Beautycounter Cleansing Balm Review

Curious if the Beautycounter Cleansing Balm is right for you? I’m sharing why this multi-tasking skincare product is a must for dry skin. Here’s my honest review + step-by-step tips on how to use it.

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The cleansing balm is one of Beautycounter’s original clean skincare products and continues to be a fan favorite among my clients.

I had never used a cleansing balm type product myself until I started using Beautycounter in 2019. Wait, you can cleanse your face with a thick balm? I was intrigued!

It seems counterintuitive to put a balm on your face to cleanse, but it magically melts into an oil (like coconut oil does!) and picks up dirt and makeup with it as you wipe and/or rinse it back off.

Cleansing balms not only cleanse, as the name implies, but they also can be used to melt-off makeup and as a hydrating overnight mask that moisturizes, too. I love when something is multi-purpose, so naturally I had to give it a solid try.

I have a jar (now in recyclable glass) of the Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm in my bathroom at all times. While I use the Countermatch Foaming Cleanser in the shower, this cleansing balm is my favorite for melting off makeup and hydrating my skin before slipping into bed.

Here is my review with specific tips on how to use it and if it would be a good fit for your skin type.

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm Review

This multi-tasking cleansing balm, perfect for day and night use, hydrates while it cleanses, removing makeup and impurities with nourishing ingredients that won’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture. (Bonus: it can also be used as a mask for a hydrating overnight facial.)

With a blend of lotus extract, jojoba seed oil, and avocado seed oil, Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm soothes and destresses skin while increasing luminosity.

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm Ingredients

In addition to shea butter and mango seed butter, the cleansing balm has a couple of key ingredients that promote healthy, hydrated skin. Plus, like all other Beautycounter products, the formula is made without the use of more than 1,800 potentially harmful ingredients. And the rose flower oil adds a delightfully subtle scent.

Jojoba Seed Oil and Avocado Seed Oil: key ingredients for nourishing and moisturizing
Lotus: this plant has been revered for its skin-brightening properties for centuries

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm Uses

1. Cleanse skin

How To Use the Cleansing Balm as a cleanser:

Apply an almond size amount to dry skin.
Massage the balm into your skin – enjoy this step, it feels so good!
Gently wipe away with a warm water and a wet washcloth or Makeup Eraser pad (that’s what I use)
Optional: some like to double cleanse, meaning you follow up with a second cleanse using a different cleanser
Complete your routine with a toner, serum, and a moisturizer. I use the Countertime Essence, Radiance Serum (or Resurfacing Peel), and Supreme Cream.

2. Remove makeup

It removes every trace of makeup (even eye makeup) without needing a second cleanse and without feeling like my skin is stripped dry.

3. Overnight mask + moisturizer

How to use the cleansing balm as a moisturizing overnight mask:

Wash your face with the cleansing balm first, but wipe it off rather than rinse.
Apply a second thin layer of the balm to clean skin. Only apply more if you feel you need it – don’t pile it on. You need just a thin, even layer.
Leave it on overnight and wake up to smoother, softer skin. You’ll just wash your face as normal in the morning. Since it absorbs overnight, you won’t need to wipe it off. It dramatically improves skin hydration!

It can also be used to soothe skin irritations, sunburns, wind-burned/chapped cheeks, cracked heels, and more!

I love the thicker texture

My favorite part about it is it is it’s not watery so it doesn’t drip off. I can really massage it in without getting my arms wet. That’s why it’s my favorite at-the-sink cleanser. I also think the thickness of a balm ensures you’re getting every inch of your face clean – it’s a slower process than quickly adding a liquidy cleanser.

Is the Beautycounter Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm Worth It?

From a cost perspective, this Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm is totally worth it! You only need to use a small almond size amount per use, so the jar lasts a long time (I’d say 6 months!).

I use the cleansing balm as a cleanser on the nights I’m removing makeup, especially eye makeup. I’ll apply it as a mask about once per week, and the AHA Smoothing Mask once per week – two completely different product that help keep my skin in balance.

Tip: while some people with oily, acne-prone skin love the Cleansing Balm, if you have naturally oily skin you may not find this is the best cleanser for you. I’d suggest the Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser or Countermatch Foaming Cleanser as a daily alternative.

My skin feels nourished immediately after using the balm. The blend of calming ingredients soothes any ounce of irritation or redness I might have. It’s certainly one of my favorite products in my winter skin care routine.