The answer to this question is the same as it is for every skincare product; it is completely up to you. However, there are multitudes of dermatologists, aestheticians, and skin experts that will tell that it is absolutely necessary to use a cleansing balm as a step in double-cleansing your skin. Personally, I like the feeling that my face is completely clean at the end of my double-cleansing. It’s just a preference, and it feels a little like pampering to me.
Let’s define double-cleansing first. There are three main ways that you can double-cleanse; first, by using an oil cleanser (or balm) and then following that up with a water based cleanser. You know it’s a water based cleanser if the first ingredient on the list is water (at least, this is a good enough guide). Second, you could simply clean your face twice using the same water based cleanser. Or third, you could use a micellar water and then a water based cleanser. Anyone of these that you choose will work at cleansing your face, so the questions remain, more how do you want your face to feel after it is “cleansed”, and what products will work best for you.
Despite the fact that cleansing products are on your skin for only a few moments, not all are created equally, nor are all of them right for you. But the good news is, since cleansing products are only on your face for a few minutes you don’t have to actually spend a lot of money on the products themselves, unless of course, high-end products are your jam.
Double-cleansing can be used by all skin types; whether the skin is aging gracefully, or you’re a teenager who likes skincare and wants to use all the products. When it comes to cleansing balms, like we are discussing here, I would try to opt for a product without a lot of fragrance or dyes. It can sting your eyes when you are trying to get all that water-proof mascara off.
Other than those who wear water-proof mascara, cleansing balms are great for people that use sunscreen everyday (do you want another lecture on using sunscreen everyday?), those who work outside or in jobs that put you in dirty conditions (like construction), travelers, and those who just want the relaxing experience. There are cleansing balms for those with sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin; you name it, there’s one for you!
The most important part of cleansing balms isn’t actually what you use, but rather how you use it. Slapping it on and washing it off, I’m afraid, won’t really cut it here. To use a cleansing balm, first you want to wash your hands (trust me, this is an important step anytime you start a skincare routine). Once your hands have dried, and don’t use that week old towel hanging in your bathroom to dry them, you will want to use your knuckles to scoop out the balm. The balm will be made from oils, waxes, and butters, so it will look more like a solid when you first put in your hands. Rub that solid mixture until it dissolves into a oil (you’ll know when). There are some experts who state that you need to dissolve the product for at least a minute, but I have found that this is not completely necessary. Just rub it in your palms until it is an oil and slightly warm. Then you are going to put it on a dry face. Rub the oil in for at least a minute, making sure that you are getting into every crevice, around your eyes, and even down your neck. You should begin to see your makeup dissolving and running all over your face – this is completely normal. Once you have rubbed the oil for a full minute, your going to take water and emulsify the oil. This is a crucial step. To emulsify oil all you need to do is add a little bit of water onto your face and neck. The oil should turn into a milky consistency. Now, rub that into your skin for thirty seconds. Finally, take a soft cloth (like a microfiber cloth) that is slightly damp, or a reusable towel, or even a paper towel if you are in a pinch, and remove all the oil and debris from your face. Follow that with your favorite water based cleanser for a perfectly clean face.
A couple of things: make sure you are emulsifying the oil, make sure that you are rubbing that oil in gently with your fingers for at least a minute, and make sure you are always getting as much, if not all, of the oil off your face. When I say you need to get it all off your face, this does not mean you scrub it with a harsh paper towel until you take the top layer off your skin. It’s okay if you feel that there is a little residue behind, you will get that off with the water cleanser, but you want to make sure you get as much of the makeup and sunscreen off, that is now dissolved, as you can.
Here are my top recommendations. First, it needs to be stated that the products I recommend are based on my personal usage and my research. While I have included links to buy these products, I would much rather you use this information as a spring-board to find the product that is best for you. I am not a dermatologist, nor am I a cosmetic chemist. I don’t have a clue what your skin type is and ultimately, which of these products would work best for you.
I like to be transparent. This website, and all our social media platforms, may contain affiliate links. When you click on, and/or make a purchase through one of the affiliate links we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you. Please assume that any links on our social media platforms are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links, however, do not drive our opinions or influence us in any way.
