Despite the price, this has remained my favorite face wash for over a decade. I have combination skin, and this is just strong enough to cut the excess oil from my T-zone without sucking my cheeks dry. It’s gentle enough for washing once or twice daily with no harsh scrubbing, and I pair it with exfoliant once a week for a deeper clean. I love how the mildly minty scent of the ingredients makes me feel extra fresh. With consistent use followed by toner and moisturizer, my skin develops a natural glow. Bonus: I don’t need to use a ton to get these results, so one container lasts a long time!

It's not the worst cleanser I've tried, but I personally wouldn't recommend it, especially for the price. This cleanser has a dense, creamy texture that works into a light lather on the skin. It contains mint oil in order to give you that spa-like cooling sensation on the face. Origins is well known for their "natural" ingredient formulas with a lot of botanical oils and extracts, but this is what makes them unfriendly to sensitive skin, since those ingredients are very common irritants. Since this product is a cleanser, it doesn't sit on the face for very long and can get away with having some of those ingredients in there- but I still found the concentration of essential oils in this to be slightly irritating. My skin is also very dry, and while this cleanser ... MoreIt's not the worst cleanser I've tried, but I personally wouldn't recommend it, especially for the price. This cleanser has a dense, creamy texture that works into a light lather on the skin. It contains mint oil in order to give you that spa-like cooling sensation on the face. Origins is well known for their "natural" ingredient formulas with a lot of botanical oils and extracts, but this is what makes them unfriendly to sensitive skin, since those ingredients are very common irritants. Since this product is a cleanser, it doesn't sit on the face for very long and can get away with having some of those ingredients in there- but I still found the concentration of essential oils in this to be slightly irritating. My skin is also very dry, and while this cleanser didn't feel excessively stripping, it still felt like it took a lot of moisture away while also not being very effective at cleansing. My skin didn't feel like it had been cleaned effectively, and even felt like a slight "film" had been left behind. If you enjoy that menthol-like cooling sensation, then you might enjoy the experience of this cleanser, but it's not for me.

This is my favorite face wash of all time and I began using it at 15 and I’m 41 now I still use it. While I’ve tried many other face washes over the years, and I have liked numerous, I always end up going back to my old faithful, Origins’ Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash because it’s unlike any other that I’ve tried. It’s an iridescent white creamy texture that smells of mint, and upon adding water it lathers into this frothy goodness that makes your face look and feel like heaven. It’s a great cleanser for all ages and while some may not want to pay $27 for face wash, it’s definitely worth it and rids your skin of any makeup, dirt, or grime and leaves it feeling soft and clean, and looking healthy glowing. Plus, Origins runs a lot of specials so you can often ... MoreThis is my favorite face wash of all time and I began using it at 15 and I’m 41 now I still use it. While I’ve tried many other face washes over the years, and I have liked numerous, I always end up going back to my old faithful, Origins’ Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash because it’s unlike any other that I’ve tried. It’s an iridescent white creamy texture that smells of mint, and upon adding water it lathers into this frothy goodness that makes your face look and feel like heaven. It’s a great cleanser for all ages and while some may not want to pay $27 for face wash, it’s definitely worth it and rids your skin of any makeup, dirt, or grime and leaves it feeling soft and clean, and looking healthy glowing. Plus, Origins runs a lot of specials so you can often catch the face wash on sale, but even at full price it’s so worth it!

AMAZING CLEANSER!

