What Balm and Oil Have in Common

Both are oil-based cleansers and dissolve everything water alone can't: sunscreen, make-up and excess sebum. The principle is simple. Oil dissolves oil. That's why they always come first in double cleansing, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser. How exactly that works is explained in our article on double cleansing.

Both turn into a milky emulsion as soon as you add a little water, and can then be rinsed off. The difference lies in the texture and the feel while cleansing.

The Cleansing Balm

A balm is solid in the jar and melts on the skin. You take it out with a spatula, warm it between your hands and massage it in.

The advantage: it doesn't drip, it's easy to dose and it feels especially pleasant during the massage. For dry skin, in winter and when travelling, it's often the more relaxed choice. Balms now also come in soothing and pore-clarifying versions.

The Cleansing Oil

The oil is liquid and can be pumped straight into dry hands. It spreads faster and more easily, which is practical after a long day with lots of sunscreen and make-up.

The advantage: quick application and easy rinsing. For combination skin, oily skin and people who don't have ten minutes in the evening, it's often the better choice. There are also oils with BHA or AHA for pores.

Which Suits Your Skin?

Dry and mature skin: rather a balm, especially in winter. The richer texture suits skin that tightens quickly.

Oily and combination skin: rather an oil or a light balm. Yes, oil on oily skin sounds contradictory, but oil-based cleansers dissolve excess sebum and residue very well. More on pore care in the article on pores and sebum.

Sensitive skin: a soothing balm without strong fragrance. Essential oils and perfume can irritate, so it's worth checking the ingredients.

How to Use Both Properly

Apply the cleanser to dry skin with dry hands and massage it in for one to two minutes. Then add a little lukewarm water and keep massaging until the product turns milky. Only then do you rinse thoroughly. The second cleansing step with a gentle cleanser follows.

If you rinse the cleanser off well and your skin afterwards feels soft, but not filmy or tight, you've done everything right.

When You Can Skip the First Step

On days without sunscreen and without make-up, for example working from home in winter, a gentle water-based cleanser is often enough in the evening. The oil-based step isn't needed then. But as soon as sunscreen or make-up is involved, it's almost always worth it.

The Most Common Mistakes When Cleansing with Balm and Oil

First: applying to a wet face. The product spreads worse and dissolves less.

Second: massaging too briefly. Sunscreen and make-up need a moment to dissolve.

Third: not rinsing thoroughly. Residue on the skin is often the reason for breakouts and a filmy feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleansing Balm and Oil

Which is better: balm or oil?

Neither is better in general. Balm is richer and more pleasant on dry skin, oil is faster and lighter. What matters is what you'll actually fit into your daily life.

Can I use balm or oil as my only cleansing step?

For most people that's not ideal. The second, water-based step removes residue and leaves the skin clean.

Does an oil-based cleanser clog pores?

Not if it's rinsed off well. Oil-based cleansers dissolve sebum and sunscreen and are completely removed with water.

Can I remove eye make-up with it too?

With most products yes, but carefully and only if the packaging doesn't rule it out. Your eyes shouldn't sting.

Three Cleansers to Compare

A classic balm, a gentle oil and an oil with BHA for pores: that way you can feel for yourself which texture suits you.