The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is something of an industry titan. Garnering consistently excellent reviews from beauty editors and celebrities the world over - Cara Delevingne and Victoria Beckham are said to be fans – it’s earned its place in the cult beauty product hall of fame. Described by the brand as ‘a nourishing cleansing balm that melts away makeup, daily pollutants and impurities for a soft and glowing complexion,’ it does what it says on the tub. If a thoroughly cleansed (and a brighter, more beautiful complexion) is your MO, then consider scrolling on for our full review.
What is a cleansing balm?
Let’s start with the basics. Similar to an oil cleanser, a cleansing balm is a nurturing, hardworking type of cleanser that takes a hardened form (similar in texture to pressed coconut oil). It can be warmed up and melted in the palms of the hands and works as as a two-in-one to remove every trace of make-up and daily grime while meticulously cleansing the skin concurrently. Often, a cleansing balm is used as the first step in a double cleansing routine.
What does the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm do?
Made to ‘nourish as a balm, easily remove makeup as a cleansing oil and hydrate as a cleansing milk’ the Elemis Cleansing Balm is far from just your basic wash and go. It’s formulated with several skincare heroes. Read: Elderberry oil which is rich in essential fatty acids to bolster tired complexions, starflower oil (the richest natural source of gamma linolenic acid) to maintain healthy skin turnover and padina pavonica (a type of algae) to support hydration. And that’s all before we get started on the distinctive blend of 9 essential oils (including lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus) which mesh together to create the iconic spa-like scent that has so often been dubbed ‘heaven in a jar.’ It comes as no surprised then, that the Elemis Cleansing Balm has been touted as the best cleansing balm for all skin types by reviewers – it currently boasts thousands of 5 star reviews. It’s impressive stuff.
Shop: The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
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Customer review: 'Definitely worth the hype, I always come back to this cleanser as nothing else seems to compare. It’s gentle on the skin but strips every trace of makeup leaving your skin feeling soft and clean. It’s a must buy.'
Our verdict:
Rachael Martin, junior beauty editor:
‘A big claim, but I can safely say that this is my favourite cleansing balm of all time. It starts off as a solid formula but melts into a slightly milky, balmier texture that applies beautifully and doesn’t drag on the skin. I’ll work it into my complexion and watch as my make-up (including waterproof mascara) melts away. I have oily skin, and typically a balm has been known to break me out, but this one doesn’t. I use as the first step in my double cleansing routine alongside a gel-based cleanser and I’m rigorous about ensuring any remnants are swept off my skin promptly. This prevents any blocked pores. My skin is far from perfect, but now that I’ve adopted a more Elemis consistent skincare routine I’ve seen a marked improvement in how it looks – it’s brighter, smoother and bouncier. And although I still battle with redness, I do have less spots and blemishes. And the scent, oh, the scent! Delicate but deliciously aromatic, it leaves your face wash routine feeling that touch more special. Would recommend.’
How we tested it:
Rachael says: 'I’ve been using this one for years – it was already an integral part of my skincare routine long before I became a beauty journalist. Despite occasionally swapping it out to try other cleansing balms, I’ve always reverted to my beloved Elemis – and you best believe I’ve tried every iteration going, from the beautifully floral rose to the gloriously earthy fig – and I’m equally impressed by all. For the past six months I’ve been incredibly strict with myself and have solely used the Elemis Cleansing Balm for the purpose of this review (including utilising out my mini version when travelling). I find it sloughs my make-up away with ease and has left my complexion feeling softer and looking healthier. It works. And I won't be swapping it out any time soon.
Overall rating:
The chance to review a product I already swear by? Count me in. Where the Elemis Cleansing Balm is concerned it’s an easy five out of five from me.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.
