The Complete Guide to Cleansing Balms: What Your Skin's Been Waiting For.
After a long day, a makeup wipe can seem like the easiest option. Massage in a balm, add water, rinse it off? That sounds like more work.
But if you're using several wipes and still finding makeup on your towel, the shortcut isn't doing much for you. A cleansing balm gives makeup and sunscreen something to dissolve into, so you don't have to keep rubbing at your face.
I've been making Aurora since 2011. Here's what I want people to know about cleansing balms before they try one: how they work, how to use them, and why you shouldn't assume every balm can do the same things.
What is a cleansing balm?
A cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser with a solid or semi-solid texture. You massage it onto dry skin, where it softens and spreads into an oil. Many formulas contain emulsifiers that help the oil mix with water and rinse away.
The oils help loosen makeup, sunscreen and daily buildup. The point isn't to scrub your skin until it feels squeaky. It's to remove what needs removing without leaving your face tight.
Cleansing balm, makeup wipes or cleansing oil?
Cleansing balm vs. makeup wipes
My preference is a balm. With wipes, it's easy to end up rubbing the same patch of skin repeatedly, especially around stubborn makeup. A balm lets you massage gently and rinse, rather than trying to get everything off through friction.
It also means fewer disposable wipes in the bin. You still need to rinse properly, though. Loosening makeup isn't the same as removing it.
Cleansing balm vs. cleansing oil
Both are oil-based, and neither is automatically better. A lot of this comes down to the texture you enjoy using.
A balm stays where you put it and is easy to scoop out a little at a time. An oil is already liquid. With either, pay attention to how it rinses and how your skin feels afterwards, not just what the label promises.
Can you use a cleansing balm as a mask or moisturizer?
Not every cleansing balm is meant to stay on your skin. Most are rinse-off products, so check the directions rather than assuming you can sleep in one.
Aurora is different: I made it to be multi-purpose. You can use it to cleanse, leave it on as a nourishing mask, or use a small amount as a balm where your skin needs it.
That's useful when you're travelling or just want fewer jars on the bathroom shelf. But it's a feature of this formula, not a rule for cleansing balms in general.
Why gentle cleansing matters for your skin barrier
Dry air, heating and cold weather can already leave your skin uncomfortable. A cleanser that leaves you tight after every wash isn't helping.
A stripping cleanser is one of the most common causes of a damaged skin barrier.
You don't need to wash more aggressively because you've worn sunscreen or spent the day outside. You need a cleanser that removes the buildup, followed by the hydration and moisturizer your skin needs.
What to look for in a cleansing balm
Start with the practical things. Does it remove what you wear? Does it rinse the way you like? Does your skin feel comfortable afterwards? A lovely texture isn't much use if you dread washing it off.
Oils, butters and emulsifiers all affect how a balm feels and works. An ingredient list can tell you what's in the jar, but it doesn't tell you everything about the finished formula. More expensive doesn't automatically mean better, and neither does a longer list of ingredients.
I make Aurora in small batches because that's how I work. What matters to you is whether the finished balm suits your skin and makes your routine easier.
How to use a cleansing balm
- Start with dry hands and a dry face. Scoop out a small amount with clean, dry hands or a spatula.
- Massage gently. Give the balm time to soften and loosen your makeup and sunscreen. You don't need to press hard.
- Add a little water. Massage again, following your balm's directions.
- Rinse well. If needed, use a soft, damp cloth gently to remove remaining makeup. No scrubbing. Keep water out of the jar.
If you're about to shower, you can massage the balm in first and rinse there. Just leave the jar somewhere it stays dry.
What should your skin feel like afterwards?
Clean and comfortable. Not coated in leftover makeup, and not so tight that you're rushing for moisturizer.
There's no fixed three-week transformation you have to wait for. If a balm irritates your skin, you don't need to push through it. And if you're left with residue, check the amount you're using and how thoroughly you're rinsing before deciding you need a second cleanser.
The Aurora experience
AURORA Multi-Purpose Cleansing Balm is the balm I've been making since 2011. It's golden from sea buckthorn oil, with a blend of plant butters that includes mango and cocoa butter.
I wanted something that could remove makeup and sunscreen without making cleansing feel like a punishment. I also wanted it to earn its space on the shelf: a cleanser, a mask, and a balm when you need a little more comfort.
Use it to cleanse and rinse it off, or use a small amount as a leave-on balm. You don't have to use it every possible way. Start with the job you bought it for.
Where to start
If your current cleanser leaves you tight, or removing makeup involves a lot of rubbing, a cleansing balm is worth considering. It doesn't need to be a whole new routine. Change the cleansing step and see how your skin feels.
You can find Aurora in our cleanser collection. Everything there is handcrafted in Canada.
