There are a handful of ways to remove your makeup such as oils, foams, scrubs and wipes but our absolute favorite way to get a deep clean is with a cleansing balm. Balms are known for being able to break down makeup and replenish the skin without causing irritation. They also work for all skin types and concerns. Still deciding on whether to incorporate a cleansing balm into your routine? Here’s everything you need to know about them and why we love them.

Everything to Know About Cleansing Balms

What is a cleansing balm?

Cleansing balms are creamy, rich cleansers that remove dirt and impurities without leaving your skin feeling dry and stripped of its natural oils. Unlike other cleansers, balms can be used around the eye area to remove eye makeup because they are often made with natural ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin. Cleansing balms are so effective at breaking down makeup and dirt because of the natural oils in their formulas. These natural oils provide a deep clean to dissolve excess oil on the skin that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. After the makeup is removed the skin feels replenished, hydrated and most importantly clean. Cleansing balms make the perfect first step to any daily skin care routine. Our current obsession is InstaNatural’s Rose Makeup Cleansing Balm. Filled with natural ingredients such as Rose Extract, Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil this balm not only smells amazing but also removes makeup including waterproof mascara effortlessly.

How do you use a cleansing balm?

The key to getting soft, radiant skin with a cleansing balm is to apply with dry hands on dry skin. That’s right, cleansing balms should first be applied dry. This is because the oils in the balm need to attract to the oil on the skin before adding water. Once water is added the surfactants release the surface tension on the skin, which then lifts and removes the makeup and allows it to rinse off.

Step 1: Start out by taking a quarter sized amount and warming it between your dry fingers.

Step 2: Once it has been warmed massage onto dry skin in gentle, circular motions. If you are wearing eye makeup spend more time massaging the eye area to ensure all the makeup is being dissolved.

Step 3: Once the makeup starts to break down add warm water onto the skin and continue to massage in gentle circular motions.

Step 4: Finally remove with a warm, damp cloth. After you have removed the cleansing balm your skin will feel clean and fresh.

Is it right for me?

One of the best features about cleansing balms is that they work for all skin types and concerns. They are especially beneficial for those with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin types. Although many people associate dry and dehydrated skin as one in the same, they are different. For more information on dry verse dehydrated skin check out this blog. Cleansing balms work for these skin types because compared to gel cleansers, they provide an immediate increase in moisture to the skin and are gentler at removing makeup. This leads to keeping the skin nourished and soft without irritation and redness. A common misconception is that people with dry skin types are the only ones that can benefit from cleansing balms. In reality oily skin types can also benefit because the oils in the balm will gently breakdown excess oil on the skin without over drying.

Why it’s the best makeup remover?

Cleansing balms are the best makeup remover because most makeup products are oil-based and are designed for extended wear. While water-based cleansers and removers can remove makeup, the oils in cleansing balms are attracted to the oils in the makeup. This allows for the balm to gently break down makeup without causing dryness or stripping the skin of its natural oils. With cleansing balms there is no need for excessive scrubbing or soaking, which means you can effectively remove your makeup without irritating the skin. Smoother and softer skin is revealed after just one cleanse. Cleansing balms are the perfect first step to a double cleanse routine. The balm removes all the makeup so that the second cleanser can address your specific skin type and concerns. Our favorite cleanser to use for a double cleanse is InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Cleanser. This cleanser refines the tone and texture of your complexion making it the perfect follow up cleanser.

What are the top ingredients to look for?

Many cleansing balms are filled with beautiful oils but contain no actual cleansing ingredients. These cleansing ingredients are called "surfactants" and are an important part of an effective cleansing balm. Without surfactants, the oils in the balm won't rinse from the skin which can cause clogged pores, excess oil and breakouts. It is important to look for balms that contain plant-derived surfactants alongside nourishing oils, butters and extracts for a soothing and effective product such as InstaNatural’s Rose Makeup Cleansing Balm. Some of our favorite ingredients in cleansing balms are Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil. All these amazing ingredients provide nourishment to the skin and are rich in antioxidants. 

What makes cleansing balms different from oils and wipes?

With so many different cleansing options to choose from it is important to know how cleansing balms compare. A cleansing balm is very similar to a cleansing oil, simply in a more "solid" form. This solid form makes it generally more moisturizing to the skin because they often contain butters or Coconut Oil.  These added ingredients hydrate and soften the skin. Facial wipes are generally effective makeup removers, but they tend to require more rubbing to successfully remove all makeup. This can cause irritation and redness, especially around the eye area whereas cleansing balms just require gentle circular motions to remove makeup.

Shop Rose Makeup Cleansing Balm