Cleansing balm or Cleansing oil. Which team are you?

Gone are those days when people used to use makeup wipes to remove their makeup or even use a single cleanser that would do the dual job of removing makeup as well as cleanse their face. 

But yes, the struggle was real with a single cleanser – to remove makeup, especially the waterproof ones! Huh 😮‍💨! Just imagine how harsh it could have been on skin to remove makeup, oil, impurities and dirt at one go. 

And then, oil cleansing came into the scene and took an important spot on our skincare regime. 

Although makeup wipes did the exact job of removing makeup and sunscreen off the skin, it caused a lot of environmental waste. 

So just like everybody, I switched toward cleansing balm / cleansing oil which were more effective in breaking down stubborn makeup products without any wastage. 

What is cleansing balm and cleansing oil?

We’ve all been there – staring at the dizzying array of colorful makeup removers on the shelves, wondering which gooey goodness will be our new holy grail for dissolved makeup and squeaky clean pores.

When it comes to removing makeup and impurities from your skin, cleansing balms and cleansing oils are two popular options. Both are designed to break down and dissolve makeup, dirt, and excess oil effectively. However, they differ in their textures, application methods, and suitability for different skin types. 

On one corner, we have the cleansing balm – that solid-to-oil buttery bomb of moisture that melts every last trace of makeup, sunscreen, and grime right off your face.

Cleansing oils, on the other hand, are slick, silky elixirs are rinse-free. The oils attract and dissolve all that built-up without disrupting your skin’s precious moisture barrier. 

Cleansing Balms:

Pros:

1. Solid at room temperature and melt upon contact with your skin, creating a luxurious, spa-like experience.
2. Often contain nourishing ingredients like plant butters, oils, and extracts that leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
3. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin types that require extra nourishment.
4. Easy to remove with a damp cloth or water, without leaving any greasy residue.

Cons:

1. May feel too heavy or occlusive for oily or acne-prone skin types.
2. Some balms may leave a slightly waxy or filmy feeling on the skin if not removed thoroughly.
3. Cleansing Balms Require More Effort to melt over the face.

Cleansing Oils:

Pros:

1. Lightweight and easily spreadable, making them suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.
2. Effective at breaking down waterproof and long-wearing makeup.
3. Often contain a blend of nourishing plant oils that hydrate and condition the skin.
4. Typically rinse off cleanly, leaving no residue behind.

Cons:

1. May feel greasy or heavy on the skin during the cleansing process.
2. Not as nourishing or moisturizing as cleansing balms for dry skin types.
3. Cleansing Oils Can Be Messy and too oily

Ultimately, the choice between a cleansing balm or cleansing oil comes down to your skin type and personal preferences. If you have dry, dehydrated, or mature skin, a cleansing balm can be a luxurious and nourishing option. However, if you have oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, a cleansing oil may be a better fit, as it’s lightweight and less likely to clog pores.

It’s also worth considering the type of makeup you typically wear. If you frequently use long-wearing or waterproof formulas, a cleansing oil may be more effective at breaking them down. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and pampering cleansing experience, a cleansing balm could be the way to go.

Regardless of your choice, remember to follow up with a water-based cleanser to ensure all impurities are thoroughly removed from your skin. And don’t forget to moisturize after cleansing to maintain your skin’s balance and hydration levels.

Differences between cleansing oil and cleansing balm

The major difference between cleansing oil and cleansing balm is the texture. Cleansing balm is more solid compared to cleansing oil.

Cleansing Oils: 

Cleansing oils have that luscious, liquid-y feel that glides onto your skin like a dream. They’re lightweight which make it a breeze to massage them into your pores and melt away every last bit of makeup and grime

• Have a liquid, oil-based texture
• Generally feel more lightweight and spread easily on the skin

Cleansing Balms:

On the other hand, cleansing balms are solid and waxy. They come in  tubs or jars, and when you scoop them out, they have a thick, buttery consistency.

• Have a solid, waxy, or butter-like texture at room temperature
• Feel richer and thicker on the skin

Benefits of Cleansing Balms or Cleansing Oils:

• Excellent at dissolving oil-based grime like makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum
• Offer a deeper clean than water-based cleansers alone
• Don’t strip or dry out skin like some harsh cleansers
• Provide hydrating oils that soften and replenish skin
• Create a luxurious spa-like cleansing experience

Finding the right cleansing balm or oil texture for your preferences takes some trial and error. But by double cleansing the right way, you can achieve that fresh, purified “clean slate” feeling for the skin to better absorb subsequent skincare products.

Cleansing Balm or Cleansing Oil? My take on it

As a beauty enthusiast, I’ve tried most of the cleansing balm/oil products. Each has its own unique charm, and I love them both for different reasons.

Why I Love Cleansing Balm?

Cleansing balms melt into a luxurious, buttery texture that effortlessly dissolves makeup, dirt, and impurities. What I love most about them is their ability to leave my skin feeling nourished and hydrated, never stripped or tight. Plus, the satisfying process of massaging the balm into your skin and watching it transform into a milky emulsion is very satisfactory.

Why I Love Cleansing Oil?

Cleansing oils, on the other hand, glide over your skin, breaking down even the most stubborn waterproof mascara and long-wearing foundations. What sets cleansing oils apart is that they leave your complexion feeling refreshed and balanced, never greasy or heavy.

Which One Do I Use? 

The answer to this question depends on the situation. During travel, I reach for cleansing balms because of their solid, mess-free form. They’re perfect for on-the-go cleansing and don’t risk spilling in your luggage. When I’m at home during winter, I often gravitate towards cleansing balms as it is more nourishing. However,  during summer, my go-to choice is a cleansing oil due to its lightweight feel on the skin (i don;t like heavy products on my skin during summers).

The Bottom Line 

Ultimately, both cleansing balms and cleansing oils are incredible additions to any skincare routine. The choice between them comes down to personal preference, skin type, and specific needs. Some may find cleansing balms more nourishing for dry skin, while cleansing oils work better for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

So, embrace the one that makes your skin feel its best. Using both can be a game-changer for achieving a truly thorough and indulgent cleansing experience.