Good Molecules makes some great products, and their cleansing balm is one of my favorites. It comes with a spatula so you don’t have to use your knuckles to get the product out, and it is infused with sea buckthorn oil, camellia oil, and shea butter to cleanse your face without stripping it. It is also powerful enough to get the mascara off easily and without rubbing and tugging at it. This balm is fragrance free so it is less likely to sting your eyes.
This is a jumbo version of the cleansing balm, but it I put it here because the price simply can’t be beat. E.L.F. is starting to do so really great things with their skincare products and their holy hydration line is one of them. It has ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid infused in the balm which is just what your skin needs after a long day. However, and this is a big however, I found that this product stung my eyes so I had to be careful using it. So if you use a heavy water-proof mascara, despite it’s price, this might not be the one for you.
You will rarely see a list on my skincare recommendations without a Naturium product on it; and their cleansing balm is no exception. Naturium is smart with their formulas, smart with their packaging, and smart with their ingredients (I could gush). Their cleansing balm, according to their website, is infused with purple ginseng, plant-based esters and a nourishing blend of linoleic-rich oils which won’t strip your skin but still give you the clean feeling you are looking for. Also, this balm just feels nicer on the skin than some of the other brands I have tried, but still works great.
According to their website, this product is a eucalyptus oil & vitamin E makeup removing balm also contains avocado, jojoba and clove leaf oil for a nourishing spa like cleanse without any artificial fragrance. This product is one of the best of the budget-friendly cleansing balms and I know plenty who swear by it. Some claim that it has a mild smell to it, so if your are sensitive be aware; however, a little bit of this product truly goes a long way.
In my opinion, this is one of the best cleansing balms because of it’s packaging. Because it comes in a tube, rather then the traditional tubs, I find it to be more hygienic than other brands. And you really can’t beat the price. According to their website, this product is formulated with Oat Kernel Oil, a rich, natural Oat Oil that hydrates and moisturizes the skin and effectively removes SPF. And Colloidal Oatmeal works to visibly reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. Also, if you like the product and how it calms the skin, this is a formula that you can actually leave on your skin for a couple of minutes to let all that oat really do it’s job.
If you are devoted fan of K-Beauty, this is the one for you. Like many K-beauty products, this one delivers on the hydration. It will remove the makeup, sunscreen and impurities but will not strip your skin as some others on the market. That is what K-beauty is known for, and Beauty of Joseon is always on the top of many influencers lists because of it.
Farmacy actually has many different cleansing balms to choose from, but this one has become my favorite. According to their website, sunflower and ginger root oils gently remove even the toughest long-wear makeup without stripping or drying, leaving skin hydrated and silky smooth. All-natural Moringa extract lifts away impurities from pollution so your skin stays younger, longer. This product does have a slightly gritty feel to it that the brand assures is simply a gentle exfoliant. I don’t use this product on the nights when I am also using glycolic acid, simply because I have found that my skin doesn’t need both. I do use this product when I want a deep cleanse that resets my skin for the next day. It has a slight, almost medicinal, smell, but that doesn’t seem to bother me.
A while ago, Elemis went viral for their Pro Collagen cleansing balm, but this one is slightly different. According to their website, this is packed with nourishing Elderberry, Optimega, and Starflower oil, and our superhero algae Padina Pavonica. The reason I like it, is that it has an option for fragrance free and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. (Make sure you are buying the fragrance free option as I find their site, especially on Amazon to be a little confusing.)
I put this one in here, although I have not tried it, because it is considered one of the first brands to come out with an effective cleansing balm; you might say they help start the trend. According to their website, this hydrates, tones and exfoliates to visibly improve skin’s texture. I have not heard a lot about this product from the younger generation or even the scientists that I like to follow and digest, but if you talk to those who have worked in the beauty industry for awhile, they will know exactly what you are talking about – and often wonder if they should try it again.
There are a couple of others that you may want to look into including: Clinique’s Take The Day, Banila Co. Clean it Zero, Juno Skin. Drunk Elephant has a popular cleansing one but I am not a huge fan of that brand.
As always, if you have questions or any comments, please do not hesitate to let us know.
From My Girl Friday 
Leave a comment