While I haven’t been using cleansing balms very long, since I only just discovered them towards the end of 2013, I’ve tried quite a few already and rather than starting my repository late, the way I did my cleansing oil repository, I thought I’d start it and then leave it open for me to add on as I go on my cleansing balm journey.
I already have a few lined up to try but I’m being very good and trying my best to finish up one (or at least get through a significant amount) before I start another, so this is a post in progress, and will be updated as I go along. So, it’s probably a good one to keep an eye on and bookmark and ask questions etc because I’ll keep the topic open for discussion 🙂
So here you will find the cleansing balms I’ve tried so far. I’ll link to all the individual reviews as they go up and there’ll be a short blurb here on how I liked it or if I didn’t. Not everything in the photo above is featured right now, but it will be as I go along 🙂
So if you have been curious about cleansing balms and which I like or dislike or if you have a question, then this is probably the post you’re looking for.
By way of preface, I don’t use muslin cloths with my cleansing balms. I prefer using just a regular face towel or face flannel which you can read about here.
Eve Lom Cleanser (Full Review)
I started my cleansing balm journey with Eve Lom without even realising it. The first time I used it I have to say I wasn’t impressed. Didn’t like it, found the muslin cloth too bothersome, it took too long, whine whine, rant rant… yet I took the small sized pots with me on my travels because I like how easy it was to use and how portable. Despite the controversial ingredient list, I do like this. It was the start of an interesting cleansing journey for me.
Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser (Read full review)
This Antipodes cleanser is what really made me love cleansing balms and what they did for my skin and what really ignited my love for cleansing balms. I also changed from using the muslin cloths that came with the Eve Lom Cleanser to just plain face towels and I’ve never looked back. The details are in my full review (link above) but this remains one of my favourite cleansing balms to date. It leaves my skin soft, smooth, clear and although it needs more work than most others I’ve used, the massaging of the balm into the skin is therapeutic and relaxing for me. AIf you’re into an organic lifestyle, then it’s certified organic too. I plan to return to this and that’s saying a lot!
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter (Read full review)
This is one I’m on the fence about. It is ok enough that I’d use it up (I’m almost there and I can’t wait to see the end of this!) but not one I’d repurchase at all. If you come from cleansing oils then you might like this one because the “butter” texture melts into an oil on contact with the skin and that’s what I did not like, because I have been down the cleansing oil route and I wasn’t going back there. It didn’t give me a sufficient balmy texture to massage my skin and doesn’t seem to do much if anything except remove remnants of my foundation. Also the smell. Bleh.
REN No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm (Read full review)
I like the texture of this one, which is a wipe-off cleansing balm which does not emulsify, and has a lovely thick texture that allows you to really massage it over your skin. It comes packaged with a piece of muslin cloth which is very useful and it makes my skin clean and soft which is again very nice. I however find the tube packaging a disaster (they may have reverted to a tub by now) and I find the scent of roses a bit too strong for my liking. Pity, as I do like the texture! The full review gives you the deets and the ingredient list.
Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse (Read full review)
If you like strong citrus scent then this will sit well with you and your nose. It didn’t sit too well with me as I find the scent too strong. The balm is rather sticky and has a warm feeling on contact with skin. It’s lovely to massage in and stays balmy the way I like it without turning into an oil. It can be removed using just warm water but I prefer using a face cloth for more effective cleansing. It’s nice and there is a lot of product in the tub and you will take forever and a day to finish it. Head to my full review by clicking the link above to read my full thoughts and check out the ingredient list.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (Read the full review)
A big favourite of many, users and beauty bloggers alike and I can see why! It took me a while to warm up to it but now that I have, I do like it quite a lot. There’s no scent and the only drawback is that the product will lighten to a slight oil texture (but not as light as The Body Shop one) which you can modulate by using more product. You can rinse this off, but again I prefer using a wash cloth for best effects. Price-wise, I think it’s a good deal because there is a lot of product and it will last you a long while. The full review will have my detailed thoughts and ingredient list 🙂
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (Read the full review)
The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm is a cult favourite primarily amongst the UK bloggers, so I had to see what it was about! The texture is more oily and I had some problems with it as you can read in the full review. Cleans off best with a wash cloth, and one is provided. I like the effect on my skin – leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft and comfortable – but the strong jasmine scent and the packaging doesn’t sit as well with me. The full review has my thoughts and ingredient list and what I liked and disliked about this 🙂
Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm (Read the full review)
As lush as it is expensive, the Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm hails from Hungary, and is infused with the healing thermal spa waters. I find it less of a balm then a paste with a slight oily feel. It leaves my skin feeling clean without being stripped, and my skin feels soft thereafter. But it is nigh impossible to remove without using a flannel, that isn’t provided, and leaves a residue on the skin. For the rest of what I think you’d have to read the full review!
