Yahoo Finance 15 Best Cleansing Balms To Suit All Skin Types and Budgets
By those in the know, cleansing balms are often seen as a product you should deploy in winter, to counteract the damage caused by cold weather. But there is something to be said for using skin-friendly formulas in the summer, too.
For starters, their alchemic wizardry means that many of them are adept at melting away sweat-proof make-up and water-resistant SPF, whilst also laying down beneficial oils. They also provide one the most hydrating, nourishing ways to wash the skin, a must when faced with scorching UV rays that can leave your face feeling parched.
Plus, according to research carried out by beauty brand CeraVe, 42% of people are using water alone to cleanse their faces. Now, this isn't great for your complexion – skincare pros agree that cleansing should be the cornerstone of your routine. Consultant dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite agrees, adding that water just doesn't cut it.
'If we are not cleansing, we’re essentially allowing build-up on the skin which can open up a whole range of issues. Even if you don’t wear make-up, you still need to remove other products which your skin comes into contact with from moisturisers to SPF, as well as daily pollutants, dirt, oils and sweat.'
If that wasn't enough, 'build-up of these toxins can result in everything from lack of luminosity to clogged pores, dry, irritated skin, breakouts, and even acne, ' she adds.
Not sure which cleansing balm to opt for? WH have got it covered...
What does a cleansing balm do?
In a nutshell, they work to remove surface impurities on the skin. 'Cleansing balms are brilliant for ensuring that everything is off and don't disturb the acid mantle in an aggressive manner,' explains skincare expert Caroline Hirons. 'They're easily my favourite choice for skin cleansing,' she adds.
Cleansing balms are adept at vacuuming up all the dirt, oil and product that's on your face. 'Without cleansing, you’re not giving your skin a chance to renew itself. Cleansing also ensures a fresh canvas on which to apply additional products within your skincare routine, allowing them to penetrate more effectively,' says Dr Granite.
What are cleansing balms good for?
According to Hirons, cleansing balms are great for a second cleanse (many experts agree that double cleansing is the way to go, if you want clear, glowy skin). 'Gorgeous, plant-based, greasy ones. Greasy is the best way,' she advocates.
'The job of second cleanse is to make sure your skin is clean, balanced and comfortable and ready for everything else that you are applying afterwards,' adds Hirons.
Are cleansing balms better than micellar water?
It's not that one is better than the other, but micellar water should only ever be used for your first cleanse. 'For example, if you remove your eye make-up with a micellar water, that is your first cleanse. You follow with a proper cleanser to remove everything else,' says Hirons.
Is a cleansing balm good for oily skin?
This isn't a straightforward answer for this one. Hirons says that those with 'acne-prone skin might find them too hard to remove.'
Yet others believe in the 'like dissolves like' concept, whereby plant oil-based balm cleansers can dissolve the natural oils on our skin that have hardened and clogged up your pores.
Dr. Idriss explains to WH US that: 'Those with oily skin, surprisingly, will also benefit from using a cleansing balm. 'Counter-intuitively, a cleansing balm could be useful for oily skin. If you have oily skin, you can strip yourself of natural oils if you are using a harsh cleanser twice a day,' she says.
So, it's definitely possible to swap out your regular cleanser and try using a cleansing balm to keep your skin’s natural oil and moisture in check. Just be sure to avoid balms with mineral oil in, as that is is a 'big no no' for skin that’s prone to inflammation, blackheads or whiteheads.
If in doubt, speak to a dermatologist who can assess your skin and recommend whether it's worth seeking out a cleansing balm for your skin type.
15 best cleansing balms to suit all skin types
1. Best overall cleansing balm
This hero product takes the trophy for being the best cleansing balm about. The mineral-free formula is a total joy to use, it's easy to massage in, a little goes a long way and it excels at removing every last trace of make-up and dirt, whilst leaving skin soft and radiant.
Ingredient-wise, there are rose and mimosa waxes with elderberry, starflower and optimega oils. Plus, the blend of 9 essential oils including Lavender, Chamomile and Eucalyptus smell like heaven in a tub.
