The problem right, when you start getting into anything, be it makeup or skincare, you start developing an unhealthy interest in items that you can’t actually get in local stores. I tend to follow many bloggers from the UK for some reason, and it’s a whole new world of brands and products there that I’m not sure I’ll ever see here.
Enter then, online shopping – praise the online shopping Gods!
And that’s how I ended up lusting over and eventually purchasing the very highly raved Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm without ever having seen or tried it in person. A quick search online will throw up multiple glowing reviews from many high-profile bloggers, some of whom know their stuff. Which is why I got suckered in even deeper!
Omorovicza is a Hungarian brand of luxury skincare hailing from Budapest (that’s a city I hope to visit some day!) It utilizes Hungary’s thermal waters in their fairly extensive product range. The thermal waters contain minerals that heal and rejuvenate skin, and there’s even a spa built on the site of this thermal spring. The Thermal Cleansing Balm is one of their popular products, and as I’m an avid user of cleansing balm, I just had to try it.
A few months of use and half a tub later… I’m afraid I’m going to be that spoilsport and say “Meh… let’s move on!”
Incidentally, at the height of the hysteria, this product was everywhere I turned. Now, I hardly see nor hear mention of it. Are people bored with it already, or have they suddenly realised that it isn’t quite all it’s cut out to be?
A funny anecdote. For some reason, I had the impression that “thermal” meant that it would heat up. So, I was quite excited to try a self-heating cleansing balm. It wasn’t until a while later that I realised it meant “thermal” waters as opposed to a heat-based definition of “thermal”. I was understandably disappointed LOL! 😀
But what you get in a luxurious glass jar that comes with a spatula, is a jar of dark grey balm that has some bits in it. The bits do not disintegrate, nor do they scratch your skin. I don’t really feel them very much. The primary component is Hungarian Moor Mud which contains calcium and magnesium carbonates, humic acid and fulvic acid, which purifys, detoxifys and nourishes the skin. However, unlike many mud-based products, this one does not dry on the skin nor does it dry out the skin, due to it being blended with sweet almond oil.
So what you get is a paste that has a rather oily feel. I usually scoop out an amount as you see in the picture, warm it up between my palms and massage it over my skin. It feels like you’re massaging oil into your skin, and there is a slight citrus scent, which isn’t unpleasant.
However, the cleansing bit is when it gets tricky. I’ve read so many reviews that say you can just emulsify and rinse it off your skin and I have absolutely NO IDEA how they’re doing it. You see, this product does NOT emulsify. It will remain on your skin and on your hands until you remove it with a face cloth as I do, or with a foaming cleanser (if you use it). Otherwise, it stays on your skin, leaving a film over it that does not feel very nice. In fact, the instructions call for it to be used with a warm face cloth, so I have no idea how people are purporting to “use warm water and rub until it emulsifies on skin” No, it doesn’t. Stop making things up 😛
As I use a face cloth/flannel anyway, I took the cloth to it, and it removes the product easily. What then remains is soft, clean skin with little residue. However, there’s the second drawback. The mud will stain your face cloth. So, you do have to rinse it out properly. In that sense, it reminds me of the Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser in terms of texture and usage.
Omorovicza also says that you can use this to remove makeup, to which I’d agree except it’s a bit too fussy. So, what I prefer to do is remove my makeup with cleansing water first, before using this and then following up with another cleanser. When I do this, I find that my cloth will wipe off brownish streaks as opposed to grey streaks, that tells me that residual foundation is being cleaned off. The other reason you may not want to use this as a first cleanse to remove makeup, is because it’s expensive, and you will need a significant amount in order for it to function as a makeup remover, and it just isn’t cost effective.
My skin is left feeling very comfortable due to the oils in there, and clean, without feeling stripped. So, if you have drier skin, this feels absolutely lovely and luxe and everything nice. Except for the price. So, if price isn’t a concern for you, this is lush and worth taking a look at.
For everyone else, I’m going to suggest using Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser instead. Just as fussy, but at about half the price for more product, it’s just as good.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm is a cleansing balm that contains Hungarian Moor Mud and sweet almond oil as well as the mineral rich thermal waters of Hungary. This is a luxury skincare brand and the price befits the category. While the balm leaves my skin feeling cleansed yet nourished and lush, it is quite a pain to use as you must use a face cloth to remove the product (none was included in my box) and it will stain your cloth due to the oils. It’s nice to use, but I cannot justify its price for which I think there are more affordable alternatives that are just as lush on skin. Nice for those with deep wallets and large skincare budgets, but not otherwise.
