In recent years, the cleansing balm has made a significant impact 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 advantages and sets it apart from the rest? We have analyzed the formulation of a cleansing balm here to better understand how it works.
What is a cleansing balm composed of?
Summary
Published on January 11, 2024, updated on February 13, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 5 min of reading
Themes:
Why a cleansing makeup remover 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 clearer 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.
4 minutes to understand your skin. Our dermatological diagnostic guides you toward the ideal skincare for your specific needs. Simple, quick, personalized.
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 texturizing 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 accumulation, 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 oily substances, surfactants (lipophilic emulsifiers) help to enhance the skin feel and improve the spreadability of the balm. Moreover, 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 parts 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 while being gentle, 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 |
| Hydrogenated Castor Oil Behenyl Esters | Plant-based (behenic esters of hydrogenated castor oil fatty acids) | Emulsion Stabilizer |
| 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 canola oil) | Emollient |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate | Vegetable-based (produced from canola, corn, coconut, castor, sunflower, and palm oils) | Emulsifying Agent |
| C10-18 Triglycerides | Vegetable-based (produced from hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, and glycerin derived from coconut oil, palm oil, corn, and/or canola) | Emollient |
| Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil | Plant-based | Active Ingredient (Buriti Oil) |
| Tocopherol | Plant-based (derived from soybean and canola oil) | Antioxidant |
