Product Spotlight: Thayers Blemish Clearing Balm

Allied Market Research estimates the face balm market will reach $495.7 million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 9.7% from 2021-2031. Per the source, these product forms typically are thicker preparations based on wax or oil that are applied to the face to protect, heal and moisturize the skin. Additionally, they are waterless or use minimal water content, which appeals to eco-conscious consumers. Thayers Blemish Clearing Balm, reviewed here, provides a good example.

Thayers Blemish Clearing Balm

Thayers Blemish Clearing Balm is described as a lightweight moisturizer that provides essential hydration. It targets acne with an alcohol-free formula that per the company, leaves skin feeling renewed thanks in part to detoxifying lemongrass oil.

With a maximum strength 2% salicylic acid, the product is designed to help clear acne blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads while preventing new ones from forming. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that acts by gently exfoliating skin and clearing clogged pores.

The balm is additionally formulated with tea tree oil and the company's proprietary blend of aloe vera and non-distilled witch hazel that is grown for Thayers on a family farm in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Additional benefits touted include:

• made with 82% natural origin ingredients;
• soothing to skin;
• hydrating;
• a clean formula, free from alcohol, phthalates, parabens and gluten;
• cruelty-free; and
• vegan.

Cleansing Balm User Reviews

Following are example user reviews (edited for style), selected for their anecdotal insights on product form and function. (Note that as with most products, the user feedback on the company website is mixed.)

• I love this balm because it moisturizes and feels light. My face used to have “texture" but now it is smooth!
• I tend to have very clear skin, however, after a couple weeks of soccer camp and tons of sweat and sunscreen, my face absolutely broke out the worst it ever has. I have loved Thayers in the past and and decided to try this. Almost immediately, it cleared the acne and prevented it from coming back.
•  I work in health care and struggle with acne due to both wearing a mask constantly, which traps the heat and sweat in, and hormones. I have tried so many different products to keep my dry spots moisturized while also not making my acne worse. This is taking care of both! It’s helping to clear my skin, keep my face moisturized and not irritating.

Cleansing Balm Ingredient Disclosure

Active ingredient: Salicylic Acid 2%; Inactive ingredients: Water (Aqua), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Beeswax, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil.