A Frothy Dream: My Experience with Origins’ Checks and Balances Face Wash
Ah, face wash—a product so simple yet so essential in our skincare routines. It’s the first thing you reach for in the morning and the final step in your evening routine. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been on the endless hunt for a face wash that strikes the perfect balance between effectively cleansing your skin without leaving it feeling like the Sahara Desert. Enter Origins’ Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash, a product that promises to cleanse without stripping, refresh without drying, and leave your skin balanced and happy. After using it for the past 15 days, I’m here to give you my full scoop on what this frothy cleanser is all about.
Why I Took the Plunge with Checks and Balances
Let’s be honest—finding a face wash that works for all skin types feels like finding a unicorn. I have combination skin (hello, oily T-zone and dry cheeks), and most cleansers I’ve tried either leave me feeling greasy or way too tight. So, when I came across Checks and Balances, a face wash that claims to balance both oily and dry areas, I was intrigued. Plus, it’s Origins’ best-selling cleanser for a reason, right?
And if that wasn’t enough to convince me, the price definitely helped sway my decision. Available in two sizes at Ulta Beauty—5.0 oz for $29 and 8.5 oz for $39—it felt like a reasonable investment for something that promised to bring harmony to my face. Spoiler: It delivered.
The Frothy Formula: A Luxurious Lather
So, what sets this face wash apart? Let’s talk about the formula. The frothy texture is immediately noticeable. Unlike some gel or cream cleansers that kind of sit on the surface of your skin, the Checks and Balances wash foams up beautifully, creating a rich, fluffy lather that feels incredibly luxurious. A little goes a long way—seriously, just a pea-sized amount is enough to cover your whole face.
This cleanser does more than just froth, though. It’s packed with some skin-loving ingredients, such as:
- Broad Leaf Kelp Extract: This ingredient helps to purify and remove excess oil, which my T-zone was practically begging for.
- Wheat Protein: A key component for moisture retention, ensuring that your dry areas stay hydrated.
- Tourmaline: A unique addition that energizes and rejuvenates the skin.
- Mint Essential Oil: This gives the wash its refreshing, tingly sensation that wakes up your senses—trust me, it’s a perfect morning pick-me-up!
What really won me over was how balanced my skin felt after each use. My oily zones felt fresh without being greasy, and my dry zones felt comfortably clean, not tight or stripped. It’s like this face wash has a built-in balancing act, leaving my skin feeling, well, in check.
Two Weeks of Frothy Fun: My Results
At the start of my journey, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been let down by plenty of cleansers in the past, so I was ready for this one to impress. And, well, it did.
- Week 1: The first thing I noticed was how refreshed my skin felt. After each wash, I felt like my skin had been given a deep cleanse, but it wasn’t crying for moisturizer right after (which is a rarity for me). The minty sensation was subtle but noticeable, giving me that just-woke-up feeling in the morning.
- Week 2: At the two-week mark, my skin was consistently feeling balanced, and my dry patches (those pesky areas on my cheeks) weren’t as noticeable. My oily T-zone stayed matte longer throughout the day without getting overly shiny.
What I Love About It (and a Few Minor Gripes)
This face wash does a lot of things right, but let’s break down the pros and cons:
What I Loved:
- The Frothy Texture: The luxurious, frothy lather was like a mini spa moment every time I washed my face.
- Balanced Cleansing: It managed to clean deeply without making my skin feel stripped or tight.
- Refreshing Scent: The minty scent is light and not overpowering, but it definitely adds to the refreshing experience.
- Effective for All Skin Types: Whether I was feeling oily or dry, it kept my skin balanced and fresh.
Minor Gripes:
- Packaging: The tube packaging is functional, but a pump version could be more convenient for daily use.
- Price Point: While it’s definitely worth the investment, some may find the $29 price tag for the 5.0 oz size a bit steep for a face wash, though the results justify the cost for me.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
What sets Origins apart from other skincare brands is its commitment to natural ingredients. This face wash is no exception. It’s free from all the nasties we love to avoid—no parabens, phthalates, or sulfates—which is a huge plus. The formula is also 100% vegetarian, with no animal-derived ingredients.
But the stars of the show are the natural extracts that work their magic behind the scenes:
- Mint Essential Oil: Adds a refreshing and cooling effect, perfect for a morning cleanse.
- Broad Leaf Kelp Extract: Keeps oily zones in check by absorbing excess oil.
- Wheat Protein: Prevents your skin from drying out and helps retain moisture.
I’m also a fan of the fact that this product is made without harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate or mineral oil, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin (or those of us trying to avoid unnecessary skin irritants).
What Others Are Raving About
When I’m looking into a new product, I always love checking out what others have to say. And it seems I’m not alone in loving this face wash. Here are some snippets from online reviews:
- “This face wash is a game changer! I have combination skin, and it keeps my oily areas in check without drying out my face. I love how clean my skin feels afterward!”
- “The frothy lather feels like a dream on my skin, and the minty freshness is just what I need in the morning. It removes makeup so easily, too!”
- “I’ve tried so many cleansers, but this is the only one that makes my skin feel balanced. No more dry patches, no more oily T-zone!”
Ready to Froth Your Way to Glowing Skin?
After 15 days of consistent use, I can say without hesitation that Origins’ Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash deserves its place as a best-seller. The balance it provides for both dry and oily areas makes it a one-stop solution for combination skin types. It cleans deeply, refreshes with a minty wake-up call, and leaves my skin feeling comfortably clean every single time.
If you’re ready to give it a try (and I highly recommend you do), you can find it at Ulta Beauty. The 5.0 oz size is $29, and if you’re feeling bold, you can grab the 8.5 oz for $39. It’s a bit of an investment, but trust me—it’s worth every frothy penny.
Because a balanced face is a happy face!
