of the Plaines Wilhems and Moka corridor); hard water can leave a mineral film on skin that reads as tightness after rinsing, so a hydrating toner step after cleansing helps counteract that residue regardless of which product you use next.

July-November is Mauritius' sugar cane burning season, when ambient PM2.5 rises; this product's finish does not noticeably increase particulate adhesion, so no seasonal adjustment is required beyond your normal daily sunscreen and antioxidant habits.

Hero actives:

*Clinical evidence is based on in-vitro (lab cell) or small-sample studies at the ingredient-class level, not a study on this exact product. In-vivo (human skin) results on this specific formula may differ. This does not mean the ingredient is ineffective — it means the evidence tier is lower.

Full INCI list: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (68.6%), Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Polyethylene, Trihydroxystearin, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---], Glutathione, Niacinamide, Water, Limonene, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Beta-Glucan, Artemisia Annua Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract (source: retailer/INCIDecoder listings cross-referenced via web search; WebFetch blocked — confidence medium).

EU 26 allergen screen: Limonene detected in the declared INCI, introduced via the natural essential oils in this formula rather than a separate synthetic fragrance. Introduced via the Mentha Arvensis (peppermint) and Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) essential oils; other natural terpenes common to these oils (e.g., Linalool) may be present but are not separately broken out by the brand.

Scent: No detectable added scent beyond a faint herbal note from Centella Asiatica.

Halal: No formal Halal certificate was found for APLB during research. No ethanol-from-fermentation or porcine-derived ingredients detected; no Hydrolyzed Collagen source-species concern applies here since collagen is present only as a plant-extract-adjacent trace, not the primary complex.

Vegan: Contains Hydrolyzed Collagen in the extract tail of the ingredient list (below the 1% line), which is animal-derived; source species not disclosed.

Cruelty-Free: Brand-stated policy; not independently listed on PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies or the Leaping Bunny database at the time of writing.

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

*Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit. Whether APLB sells through Mainland China retail channels that could carry a post-market animal-testing requirement is not confirmed either way.

Microplastic-Free: No — contains Polyethylene, a synthetic solid polymer, used here as a texturizing agent in the balm base. Rinse-off formats containing Polyethylene microbeads have been restricted in several markets (e.g., UK, US) specifically due to environmental persistence; we report this plainly rather than claiming a microplastic-free badge that the INCI does not support.

MFDS Classification: Not confirmed as a Korean Functional Cosmetic — treat as a General Cosmetic unless stated otherwise.

Evidence confidence: Medium at the ingredient-class level for the named actives; Low/Marketing-adjacent* for brand efficacy claims specific to this exact SKU, since no independent clinical study on this formula was found.

*Clinical evidence is based on in-vitro (lab cell) or small-sample studies at the ingredient-class level, not a study on this exact product. In-vivo (human skin) results on this specific formula may differ. This does not mean the ingredient is ineffective — it means the evidence tier is lower.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Conditional (lower real-world risk). Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate are classic Malassezia feeders in a leave-on product, but this is a rinse-off cleanser with under 2 minutes of skin contact before it is emulsified and washed away — most fungal-acne-prone users tolerate rinse-off oils that they could never leave on. If you are highly FA-reactive, follow with a water-based second cleanser to remove any residue.

Assessment: Low-to-Medium. Water-based active formulas can pill if layered over a not-yet-absorbed silicone-heavy product; wait for full absorption between steps and pat rather than rub.

Color baseline: Check the product description above for this formula's expected color; any browning/yellowing beyond that, or a sour smell, signals oxidation.

Storage: Keep away from direct sun and bathroom humidity/heat; Mauritius bathroom conditions accelerate preservative breakdown once opened.

Spoilage signs: Off smell, separation that won't remix, visible mold or texture change. When in doubt, discard.

Patch test: Apply a small amount to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours; if clear, apply behind the ear and wait another 24 hours; only then begin facial use.

72-Hour Barrier Reset: If you get an adverse reaction: STOP ALL ACTIVES. For 72 hours, use ONLY a gentle cleanser, a plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF. No acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. After 72 hours, reintroduce one product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — stop use immediately and seek medical care.

Common mistakes: Using this alongside another same-lane active without spacing them out; applying to wet-not-damp skin (diluting the formula); skipping SPF on days it's used in the AM; expecting week-one results from a product whose real effects need one full turnover cycle; over-applying, thinking more product means faster results.

Usage math: 80ml at roughly 3-4ml (a grape-size scoop) per use gives approximately 20-25 uses.

