Cleansing Balms; What are they and how do you use them?

A good cleanser is the backbone of any skincare routine. The good ones remove dirt and grime, reset your skin before the rest of your skincare routine and help to balance your oils while keeping your skin squeaky clean.

But what if I told you there’s a product that could take your cleansing to new heights and help you combat acne, hydrate your skin and ensure every last bit of makeup and SPF residue is removed from your face without the need for soapy cleansers? No, I’m not talking about oil cleansers, I’m talking about balm cleansers, the much cleaner and easier to use sister of an oil cleanse.

These thick and goopy cleansers are the perfect first step in your evening routine and are filled with oils that help to break down all of that stuff you want off your skin, because oil dissolves oil after all. Unlike liquid oil cleansers, they won’t run down your arms and you don’t lose half the product between your fingers. They’re safer to travel with because there’s little chance of leakage and they can really make impactful changes to the quality of your skin.

How to use cleansing balms

The secret to cleansing balms is to use them on dry skin, just like you would a cleansing oil.

Take about half a teaspoon amount into your hands and melt the products between your hands. Massage it onto dry skin to begin to dissolve away your makeup, SPF and the dirt and grime that’s left over from the day.

Once you’ve been massaging for around 60 seconds, use a muslin cloth, face washer or cleansing cloth with a little warm water to begin to buff away the excess. If you have oily or acne prone skin, you’ll want to follow up with a regular cleanser to ensure all of the oily residue from your balm is washed away.

If you’re following up with any active ingredients, it’s also a good idea to do a second cleanse with a regular gel, milk or foam cleanser. If you have dry skin and only like to use gentle serums or oils, you’ll probably find you don’t need to do a second cleanse, especially if you’ve used a cleansing cloth to remove the balm.

As for the best cleansing balms to try…

Drunk Elephant Slaai Cleanser