Are you a cleansing oil girl, or a cleansing balm girl?
Struggling to make a decision between the two choices is proving difficult for me. Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons, similar to the dilemma of choosing between ice cream and cake. Although having both might be desirable in an ideal scenario, limitations like space constraints and expiry dates pose a challenge. Let's examine the comparison to determine the optimal selection based on the different textures and choices offered.
Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansers typically come with a pump for easy application. Since they are mostly watery, you can effortlessly rub them in your hands, apply on your face, and massage. You can pump more if needed, without creating a mess. Below are some of my favorites.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
This cleansing oil contains a mix of Centella oil sourced from Madagascar and six various plant-based oils. It effectively removes surface impurities and makeup due to its watery and highly liquid consistency. It efficiently cleanses the skin and easily emulsifies. It is very light and feels refreshing after emulsifying. While it includes many skin-softening ingredients, it also contains comedogenic mineral oils that could potentially lead to skin irritations.
Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Being one of the pioneering cleansing oils available, this product holds the top spot in South Korea. It has a slightly thicker consistency compared to the Skin1004 cleansing oil, yet it emulsifies effectively, leaving the skin feeling incredibly smooth and clean. Renowned for its acid-balanced formula with a low pH, this oil does contain mineral oils that may trigger skin irritations in individuals sensitive to them. Additionally, it includes tea tree oil, which I typically avoid due to my sensitivity to it. But surprisingly, it has not caused any breakouts for me thus far.
Purito From Green Cleansing Oil
This product is among the gentlest cleansing oils available. Despite containing oils, it is enriched with healthy natural ingredients such as olive oil and almond oil. Upon using this lightweight oil, your skin will feel thoroughly clean and soft. I suggest this product for those with sensitive skin.
Ilso Natural Cleansing Oil
This oil cleanser is my go-to choice. It is gentle, watery, and enriched with healthy natural oils such as sesame oil and jojoba oil. Although it contains fragrance, I personally cannot detect any scent. It emulsifies effectively and leaves the skin feeling clean.
Cleansing Balms
Typically, cleansing balms are packaged in tubes and require a spatula for extraction. However, there is a recent trend in the market featuring innovative balms with twist-and-turn tops that dispense the product similar to sherbets. I was so excited to hear about the new designs with dispenser tops which enhances the hygiene and usability of the balms. Here are our favorite balm picks.
April Skin Carrotene IPMP Hydramelt Cleansing Balm
The balm by April Skin is quite impressive. It requires the use of a spatula. The orange color helps identify missed spots. It doesn't have a carrot scent, but rather a citrusy aroma. While the packaging claims it's non-comedogenic, it does contain oils like grapefruit peel oil that could be irritating. This balm lives up to its promises, effectively removing makeup, sebum, and impurities from pores to help with acne, and it emulsifies easily.
BanilaCo Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
Banila Co Clean it Zero cleansing Balm is truly unique. Being among the pioneers in the creation of high-quality cleansing balms, this product has gained significant popularity. While hypoallergenic, it does contain fragrance in its formula. Upon contact with the skin, it quickly changes from a solid balm to a smooth and silky oil. It effectively removes makeup and eliminates impurities without causing any harm to the skin.
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Dr. Althea is renowned for incorporating numerous natural ingredients and healthy oils into their products. It comes as no surprise that this cleansing oil is enriched with beneficial components such as grape seed oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Madecassoside. The balm features a unique dispenser design that allows the product to dispense smoothly when twisted, resembling a soufflé emerging from the slots on top. Simply scoop a bit with your finger and apply it onto your skin. The texture is incredibly silky and provides a delightful sensation on the skin.
House Of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm
The House of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm features a unique twisting top dispenser that releases the pink balm in a delightful manner. Despite its initial thickness, when massaged onto the skin, it transforms into a luxurious and emulsifying texture, ensuring effective cleansing. This product is praised for its thick and silky consistency, with a mostly clean ingredient list, although it contains Castor Seed Oil, which may be a mild irritant.
When starting a skincare cleansing routine, using cleansing oils and cleaning balms is essential. While some people may have a preference for one over the other, others like to use both interchangeably. It's important to be aware that many cleansing oils contain comedogenic ingredients and mineral oils that can be irritants. However, since these products are rinsed off during cleansing, they are generally safe to use even for those with sensitive skin. Always perform a patch test before applying any new product to ensure it is suitable for your skin. I recommend patch testing under the jawline before applying products to the face directly. The primary goal of the first step in double cleansing is to remove surface debris and makeup so that the second step can effectively clean the skin. Choose a first cleanser that emulsifies well and provides a thorough cleansing experience.
Which product worked well for you? Which one provided a positive experience and which one did not? Did it dissolve effectively in your hands? Share your feedback and any additional suggestions for initial cleansing products.
I like to use micellular water. Have you tired that?