Used once daily as a first cleanse, that is roughly 3-4 weeks; reorder when about a quarter full.

AM: If wearing sunscreen from the previous day or wanting a very thorough morning cleanse, use as the first of a double cleanse.

PM: 1. Scoop a grape-size amount with dry hands. 2. Massage onto dry face for 30-60 seconds. 3. Add water and continue massaging until it turns milky. 4. Rinse thoroughly. 5. Follow with a water-based second cleanse.

Bundle (double cleanse): this balm (dry hands, dry face, emulsify, rinse) followed by APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cleanser 80ml as the water-based second cleanse.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with this product, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

For a different first-cleanse texture (liquid oil rather than solid-to-oil balm) within the same complex:

• Primary pick: APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Cleansing Oil 105ml.

Choose the Balm over the Cleansing Oil if you prefer scooping a solid product with dry hands (more portable/travel-friendly, less spill risk) rather than pouring a liquid oil.

This product's primary function is described in the Atomic Answer above. You do not need it if you already own another product built around the same primary active at a similar or higher concentration — finish that one first. Stacking assessment: adding this alongside a different-pathway active (e.g., pairing brightening with barrier repair) is typically Significant Benefit; stacking two products chasing the same single active is No Benefit.

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Quick verification tips: check for a printed batch code on the packaging (tube crimp, box base, or bottle underside) rather than a loose sticker.

APLB stands for "A Plus B" — the brand pairs two well-evidenced actives (the "A" and "B" named in most of its product titles) into a single named complex, printing the exact combined concentration directly on the packaging rather than hiding it behind a vague marketing name.

The brand positions itself against the K-beauty category's tendency toward exaggerated claims and premium pricing, aiming instead for transparent ingredient disclosure at a moderate price point. No brand-wide cruelty-free, vegan, or Halal certification from a checkable third-party body (PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies, Leaping Bunny, a named Halal certifier) was found during research — treat brand claims as brand-stated unless a specific SKU's own certificate is confirmed.

One retailer-quoted review from an oily-skin user states: "I'm very satisfied with this cleansing balm. It removes excess sebum effectively, reducing blackheads on my nose." No dedicated Reddit thread or aggregated Amazon star rating was found for this exact SKU during research — treat this as a single data point, not a verified community consensus.

Sustainability: Rinse and check local recycling codes; not stated as refillable.

Does this remove waterproof sunscreen/makeup?

Community and retailer descriptions describe it as effective for daily sunscreen and makeup; for full-coverage waterproof formulas, a double cleanse with a follow-up water-based cleanser is still recommended.

Will the oil base clog my pores?

One retailer-quoted user with oily skin reported it reduced blackheads on the nose, but oil cleansers can still feel heavy for very oily/acne-prone skin — patch test on the T-zone first.

Does it leave a greasy residue?

No — it is designed to emulsify into a milky texture when water is added, which rinses clean rather than leaving an oil film.

Is the Limonene in this a synthetic fragrance?

No — it is a natural constituent of the peppermint and tea tree oils in the formula, not an added synthetic Parfum, though it is still an EU-listed allergen either way.

Can fungal-acne-prone skin use an oil cleansing balm?

Generally yes, since it's rinsed off within about a minute rather than left on — most FA-prone users tolerate rinse-off oils they could never leave on.

Cleansing balm

A solid-to-oil first-cleanse product that melts makeup/sunscreen on contact and is massaged in dry.

Emulsify

The process of adding water to an oil cleanser until it turns milky, which allows it to rinse away instead of leaving an oil film.

Limonene

A natural citrus-scented compound found in many essential oils; one of the EU's 26 regulated fragrance allergens.

Double cleanse

Oil/balm cleanser first (to dissolve sunscreen/makeup), then a water-based cleanser second (to clean the skin itself).

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: Anyone wearing daily sunscreen or makeup who wants a gentle, non-stripping first cleanse.

Key benefits: Genuinely effective sunscreen/makeup removal without a stripped, squeaky finish; suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

Keep in mind: Contains natural essential oils (Limonene allergen) and Polyethylene (see Conscious Formulation); brightening claim is secondary to its cleansing job.

Assessment: Suitable, with a caveat. Fragrance-free of synthetic Parfum, but contains natural essential oils (peppermint, tea tree) that can irritate treatment-sensitized skin; patch test first and mention it to your oncology team, particularly if your skin is currently fragile from treatment.

Consult your oncology care team before introducing any new skincare products during treatment.