April 28, 2022
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3 min read
What is a cleansing balm?
A cleansing balm is a type of oil-based cleanser designed to gently dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities without stripping the skin of it's own natural oils. When massaged onto dry skin, it melts into an oil, lifting away debris before rinsing clean.
Cleansing balms are often chosen for their comforting texture and skin barrier-friendly approach to cleansing. They’re suitable for many skin types, including sensitive or easily reactive skin, and are commonly used as the first step in a double-cleansing routine.
This guide explains what a cleansing balm is, how it works, and when it might be a good fit for your skincare routine.
Key takeaways
- Cleansing balms cleanse using oils, helping dissolve makeup and impurities gently
- They’re designed to support the skin barrier, rather than disrupt its natural balance
- Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and rosacea-prone skin
- Often used as the first cleanse in a double cleanse routine, especially when wearing makeup or SPF
What is a cleansing balm?
A cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser with a rich, balm-like texture. It’s designed to be massaged onto dry skin, where it melts into an oil and gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and daily impurities.
Unlike foaming or water-based cleansers, cleansing balms work by lifting away debris rather than breaking it down with surfactants. This makes them a popular choice for those who prefer a more comforting, skin barrier-friendly approach to cleansing.
It’s common to wonder whether oil-based cleansers are suitable for the skin, especially if you’ve been taught to avoid oils. In reality, oils have long been used in skincare because they cleanse effectively while helping skin feel soft, balanced, and comfortable after washing.
Natural cleansing balms
Natural cleansing balms are typically made with plant oils, butters, and botanical extracts. These ingredients are often rich in omega fatty acids, which help support the skin’s natural barrier while cleansing.
When thoughtfully formulated, a natural cleansing balm can remove impurities without leaving skin feeling tight or dry, making it well suited to sensitive, combination, or easily reactive skin.
Benefits of using a cleansing balm
Cleansing balms are valued for their gentle yet effective approach to cleansing, making them a popular choice for a wide range of skin types.
Deep yet gentle cleansing - oil attracts oil, which means cleansing balms can effectively dissolve makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and daily impurities without relying on harsh surfactants.
Comfortable hydration - by cleansing with oils rather than foaming agents, cleansing balms help skin feel soft and comfortable after washing, rather than tight or dry.
Skin barrier–friendly cleansing - cleansing balms are often chosen for their ability to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier, which can be especially helpful for sensitive or easily reactive skin.
Suitable for many skin types - when well formulated, cleansing balms can suit dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin, particularly for those looking for a gentler cleansing option.
How to use a cleansing balm
Using a cleansing balm is simple and can easily fit into most skincare routines.
- Scoop a small amount of balm using clean fingertips
- Massage onto dry skin using gentle, circular motions to help dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities
- Remove with a warm, damp cloth, wiping gently
- Repeat if needed, especially if wearing heavier makeup or SPF
After cleansing, follow with the rest of your routine. Many people choose to apply a moisturiser or face oil to help support hydration and comfort.
Make-up remover and double cleansing
Cleansing balms are often chosen for removing makeup and sunscreen, including longer-wear or waterproof formulas. Their oil-based texture helps dissolve makeup gently, without leaving skin feeling tight or over-cleansed.
A cleansing balm can be used on its own as a single cleanse, particularly in the evening if you’re wearing makeup or SPF. Some people prefer to use it as the first step in a double-cleansing routine, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.
Whether you double cleanse or not comes down to personal preference, skin type, and how much makeup or SPF you wear.
Is a cleansing balm right for you?
A cleansing balm offers a gentle, comforting approach to cleansing, making it a popular choice for those who want to remove makeup and impurities without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Its oil-based texture helps lift away the day while supporting the skin’s natural balance.
Whether you’re looking for a kinder way to cleanse, prefer a more sensory skincare ritual, or want a cleanser that works well with sensitive or reactive skin, a cleansing balm can be a thoughtful addition to your routine.
If you’re curious to try one, our award-winning natural cleansing balm is created with this gentle, skin barrier-friendly approach in mind.
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Sarah Rueger
About the author
Sarah is the founder of certified palm oil free natural skincare brand Amaranthine. She is a qualified organic skincare formulator and has diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Clinical Aromatherapy.
