I have been using a cleansing balm for a few years now. But when they discontinued the one I was using I decided I needed to try a few more to see what the fuss was all about. I now have tried enough to see there is a range in formulations and textures. Not all cleansing balms are created equal. These are the best cleansing balms and why to use one in your routine.
Best Cleansing Balms
Farmacy Green Clean– I first started using this cleansing balm to get a better cleanse when I wear makeup. Since I don’t wear makeup every day a cleansing balm wasn’t an integral part of my routine. But I liked this one. I had no real reason to try a new one because what I had was working fine. Then it was discontinued in Canada. I think you can still get it in the US but you can’t get it in Canada anymore. There is a replacement but all the reviews say it isn’t as good. I can’t speak to that. Green Clean is a light weight citrus smelling cleansing balm. This is the most light weight feel of the bunch. When it is massaged in it it feels closer to an oil, no other texture.
Clean it Zero – this is the one that my daughter uses. It is slightly creamier than Farmacy Green clean but much more lightweight compared to the two other options that follow. It has a cucumbery smell. This brand has a number of different options. This one is clarifying which I thought would be a good option for teenage skin. There are other options like purifying, nourishing and the original option. This is the most affordable option.
Radiant Cleansing Balm – This one is raved about almost as much as the Elemis option. This balm smells like cloves and is creamier than the first two but not as thick or creamy as Elemis. It feels lighter than Elemis too and converts more to an oil as you work it into the skin. This one comes with a linen face cloth.
Read more: If you like the smell of cloves you might also like the hair oil in this post
Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm – this is it. This is the best cleansing balm. This is the one that made me want to constantly clean my skin because it is so heavenly. All the options work well to dissolve oil and makeup. But none of them make me excited to wash my face. This feels like a spa experience in a jar. I like to take my time massaging this into my face. The texture is very creamy and the smell is divine. This one comes with a cotton face cloth. I get the hype because this cleansing balm makes me make the effort to clean my face every night.
Why to use a Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms have gained popularity with the double cleanse movement. Double cleansing starts with a cleansing balm or oil. This first step dissolves all the dirt, oil, makeup , sunscreen and whatever else is caked on the skin. This first cleanse preps the skin. Then you wash a second time with a regular cleanser (I like this or this) and this step really cleans the skin. For anything stubborn I use a cleansing cloth. Usually this is to get something stubborn mascara.
The most obvious reason to include the cleansing balm is to get off your makeup. But it also helps with getting rid of sunscreen. But you don’t even have to have layers of products to cleanse to want to use a cleansing balm. I have oily skin and there are days when I just feel greasy. A cleansing balm works great to take that greasy feeling away. Adding a cleansing balm to my teenage daughter’s routine has also really helped her with teenage breakouts.
How to use a Cleansing Balm
A cleansing balm is the first step in a double cleanse system. It is best to use the cleansing balm directly on your skin without wetting it first. This really helps to lift any products or oil directly off the skin. It is less effective if you add water to the mix to start. I have tried it both ways and I just find it so much more relaxing and effective to put the cleansing balm directly on the skin. Massage the cleansing balm on the skin and then wash off with warm water and a face cloth.
Then follow up with your favourite cleanser. I find that the second step is much needed to fully clean the skin. The cleansing balm can leave a bit of a residue, and you want to get anything else that might have been left behind.
Have you tried a cleansing balm? Do you have a favourite?