Origins Checks & Balances Face Wash - 1.7 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Paraben-Free, Vegan, Cream, Normal to Oily Skin
Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, chamomile oil, and vitamin E, which provide moisturizing and soothing benefits. However, the presence of potentially irritating components such as potassium hydroxide and linalool, along with synthetic compounds like PEG-3 distearate, slightly lowers its rating. The product is mostly safe with a few synthetic additives, balancing natural oils and extracts with some chemical components.
Key ingredients 29
TocopherolVery Good
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps in protecting the skin from free radical damage. It aids in moisturizing and improving skin texture. It is widely used for its skin-protective benefits.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk.
Benefits
Protects the skin from oxidative stress and moisturizes.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps in keeping the skin hydrated and soft. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk.
Benefits
Excellent for moisturizing and hydrating the skin.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower OilGood
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, also known as Roman Chamomile Oil, is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in calming irritated skin. It is beneficial for sensitive skin types.
Risks
Rare allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Soothes and calms irritated skin.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilGood
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, commonly known as Geranium Oil, is used for its balancing and toning properties. It helps in improving skin texture and appearance. It is beneficial for maintaining skin balance.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Balances and tones the skin.
Lavandula Hybrida OilGood
Lavandula Hybrida Oil, or Lavender Oil, is known for its calming and soothing properties. It helps in reducing skin irritation and promoting relaxation. It is widely used for its aromatic benefits.
Risks
Possible skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Calms and soothes the skin.
Laminaria Saccharina ExtractGood
Laminaria Saccharina Extract, derived from seaweed, is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It helps in hydrating the skin and reducing irritation. It is beneficial for maintaining skin moisture balance.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk.
Benefits
Moisturizes and soothes the skin.
Hydrolyzed Wheat ProteinGood
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is used for its conditioning and moisturizing properties. It helps in strengthening the skin barrier and improving hydration. It is beneficial for maintaining skin elasticity.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in individuals with wheat allergies.
Benefits
Conditions and moisturizes the skin.
Water\Aqua\EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming the base of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Essential for dissolving and mixing other ingredients.
Myristic AcidNeutral
Myristic Acid is a fatty acid used as a surfactant and cleansing agent. It helps in removing dirt and oil from the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Effective in cleansing and removing excess oils.
Behenic AcidNeutral
Behenic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and thickening agent. It helps in improving the texture of the product. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides emollient properties.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateNeutral
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used for its cleansing properties without being too harsh on the skin. It is considered safe for most skin types.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils.
Palmitic AcidNeutral
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and surfactant. It helps in cleansing and conditioning the skin. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps in cleansing and conditioning the skin.
Potassium HydroxideNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Can cause skin irritation and dryness.
Benefits
Helps in maintaining the desired pH level of the product.
Lauric AcidNeutral
Lauric Acid is a fatty acid used for its cleansing and emulsifying properties. It helps in removing dirt and oil from the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Effective in cleansing and emulsifying.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener. It helps in stabilizing and thickening formulations. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
Improves product stability and texture.
Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf OilNeutral
Spearmint Leaf Oil is used for its refreshing scent and mild astringent properties. It can provide a cooling sensation on the skin. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides a refreshing and cooling sensation.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit OilNeutral
Bergamot Fruit Oil is used for its refreshing scent and potential antibacterial properties. It can help in uplifting mood and providing a pleasant aroma. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Photosensitivity risk if exposed to sunlight.
Benefits
Provides a refreshing scent and potential antibacterial benefits.
Styrax Benzoin GumNeutral
Styrax Benzoin Gum is used for its fragrance and skin conditioning properties. It helps in providing a pleasant aroma and improving skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Conditions the skin and provides a pleasant aroma.
TourmalineNeutral
Tourmaline is a mineral used for its purported energizing and skin-enhancing properties. It is believed to help in improving skin radiance. Its efficacy in cosmetics is not well-documented.
Benefits
Believed to enhance skin radiance.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It helps in improving the efficacy of preservatives and conditioning the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances preservative efficacy and conditions the skin.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and emulsifier. It helps in stabilizing formulations and providing a smooth texture. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and provides emollient properties.
Polyquaternium-7Neutral
Polyquaternium-7 is a conditioning agent used to improve the texture and feel of the skin. It helps in providing a smooth and soft feel. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Conditions the skin and improves texture.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a solvent and humectant used to improve the texture and moisture content of the skin. It helps in enhancing the penetration of other ingredients. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and moisture content.
PEG-3 DistearateNeutral
PEG-3 Distearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize and thicken cosmetic formulations. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Stabilizes and thickens formulations.
LinaloolBad
Linalool is a fragrance component that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It is used for its pleasant scent in cosmetics. It is important to monitor for potential sensitivities.
Risks
Can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant floral scent.
LimoneneBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Provides a fresh citrus scent and potential antioxidant benefits.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product stability and efficacy.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and maintains product safety.
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