Best Korean cleansing balms: how to choose

Which cleansing option suits your routine?

Choose the cleanser for its mildness and the job you need it to do, rather than treating price as a quality score. Cleanser ingredients can be similar across very different prices, so the price tag is not a chemistry degree.3

What does a cleansing balm actually do?

A cleansing balm is an option for the first makeup removal step. Oil based cleansing helps break down makeup, sunscreen residue and sebum, the oil on your skin. A water based cleanser then removes water soluble impurities such as sweat and dirt. A balm earns its place by removing makeup, not by giving the evening routine another department.14

Cleansers use surfactants, ingredients that help loosen oil and dirt so water can carry them away. One part of a surfactant attaches to oily material; another allows it to wash off. Gentle massage and thorough rinsing matter more than scrubbing harder.3

How to use a cleansing balm

This is the general double cleansing sequence.

1. 1Use the balm as your first cleansing step when removing makeup or waterproof sunscreen.
2. 2Gently massage the oil based cleanser into your skin with your hands to loosen makeup and sunscreen residue. Avoid scrubbing.
3. 3Rinse with lukewarm water, not hot water.
4. 4Leave your skin damp and gently apply a water based cleanser.
5. 5Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.
6. 6Apply any skin medication or treatment after cleansing, then moisturizer.

Do you need a balm every morning and evening?

Most people should wash their face in the morning and at night, but that does not mean using a balm twice daily. Reserve the extra removal step for makeup rather than adding it automatically to both washes. If you have dry or sensitive skin, washing with water alone in the morning and using a cleanser at night is an option. If you wash only once daily, make it the evening wash.4

There is no standard amount of time everyone should spend washing their face. The right duration depends on the cleanser, skin type and activity level. A fixed minute of massage is not a requirement, and washing more often removes more of the skin's natural oils.4

What should sensitive skin avoid?

Avoid harsh, excessively drying or fragranced cleansers. Sensitive skin often stings during or just after cleansing, and it is more likely to be dry. Fragrances, preservatives and some botanical ingredients can cause contact reactions. Overwashing can remove the surface oil film and increase water loss, leaving skin dry and irritated.3

Is a cleansing balm a good choice for acne?

For acne, prioritize a mild cleanser labelled oil free, won't clog pores or noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Remove makeup before bed with an oil free remover, then wash gently with your fingertips and lukewarm water. Oily skincare products can cause or worsen acne, so an oil based balm is not the default choice simply because your skin is oily.26

If you already use acne medication, be cautious about adding a cleanser designed to treat acne: combining treatments can produce excessive dryness and irritation. Keep cleansing separate from treatment decisions. Acne treatments often take weeks or months to show improvement, and most take 2 to 4 months to reach their full effect.36

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using a product if severe irritation develops and see your doctor for advice. If a cleanser or another skincare product appears to be causing breakouts, stop using the suspected product rather than increasing scrubbing. A dermatologist can help identify the cause when several products could be involved. Get medical advice for severe acne or acne that is not improving with treatment.27