2. Best cleansing balm for dry skin
Laced with cold-pressed baobab sariché oil, this cleanser goes to town on nourishing and parched skin. To boot, there is also natural aloe juice and niacin-rich rice bran oil that infuse skin with moisture. Allow the balm to gently warm up in between hands before massaging in for the ultimate purifying cleanse.
3. Best cleansing balm for oily skin
Thanks to a blend of super lightweight plant oils (think sea buckthorn oil, which is renowned for adored for its abundance of fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and omega 6, this sorbet-like balm goes to town at nourishing your skin with antioxidant that boast anti-inflammatory properties. The result, one very happy skin barrier that looks and feels calm and balanced.
4. Best cleansing balm for mature skin
Adored by a whole host of A-listers (think Victoria Beckham, Margot Robbie and Sandra Oh) this cleanser harnesses a unique, patented Trigger Factor Complex to help dial down fine lines and any damage caused by environmental stressors. The result? Skin looks plumped and glowing.
5. Best cleansing balm for sensitive skin
If you're dealing with a tricksy complexion, then look no further than this uber calming cleanser. The star of the show is azulene-rich oils courtesy of blue tansy and German chamomile, which are hailed for their anti-inflammatory, redness-reducing and healing abilities.
6. Best cleansing balm for stressed skin
Like a refreshing green smoothie for your face, this calming balm cleanses while also lessening the look of redness and protecting against dryness. It unites a blend of natural oils, Cupuacu butter, and sensitive-skin friendly Cica to purify routine and gently polish the skin so that it looks and feels its best.
7. Best cleansing balm for combination skin
This fragrance-free cleansing balm comes highly rates by the skincare pros. Why? because it never feels oily or heavy on the skin then easily tackles dirt, SPF and make-up without leaving behind a greasy residue. It's calming too, so won't cause further redness or aggravation if you have sensitive skin.
8. Best cleansing balm for dull skin
This exfoliating cleanses balm blitzes skin, restoring it back to its former dewy glory thanks to its buttery-crystalline texture, rich vitamin E, basil and clary oils.
9. Best cleansing balm to remove long-wear make-up
Summer calls for sweat-proof and party-proof make-up, which means you need equally impressive skincare to remove it. Enter this clever oil to milk cleanser that when used on dry skin with dry hands, melts every last trace of water-resistant make-up and SPF. Infused with a blend of marula, baobab, Kalahari melon, mongongo and ximenia, it offers intense hit of hydration while restoring your elasticity and glow.
10. Best budget cleansing balm
For less than a tenner, this fuss-free balm balm-to-milk cleanser melts away make-up and daily grime without stripping moisture from your skin thanks to vitamin E. It also gets the thumbs up for its shelfie-appeal and low-waste packaging.
11. Best luxe cleansing balm
For a decadent cleanse, look no further than Dior's Prestige Le Baume Démaquillant Cleansing balm-to-oil. Brimming with rose, it delicately cleanses your skin, leaving it soft, supple and delicately scented.
12. Best vegan cleansing balm
Wax-free, this grapefruit-infused balm works a treat at melting away make-up including stubborn mascara but without that annoying sticky, gloopy or oily feeling that many wax-based balms can have. It cleanses and hydrates leaving complexions super fresh and glowing.
13. Best sustainable cleansing balm
This organic cleanser harnesses the finest sustainable ingredients (vanilla and boabab) to leave skin feeling clean, calm and hydrated.
14. Best cleansing balm for gym goers
After a sweaty sesh in the gym, you'll want a cleanser that leaves you feeling refreshed. Look no further than Niod's cleansing balm, which targets sweat build-up, congestion and impurities. Suitable for all skin types including dry, oily and sensitive, simply toss it in your workout bag and you're good to go.
15. Best cleansing balm for self-care
Let the spa vibes come to you with this aromatic cleanser that deploys rosemary, geranium bourbon, chamomile and lavender essential oils to calm the senses and promote a feeling of well-being after a hectic day. Cleansing moringa oil and organic carrot also do a stellar job at washing away the day.
You Might Also Like
