What is Cleansing Balm & How to Use It for Double Cleansing

Can’t you remove makeup, sunscreen or city dust from your face completely? Many people think that everything gets clean with face wash, but actually it is not. For those who wear makeup or spend a lot of time outdoors, Cleansing Balm can be a game-changer.

In this article we will learn:

• What is Cleansing Balm and why is it different from other cleansers

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• Correct Rules for Double Cleansing
• For whom Cleansing Balm is ideal
• Comparison of some of the best Cleansing Balms on the market
• Can you make it yourself at home?

Let’s get started!

What is Cleansing Balm? (What is Cleansing Balm?)

Cleansing Balm is a type of Oil-based cleanser which is usually of solid to semi-solid consistency. It looks like wax or butter, but melts on skin and easily removes makeup, sunscreen, sebum (skin oil) and dirt.

The main elements of are:

Plant-based oils (eg: Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Safflower Oil)
Emollients (keeps skin soft, eg: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter)
Surfactants (helps remove dirt from the skin, but in very small amounts)
Fragrance & Essential Oils (for fragrance)

Why is it different from other cleansers?
Typical face washes or gel cleansers are water-based, so they can remove dirt from the surface of the skin, but cannot completely remove oily dirt (eg: sunscreen, makeup). On the other hand, Cleansing Balm is Oil-based, so it dissolves oily dirt easily.
Also, it helps protect the Skin Barrier and prevents the skin from over-drying.

What is Double Cleansing? Why is it necessary?
Double Cleansing is a method where first an Oil-based cleanser (eg: Cleansing Balm) and then a Water-based cleanser (eg: Face wash) are used.
Why is it needed?
Different types of dirt accumulate on our skin every day:

Makeup (foundation, lipstick, eyeliner)
Sunscreen (which protects against UV rays)
Sebum (skin’s own oil)
Dust and environmental pollution

All these are Oil-soluble (dissolved in oil), so it is not possible to clean with facewash only. By Double Cleansing:

In the first step (Oil-based cleanser) oily dirt is removed
The second step (water-based cleanser) removes sweat, excess oil and residual dirt
Skin is clean and fresh
The following skincare products may work well

Benefits of Double Cleansing:

Benefits
Details

Clear
Removes all kinds of dirt, even waterproof makeup

Clears skin pores
Reduces the chances of blackheads and acne

Maintaining the skin’s pH balance
Keeps skin healthy

Increase the effectiveness of the next skincare product
Serums, moisturizers are well absorbed

The right way to use Cleansing Balm (Step-by-Step Guide)

The correct way to use Cleansing Balm as the first step of Double Cleansing:

Step 1: Keep the face completely dry
No need to wash the face. Because if there is a little water on the skin, it will take more time for the Balm to melt.
Step 2: Apply Balm as needed
Take a pea-sized amount (the size of a pea). If taken in excess, it may feel heavy on the skin.
Step 3: Gently massage the face
With dry hands, gently massage the Balm on the face, around the eyes carefully and on the lips. Allow 30 seconds to 1 minute for the Balm to melt completely and the dirt to dissolve.
During the massage:

Be very gentle around the eyes (eye skin is very sensitive)
Spend more time on the sides of the nose, forehead and chin as more dirt accumulates in these areas
Massage around the lips as well to help remove lip dirt

Step 4: Emulsify
After massaging, sprinkle some water on the face. You will see that the Balm will become foamy. Now massage gently again. This process is called Emulsification, through which the balm and dirt are easily washed off with water.

Step 5: Rinse
Wash your face with cold or warm water. Wash thoroughly around the eyes to remove any remaining Balm.
Step 6: Use a second step cleanser
Now use a Water-based cleanser (ie: gel cleanser, foam cleanser). It will remove the remaining dirt, sweat and excess oil from the skin.
Examples of second step cleansers:

Foam cleanser (for oily skin)
Gel Cleanser (for combination or normal skin)
Cream Cleanser (if skin is dry or sensitive)

Important Tips:

Always use cold or Lukewarm water. Hot water absorbs the skin’s natural oils.
Do not use the Balm around the eyes for a long time if the skin is sensitive.
Daily double cleansing can make the skin dry. So 1 time a day for oily skin and 1 time a day for dry skin or 3-4 times a week is enough.

