Not all pre-cleanses are made equal, which is where the cleansing balm vs oil debate comes up. Both formulas are oil-based that dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities without stripping your skin’s moisture barrier. A good upgrade from notoriously harsh foaming cleansers.
There are important nuances, though. A balm begins as a solid and melts on contact, turning into a rich oil before rinsing away clean. A cleansing oil starts liquid and emulsifies the moment water touches it.
From our Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm to our new Calendula Essential Cleansing Oil, we have both formulas in store for you here at Naturopathica and are going to cover everything you need to know about the cleansing balm vs cleansing oil comparison.
So how do I know which one is best for me? The short answer is it depends on your skin type. Take a look at the chart below.
Cleansing Balm vs Oil (Differences at a Glance)
|
Cleansing Balm |
Cleansing Oil |
|
|
Texture |
Solid, melts into oil on contact |
Liquid oil from the start |
|
Best For |
Dry, mature skin |
All skin types, especially sensitive + oily/combination |
|
Cleansing Strength |
Heavy makeup, waterproof formulas, thick SPF |
Daily makeup, sunscreen, light buildup |
|
Residue |
Slight moisturizing film |
Rinses clean with water |
|
Application |
Massage onto dry face with fingertips |
Dispense into palms, press onto dry face |
|
Key Benefit |
Hydrates and nourishes during cleansing |
Lightweight, fast, no heaviness |
Pros and Cons of Cleansing Balm
We love a good cleansing balm. And we’re not alone. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman says, “Cleansing oils and micellar water do not transform in a consistency like cleansing balms do. While each is effective for removing makeup and impurities and cleansing the skin, they don't multitask quite as cleansing balms do.”1
Really, it’s that transformation from solid to oil to milky emulsion that makes a cleansing balm so great. It does two things in a single step: dissolves impurities on contact while delivering deep, lasting moisture.
Pros
- Melts heavy makeup, waterproof mascara, and sunscreen without tugging or stripping
- Hydrates while cleansing, leaving skin silky soft instead of tight and dry
- Waxes and emollients are the best choice for dry, mature skin types in many cases
Cons
- Heavier texture may be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin
- More rinsing is necessary to remove the cleanser
- Jar packaging is less travel-friendly in some cases
Our Cleansing Balm Pick
Our best-selling Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm melts into skin on application and effortlessly lifts away makeup and impurities, leaving precious moisture behind so the skin feels nourished instead of irritated.
In addition to the New Zealand Manuka Honey, it features a proven Probiotic and a Biomimetic Royal Jelly Peptide to renew the skin. It has been our best-selling cleanser since its initial launch.
Pros and Cons of Cleansing Oil
A cleansing oil starts where a balm ends: already liquid, ready to work. Pump a little in your palms and press it onto dry skin. It’ll dissolve SPF and foundation in seconds, leaving you with a beautiful blank slate.
It’s a lighter texture that emulsifies much faster. It’s a little more convenient to use, and it may be a better fit for oily and combination skin.
Pros
- Lightweight texture that rinses well without leaving any trace behind
- Fast and efficient for morning or bedtime rituals that already have other steps
- Oil dissolves oil without clogging pores; perfect for oily/combination skin types
- Pairs well with a water-based cleanser for a full double cleanse
Cons
- Not nearly as moisturizing as a balm for dry skin
- Can feel too light on dry skin that’s screaming for hydration
Our Cleansing Oil Pick
Our new Calendula Essential Cleansing Oil features anti-inflammatory Calendula Extract and a lipid-rich oil blend. It melts away makeup and sunscreen while calming irritation. Perfect for sensitive and reactive skin that needs a gentler cleanse without heaviness. Usually a better fit for oily and combination skin types.
Cleansing Balm vs Cleansing Oil: Which is Right For Your Ritual?
One isn’t necessarily “better” than the other. There are three things you need to think about to narrow it down between a cleansing balm vs oil:
- Skin type: Dry, mature, or sensitive skin can benefit from the richer properties of a cleansing balm. Oily and combination skin needs something a little lighter.
- Makeup habits: You need a denser cleanser if you wear heavy makeup, use waterproof formulas, or lather on sunscreen. A balm is better in that case. An oil can work just fine if you wear light foundation, oil-based formulas, or even go bare-faced.
- Personal preference: Some people would rather their cleanser feel like a treatment - and there’s nothing quite as nourishing as a balm. Others want efficiency. A cleansing oil is faster and easier to use.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah says oil-based cleansing works across skin types. “Some people with oily skin think they shouldn't use cleansing balms because they're oil-based, but the truth is that oil actually helps remove some of the excess oil on the skin that can clog pores, without stripping the skin.”2
We know a lot of people who actually use both sides of the cleansing balm vs cleansing oil debate in their rituals. Balms for the days they need heavier makeup removal and more moisture. Oils for when they need something lighter and simpler.
Either way, your search for the best cleansing oil or balm ends here at Naturopathica.
Get the Best Cleansing Oil or Balm at Naturopathica Today
Whether you decide to use a cleansing oil, balm, or both, we have exactly what you need.
Both our Calendula skin care and Manuka Honey skin care products are crafted through a blend of ancient botanical wisdom and modern skincare science. Customers have trusted us for clean skincare products since 1995.
Take a look at the full selection of cleansers here at Naturopathica. There are so many other wonderful formulas in store for you, from our Chamomile Cleansing Milk to our Colloidal Silver & Salicylic Acid Acne Clearing Cleanser.
Still not sure which is right for you between a cleansing balm vs oil? Reach out to service@naturopathica.com for a personalized recommendation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cleansing balm the same as an oil cleanser?
No. Both are oil-based, but a balm starts solid and melts into oil on your skin.
Is cleansing balm better than cleansing oil?
It depends on your skin type and what you need from your cleanser. You may even find that you need one of each for different situations. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer between a cleansing balm vs oil.
Do you need both a cleansing balm and cleansing oil?
Not everyone does, but some people decide to keep both in rotation for different days or times of year. The balm can be beneficial during winter when skin naturally becomes drier, or when you wear heavier makeup. The oil can be your go-to when you don’t need as much cleansing power.
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