How To Use A Cleansing Balm 101: The Updated Complete Routine Guide

The quick answer is a makeup remover. But in reality, a cleansing balm is so much more. Its rich, temperature-sensitive formula melts away every last bit of daily impurities—including long-wear makeup, daily grime, and surface pollutants. Unlike other cleansers that can strip the skin of essential moisture, this oil-infused facial balm cleanser intensely nourishes the skin for a soft, hydrated, and glowing complexion. And while many cleansers feel “one and done,” a cleansing balm offers a more luxurious experience. They typically have a solid or buttery form which melts into an oil once warmed up on skin. Add water to the mix and it emulsifies into a milky liquid. Think of it as a spa-like massage from the comfort of your home.

If you’re new to using a cleansing balm, or are looking for a refresher, here’s everything you need to know about this iconic product.

The ultimate cleansing experience begins with one product, and one product only. A cleansing balm. Formulated as a 3-in-1 cleanser, cleansing balms are exceptionally effective when it comes to dissolving and rinsing away makeup, sunscreen, dirt, oil, grime, and other skincare products. While it doesn't foam as a gel-cleanser, the aromatic oil-based cleanser is effective enough to be used as a facial wash alone.

A thorough cleanse

Have you ever scrubbed and scrubbed but weren’t able to remove that stubborn eyeliner? That’s the beauty of a cleansing balm. They’re great for melting away heavy makeup (even waterproof formulas) or breaking down thickly applied SPF which is hard to shift. Because they’re oil-based, they will also help to remove excess oil and oil-based impurities from your skin.

Kind to skin

Some cleansers use a surfactant-base, which gives it a foamy texture. It may sound nice but can actually do more harm than good. Cleansing balms are non-irritating and won’t dry out your skin, compromise its moisture barrier, or disrupt its pH.

Moisturising Properties

Balm cleansers are packed with nourishing plant oils, which help deposit hydration and moisture to the skin’s barrier. Rather than feeling tight or dry after use, they’ll leave you feeling soft and smooth after every cleanse.

Mess-free

Product dripping down your arms or on your bathroom floor? No, thank you! Unlike cleansing oils which tend to be thin and runny in texture, balm cleansers are much less messy, so product doesn’t get wasted. Plus, a little goes a long way!

Leaves your skin feeling so good

Imagine washing your face and being met with the sensation of deeply cleansed yet supremely moisturised skin. Too good to be true? Not with cleansing balms. While traditional cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight and dry, cleansing balms envelop your skin in a cocoon of nourishment - without making it feel greasy. Plus, the luxurious texture and spa-like scents of our cleansing balms make every cleansing experience a truly indulgent one. Who knew cleansing could become our favourite skincare step?

1. With clean, dry hands, scoop out a small amount of balm to warm between your fingers.
2. Once melted, apply to your dry face, gently massaging in soothing circles for 30 seconds to two minutes. Take care to lightly massage the eye and lip area until makeup starts to break down.
3. Wet a clean cotton cloth with warm water, and wipe away the balm in sweeping motions as it cleanses.
4. If you’ve been wearing heavy makeup, you may need to re-soak and repeat until all the balm has been wiped away, but your face will feel clean and refreshed.

True skin health = clean skin, and the only way to achieve truly clean skin is to start with an oil-based cleansing balm as your first step to break down the grime. Since your skin will be left extra soft and nourished, you can go in for a double cleanse to rinse it all away. Look for a water-based gel cleanser that's intended to treat specific concerns such as the Superfood Facial Wash which contains natural prebiotics that help balance skin’s microflora or the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash which targets uneven skin tone and texture.​

You might be a frequent face washer or could just like to cleanse once a day. Both are totally acceptable, but keep in mind that there’s a different routine for how often you use your facial balm cleanser and what your skin’s needs look like.

Before you start on your cleansing journey, you should know that there’s no water needed for this product. Unlike traditional face wash, cleansing balms require a slightly different approach. Just apply it directly to your dry skin! It’s the simplest way to leave your complexion clean and looking like a dream! Are you unsure how to use cleansing balm? Need step-by-step directions? We have your back!

Here’s how to how to use Elemis cleansing balm products for your daily face wash routine:

With clean, dry hands, scoop out a small amount of balm to warm between your fingers.

Once melted, apply to your dry face, gently massaging in soothing circles for 30 seconds to two minutes. Take care to lightly massage the eye and lip area until makeup starts to break down.

Add a little water to emulsify and soften the balm, then continue massaging for another minute.

Wet a clean cotton cloth with warm water, and wipe away the balm in sweeping motions as it cleanses.

If you’ve been wearing heavy makeup, you may need to re-soak and repeat until all the balm has been wiped away, but your face will feel clean and refreshed.

