It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but despite my lifelong obsession with skincare, I had always placed cleansers at the bottom of my priorities, which proved to be a mistake. Over the past year, I've embraced the practice of double cleansing and introduced high-quality products into my routine, and the improvements in my skin have been nothing short of astonishing.


There’s nothing quite like the refreshing cleanse that comes with a double cleansing routine, and a quality oil cleanser or balm is indispensable for skin that feels fresh without being stripped dry. I had often heard others rave about the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, but its steep price held me back. About four months ago, I finally gave in, and I must regretfully tell you, it was worth every penny.
To my surprise, it was actually my mother who introduced me to this legendary cleansing balm. After months of hearing her praise it, I decided to give it a try during a family visit. I was amazed by how soft, smooth, and clean my skin felt. I had always thought that people with acne-prone, oily skin like mine should avoid oil cleansers, but I was completely wrong. My skin absolutely loves it, and whenever I slack off and stop using it for a few days, my complexion becomes congested and dry, leading to breakouts.
My colleague, Kristen Aiken, is also a big fan of this balm. She mentioned, “This cleanser is much more expensive than what I usually spend (I typically stick to drugstore brands under $10), but I’ve found it’s one of the few products that not only cleanses my skin thoroughly but also nourishes it without causing breakouts. Despite drinking lots of water, my skin tends to stay dry, and this balm helps keep it hydrated (especially in winter). As an added bonus, if you use it during a second round of double-cleansing (after removing the first layer of dirt), it works great with a facial massage tool to help the tool glide effortlessly and reduce puffiness.”
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The texture is incredibly unique and delightfully indulgent. It starts with a rich, thick, buttery consistency, reminiscent of oil, which gradually transforms into a creamy texture that dissolves makeup, dirt, and impurities effortlessly.


Highlighted reviews:


“I first bought this product back in 2021, and as the holiday season rolled around, I must say, the Elemis cleansing balm, particularly the original minty scent, is luxurious and delightful at every touch. I have sensitive skin and Rosacea. I was looking for a product that could effectively remove makeup without stripping my skin of moisture, yet still be potent enough to tackle heavy makeup and waterproof mascara. I've tried Clinique's balm and other makeup removers, but Elemis leaves my skin feeling soft, with no residue. A spa experience right in my bathroom.” —The Zlayer
“I absolutely love using this cleansing balm to remove my makeup. It has a noticeable fragrance, but I find it soothing. It has a buttery consistency and works wonders in removing makeup, though I use a damp cotton pad to help. It leaves my skin soft and hydrated. This has now become one of my must-have products!” —Andrea
“I’m a skincare enthusiast and have tried almost all the popular cleansers out there, but this remains the only one I use as the first step in a double cleanse. Its texture is incredible, starting as a balm, melting into an oil, and transforming into a gentle foaming cleanser as you rub it in. It efficiently removes all traces of makeup and feels (and smells!) like a luxurious spa treatment! A little goes a long way, and this large tub lasts for several months. It’s gentle, effective, and highly moisturizing without any residue left behind. The accompanying flannel is a lovely bonus, making the whole routine feel like self-care. It may not be suitable for those sensitive to essential oils, but otherwise, I highly recommend giving it a try! I've never been disappointed by an Elemis product, but this one is a particular favorite.” —Nimue
“I’m absolutely in love with this cleansing balm! It melts away makeup, dirt, and impurities, leaving my face feeling smooth and refreshed. With clean, non-toxic ingredients and a scent reminiscent of a spa day, it's truly a gem! Plus, the product lasts quite a while — a little goes a long way! Highly recommend.” —Avery
“Although I was initially hesitant to spend so much on this product, I’m so glad I took the leap and discovered a new favorite! The scent is delicious, and it leaves my skin feeling rejuvenated and soft. After warming it up in my hands, it emulsifies and spreads easily on my skin. I wipe it off with a warm, damp washcloth. I am so impressed with this product.” —Jen Elliott Ehrhardt
Reviews in this post have been modified for brevity and clarity.