Explore the best cleanser for your skin: Cleansing Balm vs. Micellar Water. Delve into the advantages, differences, and ideal applications of each to achieve a fresh, clean complexion. Find out which one suits your skincare needs perfectly

Is it better to use micellar water or cleansing balm for my skin?

Cleaning balm and micellar water are two different kinds of cleansing products with their own composition and purpose. Depending on what you are looking for, find out which one is better for your skin.

A cleansing balm is a solid or buttery cleanser which helps remove dirt, makeup and other impurities. Apply it on your skin and emulsify it gently with a bit of water to turn it into a milky texture. Cleansing balm is a very gentle cleanser, and it is known to break down heavy makeup without having to scrub.

Micellar water is also a gentle cleanser using purified water and micelles which soak up and dissolve dirt, oil and makeup. Apply the solution on a cotton pad and wipe off all the impurities. Perfectly adapted to any skin type, micellar water leaves the skin clean and refreshed. It is a convenient method thanks to its easiness and quickness to use.

Micellar water and cleansing balm are both used to clean and remove dirt and impurities. Learn more about what a cleanser is and their different compositions.

A balm cleanser is an oil-based cleanser made of oils and emollients that help break down makeup, dirt, sunscreen, sweat, excess sebum, and other impurities. The ingredients vary depending on the cleansing balm you choose but they often contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil and vitamin E to protect your skin cells from damage. They are sold in a solid form and available in handy tubs with a spatula to help scoop the product. It is a very travel-friendly skin product.

Micellar water is made from purified water and humectants like glycerin and mild surfactants used for cleansing. It looks like regular water, but the tiny lips molecules, called micelles, suspended in the liquid do a great job in attracting the oil and grime off your skin. No water is needed to rinse-off micellar water. It is a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and light makeup.

Which is best between micellar water or balm cleanser for my skin?

Micellar water and cleansing balm can be used on all skin types every day. But which one should you use?

Cleansing balm is especially designed to take off heavy makeup while micellar water will do a better job on light makeup.

On a more practical side, balm cleanser can be used without extra tools whereas micellar water will need cotton pads.

Looking at a financial side, balm cleanser tends to be more expensive compared to micellar water.

The main difference between both comes from your skincare habits and what you want for your skin. Whether you are always on the move or at home, wearing a lot of make-up, needing extra moisturizing...

Neither is better than the other and they both do a fantastic job of cleaning your skin.

Those with extremely sensitive or acne prone skin may opt for micellar water if the process of emulsifying oils or balms is too harsh. Also, if you use light makeup, then micellar water is enough to get rid of grime.

Those more likely to wear heavy makeup will benefit from cleansing balm that is gentle but very effective on waterproof makeup, for example.

Can I use both micellar water and balm cleanser for my skincare?

Both micellar water and balm cleanser can be used in your skincare routine. They are gentle on the skin and help remove dirt and impurities.

If you want to use both, first start with the cleansing balm and then proceed to your second clean with micellar water. This routine is called double cleansing and requires washing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then with a water-based cleanser.

Both products can be used every day twice, in the morning and in the evening before going to bed. Learn more about how to wash your face (Link How to wash your face (WIP) to have glowing and refreshed skin.

For an effective skincare routine, complete the cleansing process with a moisturizer or a toner to keep the skin’ pH balanced and help reinforce the skin barrier against irritation.