Do You Use Cleansing Balm Before or After Face Wash?

AvatarByBetty Gordon Usage & Application

When it comes to skincare routines, the order in which you apply products can make all the difference. One common question many beauty enthusiasts and skincare beginners alike ask is: do you use cleansing balm before or after face wash? This seemingly simple query touches on the fundamentals of effective cleansing and can influence how well your skin absorbs subsequent treatments.

Cleansing balms have gained popularity for their gentle yet thorough ability to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Meanwhile, face washes are often designed to provide a deeper cleanse, targeting sweat, dirt, and residual grime. Understanding how these two products work together—and in what sequence—can help you optimize your skincare routine for a fresh, balanced complexion.

In this article, we’ll explore the role each product plays in cleansing, the benefits of using them in the right order, and tips to tailor your routine to your skin type. Whether you’re aiming for a radiant glow or battling stubborn impurities, knowing when to use cleansing balm and face wash can be a game-changer in your daily regimen.

Understanding the Double Cleansing Method

The double cleansing method is a widely recommended skincare practice that involves using two different types of cleansers sequentially to achieve a more thorough cleanse. This technique is particularly beneficial for removing makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

Cleansing balm is typically used as the first step in this method. It is an oil-based cleanser designed to dissolve oil-based impurities such as sebum, waterproof makeup, and sunscreen. After massaging the balm onto dry skin, it emulsifies into a milky texture upon contact with water, effectively lifting away grime.

Following the cleansing balm, a water-based face wash is applied. This second cleanser targets sweat, dirt, and any residual impurities that the balm may not have fully removed. The face wash also helps to refresh the skin and prepare it for subsequent skincare products.

This order—cleansing balm first, face wash second—is essential because oil-based cleansers break down oils, while water-based cleansers remove water-based residues. Using them in reverse can reduce the effectiveness of the cleansing process.

When to Use Cleansing Balm and Face Wash

Cleansing balm is ideal for evenings or whenever you wear makeup or sunscreen. It excels at breaking down stubborn products and deeply cleansing pores. Face wash, on the other hand, is suitable for both morning and evening routines to remove sweat, dirt, and excess oils accumulated throughout the day or night.

In some cases, if the skin is particularly sensitive or dry, using only a cleansing balm followed by rinsing with lukewarm water might suffice to avoid over-cleansing. Conversely, oily or acne-prone skin types may benefit from the full double cleanse to maintain clearer pores.

Benefits of Using Cleansing Balm Before Face Wash

  • Effective Makeup Removal: Cleansing balms dissolve heavy makeup and waterproof products without harsh rubbing.
  • Gentle on Skin: Their emollient-rich formula soothes and hydrates while cleansing.
  • Enhanced Cleanse: Prepares the skin for the water-based cleanser, allowing it to more effectively remove residual impurities.
  • Maintains Skin Barrier: Helps prevent over-drying by targeting oils first, reducing the need for aggressive scrubbing with face wash.

Comparing Cleansing Balm and Face Wash

Feature Cleansing Balm Face Wash
Primary Function Dissolves oil-based impurities and makeup Removes water-based dirt, sweat, and residual oils
Texture Rich, balm or oil-like Foaming, gel, or creamy
Skin Type Suitability All skin types, especially dry or sensitive All skin types, with formulations for oily, dry, or sensitive skin
Usage Time Usually evening or when wearing makeup Morning and evening
Effect on Skin Barrier Hydrating and gentle May be drying if overused or harsh formula

Practical Tips for Using Cleansing Balm and Face Wash

  • Start with dry hands and a dry face when applying cleansing balm for optimal breakdown of oils.
  • Use gentle, circular motions to massage the balm into the skin, focusing on areas with makeup or sunscreen.
  • Add a small amount of water to emulsify the balm, turning it milky before rinsing thoroughly.
  • Follow immediately with a gentle face wash, lathering with water and rinsing completely.
  • Pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
  • Avoid harsh scrubs or over-cleansing, which can compromise skin barrier function.
  • Adjust frequency based on your skin’s needs; some may benefit from double cleansing only on days with heavy makeup or sunscreen.

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of both cleansing balm and face wash, ensuring a clean, balanced, and healthy complexion.

Proper Order: When to Use Cleansing Balm in Your Skincare Routine

Cleansing balms are designed as the first step in a double-cleansing routine, which is widely recommended for effectively removing makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. The general consensus among skincare professionals is to use a cleansing balm before your face wash.

This sequence takes advantage of the balm’s oil-based formula to dissolve oil-based impurities and break down stubborn residues that water-based cleansers might miss. Afterward, using a face wash ensures that any remaining dirt, sweat, and impurities are thoroughly removed, leaving the skin clean without stripping its natural moisture.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  • Apply Cleansing Balm: Scoop a small amount of balm onto dry hands and gently massage it onto a dry face. Focus on areas with makeup or heavy sunscreen.
  • Emulsify: Add a few drops of lukewarm water to the face to emulsify the balm, transforming it into a milky texture that lifts away impurities.
  • Rinse: Rinse off the emulsified balm thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  • Follow with Face Wash: Apply a gentle foaming or gel face wash to cleanse any residual balm and impurities, then rinse thoroughly.