Wondering how to use a cleansing balm for a double cleanse? It only takes a few simple steps:

1. Warm a scoop of cleansing balm in your fingers and apply to dry skin gently massaging onto the delicate eye and lip area to dissolve any makeup, and sunscreen.
2. Add a splash of water to emulsify and soften the balm, and continue to massage your face for another minute.
3. Wipe away with the soaked cotton cloth in warm water until your face appears clean.
4. Mix a pea-sized amount of a soothing gel cleanser onto palms, with some warm water, and again, massage into the face and neck area.
5. Rinse off the cleanser with warm water, patting with a dry clean towel.
6. Apply your choice of refreshing and nourishing essence, toner and creme for a hydrated, supple feel.

Did you know you could use our cleansing balms as face masks? Here’s how to use Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for a spa-like facial:

1. On dry skin, massage the cleansing balm onto the face in circular motions, invigorating face and neck muscles for 30 seconds to two minutes.
2. Once settled, wash hands and let the mask absorb right into the skin while you relax.
3. After 15-20 minutes, add a little water and massage your face for 30 seconds. Then, rinse with a washcloth and warm water, taking the balm away. Pat face dry and continue with your routine.

After cleansing, you’re ready to polish and treat skin to avoid overly stripping the skin of essential oils or cause dryness. After a cleansing balm, use a mist or essences that tones, moisturises and rebalances pH levels without the use of alcohol. Afterwards, lock in moisture with a skin-smoothing moisturiser or night cream that deeply hydrates whilst gently retexturizing for a brighter, more even look.

Yes, since the cleansing balm removes all makeup and impurities, wipe away the residue for smooth, clean skin that isn't stripped of any natural oils. If your skin is craving a facial mask, you can leave the balm on for 20 minutes while you continue the rest of your routine, and then wash it off with warm water.

Gentle and thorough, the cleansing balm is the perfect everyday cleanser, as it won't dry out your skin. In addition to helping balance the skin’s pH level, it protects the skin's natural moisture barrier, so with each use, you will feel your skin’s smooth texture improve.

Even if you’re not a makeup wearer, you should never go to sleep at night without clearing off the pollution, dirt, and dead skin build up that can clog pores. Even if your daily routine includes just a dab of moisturiser and SPF, you still need to get in there to cleanse and replenish for the next day.

Your routine might look different every day, but sometimes you might feel the need to reach for a double cleanse. Whether it might be after a sweaty afternoon workout, or a day of heavy makeup, the cleansing balm cleans, and the second cleanser treats, depending on your skin type or concern.

Caring for eyes, especially if you wear contacts is not an issue when using a cleansing balm. Specially formulated and tested by ophthalmologists, the Pro Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm protects the delicate eye area, and fully removes any mascara or eye makeup.

Contrary to what you may think, cleansing balms don’t cause breakouts. In fact, they can help avoid them. As they are made to give your skin a deep clean, cleansing balms gently but effectively remove stubborn makeup, dirt, oils, sunscreen and impurities without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. This helps maintain a balanced skin environment and ensures that any breakout-causing build up is removed. So, while their thick and rich texture might feel intimidating if you have breakouts or oily skin, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to miss out - they are great for all skin types.

Acne-prone skin benefits the most from a cleansing balm, as the cleansing balm erases every bit of dirt or pollution that might settle into skin. With each use, blackheads and clogged pores will loosen, and with the physical exfoliation of the cleansing cloth, will wipe away. Be sure to use cold water to remove, as pores will shut, and keep other impurities away.

Cleansing balms provide a gentle yet thorough cleanse without leaving your skin feeling greasy or stripped. They are uniquely formulated with rich, moisturising ingredients that nourish the skin and help protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This means that, as opposed to traditional cleansers, they can help improve your skin texture by keeping it hydrated, balanced and supple. As you massage in cleansing balm, you’re also promoting cell turnover, improving blood circulation and aiding lymphatic drainage to promote collagen production. This can all contribute to achieving a more radiant and youthful complexion.

Cleansing balms and oils are both great options when it comes to cleansing your skin while leaving it hydrated. That said, there is a key difference that sets them apart from each other: their texture. While oils have a lightweight consistency, cleansing balm has a thick, creamy texture and contains emulsifiers to help it turn into a milky consistency when mixed with water. This makes them feel more luxurious and pampering on the skin, making the task of cleansing your skin feel more like a spa-like ritual.

While cleansing balms and oils mainly differ in their texture, the cleansing balm vs face wash debate is a bit more complex. So, what does cleansing balm do compared to face wash? And how do you know when to use cleansing balm or face wash? Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two products:

No matter the reason you choose to use a cleansing balm, the benefits will be reaped. As an everyday cleansing treat, as an invigorating facial massage, to take extra care of the eye area or as a weekly soothing ritual, ELEMIS cleansing balms stand as a cult-favourite, and we want you to enjoy it.

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.

The Rose-Infused Icon

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

The Fragrance Free Edition

Previously known as our Naked Cleansing Balm, it's the same much loved formula now fragrance free.

Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm

The Fresh and Fruity One

Be transported to a Mediterranean fig grove with notes of ripe, green, and earthy fig, raspberry and bergamot.

Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm

The Latest Decadent Addition

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