Which is Better Cleansing Balm or Oil?

Both cleansing balm and oil serve the purpose of cleaning your skin. Both contain oils that help in removing makeup, grime, and dirt from the skin. But there are also some differences between the two. When it comes to skincare products, it is essential to choose what works the best for your needs. So, here’s the information about oil cleansing balms and cleansing oils; and which is better of the two.

The Main Differences between Cleansing Balms and Oils

Texture: Oil cleansing balms are thicker in texture; almost buttery or wax-like. Upon application, the balm transforms into a silkier or milky texture. Cleansing oils are in liquid form.

Packaging: Due to the texture of each, the packaging of cleansing balms and oils are different. Cleansing balms are sold in tubes or jars whereas cleansing oils come inside pump bottles.

Which is Better – Cleansing Balm or Oil?

While both the products work to clear skin of makeup and grime; oil cleansing balms offer more benefits than cleansing oils.

– Gentler: Cleansing balms are gentler on the skin. Due to their creamier texture, it is easier to apply balms. A good quality balm will simply melt into your skin while still doing its job of cleaning it thoroughly.

Cleansing oils can irritate the skin as the process of removing makeup using oils can be a little harsh in itself. You may require more water or soap to remove the remaining oil from your skin, which can dry the skin.

– Restorative: Oil cleansing balms can nurture your skin. Its gentle texture will keep the skin’s moisture intact.

Good quality oil cleansing balms contain ingredients like sweet almond oil. As you massage the balm into your skin, the vitamins E and D and other minerals will penetrate deep within the epidermis. The oil will pull away dirt and grime to the surface while retaining the moisture in your skin. The nutrients in the skin will further protect and restore the skin’s texture. The oils in balms can even nourish eyebrows and eyelashes.

It takes time for oils to penetrate into the skin compared with balms. So, you won’t get the same benefits from using cleansing oils.

– Ease of application: Due to their creamy texture, it is easy to apply balms on the skin. Oils, being liquid, can be messier to use. One argument against balms is that taking it out from jars could be unhygienic, even if you use the spatula that comes with it. But now oil cleansing balms are available in tubes; further simplifying the application process. It is also easy to carry balms when traveling without fearing spillage.

– Affordable: A little bit of balm goes a long way to removing makeup and dirt from the skin. Good quality balms can remove even waterproof makeup with ease. So, you will not need copious amounts of balm for the job. Since the use of balms makes skin supple and healthier, you will also need fewer skincare products to keep it in good condition. All these factors can make it very affordable to use oil cleansing balms.

Cleansing oils, on the other hand, may not do the job in a few drops.

– Safe: There is no risk of acne breakout when you use cleansing balms. Even if you have oily skin, you can still use a cleansing balm to remove makeup and dirt from your face. Oil is not suitable for everyone’s skin. It can even irritate the eye and cause blurriness for a few minutes. If you use oil cleansing balms without parabens or sulfate, it will be even safer to use.

Some good brands now make oil cleansing balms that are also gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and without acetone or PCM compounds. With oils, you can never know the process used for obtaining it. If the oil is not produced using cold-pressed methods, many of its nutrients are lost. So, you will end up with a product that has fewer nutrients and may not be gentle on the skin as well.

To make the most of your skincare routine with oil cleansing balms, buy products that are free of chemicals and contain quality ingredients.