Cleansing Balm vs Oil: What's The Difference?
2025-12-10
If you're feeling confused by the many different types of cleanser, you're not alone. At ELEMIS, we believe the best cleanser is the one that fits seamlessly into your routine and your lifestyle. Whether you love the rich comfort of a cleansing balm, the nourishment of an oil, the refreshing feel of a gel, or the airy texture of a mousse, here's how to find the perfect match for your skin.
If You Love a Spa-Inspired Ritual: Cleansing Balm
If your skincare routine is one of the few moments you get to switch off, a cleansing balm transforms the routine into something you'll genuinely look forward to.
Cleansing balms are designed to dissolve makeup, SPF, excess oil and daily impurities without stripping the skin. Unlike traditional foaming cleansers, they melt oil-based impurities away, making them the ideal first cleanse in a double cleansing routine before following with a second cleanser tailored to your skin's needs.
Our bestselling, award-winning Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm melts from rich balm into luxurious oil (perfect for a moment of massage) before transforming into a milky emulsion on contact with water. The transformative texture effortlessly washes away makeup, SPF and daily impurities, while leaving skin feeling comforted and nourished. Balms are often especially loved by those with drier skin or anyone who enjoys taking a little extra time over their skincare ritual.
Our balm also boasts an array of aromatics to elevate your cleanse into a spa-like escape. Alongside the original aromatic, enriched with a soothing blend of lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus, you can also discover Rose, Green Fig and Fragrance-Free editions, allowing you to choose a cleansing ritual that suits your skin and your senses. Take a moment to breathe in your chosen fragrance before you begin, and experience cleansing as a moment of self-care.
Looking for a glow-giving twist on balm cleansing? Superfood Glow Cleansing Butter combines a buttery texture with fermented pumpkin enzymes and acerola cherry, naturally rich in exfoliating AHAs, to melt away makeup and impurities while helping reveal healthy-looking skin with a natural glow.
If Makeup Is Part of Your Everyday Routine: Cleansing Oil
Whether you wear lightweight makeup or full-coverage foundation, a cleansing oil will effectively break down makeup, sunscreen and excess oil without the need for harsh rubbing.
Its lightweight texture glides easily over the skin, making it an ideal first cleanse at the end of the day. If you're wondering about the benefits of cleansing oils, it's hard to beat their ability to dissolve stubborn makeup while helping to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Our Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil combines over 90% natural oils, including winter rose and chia seed oils, to gently yet effectively lift away impurities while leaving skin feeling soft, balanced and beautifully clean. It also pairs perfectly with the double cleansing method, preparing skin for your second cleanse.
If You Love That Freshly Cleansed Feeling: Gel Cleanser
Some people simply love skin that feels refreshed and deeply clean. Gel cleansers offer an invigorating cleanse that removes daily impurities while leaving skin feeling balanced. They're ideal for morning routines, post-workout cleanses or anyone who enjoys lighter textures.
If you're looking to wake up dull or tired-looking skin, Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser transforms from a luxurious gel into a rich lather to help refresh and rebalance the complexion.
For dull or lacklustre skin, Superfood Facial Wash is packed with nutrient-rich broccoli, wheatgrass and kale extracts to deeply cleanse while helping skin look healthier, more hydrated and naturally glowing.
Prefer something that gently exfoliates while you cleanse? Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash combines a creamy gel texture with our tri-enzyme technology to help break down dulling dead cells and reveal skin that looks smoother, brighter and more refined with every cleanse.
If Comfort Comes First: a Gentle Cleanser
If your skin is prone to dryness or sensitivity, cleansing should feel comforting – not stripping. Gentle cleansing washes are designed to lift away daily impurities while respecting the skin's delicate moisture barrier, making them ideal for everyday use.
Our Sensitive Cleansing Wash is specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin, featuring a soothing milk protein base enriched with thyme, chamomile and lady's mantle. The result is skin that feels calm, healthy-looking and deeply cleansed without compromising on comfort.
If You Love Lightweight Hydration: Mousse Cleanser
If you love skincare that feels light on the skin but doesn't compromise on comfort, a cleansing mousse – a staple of Korean beauty routines – could become your new favourite.
Unlike traditional foaming cleansers, Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse transforms from a silky cream into a cloud-like mousse, delivering a deep cleanse while helping to leave skin feeling soft and hydrated. Clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 125% after just one use,* it's suitable for all skin types and can be used as a daily cleanser or paired with Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as part of the ultimate double cleansing routine. Its signature aromatic blend of nine essential oils makes every cleanse feel like a trip to the spa.
Cleansing Balm vs Cleansing Oil: What's the Difference?
If you're still deciding between a cleansing balm vs a cleansing oil, the biggest difference isn't how well they cleanse – it's how they feel on the skin.
Our cleansing balm has a 3-in-1 texture that begins as a rich balm before transforming into a silky oil and finally a cleansing milk, creating a more indulgent, spa-inspired ritual. A cleansing oil starts as a lightweight liquid, making it feel quicker and more effortless while still dissolving makeup, SPF and daily impurities with ease.
Both are excellent choices, and many people enjoy keeping both in their routine depending on how their skin feels, how much makeup they're wearing, or simply the cleansing experience they're in the mood for.
Which Cleanser Removes Makeup Best?
One of the questions we're asked most often is which cleanser removes makeup best.
The answer is simple: both cleansing balms and cleansing oils are excellent at breaking down makeup and SPF because they're designed to dissolve oil-based impurities rather than strip them away.
For the most thorough cleanse, we recommend the double cleansing method. Start with Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Superfood Glow Cleansing Butter, or Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil to melt away makeup and sunscreen, before following with a second cleanser suited to your skin's needs, whether that's Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse, Superfood Facial Wash, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, Sensitive Cleansing Wash or another ELEMIS favourite.
Which Cleanser Is Right for You?
Still deciding? Here's a quick guide.
- Love a luxurious skincare ritual? Choose a cleansing balm.
- Wear makeup or SPF every day? Try a cleansing oil.
- Prefer fresh, lightweight textures? Reach for a gel cleanser.
- Need extra comfort and nourishment? A gentle cleansing wash is a great choice.
- Love lightweight hydration? A cleansing mousse could be your perfect match.
Ultimately, the best cleanser is simply the one you'll enjoy using every day. Whether you're drawn to the iconic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, the refreshing feel of Superfood Facial Wash, the comfort of our Sensitive Cleansing Wash or the cloud-like hydration of Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse, there's an ELEMIS cleanser designed to fit your skin, your routine and your lifestyle.
*Measurement taken at 5 minutes. Independent Clinical Trial 2025. Results based on 21 people.