Who is Cleansing Balm ideal for?
Cleansing Balm is suitable for all skin types but is especially effective for certain skin types:

Skin Type
Usefulness

Makeup User
Waterproof makeup helps long-lasting foundation lift perfectly

Oily skin
Controls sebum and clears pores

Combination skin
Removes excess oil from the T-zone, locking in moisture elsewhere

Dry skin
Retains the skin’s natural oils and prevents excessive dryness

Sensitive Skin
Protects skin barrier and reduces irritation

Aging skin
Helps maintain skin elasticity

For whom the Cleansing Balm is not:

Skin is very oily and has lots of breakouts? Then a heavy balm can make the skin more oily. In that case, use a light texture Balm or Oil Cleanser.
Skin is very sensitive and allergic to some ingredients? Then choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic balm.

Comparison of the Best Cleansing Balms on the Market
Many types of cleansing balms are available in the market. Here is a comparison of some popular brands that offer different benefits according to skin type and needs.

Brand
Parent element
Skin Type
Price (Approx)
Features

Banila Co Clean It Zero
Rice Extract, Vitamin E
All skin types
৳2,500 – ৳3,000
Waterproof makeup remover is effective, affordable

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Olive Oil
All skin types
৳2,800 – ৳3,200
Enriched with olive oil, deeply moisturizes the skin

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Balm
Rice Water, Shea Butter
All skin types
৳1,800 – ৳2,200
Brightens skin, cheap in price

Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
Oat Kernel Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal
Sensitive Skin
৳2,000 – ৳2,500
Soothes skin, reduces irritation

Clinique Take The Day Off Balm
Safflower Oil, Shea Butter
All skin types
৳3,500 – ৳4,000
Luxury brand, intensely moisturizes the skin

Which one to choose?

For oily skin, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil or Banila Co Clean It Zero are good. Because they help remove excess oil from the skin.
For dry skin, The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Balm or Clinique Take The Day Off Balm are ideal. They keep the skin moisturized.
Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm is best for sensitive skin. Because it keeps the skin calm and reduces irritation.
If you want to remove makeup, Banila Co Clean It Zero is effective. Because it can easily remove even waterproof makeup.

Some local brands available in Bangladesh
Apart from foreign brands, there are several good quality cleansing balms available in Bangladesh. They are relatively affordable and readily available.

Brand
Parent element
Skin Type
Price (Approx)
Features

Nilavy Glow Cleansing Balm
Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil
All skin types
৳1,200 – ৳1,500
Glows skin, affordable

Herbal Essences Cleansing Balm
Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil
Sensitive Skin
৳900 – ৳1,200
Soothes skin, reduces irritation

Skin Glow Cleansing Balm
Green Tea Extract, Vitamin E
All skin types
ৡ1,000 – ৡ1,300
Brightens skin, rich in antioxidants

Why buy Cleansing Balm?
Using Cleansing Balm has many benefits. They provide different benefits according to skin type. For example:

Deep Cleansing: Cleansing Balm helps to remove dirt, oil and makeup accumulated deep in the skin. As a result, the skin remains clean and healthy.
Moisturizing: Most cleansing balms contain ingredients that moisturize the skin. As a result, the skin does not become dry.
Gentle on Skin: Cleansing Balm is gentler on skin than other cleansers. Hence it is safe even for sensitive skin.
Multi-Tasking: Cleansing Balm works as a cleanser, makeup remover and moisturizer at the same time. As a result, the skincare routine becomes easier.

How to Choose the Right Cleansing Balm?
There are a few things to keep in mind to choose the right cleansing balm. For example:

Skin Type:

For oily skin, choose a cleansing balm that contains salicylic acid or tea tree oil.
Choose a cleansing balm for dry skin that contains Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil or Hyaluronic Acid.
For sensitive skin, choose a cleansing balm that contains Aloe Vera, Colloidal Oatmeal or Chamomile.

Ingredients:

Avoid skin-harmful ingredients such as Parabens, Sulfates, or Synthetic Fragrance.
Beneficial ingredients for the skin such as Vitamin E, Niacinamide, or Antioxidants are good.

Price:

Select the Cleansing Balm according to your budget. Foreign brands are relatively expensive but local brands are affordable.

Brand Reputation:

Buy Cleansing Balm from a brand that has a good reputation in the market. Because they are standardized.

Conclusion
Cleansing balm is an important part of the skincare routine. It helps to remove makeup and keeps the skin clean, moisturized and healthy. Skin type, ingredients and price should be considered for choosing the right cleansing balm. Apart from foreign brands, good quality Cleansing Balm is also available in Bangladesh, which is relatively affordable.
Take care of the skin by adding the Cleansing Balm to your skincare routine and keep it healthy, glowing and clear. Remember, regular and proper skincare can reduce skin problems. So choose the right Cleansing Balm for you today and start your skincare routine.