Balance It All Essentials Set
Oily Skin Starter Kit
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Coordinated multi-acid system with graduated exfoliation across all three steps
- +Visible oil reduction and brightening within 2-3 days of consistent use
- +Sulfate-free cleanser that removes oil without stripping the skin barrier
- +Toner combines AHA, BHA, and PHA for comprehensive pore and texture treatment
- +Oil-free hydrator moisturizes without adding shine or heaviness
- +Excellent trial format for testing the full Balance line before committing
- −Eucalyptus and peppermint oils are genuine irritants for sensitive skin
- −Travel sizes feel small for a $36 price tag — especially the 0.5 oz hydrator
- −Multi-acid approach across every step leaves no safe harbor for reactive skin
- −Strong herbal-minty scent may be overpowering for fragrance-sensitive users
- −Not suitable for dry, sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin types
The full review.
Most skincare sets are marketing exercises—brands bundle three loosely related products, call it a ‘routine,’ and charge more for the packaging. The Ole Henriksen Balance It All Essentials Set is more deliberate. Each product in this trio contains glycolic acid, but uses different exposure durations and supporting ingredients. The cleanser provides seconds of AHA contact. The toner delivers minutes to hours of leave-on AHA and BHA treatment. The hydrator provides sustained, low-concentration acid activity under a moisture layer. This is a graduated exfoliation system, not just three products sharing a brand name.
Ole Henriksen’s relationship with acids began with the brand’s origin story. As a young man in Indonesia, the Danish-born Henriksen fought cystic acne so severe it shaped his life. An esthetician named Lagita introduced him to active botanical treatments focused on exfoliation, which became the philosophical foundation for everything the brand has produced since. The Balance line targets oily and combination skin, where excess sebum and slow cell turnover cause shine, congestion, and enlarged pores.
About Ole Henriksen
The cleanser — Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser — uses gentle sulfate-free surfactants (sodium cocoyl isethionate and decyl glucoside) to remove oil without the stripping harshness of traditional foaming washes. Glycolic and lactic acids are in the formula, but at brief-contact concentrations that provide light surface exfoliation during washing. Neem seed oil, the signature botanical of the Green Fusion Complex, provides antibacterial action for acne-prone oily skin. Eucalyptus and peppermint oils create a cooling tingle.
About the Products
The toner — Balancing Force Oil Control Toner — performs the primary acid work. This leave-on formula contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, gluconolactone (a PHA for gentler exfoliation), and salicylic acid. This multi-acid cocktail of AHAs, PHAs, and BHAs addresses surface texture and within-pore congestion simultaneously. Witch hazel water adds natural astringent action, temporarily tightening pores and absorbing surface oil. For oily skin that tolerates acids, this toner drives the system.
About the Products
The hydrator — Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator — finishes the routine with a lightweight, oil-free gel-cream that moisturizes without adding shine. Glycerin and butylene glycol provide hydration, dimethicone creates a smooth, matte-finish base, and a small amount of colloidal oatmeal (avena sativa kernel flour) soothes skin to counteract irritation from the preceding acid steps. More glycolic and lactic acid work at low concentrations beneath the moisture layer, while sodium hyaluronate pulls water into the skin. Bisabolol and allantoin provide additional calming.
How to Use
The three-step system delivers results quickly. After two to three days of consistent morning and evening use, oily skin typically shows reduced midday shine and a subtle brightening effect — the ‘Ole Glow’ the brand references. Within one to two weeks, pore congestion improves and skin texture smooths as acid exfoliation promotes faster cell turnover. By four to six weeks, the full benefits of sustained oil control and refined texture appear.
Common Complaints
The limitations are clear. The eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils that provide the signature cooling sensation are irritants for reactive skin. If your skin flushes easily, stings with fragrance, or is currently compromised, this set will likely worsen irritation. The multi-acid approach across all three steps means sensitive skin has no safe step in the routine. You use all three or none.