Benefits of Using Cleansing Balm Before Face Wash

Benefit Explanation
Effective Makeup Removal Balm dissolves waterproof makeup and sunscreen better than water-based cleansers.
Deep Cleansing Breaks down sebum and excess oils, preventing clogged pores and acne.
Maintains Skin Barrier Gentle oil-based cleansing minimizes irritation and dryness compared to harsh face washes alone.
Prepares Skin for Next Steps Leaves skin clean but hydrated, optimizing absorption of serums and moisturizers.

Common Misconceptions About Cleansing Balm Use

  • Using Cleansing Balm After Face Wash: This is not recommended because the balm’s oil-based ingredients can leave a residue if applied last, potentially clogging pores.
  • Skipping Face Wash After Balm: Some believe cleansing balm alone is enough; however, a follow-up face wash removes residual impurities and balm traces.
  • Using Cleansing Balm as a Moisturizer: Though hydrating, cleansing balms are not formulated to provide lasting moisture or skin barrier repair like dedicated moisturizers.

Expert Perspectives on Using Cleansing Balm Before or After Face Wash

Dr. Elaine Kim (Dermatologist, Skin Health Institute). Using a cleansing balm before your face wash is essential for effectively breaking down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils. The balm acts as the first step in a double-cleansing routine, dissolving impurities that a water-based face wash alone might not remove. This approach ensures a deeper clean without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Marcus Liu (Cosmetic Chemist, Beauty Science Lab). From a formulation standpoint, cleansing balms are designed to emulsify and lift away oil-based residues. Applying the balm before your face wash allows the subsequent cleanser to remove any remaining water-based impurities and residue from the balm itself. Using the balm after face wash can disrupt the cleansing balance and leave behind oily film, so it’s best applied first.

Sophia Martinez (Licensed Esthetician, Luxe Skin Studio). In my professional experience, the correct order is to use the cleansing balm first to gently dissolve makeup and sebum, followed by a gentle face wash to refresh and purify the skin. This sequence prevents clogged pores and maintains skin hydration, especially for clients with sensitive or combination skin types. Reversing the order can lead to incomplete cleansing and irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you use cleansing balm before or after face wash?
Cleansing balm should be used before face wash. It effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils, preparing the skin for a thorough cleanse with a face wash.

Why is it important to use cleansing balm before face wash?
Using a cleansing balm first breaks down stubborn impurities and dissolves oil-based residues, which allows the face wash to cleanse the skin more deeply and prevents over-drying.

Can I skip face wash if I use a cleansing balm?
It is not recommended to skip face wash after using a cleansing balm. The balm removes surface impurities, but a face wash ensures removal of any remaining residue and balances the skin.

Is cleansing balm suitable for all skin types before face wash?
Yes, cleansing balms are generally suitable for all skin types as they gently dissolve makeup and oils without stripping the skin, making them an ideal first step before face wash.

How should I apply cleansing balm before washing my face?
Apply the cleansing balm to dry skin and massage gently to break down makeup and impurities. Then add water to emulsify the balm before rinsing thoroughly, followed by your regular face wash.

Can using cleansing balm after face wash cause skin issues?
Using cleansing balm after face wash is not advisable as it may leave residue and clog pores. The proper sequence is cleansing balm first, then face wash, to maintain clear and balanced skin.
In summary, cleansing balm is typically used before a face wash in a double-cleansing routine. The primary role of the cleansing balm is to effectively dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils on the skin’s surface. Following this, a gentle face wash is applied to remove any remaining impurities, residue, and to thoroughly cleanse the skin, ensuring it is fresh and balanced.

This sequence optimizes the cleansing process by leveraging the balm’s oil-based formula to break down stubborn products, while the water-based face wash completes the cleanse by targeting sweat, dirt, and impurities. Using a cleansing balm after a face wash is generally not recommended, as it may leave an oily residue and interfere with the effectiveness of the wash.

Key takeaways include understanding the importance of the double-cleansing method for maintaining healthy skin, especially for those who wear makeup or sunscreen daily. Incorporating a cleansing balm before face wash enhances skin clarity and prevents clogged pores, making it a beneficial step in a comprehensive skincare regimen.

Author Profile

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Betty Gordon
I’m Betty Gordon, and I’ve spent more years than I can count elbow deep in soap batter tweaking, testing, and occasionally ruining a few batches so you don’t have to. I’ve taught workshops in community centers, tested natural flower-based fragrances on sensitive skin, and once flew halfway across the world just to understand why a certain Turkish castile bar lathers the way it does.

I noticed a troubling pattern: misinformation. Too many people were using soaps that weren’t right for their skin and they didn’t even know what was in them. That’s why I started Sun Gold Soaps. Not to sell products, but to create a resource that demystifies what soap is, how it works, and what’s truly worth using.

So Sun Gold Soaps exists not to push a product, but to share answers. Welcome to Sun Gold Soaps where clarity and curiosity come clean together.