I was torn between the Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash and the Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser. I decided on the Checks and Balances simply because I didn't want to make those dry parts worse. This cleanser claims that "Broad Leaf Kelp Extract discourages excess oil production, while Wheat Protein balances and protects dry prone zones." I think that's true. I don't feel like a grease ball (sorry for that image), and my dry patches are nonexistent. It quickly became a staple in my daily skincare routine.
Now this claim I have a little bit of issues with: "Skin feels comfortably refreshed after cleansing, never tight, pulled or parched." It does feel tight after using it. Not as tight as some other cleansers I've tried, but enough to say that the claim is false, at least in my experience. I still felt the need to reach for my toner and moisturizer.
I've mentioned this before, usually I can only use a cleanser for a month before my skin says forget you, and decides it wants something different. I'm on month number two, and still going strong.
A little goes a long way, and I love the scent; spearmint. It's not too strong, and doesn't linger, although my husband did say that he smelled it on my skin. I don't smell it, though.
I read reviews after I bought it (a bit backwards, yes), and prior to doing this review, and they said that it doesn't foam up very much. I wasn't expecting shampoo level foam, but the Checks and Balances certainly is frothy. Foaming isn't a huge factor to me, personally. I actually prefer less foam in my skincare routine.
Overall: My skin does seem a bit less oily than before, and the dry patches have slowed down. My spots began to disappear after religious use, and hardly any new ones appeared which is a HUGE plus in my book. My face feels clean and refreshed. I recommend this to anyone who is combination to oily, or even combination to dry (the site says its for all skin types), and to anyone with mild acne problems. I do not recommend this for someone who doesn't like spearmint, mint, or scented products. I would also be a bit careful if you have dry skin. It may be too drying, but I can't test that for sure.
I love it, and I will be repurchasing this product, and I may look into that Zero Oil cleanser now that Origins has earned my trust.
