“Spa in a Jar”: My Review of KORA Organics’ New Algae Calming Cleansing Balm

Updated:

15 Oct 2024

Ally is Adore Beauty’s Social Media Specialist and resident in-house 'yapper'. When she's not chasing the team around the office for content, you’ll likely spot her at the yoga studio, front row at her husband's gigs, or cuddled up with her two fur-babies pets watching RuPaul's Drag Race.

In Partnership With KORA Organics.

Some pleasures in life just can’t be topped.

Like that first iced oat latte of the morning, slipping into fresh bed sheets on a Sunday evening, or the soft, warm scent of your cat after an afternoon nap.

And, of course, your skincare routine at the start and end of each day.

There’s something deeply soothing about those little moments of self-care. Between juggling work calls, family drama, and the last-minute panic of running out of Nuttelex (yes, the "fake" butter), your skincare ritual becomes a pocket of calm—a chance to pause, breathe, and give yourself the TLC you deserve.

Speaking of Nuttelex, you might’ve guessed—I’m vegan. Cue dramatic pause.

But don’t worry, I’m not here to preach.

My journey isn’t one-size-fits-all. While my diet is plant-based, I’ll admit my skincare shelf hasn’t always been as consistent.

Navigating tricky beauty regulations worldwide makes finding vegan products that also deliver a bit complicated. But that’s a story for another day.

For me, I love to see results and while I’m not just slapping anything on my face, when a vegan product comes along that actually performs? Consider me hooked.

Which brings me to my latest skincare obsession...

Say Hello to KORA Organics Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm.

If you’re into vegan skincare, KORA Organics should already be on your radar.

Founded by none other than Miranda Kerr, this Aussie brand is all about high-quality, organic ingredients that detoxify, nourish, and revitalise your skin—and their latest launch is no exception.

Introducing, the Kora Organics Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm 100ml

This buttery, plant-powered dream melts away the day—whether it's stubborn makeup, dirt, oil, or just the grime your skin doesn’t need. It’s tough on impurities but gentle enough to leave your skin feeling calm, balanced, and refreshed.

Here’s the tea:

Breaks down even the most stubborn makeup and grime, without a hint of irritation.
Packed with clarifying microalgae, gentle exfoliating pineapple enzymes, and a botanical blend of squalane and Jojoba to keep your skin soft and smooth.
Instantly leaves your skin feeling softer, healthier, and oh-so-soothed.
Perfect for sensitive and oily-prone skin, giving you a deep clean without drying or clogging pores.

Miranda Kerr and celebrity makeup artist Alexis Oakley get "unready" together with the Kora Calming Cleansing Balm.

@alexisoakleyy Get unready with me and @Miranda Kerr using the new @KORA Organics cleansing balm available 9/5! 🧼🫶🏼 #makeup #makeupartist #makeuptutorial #makeuphacks #celebritymakeupartist #makeuptransformation #whosinmyglamchair #victoriassecretfashionshow #victoriassecretangel #mirandakerr ♬ original sound - alexis oakley

And it’s not just KORA singing its praises—an independent clinical study backs it up.

In the study, 36 people trialled this cleansing balm twice daily, both in the morning and at night, for two weeks, and the results speak for themselves:

100% of participants said the cleanser felt gentle on their skin.
94% felt their skin was effectively cleansed without irritation.
91% said it thoroughly removed long-wear makeup, SPF, and impurities after just one use.
97% reported their skin felt immediately comforted and softer.
94% saw calmer, smoother skin after two weeks of daily use.

Shall we see if it lives up to the hype?

shop Kora Organics Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm

My KORA Organics Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm Review.

I’m a Pisces—empathetic, intuitive, and yes, very sensitive. That sensitivity doesn’t stop at my emotions; it extends to my eyes, which can go from zero to a watery mess with just a hint of the wrong product.

There’s truly nothing worse than when my peaceful self-care ritual is interrupted by stinging, weepy eyes. It’s just not the vibe.

So, when it comes to cleansers, my first priority is finding one that can peacefully coexist with my sensitive eye ecosystem.

Let me just say that I’m not easily impressed by cleansers. They often promise the world and fall short. But KORA? Spoiler alert—I’m hooked.

First off, let’s talk texture.

This balm is buttery, smooth, and luxurious—like a little pot of whipped sunshine. The first time I massaged it onto my face after a long day, it felt like my skin was finally getting the pampering it deserved.

I have to admit, I was sceptical at first about its makeup-removing powers. We’ve all been let down by cleansers that claim to take off long-wear makeup, only to leave us with panda eyes.

But this balm? It melted away everything.

Stubborn makeup, excess oil, and even the cat hairs that cling to my skin after post-work kitty cuddles.

Despite being tough on impurities, my skin felt soft and soothed—never tight or dry, which is something I can’t say for a lot of cleansers.

And the aromatherapy factor? It only makes it better. With soothing notes of rose, geranium, and basil, it’s like a spa in a jar.

But the best part? No stinging eyes.