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The Art of Cleansing: Understanding Cleansing Balms

By Aristotle Cosmetics. . 5 min read.

Cleansing is the first step of nearly every skincare routine, and it is one of the easiest to rush. A cleansing balm turns that step into something slower and more considered. Here is what a cleansing balm is, why people choose one, and how to use it well.

What is a cleansing balm?

A cleansing balm is a solid or semi-solid cleanser made primarily from oils, butters or waxes. At room temperature it has a rich texture, and with the warmth of your hands and skin it softens and melts into an oil. Most balms include emulsifiers, ingredients that allow the oil to mix with water so it can be rinsed away cleanly.

How oil-based cleansing works

Many of the things we want to remove at the end of the day are oil-soluble: long-wearing makeup, water-resistant sunscreen and the skin’s own excess sebum. Oils dissolve these readily, which is why oil-based cleansers are effective at lifting them. When water is added, the emulsifiers turn the oil into a milky emulsion that rinses off and carries the dissolved residue with it. Dermatology reviews of cleanser science describe how different cleanser types remove soil while aiming to limit disruption of the skin barrier.

Why people choose a cleansing balm

  • Makeup removal: oil dissolves long-wearing and waterproof makeup without the need for harsh scrubbing.
  • Sunscreen removal: water-resistant sunscreens are designed to stay on the skin, and an oil-based first cleanse helps lift them.
  • Excess oil and impurities: oil attracts oil, helping to loosen sebum and the residue of the day.
  • Comfort: a well-formulated balm can cleanse without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight.

How to use a cleansing balm correctly

Use a small amount on dry skin. Massage it gently in circular motions so it melts and dissolves makeup and sunscreen. Then add a little water to emulsify it, and rinse with warm water or remove it with a soft, damp cloth.

Gentleness matters. A clinical study in people with atopic dermatitis found that rubbing the skin while removing makeup was a major factor associated with worsening skin condition. Let the balm do the work, and avoid harsh scrubbing. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends lukewarm rather than hot water and patting skin dry.

Considerations for different skin types

Cleansing balms are suitable for many skin types, but the right cleanser always depends on your skin. People with very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer to follow a balm with a gentle water-based cleanser, a practice often called double cleansing. Those with sensitive skin should test any new product first, and anyone with a nut allergy should check whether a product contains nut-derived oils.

Introducing Glass Veil Cleansing Balm

Glass Veil Cleansing Balm is our interpretation of the cleansing ritual. This rich, velvety balm melts effortlessly into the skin, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and daily impurities while leaving your complexion feeling soft, comfortable, and beautifully refreshed. It is ideal for all skin types and the perfect first step in any skincare routine.

Its highlighted ingredients

French Green Clay: clays are mineral ingredients known for their ability to absorb oil and adsorb impurities, which is why they have a long history in cosmetic masks and cleansers. In the balm, French Green Clay helps draw out impurities and excess oil while supporting a fresh, refined complexion.

Sweet Almond Oil: a plant oil widely used in skincare as an emollient, helping to soften and condition skin.

Jojoba Oil: technically a liquid wax rather than a true oil, jojoba is valued as an emollient and conditioning ingredient with a smooth feel.

These are highlighted ingredients, not the complete ingredient declaration. Sweet Almond Oil is derived from nuts. For the full ingredient list, see the packaging or contact info@aristotlecosmetics.com.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, known allergies, or concerns about an ingredient, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Sources

  1. Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018;17(1):8-14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29231284/
  2. Hosokawa K, et al. Rubbing the skin when removing makeup cosmetics is a major factor that worsens skin conditions in atopic dermatitis patients. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021;20(6):1915-1922. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33040474/
  3. American Academy of Dermatology. Face washing 101. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101
  4. Moraes JDD, et al. Clay minerals: properties and applications to dermocosmetic products and perspectives of natural raw materials for therapeutic purposes. A review. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2017;534(1-2):213-219. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29038067/
  5. Ahmad Z. The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2010;16(1):10-12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/
  6. Pazyar N, et al. Jojoba in dermatology: a succinct review. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia. 2013;148(6):687-691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
  7. American Academy of Dermatology. How to test skin care products. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/test-skin-care-products