What is a cleansing balm?

Some skincare trends come and go, but one thing that has long been a staple product of a balanced skincare routine is a cleansing balm. From fighting dirt and impurities to providing a moisture boost, a cleansing balm is a beauty all-rounder.

But, what is a cleansing balm and how can it help your skin?

What is a cleansing balm?

In part, the clue is in the name… It’s a thick balm that is applied as a way of cleansing the skin. It’s a type of cleanser that is richer and creamier in consistency than cleansing waters and toners, and works to extract the sebum and dirt that has built up during the day - without stripping away your skin’s own natural oils.

A cleansing balm can remove make-up with ease - even waterproof mascara - and is often made from a blend of natural oils, botanical butters and extracts, making it suitable for all skin types.

You might be thinking, ‘wait, isn’t oil bad for your skin?’, and with plenty of oil-free products on the shelves, you would be forgiven for thinking so. However, the benefits of natural oils for the skin have been researched for many years, with a long history of use around the world for maintaining that healthy glow.

In fact, a 2017 study published to the National Library of Medicine found that using cleansing oil every other day for a month promoted better skin, relieving dry skin more effectively than oil-free cleansers.

What are the benefits of using a cleansing balm?

A cleansing balm can be an essential tool for those skin types that need an extra bit of care… Maybe you’re in need of long-lasting moisturisation for dry and dull skin, or perhaps you’re looking to cleanse away the grease and dirt to protect acne-prone skin.

What’s great about an oil-based cleanser, is that oil attracts oil. This means that even those with oily and acne prone skin can benefit from using a cleansing balm. It will extract the excess oil and dirt, leaving your skin balanced, moisturised and non-greasy.

Our skin goes through a lot during each day - from the make up we apply, to the pollution in the air around us. Our pores work to block out as much bacteria as they can, but adding a cleansing balm to our skincare routine helps to keep our skin clear and fresh.

How to use a cleansing balm?

Thinking of adding a cleansing balm to your skincare routine but unsure of how to use it? Here are a few simple steps that will help you to incorporate an oil cleansing method into your everyday self care:

1. Take a small amount of cleansing balm using your fingertip.
2. Work the product onto your skin in circular motions.
3. As you massage the balm, it will pick up and dissolve impurities and make-up.
4. Remove the balm with a warm damp face cloth. Repeat to make sure all excess balm has been thoroughly removed.
5. Finish off your routine with a few drops of moisturising face oil.

Cleansing balm as a make-up remover

Oil-based cleansing balms are crafted to effortlessly dissolve makeup, leaving your skin's natural oils intact. This gentle yet effective approach is perfect for tackling heavy makeup and stubborn waterproof mascara, outshining traditional makeup wipes. Whether used solo for light makeup removal or as the inaugural step in a double cleansing ritual, where a water-based or gel cleanser follows, cleansing balms offer a versatile solution for your skincare needs.

Cleanser for sensitive skin

Cleansing balms are perfect for sensitive skin. Unlike cleansers containing harsh surfactants, cleansing balms cleanse gently, leaving the skin barrier intact. Our skin barrier plays an important role in skin health and a disrupted skin barrier can lead to sensitivity. Here at Amaranthine, we’ve developed an award winning cleansing balm for sensitive skin that is a luxurious blend of Apricot, Coconut, Castor and Papaya oils - plus skin softening and nourishing Mango butter. Papaya contains the fruit enzyme Papain, which is a completely natural chemical exfoliant that can very gently dissolve dead skin cells to leave skin bright and fresh - making it the perfect ingredient for a natural skincare routine. While our cleansing balm is enjoyed by all skin types, because it is so gentle and contains ingredients that help to strengthen the skin's lipid barrier it is a good cleanser for rosacea prone and sensitive skin.

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Take a look at Amaranthine's full range of natural skincare products and build a self care routine that really works for your skin. All products are certified palm oil free and certified cruelty-free by PETA and are lovingly made in small batches in our Glasgow studio.