The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm (Read the full review)
There was a lot I enjoyed about the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm. It was easy to use, massaged well on skin, and it rinsed off easily. But there was something that bugged me, and that’s when I realised that it was very similar to another cleansing balm I’d used before! One that was very good value, and of high quality. Read the post to find out which!
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (Read the full review)
Easily, one of my Top 3 favourite cleansing balms ever! Lush, luxurious, balmy, deep cleansing and above all, wonderfully nourishing on skin. Nothing but LOVE! Read the review to find out more in detail why I love it so much!
THREE Aiming Cleaning Balm (Read the full review)
This was a sample that quickly wormed its way into my heart. Japanese brand Three makes one of the most lush cleansing balms I’ve ever used!
Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm (Read the full review)
An affordable treat! One absolutely worth considering, but there is a special way to remove it that will stop you from throwing it into the bin. Try it, and you’ll appreciate it much better!
Pixi Double Cleanse by Caroline Hirons (Read the full Review)
One by acclaimed internet skincare guru Caroline Hirons – a 2-in-1 set of cleansing oil and cleansing cream for your daily double cleansing needs.
It didn’t sit well with me however, and I don’t recommend it, but hey, preferences do differ 🙂
The numbers will grow in time, I’m sure as I already have a few more lined up and even more that I have my eye on to try as the time goes on. So as they say, watch this space! 😀
Do you use cleansing balms? Do you have a favourite that I should try?
I’m open to your recommendations! If you have a question feel free to ask or share your tips etc. This post will remain open and will be updated periodically so treat it as your cleansing balm resource 🙂
Paris B
For prices and availability of each product please check the full review which is linked to each photo as I won’t be able to remember all the details after a while
It’s like you read my mind! I was just about to duck out on my lunch break to pick up the Antipodes balm cleanser 🙂
After you left a tub of the Eve Lom with Tine and converted her, I managed to steal some of the Antipodes from her and hey, I’m a convert! I love how soft my skin is and I’m not looking back. I still use the Shu cleansing oil for full makeup removal but this works so well as my second cleanser because I get to take my time with it in the shower.
Ducking out now to pick it up! Thanks for reading my mind across the continents and timezones 😉
Do give the Antipodes one a go. I love it a lot and I love that Tine loves it too 🙂 It’s been the best I’ve used so far in terms of cleansing balms and somehow nothing else seems to measure up. I wonder if it’s the organic element honestly 😛
I’ve recently tried the REN Rose cleansing balm, purely out of curiosity. As much as I adore the scent, it broke me out left right and center. 🙁
The Clinique and Eve Lom ones are already lining up in my to-try list. 😉 I’m currently using the Softymo White Cleansing Oil. It’s ok. Does what it is suppose to do.
Aww sorry to hear you broke out from the REN one! I have a sneaky suspicion that it breaks me out too if I use it too often. Thank goodness I don’t like the scent either. Too strong >.< Haha Softymo oil brings back memories. They were among the best I'd ever used!
Softymo is the kind that you feel safe falling back to when you just don’t feel like spending too much. 😀 Kind of like a good ol’ t-shirt? Haha.
LOL! How apt a description! 😀
I hvnt tried them at all but I would love to! I dont believe any skin care from The Body Shop. I tried it once and it did nothing for me. That said, im really interested to know how Bobbi Brown’s work for u.