Value
The value depends on context. At approximately thirty-six dollars for travel-sized products that last four to six weeks, you are paying for a trial of the Balance line. The 0.5 oz hydrator is small and runs out fastest, requiring a full-size purchase to continue. This is an ‘audition’ rather than a ‘value set’ — a useful approach if you are unsure if the Balance line suits your skin before paying full-size prices.
Who Should Buy
This set is a well-conceived entry point into Ole Henriksen’s oil-control system for oily and combination skin. The graduated acid approach shows formulation intelligence, not just marketing. Be aware of the cooling essential oils, multi-step acid exposure, and travel sizes that serve as a tryout.
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Cleanser: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Laureth-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Phytic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Limonene. Toner: Water, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Oleth-20, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Menthyl Lactate, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Limonene. Hydrator: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Linoleic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Methyl Gluceth-20, Caprylyl Glycol, Linolenic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Phytic Acid, Fragrance, Saccharide Isomerate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oleanolic Acid, Limonene
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
The Balance It All set uses a multi-acid exfoliation strategy with AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. Each acid type targets different oily skin challenges.
Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA molecule. It penetrates the stratum corneum to break desmosomal bonds between corneocytes—the 'glue' holding dead cells to the skin surface. A 2009 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology confirmed that low concentrations of glycolic acid promote cell turnover and improve skin texture with regular use. Glycolic acid is in all three products at varying contact times, creating a cumulative exfoliation effect.
Salicylic acid (BHA) is in the toner and hydrator. It provides oil-soluble exfoliation that AHAs cannot. While glycolic acid works on the surface, salicylic acid penetrates the sebaceous follicle to dissolve sebum plugs that cause comedones and enlarged pores. Research in Clinical Therapeutics shows salicylic acid has comedolytic properties at concentrations as low as 0.5%.
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) in the toner. It offers gentler exfoliation and humectant properties. PHAs have larger molecular sizes than AHAs, so they penetrate slower and cause less irritation—a useful addition to a multi-acid formula to prevent over-exfoliation.
Neem seed oil (Melia Azadirachta) provides the set's antimicrobial backbone. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology has documented neem's antibacterial properties, including activity against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the bacterium linked to inflammatory acne. Its presence in all three products ensures sustained antimicrobial action throughout the routine.
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists find multi-acid approaches effective for oily, acne-prone skin, but they advise introducing products gradually rather than starting all three steps at once. Board-certified dermatologists note that the AHA, BHA, and PHA combination in a coordinated system addresses surface texture, pore congestion, and excess sebum better than single-acid products. However, dermatologists caution that the eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils in these formulations are potential sensitizers. Patients with rosacea, eczema, or contact dermatitis history should avoid them. Sunscreen is mandatory when using AHA-containing products because glycolic acid increases photosensitivity.
Where it fits in your routine.
Use the three products in this order: cleanser, toner, then hydrator. Use them once daily in the evening first. Let skin build acid tolerance for one to two weeks before adding the morning routine. Apply the cleanser to damp skin, massage for 30 seconds, and rinse. Pat the toner onto skin using hands or a cotton pad. Apply a pea-sized amount of the hydrator next. Always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen as the final morning step because the AHAs in this set increase photosensitivity.
At $36, this three-piece travel set lasts 4-6 weeks and works best as a trial. The 0.5 oz hydrator runs out first and costs about $72/oz; the full-size Counter Balance Hydrator has better per-ounce economics. This $36 set is a reasonable experiment if you are unsure about the full Balance line. If you already love the line, buying full-size products costs less.
Oily and combination skin types want a routine that controls oil and boosts glow. This works for those new to the Ole Henriksen Balance line testing the system before buying full-size products. It suits resilient skin that tolerates acids and essential oils well.
This works for sensitive, dry, or barrier-compromised skin. It suits those with rosacea, eczema, or known sensitivities to essential oils or fragranced skincare. Pregnant individuals should avoid this because of the salicylic acid content. If you already love the Balance line, buy full-size instead of the set — the per-ounce math offers no extra value.