PROS: Leaves skin feeling cleansed and nourished, Very comfortable to use especially for those with dry skin
CONS: Hard to remove without a face cloth, No face cloth provided in the box, Leaves a slight residue on skin even with a face cloth, Pricey, Expensive to use as a makeup remover
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone used to using a non-emulsifying cleansing balm and a face cloth
PRICE: £48 | US$110 for 50ml
If you’re interested, here is the ingredient list for the Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm.
The best cleanser you’ll ever use? I’m sorry Omorovicza, I beg to differ. Superlatives like this sell, but they do end up over-promising and under-delivering to me.
Have you tried this brand or this balm cleanser? What balm cleanser have you tried recently that you like?
I’m actually itching to move on, but I do have a little under half a tub to go and I am being quite good and trying to finish my products before switching. Yet, when times like these come around, man, I do get bored! So go on, tell me what you’re using now and why I should use it 😀
Paris B
hi! due to the many reviews, i also got sucked into ordering the omorovicza rejuvenating night cream. seems the reviews were spot on! my face is not an oil slick in the morning and it’s so soft. staggering price though. otherwise, the whole line seems quite gimmicky. esp the hungarian queen mist – omg its just glorified perfumed water with a lousy spray mechanism. luckily it was one of the spring gift items from CB, so no heart pain!
Hi Nicole, good to know the night cream works so well! I haven’t actually seen reviews on them but you made me want to look haha! I don’t know about it being gimmicky. I think there is some merit in it, but the price point is rather too prohibitive for the everyday woman. There are products that work just as well for a smaller price tag, but I suppose, if luxury is your thing then this will fit the bill right? 😉
Oooh I’ve been meaning to try out stuff from Omorovicza for ages thanks to British beauty bloggers and YouTubers. But they’re crazy expensive here so I reckon I’ll just get them online instead. As for the cleansing balm, as interesting as it sounds, methinks I’ll stick to cheaper ones and splurge on serum instead. 😛
You too eh? They are crazy expensive in any currency, to be honest. I haven’t really come across any other hyped products, other than the mist and this balm. Personally, because it’s so hard to get, I’d rather just get something else 😛
Yay! Glad you reviewed it as I no longer have any fantasies of buying this (but honestly I never will because I am a broke college student on a budget). Will just stick to my cleansing oil that emulsifies!
Glad to be of help LOL! I think sticking to what we can afford is fine – luxury products are just that – a luxury for when we can afford them! 😉
Hate.it. Broke me out. Left a film that takes ages to “muslin away” and just no. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. This is probably the one product from Omorovicza that I hate and I still have 80% of the pot left darn it uh. For those with acne: stay clear; On another note, love their foaming cleanser (doesn’t strip the skin) and the green gunk balm thing that actually emulsifies haha
Oh I hate it when that happens! Sorry it broke you out 🙁 I guess it’s definitely better for dry skins then, definitely not for oily or combination skin types! Thanks for letting me know their other products are better haha
I actually would disagree here. I have a combination skin and i use my 3rd jar. Recently bought 100ml. I shop omorovicza online. Otherwise its too expensive. Tried different cleansers previosly ( im addicted) and have to say this is the best one i’ve had. They also have this one Hydra Melting Cleanser – i think its new. Generally speaking i love their products and with a bit of research you can try to find a bit cheeper than in the original store. Im in my early 30s
Oh I just had to add! I was also “suckered” in by the online reviews and got myself the Deep Cleansing Mask. There was no WOW factor unfortunately. My skin kinda looked the same before and after, I mean sure, skin was a little fairer and feels a little velvety after but nothing that a mask by any other brand won’t do.
Strangely when I was in Budapest last year. I did not see their stores around. I assumed if i ts a “national” brand it should be all around?
Funny isn’t it how we get suckered in by online raves? Sometimes, I tell myself I’m dumb to give in… and then I give in anyway! LOL! Apparently, they have a spa in Budepest. I’m not sure if they have stores or if they are just sold in spas.
Well, I am a big fan of Omorovicza, and although they are expensive, in my opinion, are worth the splurge. I’ve bought several products over the years, and I love each and every one.
This one I love too, as I have very dry skin, and love that “oily residue”.
And, yes, you have to come to Budapest!