I'm super picky when it comes to my cleansers. I have sensitive skin and as of lately I've been really dry. I love a cleanser that is going to deep cleanse my face, but unfortunately a lot of the time most cleansers strip your skin dry to the point where it feels tight and irritated. THIS DOES NOT DO THAT! A little goes a long way with this product. Literally slightly more than a pea size amount and it'll be enough. In saying that, this product has an amazing lather and foams up beautifully. I feel a slight sensation from the cleanser, but even though I have sensitive skin it isn't enough to irritate it. If you're in the market for a new cleanser: THIS IS THE ONE. From a picky consumer to another picky consumer, this product will definitely not disappoint. I know of ... MoreI'm super picky when it comes to my cleansers. I have sensitive skin and as of lately I've been really dry. I love a cleanser that is going to deep cleanse my face, but unfortunately a lot of the time most cleansers strip your skin dry to the point where it feels tight and irritated. THIS DOES NOT DO THAT! A little goes a long way with this product. Literally slightly more than a pea size amount and it'll be enough. In saying that, this product has an amazing lather and foams up beautifully. I feel a slight sensation from the cleanser, but even though I have sensitive skin it isn't enough to irritate it. If you're in the market for a new cleanser: THIS IS THE ONE. From a picky consumer to another picky consumer, this product will definitely not disappoint. I know of I still had oily skin I'd still love it.

Cleared bad acne outbreak in days

I suddenly had the worst acne outbreak of my life and none of my regular skincare products worked to clear it. I've always had oily skin and now my skin is even oilier. I tried acne patches, gentle cleansers, acne cleansers, toners, you name it. Everything seemed to make my acne worse! Even my luxury brand 5% benzoyl peroxide acne lotion that has worked for 15 years didn't work in this case. I'm in my early 40s and can only imagine it's caused by hormonal changes from perimenopause. Literally, my face had angry red spots all over and I found new acne and clogged pores daily! I also pick at my skin which doesn't help.So, I cut out all of my products except for the acne lotion but I had to find a good cleanser. Out of desperation, I tried this cleanser. Within DAYS, ... MoreI suddenly had the worst acne outbreak of my life and none of my regular skincare products worked to clear it. I've always had oily skin and now my skin is even oilier. I tried acne patches, gentle cleansers, acne cleansers, toners, you name it. Everything seemed to make my acne worse! Even my luxury brand 5% benzoyl peroxide acne lotion that has worked for 15 years didn't work in this case. I'm in my early 40s and can only imagine it's caused by hormonal changes from perimenopause. Literally, my face had angry red spots all over and I found new acne and clogged pores daily! I also pick at my skin which doesn't help.So, I cut out all of my products except for the acne lotion but I had to find a good cleanser. Out of desperation, I tried this cleanser. Within DAYS, my acne was clearing up and healing!! It did make my skin feel a bit tight, but it is keeping the oil and acne under control!I was surprised at how well this worked because I remember using it in my 20s and it gave me clogged pores. I guess it depends on your age and how your skin changes overtime. Maybe Origins changed the ingredients since then and improved the formula. I don't know, but it has saved my skin!!!

Insanely stripping

Lemme start off by saying this was a gift, I wouldn’t usually buy a cleanser like this, it has a couple issues.This cleanser is not pH balanced, thus it TOTALLY strips the skin of its natural oils that are supposed to be there. Moisture barrier = gone. Your face and hands get that “squeaky” feeling. Not a good sign in a cleanser. You’ll need to restore the moisture in your skin after using this, perhaps a 5.5 pH toner, a hydrating serum, or a rich moisturizer; even better, just get a different cleanser that’s actually non-stripping.Additionally, this cleanser is LOADED in essential oils, which are a proven irritant for sensitive or acne-prone skin, also known for aggravating rosacea, especially with long-term exposure.The only positive points are that I like the ... MoreLemme start off by saying this was a gift, I wouldn’t usually buy a cleanser like this, it has a couple issues.This cleanser is not pH balanced, thus it TOTALLY strips the skin of its natural oils that are supposed to be there. Moisture barrier = gone. Your face and hands get that “squeaky” feeling. Not a good sign in a cleanser. You’ll need to restore the moisture in your skin after using this, perhaps a 5.5 pH toner, a hydrating serum, or a rich moisturizer; even better, just get a different cleanser that’s actually non-stripping.Additionally, this cleanser is LOADED in essential oils, which are a proven irritant for sensitive or acne-prone skin, also known for aggravating rosacea, especially with long-term exposure.The only positive points are that I like the frothiness that comes out of it, and that it does what a cleanser does, it cleanses. All in all, this is very expensive for a cleanser when there are way better, more affordable ones without problematic ingredients. A cleanser goes right down the drain. Skip this one.I otherwise recommend the Soon Jung 5.5 foaming cleanser. It’s like $8 and far from problematic. My all-time fav, leaves the skin hydrated while still cleansing thoroughly. Has a *similar* froth.

