Cold Cream vs Cleansing Balm: How to Choose What’s Best for Your Skin

Cleansing balms melt the entire day, leaving skin soft, hydrated and never greasy. When it becomes part of your routine, the rest falls into play, and products are finally able to work like they’re supposed to.

Cleansing balms melt the entire day, leaving skin soft, hydrated and never greasy. When it becomes part of your routine, the rest falls into play, and products are finally able to work like they’re supposed to.

Many women grew up watching the women in their life apply cold cream nightly. But until recently, cold cream seemed to be a product of the past rather than a classic skincare staple. Its modern resurgence, however, has left many of us wondering, what is cold cream used for and does it actually work? It turns out our matriarchs may have been onto something after all!
We will help you understand the benefits of both of those skincare staples, and you will finally be able to decide your favourite between cold cream vs cleansing balm.

You’ve got to love a multi-tasking beauty product, and a cleansing balm is no exception. They deliver the ultimate cleansing experience with their unique, 3-in-1 formula that seems to do it all.

When activated by water, the oil-infused facial cleanser nourishes as a cleansing balm, easily removes makeup and impurities as a luxurious oil and hydrates as a creamy milk, without stripping skin of essential moisture.

Skin-softening, anti-ageing and can fully melt away the day without over-drying, the wonders of a cleansing balm are endless.

PRO #1 -Truly a deep cleansing and purifying product, no residue, or trace of make-up, pollution or impurity remains after one usage.

CON #1 - It is recommended to gently wipe away with a warm damp cotton, which might not be readily available if you’re on the go.

PRO #2 - Suitable for all skin-types and ages, from combination to dry skin and everything in between.

CON #2 - With antioxidant-rich Elderberry and Starflower oil, balm may melt when warm but resets perfectly when cooled.

PRO #3 - Cleansing balms are easy to travel with as they are solid and less likely to get confiscated in the airport (or leak in your bag) than a tube of gel cleanser.

Applying Cleansing Balms

Step 1: Apply the cleanser to dry skin and gently massage over the face for a full 30 seconds. This will start to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum (oil).

Note that heavier makeup, such as long-wear or full-coverage foundation, might need a bit more massage time. 60 seconds should do the trick!

Step 2: Add water using your fingertips and watch the cleanser transform into a milky gel.

Step 3: Time for another face massage! Remember 30 seconds for light makeup and 60 seconds for heavier makeup.

Step 4: Rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove the bulk of cleanser and makeup.

Step 5: Gently wipe a slightly damp cloth across your face to remove every last trace of loose makeup and debris.

Step 6: Admire your fresh, clean, and beautiful complexion!

Stock up on your very own ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Loved for decades, nowadays cold creams are typically moisturising face creams with an ultra-rich formula that soothes and hydrates skin.

When used as an overnight treatment, they are a saviour to repair irritated skin and restore winter’s super-dry skin.

Because of their higher oil levels, cold creams have also been used for decades to remove makeup, just massage it on and wipe it off with a tissue.

That being said, they’re best suited for more mature skin, as they aren’t ideal for oily skin that's naturally prone to breakouts.

PRO #1 - Calms and relieves red, irritated and dehydrated skin in an instant, due to its cold to the touch application.

CON #1 - If using as a cleanser, cold creams require a second cleansing routine to remove residue left from long-wear makeup, and SPF.

PRO #2 - Can be used as an all around dry-skin reliever, including legs, arms, and hands- even lips.

CON #2 - Due to their high concentration of mineral oils and waxes, oily, acne-prone skin would be better off without it.

Cold cream has a slightly different application process than a cleansing balm, but we promise it’s just as simple. Make sure you check the instructions of the product you choose as they may vary. No matter which one is the right fit for you, the application all starts the same way.

Step 1: Give your hands a quick wash and make sure they’re fully dry.

Step 2: With two fingers, scoop out a bit of the cold cream from the jar and apply a light layer over your entire dry face. Cold cream does not require water.

Step 3: Gently massage it into your skin and then wipe it off with a cotton pad or warm washcloth.

Step 4: Enjoy a glowing, ultra-moisturised complexion!

The Iconic Original

This award-winning essential is infused with a unique blend of 9 essential oils including Lavender, Chamomile and Eucalyptus and smells like aromatherapy in a jar.

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The Rose-Infused Icon

Formulated with delicate English Rose Oleo Extract, this floral favourite leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and oh-so-soothed.

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The Fragrance-Free Icon

Previously known as our Naked Cleansing Balm, it's the same much loved formula that melts away makeup and impurities for a glowing complexion now fragrance free.

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The Black Cherry Edition

Indulge in a burst of freshly picked cherries with our newest arrival. Our bestselling 3-in-1 cleanser with a fragrance blend of juicy black cherry and comforting almond and vanilla.

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Cleansing Balm vs Cold Cream

Cleansing balms are in fact superior to cold creams as they’re the ultimate first step in cleansing, a crucial aspect in maintaining healthy, balanced skin. Not only is it the best way to completely remove makeup, it also won’t compromise its moisture barrier, cause any irritation or disrupt its pH, like some cold creams for face can.

Can I Use Both in My Skincare Routine?

The short answer is yes! Both products are great options in different ways. And though a cleansing balm on its own works wonders, a double cleanse utilizing both a cleansing balm and a cold cream may be even better—especially if you’re a heavy makeup user or feel a gentle cleanser on its own may not fully remove makeup and properly cleanse. Double-cleansing is a technique where you wash your face twice to help remove dirt and makeup completely. Make sure if you go this route to use a cold cream first. You can then use a cleansing balm, followed by a gentle creamy or foaming cleanser.

Should I choose a cold cream or cleansing balm for my skin?

As important as it is to choose the right products for your skin type, how you would fit into your routine.

After a long day, the transformative cleansing balm is a one-step solution to clear, clean skin and since it won’t leave skin greasy, a second product is optional.

Additional benefits of an aromatic experience with several scents to choose from make it something that might benefit everyone, no matter their skin needs.