Someday, I’ll make it to Budapest! I should have gone when I was in Prague a few years back 🙂 Glad to know that the products work well for you. They are a wee bit expensive for me to splurge on right now (poor currency exchange) and not being able to actually test them in person is quite a bummer too since mine have to be ordered online. Still, doesn’t stop me from looking! 🙂 What are some of your other faves?
It definitely does NOT emulsify. I have to use a wash cloth and warm water to wipe my face. I prefer something that emulsifies because it’s simpler. I like how my skin feels after, but I’m not sure if it’s the cleanser or the warm cloth. HAHAHA!
I think I’ll be repurchasing my Bobbi Brown Extra Rinse Balm. It’ll be my 4th tub if I did, if I’m not mistaken 🙂
Haha I really don’t understand people who said it emulsified. Not sure we’re using the same product! Even the instructions say to use a cloth. Jeez. The BB one is, if anything, excellent value! Doesn’t ever seem to finish LOL!
Ah that’s disappointing. I’m actually in the process of finding another cleansing balm as well. So I don’t have any recommendations.
I also understand following UK bloggers. A couple of my favourite bloggers are from the UK and they always talk about KIKO makeup. I wish I could get my hands on them!!
Ooh I’m dying to get hold of Kiko! But they don’t ship everywhere (especially not to me!) and it’s expensive on ebay 🙁
I am not sure what the fuss is all about! Looking at the ingredient list I am not so impressed..sure there is Hungarian thermal water and hungarian mud but apart from that its quite ordinary..IMO
Not sure if I want to spend 110$ for 50ml! Nah ill stick with my Clinique Take The Day Off Balm at 1/4 the price and does not leave behind any film on the face 😛
You should try NIOD’s LVCE! Rinses clean without a flannel and balances out oily T-zones. No clogs or irritation even for me!
The Clinique balm is good! And affordable 🙂 Definitely a good choice 😀
I’m sorry to hear that it didn’t turn out as fabulous as expected. I’ve to be honest that I was enamored by it too but couldn’t bring myself to part with so much money and frankly, Bioderma and Softymo cleansing oil were working out well for me and kinder on the wallet. Thanks for sharing this honest review. Mud and thermal water aside, the layer of grime will send anyone running…On a separate note, yes, you should visit Budapest one of these days. The city is charming. The Hungarian thermal bath is a western version of the Japanese onsen. Personally, I prefer and adore onsen more than thermal bath simply because of the water temperature and privacy (to each of their own – Hungarian one requires you to put on bathing suit and it is open to both male and female. Pretty much like a heated water swimming pool. Onsen on the other hand requires you to put on your birthday suit and it is gender exclusive).
My motto is to always work within your budget! This isn’t quite worth the money IMO, there are lots of others to try if you want a more affordable balm that’s just as effective 🙂 Now I want to go to Budapest! I love these bath thingies. Someday I hope to try a Turkish bath too. Thanks for sharing your experience – you just ignited the wanderlust 😀
I love the cleansing balm and face mist. The balm got rid of blackheads on my nose, whitehead on my chin, makes my pores look finer and I am not even using a face cloth. It takes a long time but I try to emulsify it bit by bit with tiny amount of water and do a final rinse with REN centifolia cleansing gel. Sometimes when I’m feeling lazy, I’ll spritz my face generously with the mist and skip serum and moisturiser. Having said that, these are expensive stuff, I would not expect anything less.
Thanks for sharing, Karen 🙂 It’s interesting how you got it to emulsify. Must have taken a long long time! 🙂 I have heard a lot of good things about the face mist too – that’s the other star product from Omorovicza! But gosh, the prices! 😛
Haha, you know my recommendation for cleansing oil that won’t dry out your skin: NIOD’s LVCE. I used to get hives because my skin barrier was damaged, even with my gentle cleansers. After using this, especially if I go to the gym before work (I use sunscreen when I exercise because the gym has huge windows and it’s bright outside) so my skin will get angry if I wash it with conventional cleansers so frequently.
It doesn’t really emulsify but it rinses off easily enough (my skin doesn’t like me rubbing it to remove cleanser residue etc) and leaves a comfortable ester cushion behind that helps other products to penetrate better. No clogs or irritation for me! I did go through a period of adjustment trying to find the best way to use it, but what I do now is after massaging on to a dry face with dry hands, wet hands to massage some more and rinse off under the shower while gently massaging with fingers.
Haha Ok ok, the next time I come across a discount code, I’ll add this to my basket! It sounds like something I could use – the way you explain it 😀