Not Recommended for Sensitive Skin

I have tried to use Origins products numerous times over the years, when a new regimen is launched. Unfortunately, Origins consistently fails when it comes to compatibility with my skin type. This occurrence is also most unfortunate, as Origins is an Estée Lauder brand. This product contains spearmint leaf oil and that is a highly irritating ingredient to apply to one's complexion. It's alright for use in a hand cream formulation, but not one's face. This product has caused severe dryness, flushing and a rash that simply doesn't go away until the product is thrown away. Origins is not suitable for sensitive skin.

OIL ATTACKER

You only need a small drop - like anpea size and mix it with water. It also works very well with the facial brush cleansing macines.This item is good for people with oily to very oily and or someone with a lot of makeup they need to takeoff. If your skin is normal combination or dry already despite wearing makeup, it will only make you drier. I purchased it in the fall when it was cold..will not use it until summer time when my skin tend to have more of an oily buildup. Wintertime, I will use something else like Philosophy Purity- its more moisturizing when it cleans.I like Origins Checks and Balances for sure, it cleans well but would "overclean' if your face isn't that oily/dirty.

Perfect in Every Way

I rarely write reviews but this stuff is incredible. When my usual cleanser wasn't available, the cosmetician recommended Checks and Balances saying it wouldn't dry out my skin as much and I am forever indebted to her! It's so creamy, rich and moisturising, it feels likea soft fluffy cloud (or what I imagine a soft, fluffy cloud would feel like). It's literally that soft. And using this luxurious cleanser everyday has done wonders for my chronically dry skin while also leaving it feeling clean, clear and plump. It also rinses easily with no film left behind. For me it's perfect. As for the cost, I know for a lot of people, including me, it is pricey for something you'd pickup at a drugstore but like many other reviewers have said, a little goes a long way and we're ... MoreI rarely write reviews but this stuff is incredible. When my usual cleanser wasn't available, the cosmetician recommended Checks and Balances saying it wouldn't dry out my skin as much and I am forever indebted to her! It's so creamy, rich and moisturising, it feels likea soft fluffy cloud (or what I imagine a soft, fluffy cloud would feel like). It's literally that soft. And using this luxurious cleanser everyday has done wonders for my chronically dry skin while also leaving it feeling clean, clear and plump. It also rinses easily with no film left behind. For me it's perfect. As for the cost, I know for a lot of people, including me, it is pricey for something you'd pickup at a drugstore but like many other reviewers have said, a little goes a long way and we're not kidding. I'm forever perplexed at just how little product you need for a good cleanse. The rare times it started to feel like it wasn't quite frothy enough to slip over the skin seamlessly (though it would be amazing), I added a couple drops of water and, true to its name, it was beyond frothy. And because you only need the tiniest dot it seriously does last a really, really long time which I think totally justifies the price. I never thought washing my face could feel this incredible but it's my favourite part of my skincare routine. I can't recommend it enough. 5 plus stars!

takes the top spot in my face wash inventory

My go to face wash was Jack Black's Pure Clean. I still really like that, but when I tried a mini / trial size of the origin's Checks and Balances, I was literally "holy moly" impressed. I like the froth and how little of this you need to use at a given time. Literally, a pea sized amount is enough for face and neck. Admittedly, this is a tad pricey, so I look for deals / coupons / discounts on the full sizes. A little goes a long way. I've got a full size in the shower now and a spare ready to take its place eventually. And I still have some mini's for travel. I won't use anything else if I can help it.