The Best Cleansing Balm for Sensitive Skin

For dry and sensitive skin types, a cleansing balm can be a healthy replacement for rough and irritating makeup-remover wipes or other personal deep-cleansing methods. Cleansing balms easily remove makeup, excess oil, dirt and impurities without the exfoliation that comes with using a wipe. In addition, cleansing balms are typically infused with skin-loving oils and emollients to intensely nourish the skin whilst cleansing, for a soft and soothed feeling.

When you have sensitive skin, it’s important to use a cleanser that won’t over-dry or strip the skin of its natural moisture content. Enter: cleansing balms. The greatest thing about cleansing balms is that they’re super gentle, yet extra effective at removing long-wear makeup, excess oil and impurities. They are oil-based and work by nourishing the skin as a balm, easily removing makeup as a cleansing oil, and hydrating as a cleansing milk. Cleansing balms leave the skin feeling nourished as opposed to other water-based deep cleansing methods that may be too harsh for sensitive skin.

Cleansing balms are oil-based cleansers, efficiently removing the day’s skin buildup without drying or stripping the skin of its natural moisture content. Instead, cleansing balms nourish the skin, leaving skin in a calm, healthy state before the next steps in your skincare routine for sensitive skin

Bear in mind, what irritates your skin might not irritate another person with sensitive skin. The uniqueness of our skin should always play a role in how we select our skincare. But let’s say you’re not sure what irritates your skin. Below, we’ve listed common ingredients to look for and avoid if you have sensitive skin:

Ingredients to look for:

- Aloe Vera
- Chamomile Extract
- Shea Butter
- Jojoba Oil
- Almond Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Rosehip Oil
- Squalane
- Glycerin
- Vitamin E

Ingredients to avoid:

- Sulfates
- Petroleum
- Fragrance
- Alcohols
- Citrus Oils or Extracts
- Salicylic Acid

First, double-check your product’s directions and warnings before use. In most cases, cleansing balms are excellent for daily use on sensitive skin because they are nourishing and gentle. If you’re using one of our Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balms we recommend daily use or weekly when used as a nourishing facial mask . Cleansing balms are high-performance cleansers that easily remove long-wear makeup and sunscreens which tend to linger on skin, making them the perfect addition to any nighttime skincare routine. Since they are so gentle and hydrating, cleansing balms can be used both morning and night, applied directly to dry skin.

Cleansing is an essential step for skin health. With a double-cleanse , you’re enhancing your cleansing ritual with an effective step in removing stubborn dirt, excess oils, makeup and sunscreen that stay behind and cause unwanted breakouts or other sensitive skin reactions. This two-step regimen offers a gentle approach to deep cleansing, whilst helping to prep the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Discover cleansing balms for your skin type and concern here

That being said, not all cleansing balms are created equal. For sensitive skin, we recommend a cleansing balm that is packed with skin softening and moisturising ingredients. Our Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm is perfect for dry and sensitive skin types. The mineral-oil-free formula infuses Rose and Mimosa waxes with Elderberry, Starflower and Optimega™ Oils which help restore the skin's lipid barrier and soothe skin with hydration.

To help jumpstart (or strengthen) your skincare routine for sensitive skin, we put together a step-by-step regimen below:

Morning Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Step 1 - Cleansing Balm: Use your favourite cleansing balm for sensitive skin

Step 2 - Second Cleanse: Use a gentle face wash cleanser , such as a foaming facial cleanser

Step 3 Balance: Apply a moisture-balancing skin essence to optimize skin for treatments

Step 4 - Treat: Apply your anti-acne treatments, antioxidants, or other anti-ageing treatments.

Step 5 - Moisturise: Apply your favourite daytime moisturiser or moisturiser with SPF

Step 6 - Protect: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every day, rain or shine

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Step 1 - Cleansing Balm: Use your favourite cleansing balm for sensitive skin

Step 2 - Second Cleanse: Use a calming and gentle wash cleanser, such as a foaming cleanser

Step 3 - Balance: Apply a moisture-balancing skin essence to optimize skin for treatments

Step 4 - Treat: Apply your anti-acne treatments, antioxidants, or other anti-ageing treatments

Step 5 - Moisturise: Apply your favourite nighttime moisturiser

Adding a cleansing balm to your sensitive skincare routine can leave you with softer, hydrated and more radiant-looking skin. Cleansing balms are an excellent dry/sensitive skin-type replacement for makeup-remover wipes or other harsh makeup-removing methods. If you don’t have time to double-cleanse in the morning, don’t worry. Start by adding a cleansing balm to your nighttime skincare routine, as cleansing balms work best by removing tough buildup on skin left from the day.

Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

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.

Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm

The Rose-Infused Icon

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

Pro-Collagen Fragrance-Free Cleansing Balm

Fragrance-free version of our bestselling cleansing balm that melts away makeup and impurities for a glowing complexion.