Just started with the Bobbi Brown due to popular request LOL Will report back after a month or so 🙂
The Bobbi Brown Extra Rinse Balm is my all time favourite. I’m onto my second tub, and it takes a LONG time to use up just one tub. When I’m done with it, now only a quarter way in, I might have a look at the Antipodes one 🙂
Am just started on that one and gosh! Is it sticky or what? LOL No wonder it takes so long to use up. I haven’t formed my ideas on it but am definitely looking longingly to pick up the Antipodes one >.<
I’m looking to try Eve Lom, Emma Hardie, Clinique, Ren (in your picture) and Omorovicza this year. I saw the introductory kit for Eve Lom and I’m curious to find out! The controversial ingredient gets the best of me. Let us know how you’re liking REN and Clinique cleansing balms. 🙂
I shall steel myself to pick up the Omorovicza one this year! Hopefully someone has it on sale soon LOL! The Eve Lom introductory kit is a good way to try out the brand. So far the Cleanser is ok for me (I’m not too troubled by mineral oil) but I wouldn’t use it daily (too expensive!) but the rest of the items I find just average. I’ll definitely report back on the REN soon. Will start on Clinique in a month or so 🙂
It’s currently on sale at feelunique.com 😛 You might want to check. I’m planning to buy the introductory kit from Cult Beauty website soon. I found Eve Lom introductory kit from beautyexpert.com. I’ve been putting a lot of skincare in my wish list lately :D:D:D
Unfortunately feelunique.com charges a bomb to send products here so I’ve dropped them from my shopping list. I’m safe! haha… I’ll keep looking, and may try Cult Beauty. Thanks Effa 🙂
Feelunique deliver for free, no? I placed my orders from them on Christmas Day and of course, they haven’t arrive yet. I tried to buy the Omorovicza kit from Cult Beauty the other day but couldn’t complete the check out process. They seem not to be able to ship the kit. Bummer!
Oops! I got confused sorry. Hqhair is the one that charges a bomb. Feelunique claims to ship worldwide but in fact doesn’t ship to Malaysia which is silly so I’ve blacklisted them haha!
Look forward to your review on Bobbi Brown and Clinique’s cleaning balm since those two I can get easily if I’m interested 🙂
Sure thing! I’ve just started on the Bobbi Brown one due to popular demand haha!
The Clinique one is on my list to try this year since it gets so much raves from both Caroline Hirons and Paula Begoun. I have a sample of the REN one but have not tried it yet. I remember reading that the Bobbi Brown one is more for drier skin so might not be suitable for me since I am combination. Do let us know your thoughts on both Clinique and Ren cleansing balms 🙂
I got curious about the Clinique one thanks to Ms. Hirons too! Will crack it open in the next month or so. Currently just broke into the Bobbi Brown one so we’ll see how that goes. I’m not sure if the BB one is better for drier skins but I have to say the very strong orange scent does trouble me a little as does all the citrus oils it contains. Not 100% sold on that. But we’ll see 😉
I love the Bobbi brown one. It sorts of warm up as you apply on skin. I didn’t realise it was a cleansing balm then. Thought it was just a tub of beeswax looking cleansing product. Haha. You will love it. I will have to try the antipodotes cleansing balm one day. 🙂
Oh happy new year to you! Xxxx
I just tried it Ting 🙂 I didn’t feel the warming sensation although I get that too with Antipodes. Maybe I wasn’t using enough. It’s so sticky isn’t it? And the smell. So erm… orange 😛 Will give it a few more weeks and see how I really feel about it. Happy New Year my dear! xx
REN and Bobbi Brown, please. Plus the flip cover of the RMK looks convenient. I’m a sucker on packaging…
The RMK one is super cute – there’s a spatula attached under the flip top! How clever is that eh? 🙂 REN will be coming up soon and Bobbi Brown has just been put to the test since so many people are calling for a review heh. Soon soon … 😉
I have only tried the Clinique one, and I love it! I find it to be a good basic cleansing balm. Gets the job done. I plan to repurchase it soon, but I also have my eye on the Bobbi Brown one. Decisions, decisions! Will go try get a sample of the BB one first before I decide. 🙂
I’ve heard SO MUCH about the Clinique one that it’s great to know that it works as well as everyone says it does. I hope it’ll work well for me too! I do highly recommend getting a sample of the BB one first. It’s quite different, I find. Not sure yet if I’m sold on it 😉
I want that Antipodes one! I couldn’t stand the Body Shop one, so I chucked it. Good on you for using it up! You’re a trooper! 🙂
You need that Antipodes one Tracy! Yeah I feel a bit dumb trying so hard to finish the TBS one but I’m nearly there! That said, I’m very generous with it since I’m planning to use it up anyway haha!
I would love to read your review on the Bobbi Brown one…have been so tempting to purchase it.
Due to popular demand I just started using it Jennelle 🙂 Will have my thoughts ready in a month or so so check back then!
