Pore Cleansing Balm [PHA]

The balm is built on emollient esters and plant oils — sunflower, camellia, evening primrose, olive, apricot kernel, and jojoba — set into a solid sherbet with polyethylene and an emulsifier that lets it rinse off with water. Gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), is the gentlest exfoliating-acid family and works here to soften pore debris without the sting or added sun-sensitivity of stronger acids. Use it as the first step of a double cleanse: scoop a small amount onto dry skin, massage to melt away makeup and sunscreen, add water to emulsify, then rinse and follow with a water-based cleanser. Because it's a brief rinse-off, treat the PHA as a mild bonus rather than a replacement for a leave-on exfoliant. It's alcohol-free but scented with orange, bergamot, and lavender essential oils, so fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test first.