How to Use Cleansing Balm for Refreshed, Hydrated Skin

Cleansing balms aren’t exactly a new product, but the skincare category is undoubtedly having a moment, with popularity surging in recent years.¹

This type of oil-based cleanser is amazing at removing makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil without stripping the skin.² Think of it as a gentle yet effective makeup remover that also supports your skin’s natural balance. It can also be used as the first step of a double cleanse when you want a clean, refreshed face. Help support your skin’s natural balance for healthy-looking skin.

But what is a cleansing balm, and how do you use it? We'll cover what's in cleansing balm, how it's different from regular face wash, why it's a stellar addition to skincare routines, and how to use it, step by step.

What Is Cleansing Balm?

Cleansing balm is an oil-based, semi-solid skin cleanser with a smooth, creamy texture that melts into an oil when it comes into contact with the warmth of your skin. When massaged into the skin and mixed with water, it emulsifies and becomes a milky liquid.³

Traditional face washes, on the other hand, are typically water-based and come in the form of gels, foams, and other liquids. 

The nice thing about this nourishing face cleanser is that it gets the job done without making your skin feel stripped, dry, or tight.⁴ All skin types can use a cleansing balm. As long as the formula is gentle and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), it's suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone complexions.⁵ It can work well for oily skin types.

What Is Cleansing Balm Used For?

What are the cleansing balm benefits, and what is it used for? As an oil-based cleanser, cleansing balm is formulated to dissolve oil-based products and residues from the skin. It can pick up full-coverage foundation, tinted moisturizer, waxy mascara, mineral sunscreen, greasy residues, and dirt. Then, when you rinse your face with water, the emulsified liquid washes down the drain, along with all these oils.

Wondering how to double cleanse and if this balm can be used? As mentioned, a cleansing balm is often used as part of a double cleanse. The oil-based formula tackles makeup and other sticky, water-resistant substances. You can follow up with a water-based cleanser to wash away the rest, leaving you with skin that not only looks but also leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed.⁶ Makeup wipes alone can’t achieve the same thorough cleansing.

How to Use Cleansing Balm in 5 Easy Steps

Incorporating cleansing balm into your skincare routine is easy. Here's what to do:

• Step 1: Start with dry, clean hands and a dry (unwashed) face. Dispense a small amount of cleansing balm into your hand, rub it between your palms or fingertips for a moment, then spread it onto your face.
• Step 2: Gently massage the liquified balm all over your face for one to two minutes, including the eye area, especially if you were wearing mascara, eyeliner, or other eye makeup (a gentle formula shouldn't sting the eyes).
• Step 3: Once all makeup and buildup appear to be dissolved in the oil (it may look a bit smeary, depending on what you had on), splash your face with lukewarm water. Keep massaging for another minute or so until the texture turns milky.
• Step 4: Rinse your face thoroughly with a few more splashes of lukewarm water. Then pat your skin dry with a soft, clean cloth (some residual makeup may come off on the cloth).
• Step 5: Follow with a water-based cleanser (like our exfoliating cleanser) for a complete double cleanse. 

Can a Cleansing Balm Be Used Daily?

Absolutely. Lots of people reach for cleansing balm every day. Since it's so good at removing makeup and sunscreen, it's often used as part of a nighttime skincare routine. Even if you don't double cleanse (or wear makeup, for that matter), an oil-based cleanser can still be an excellent choice of face wash because it balances deep cleansing with hydration.

Rael's cleansing balm is dermatologist-tested and safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It's also ophthalmologist-tested, so you can use it around your eyes without worrying about irritation.

Will Cleansing Balms Clog Pores or Cause Breakouts?

It depends on the formula, but a non-comedogenic cleansing balm like Rael's is designed to work with reactive skin, not against it. Made with clean ingredients for clear skin, the gentle, balancing oils can help soothe the look of redness for an even-looking complexion that appears hydrated, not shiny.⁵

Key Ingredients in Rael's Cleansing Balm

Our cleansing balm is carefully formulated with non-irritating ingredients, each chosen to support skin comfort and promote brighter, clearer-looking skin.

Tamanu oil and jojoba oil break down makeup and cleanse the skin without stripping or clogging pores.^7,8 Meanwhile, rice bran helps skin feel smooth and soft while working to clear buildup.^9,10 Botanical extracts and antioxidants like heartleaf and cherry blossom help reduce the appearance of redness and boost radiance for more even-looking skin.^11,12

Refresh Your Skin's Appearance With Rael

If you're new to cleansing balm, we're happy to tell you it's not only easy to use but also enjoyable. There's something really satisfying about the solid melting into liquid and then turning milky when it mixes with water. All skin types can benefit from this skincare step, especially if you go with a non-comedogenic formula like the one from Rael's Miracle Clear line.

Our skincare products are designed to support your skin through its natural month-to-month changes and at different life stages. Check out the collection to explore thoughtful formulas to add to your routine.

 

Sources: 

1. Grand View Research. "Facial Cleansing Balm Market Size & Trends, 2024 - 2030." https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/facial-cleansing-balm-market-report. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
2. Pramesty SA, et al. "Formulation and Physical Quality Testing of Cleansing Balm from Centella Asiatica (L.) URB. Extract with Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis L.) as a Makeup Remover." Advances in Healthcare Research, Aug. 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394652009. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
3. Sousa AM, et, al. "Oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions formation and demulsification." Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, Mar. 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920410521016521. Accessed September 30, 2025.
4. Walters RM, et al. "Cleansing Formulations That Respect Skin Barrier Integrity." Dermatology Research and Practice, 13 Aug. 2012, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3425021/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
5. Mukhopadhyay P. "Cleansers and Their Role in Various Dermatological Disorders." Indian Journal of Dermatology, Feb. 2011, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3088928/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
6. Im SH, et al. "A Study on Skin Conditions by Water-Soluble Cleansers." Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology, 2010, https://e-ajbc.org/journal/view.php?number=614. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
7. Pribowo A, et al. "Potential of Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) Oil for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 26 Dec. 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8782620/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
8. Gad HA, et al. "Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity." Polymers (Basel), 24 May 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8197201/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
9. Chaikul P, et al. "Anti-skin ageing activities of rice (Oryza sativa) bran soft and hard waxes in cultured skin cells." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Apr. 2024, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37840342/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
10. Yang F, et al. "Biologically Active Components and Skincare Benefits of Rice Fermentation Products: A Review." Cosmetics, 13 Feb. 2025, https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/1/29. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
11. Park S, et al. "Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Medicinal Herb Extract Mixture, HM-V, on an Animal Model of DNCB-Induced Chronic Skin Inflammation." Plants (Basel), 28 Jul. 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8400547/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.
12. Zhang YQ, et al. "The anti-inflammatory effect of cherry blossom extract (Prunus yedoensis) used in soothing skincare product." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Dec. 2014, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25065693/. Accessed on September 30, 2025.