I’m going to chant Omorovicza till you cave in and give their Thermal Cleansing Balm a go LOL It really is good stuff. The fact that I have already repurchased twice should say about that much 😉
You got me Sunny! I’m already keeping my eyes out for when they go on sale or whenever I can get free shipping from the online stores that sell Omorovicza just so I can sample some of their highly raved products! I can’t wait 😀
Oh, I see that you have Clinique Take The Day Off. Have you tried it? What you think of it? I’ve heard good things about it and I’m quite interested in trying it out when I finish up my current cleansers
Afraid not Emma! It’s on my next to try list though. I’ve just started the Bobbi Brown one because so many people have been asking but I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Clinique balm so I’m quite excited about that one 😀
I’ve been wanting to try cleansing balms, after reading so much about them (mostly from the UK beauty crowd). May I ask if you use cleansing balms as 1st cleanse/make-up removal, then follow up with another cleanser? That’s what I’m currently doing with cleansing oils. I’m thinking of switching to a cleansing balm because of the purported moisturizing effect. However, I’m just wondering if that effect will be pointless if followed up with a second cleanser (i.e. a cleansing foam).
I use my cleansing balms as first cleanse (in a sense. I remove my makeup separately first) and then I use a foaming cleanser as my second cleanse. I personally find that cleansing balms (some of them anyway) are less drying to my skin so even if I follow up with a foaming cleanser, it doesn’t make my skin dry and tight. When I was using cleansing oils before I stopped, I found that the cleansing oils were already stripping off a lot of moisture from my skin so following up with a foaming cleanser made it worse. You don’t have to use a foaming cleanser as your 2nd step if you don’t want to. The important thing is to see how comfortable your skin feels because for me, cleansing oils made my dry skin feel worse and cleansing balms made them feel better so it’s just a matter of personal preference 🙂
Thanks for the reply! I’ll definitely have to try out a cleansing balm to see — Antipodes’ sounds so lovely. 🙂
I hope you’ll like it Emy! The Antipodes, Eve Lom and REN ones need a cloth for effective removal but the others seem to be fine with just rinsing off as they sort of emulsify in water like cleansing oils. Depends on which you prefer 🙂
Take the day off cleansing balm is actually my all time HG because it comes off easily and doesn’t burn/sting my eyes.
I’ve been told I can just emulsify it like a cleansing oil and don’t even need a cloth. Have read so many raves for it, I’m just waiting for the time I can break into it 🙂
Happy New Year! Nice to see so many cleansing balms in that pic. I’ve been curious about a few but now even more curious about the Antipodes version. Having said that, I wonder what your experience of the Bobbi Brown version was like. I bought that because it seemed more affordable than Eve Lom’s but the hardness of the texture is making me feel like each cleanse requires way too much effort. I also wonder if all that overly strong pressure that goes into melting it down is going to lead to some unseen bruises on my face.
Happy New Year Kathia 🙂 Thus far, my personal fave is the Antipodes one. As for the BB one, it is terribly sticky isn’t it? What I usually do is put the product in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together to spread and soften the balm for a bit, and only then apply to my skin. This way, you don’t drag your skin too much while allowing for a little facial massage. Give it a go and see if that works for you 🙂
Please give this a go: Soap&Glory’s now renamed cleanser The Ultimelt! I got it at Sephora after reading BTL comments on The Guardian’s Sali Hughes’ excellent beauty column.
It’s more of a hot cloth cleanser ala Liz Earle rather than a balm per se. I’ve had excellent results and the citrusy essential oils fragrance makes it a real treat when removing all that grime in the evening.
Thanks for the rec Azura! I love hot cloth cleansers (I think I’m not as enmoured with the type you can easily emulsify) so I’ll definitely take a look. I hope we get it here 🙂
Hi Paris! Where can I can the Antipodes cleansing balm? Can’t seem to find it in any of the departmental stores. Thanks!
Hi Si Yen, it’s sold at TNS Skinlabs stores or their online store. Not available in department stores. I know there’s a store at Fahrenheit 88 but I don’t know where the others are. Best to just get it online (I think they still have free shipping & 10% off but don’t quote me on it!) I don’t have their website offhand but the original Antipodes review will have a link 🙂
hi! i heard the neil’s yard cleansing balm one is good.its expensive so i have yet to purchase.you should do a review if you plan to get it! 🙂
Thanks for reminding me of Neal’s Yard Azlina! That’s definitely one I plan to pick up soon and when I do and give it a try I’ll blog about it 🙂