What is a cleansing balm composed of?

The cleansing balm is a light cleanser, which combines makeup removing efficiency with comforting hydration at every use. The oils contained in the formula help to melt away makeup, but also gently remove dirt, sunscreen, excess sebum and other skincare products in a single step without stripping the skin, thus achieving a cleaner and brighter complexion.

Furthermore, the emollients (oils, butters, waxes) it contains are capable of cleansing the skin without leaving it dry. On the contrary, they protect the skin barrier from drying out and prevent water loss on the skin's surface. Mistakenly believing that cleansing balm is only beneficial for dry skin, it is in fact suitable and effective for all skin types. Gentle in makeup removal, it keeps the skin nourished and soft without causing irritation or redness.

The cleansing balm is a anhydrous cleansing product, meaning it is a water-free system, with a solid to semi-solid consistency that has been conferred by its unique composition. It is thus mainly composed of oils, waxes and butters alongside cleansing and texturing ingredients. The formulation of cleansing balms also contains surfactants, essential components for a comprehensive facial cleansing. Without these surfactants, the oils contained in the balm will not be removed from the skin during rinsing, which will lead to pore clogging, sebum build-up and the appearance of imperfections (comedones, pimples).

The silky, buttery texture and the long-lasting soft solid form of the oily components in cleansing balms are due to the amount of wax present in the formula.

In addition to capturing fatty substances, surfactants (lipophilic emulsifiers) assist in enhancing the skin sensation and improving the spreadability of the balm. Furthermore, when the balm is removed, no greasy and sticky finish will be felt. In addition to those naturally present in fatty compounds, the cleansing balm may contain a small amount of tocopherol to prevent the oil components from becoming rancid. Finally, this cleansing care base can be enhanced with essential oils to make the product more appealing by giving it a pleasant scent.