In recent years, the cleansing balm has made its mark on the market due to its effective cleaning properties and the softness it leaves on the skin, compared to other types of cleansers. But what gives it all these benefits and sets it apart from the rest? We have analysed the formulation of a cleansing balm here to better understand how it works.
What is a cleansing balm composed of?
Summary
Published on February 13, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 5 min of reading
Themes:
Why a cleansing makeup-removing balm?
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.
How is a cleansing balm formulated?
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.
An analysis of the composition of Typology's cleansing balm.
100% natural and certified organic, our cleansing balm has a semi-solid consistency with a triple texture. It transforms into a gentle oil to remove makeup particles from the face, lips, and eyes with the tips of your fingers, then into a milky emulsion upon contact with water to deeply cleanse the skin and facilitate rinsing. Neutral and without added fragrance, its evolving texture leaves the skin clean, soft, nourished, and soothed thanks to its concentrated and minimalist composition, all done gently, without leaving a greasy effect or causing dryness.
Given the absence of essential oils, our oily balm is also suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
| INCI Name | Origin | Function(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil | Plant-based | Antioxidant agent and active substance (sunflower oil) |
| Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil | Plant-based | Active Ingredient (Coconut Oil) |
| Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate | Plant-based (derived from palm and coconut oil) | Emulsifying Agent |
| Behenyl Esters of Hydrogenated Castor Oil | Plant-based (behenic esters of hydrogenated castor oil fatty acids) | Emulsion Stabiliser |
| Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil | Plant-based | Active Ingredient (Camellia Oil) |
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax | Plant-based | Texturing agent and active ingredient (sunflower wax) |
| Tribehenin | Plant-based (produced from rapeseed oil) | Emollient |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate | Plant-based (produced from rapeseed, corn, coconut, castor, sunflower and palm oil) | Emulsifying Agent |
| C10-18 Triglycerides | Vegetable-based (produced from hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, and glycerine derived from coconut oil, palm oil, corn, and/or rapeseed) | Emollient |
| Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil | Plant-based | Active Ingredient (Buriti Oil) |
| Tocopherol | Plant-based (derived from soybean and rapeseed oil) | Antioxidant |
