The Battle Of The Cleansers: Cleansing Oil, Micellar Water, & Cleansing Balm
Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked but essential steps in skincare: your first cleanse.We put a lot of emphasis on the type of second cleanser you use, but I don’t think there are enough people discussing how impactful that first cleanser is.
When choosing a first cleanser, the decision generally comes down to 3 products: cleansing oil vs. micellar water vs. cleansing balm. Quite frankly, I love all 3, but I do think it’s worth discussing what each of them are, when you should use each one, and which one is actually the best for your skin. Spoiler alert: they all have their place.
CLEANSING BALMS
If you follow me, you already know that a cleansing balm is probably what I reach for most often. Balms are solid-to-oil formulas that melt down beautifully and emulsify with water to wash away makeup, SPF, and debris. Not only are these products highly effective, but they make for a true luxury skincare experience.
Why I love them:
Beyond feeling super nourishing for the skin, they’re also typically my preference for dry or sensitive skin because of their gentle, gliding nature that does not pull or tug.
A few other bonuses worth mentioning:
They’re also travel-friendly (no spills!)
A little goes a long way (one tub will last me months)!
When I reach for them:
Again, I would say that these tend to be the first cleanse option I reach for most often, but especially when my skin feels drier and needs a really gentle cleanse and some TLC.
My go-to balms:
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm – smells like heaven, feels like an at home facial.
Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm – affordable, fragrance-free, and effective (you can use code AMYK15 for a discount too)
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm – gently exfoliating with fruit enzymes.
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm – cult-fave for a reason. The texture is unmatched.
cleansing oils
Let’s start by demystifying a big misconception with this one: YES, even oily skin types can use oil cleansers (in fact, there’s also a lot of benefit for oily skin types to use them). Regarding how they work, oil attracts oil, which means cleansing oils are going to break down waterproof sunscreen, longwear makeup, and excess sebum. Unlike balms, oils usually come in pump bottles and are liquid right out of the gate.
Why I love them:
I find that cleansing oils work especially well for all skin types (yes even oily skin). With that, I really do love the lighter texture on occasion and they emulsify and rinse off super easily.
When I reach for them:
These are absolutely a summer first cleanse favorite of mine! After a long, hot day, they’re perfect removing multiple layers of SPF.
My go-to oils:
The Klog Plant-Rich Antioxidant Pore Cleansing Oil – gentle, non-stripping, and great for pore congestion.
PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil – luxe feel with serious performance.
Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil – silky and rinses like a dream.
MICELLAR WATER
If you’ve ever come home way too tired to do your full routine, you’ve probably reached for micellar water—and I am right there with you.
Micellar water is made of tiny cleansing molecules (micelles) suspended in water that attract dirt, oil, and makeup without drying the skin. It doesn’t need to be rinsed off if you’re in a pinch (though I recommend following with a second cleanser when possible).
Why I love it:
It’s beloved for a reason. It’s easy to use, gentle/great for sensitive skin, ideal for quick cleanses (pre/post workout, travel, touchups), and works even when you don’t feel like doing a complete routine.
When I reach for it:
I am not necessarily an evening fitness person, but when I do an evening class, I am absolutely using a micellar water prior to class. I also just love it for on the go! These often also come in easy travel sizes, making it pretty ideal.
My go-to micellar waters:
Bioderma Sensibio H2O – a classic (and for a reason).
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Purifying with Salicylic Acid - great for oily skin types to further breakdown oil in the pores
Ok, this wasn’t necessarily a showdown, since nobody really lost or won, but I do hope this gave perspective on how you can shift or rotate each into your routine. At the end of the day, if you are double cleansing in your evening routine, you’re already golden. Find the product(s) that work for you and let me know your favorite!
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