Product details.
Cleanser is a creamy gel, toner is a lightweight liquid, and hydrator is a silky, oil-free gel-cream. All three feel fresh and cooling due to eucalyptus and peppermint oils.
All three products have a strong eucalyptus-peppermint scent — refreshing for some, overwhelming for others
Three products come in travel-sized bottles with screw-top caps and a branded box. These work for trial or travel, but are not full-size.
All three steps provide an immediate cooling eucalyptus-peppermint sensation—a tingly, invigorating experience. Oily skin shows less shine after the first full routine. The acid content causes some normal tingling, especially with the toner.
4-6 weeks with twice-daily use of all three products
12 months
spring summer
The backstory.
Ole Henriksen built his brand on the philosophy that exfoliation is the key to glowing skin — a belief shaped by his own battle with cystic acne in Indonesia and the botanical treatments that transformed his skin. The Balance line represents that philosophy applied specifically to oily and combination skin, using his signature Green Fusion Complex of neem, eucalyptus, and green tea across a coordinated multi-step system.
About Ole Henriksen
Legacy Brand (20+ years)Danish-born esthetician Ole Henriksen founded Ole Henriksen in 1983 and opened his iconic spa in West Hollywood. The brand joined LVMH in 2011. It has been a Sephora staple for nearly two decades, using AHA-driven, glow-focused formulations based on Scandinavian skincare philosophy.
Common myths.
Oily skin doesn't need a moisturizer in its routine
Skipping moisturizer can increase oil production as skin compensates for dehydration. The Counter Balance Hydrator in this set hydrates without adding oil; it uses glycerin and hyaluronic acid instead of heavy emollients.
Using acids in every step of your routine is too harsh
This set uses graduated acid concentrations across the three steps. The cleanser provides brief contact, limiting acid exposure to seconds. The system works cumulatively; oily, resilient skin tolerates multi-step acid exposure at these concentrations.
FAQ.
Is the Ole Henriksen Balance It All set good for oily skin?
Yes — this set targets oily and combination skin. All three products use oil-controlling ingredients like neem seed oil, AHAs, and BHAs. The toner has witch hazel for astringent action, and the hydrator uses oil-free moisturizing ingredients. Users report less shine within the first few days.
Can you use the Ole Henriksen Balance set with retinol?
Do not use this set with retinol. The multi-acid approach (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids across all three products) plus retinol increases irritation and over-exfoliation risks. To use retinol, alternate nights: use retinol one evening and the Balance set the next.
How long does the Ole Henriksen Balance It All set last?
Using all three products twice daily lasts about 4-6 weeks. The cleanser and toner (2 oz each) last longer than the hydrator (0.5 oz). The hydrator is the first product you'll need to replace if you use the full-size line.
Is the Ole Henriksen Balance set safe for sensitive skin?
This set is not ideal for sensitive skin. It uses eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils, fragrance, and multiple acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic) in all three products. These ingredients cause irritation, redness, and stinging in reactive skin. Patch-test the toner first if you have sensitive skin.
What is the Green Fusion Complex in Ole Henriksen products?
Green Fusion Complex is Ole Henriksen's proprietary blend of neem seed oil, green tea extract, eucalyptus, and kelp extract. This blend is in all three products in this set and provides antibacterial, antioxidant, and oil-controlling benefits. The neem oil targets excess sebum, green tea provides antioxidant protection, and eucalyptus adds cooling antiseptic properties.
What the community says.
"Visibly reduces oiliness within days"
"Great intro to the Ole Henriksen Balance line"
"Refreshing eucalyptus-peppermint scent"
"Noticeable glow and texture improvement"
"Travel-friendly sizing"
"Travel sizes feel small for the price"
"Eucalyptus and peppermint oils irritate sensitive skin"
"Too many acids across all three steps for reactive skin"
"Toner can sting on compromised skin"
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