The first, second and third rules of skincare? Cleanse, cleanse and cleanse.
If you’re doing your daily skincare duty but still suffering from dry or oily skin and breakouts, it might be time to consider a new skincare regime. And the first thing to try? A different cleansing option. We’re obsessed with cleansing balms – and they’re a great choice for those with ‘problem’ skin, so introducing a treatment cleanser into your regime could make a real difference to your complexion.
First thing’s first, what are cleansing balms?
These rich, treatment cleansers are creamy, oil-based balms that do a double duty – give skin a deep clean and restore your complexion’s moisture balance.
The result? Cleaner skin and excess oil banished – plus a complexion benefiting from any treatment oils used in the cleanser.
How to use cleansing balms
They are applied to dry skin and massaged in (the first extra treatment benefit) stimulating circulation and allowing the natural oils in the formula to latch on to dirt and grime. These oils also attract excess sebum, which can then be lifted away with the cleanser. The formula is then wiped away using a muslin cloth soaked in clean warm water, which gently exfoliates skin as it cleans.
Sold and ready to give it a go? Shop our pick of the best cleansing balms, below.
Cleansing Balms Treatment Cleansers
1 of 7Best Cleansing Balms
Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Cleansing Balm, £40
The liquorice and camomile in this soft, spa-scented balm leave skin soothed and calm. Warm between your palms before applying for maximum benefits.
2 of 7Best Cleansing Balms
Balm Balm Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm, £9
This organic, soothing cleansing balm contains shea butter, beeswax, sunflower, jojoba, calendula and frankincense. It’s incredibly soothing, let it rest on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing, taking deep, calming breaths. The most relaxing pre-bed skincare regime there is.
3 of 7Best Cleansing Balms
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £22
This lightweight balm transforms to a silky oil on application, picking up any makeup and dirt for cleaner, clearer skin.
4 of 7Best Cleansing Balms
Elemental Herbology Purify and Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm, £30
This smooth cleansing balm contains argan oil to soothe and calm dry or inflamed skin. It melts into skin and gives a thorough deep clean.
5 of 7Best Cleansing Balms
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, £40
This rich deep-cleansing balm contains an active base of starflower, elderberry and Optimega oils with rose and mimosa waxes which not only treats and conditions skin, but smells divine, too.
6 of 7Best Cleansing Balms
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm, £38
Not only does this gentle cleansing balm cleanse and moisturise skin, it can be left on for 10 minutes as a refining mask, and even used on problem dry skin like lips and chapped elbows or knees.
7 of 7Best Cleansing Balms
Eve Lom Cleanser, £85
Probably the best cleanser ever, this soft balm contains clove oil (antiseptic to encourage clear skin), eucalyptus oil (to drain toxins), hops oil (to tone), and cocoa butter and egyptian chamomile oil (to softens and soothe).