Cleansing is an essential and important step in any skincare routine, and choosing the right product can make all the difference. Apart from the traditional water-based cleansers that have been around for a very long time, we're now widely using two other options that have become very popular thanks to K-Beauty in recent years: cleansing oils and cleansing balms.
Both are designed to remove sebum and impurities while maintaining the skin's moisture barrier, which makes them ideal first steps in a skincare routine. Wondering which one is right for you? Choosing between the two depends on a couple of factors like skin type, makeup habits, and personal preference.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm to help you figure out which one suits you best by comparing their texture, performance, ingredients, and benefits.
Key Differences in Cleansing Balms and Cleansing Oils
Cleansing balms and cleansing oils both serve the same purpose and are used as the first step in a skincare routine. However, they differ in texture and formulation, as well as how they feel and work on the skin. Understanding these differences will help you decide which one best suits your needs.
#1. Texture and Consistency
Cleansing balms, like the name suggests, have a solid, buttery consistency that transforms into an oil upon contact with the skin. Cleansing oils, on the other hand, already come in liquid form.
Traditionally, balms had a richer and thicker consistency, but, nowadays, balms come in many different consistencies, including lighter formulas, to cater to different skin types. The same goes for oils. So, cleansing oils and balms come in different forms, but you can also find various consistencies within both categories.
#2. Formulation and Ingredients
The ingredients that are included in oil and balm cleansers vary, although they both are designed to do the same job. Richer and more emollient ingredients usually are included to help lock in moisture without stripping the skin. This way, the skin remains supple and hydrated. However, modern balms now can include lighter oils or emulsifiers, which make them easier to rinse off without leaving any residue.
Cleansing oils are also no longer formulated in just one way. Some are designed for dry skin to offer more hydration and nourishment. And others feature lighter oils, like jojoba or sunflower, which are great for oily and combination skin.
#3. Skin Type Suitability
The suitability of a cleansing balm or oil largely depends on its consistency and ingredients. As mentioned, lighter formulations are best for oily skin, and thicker formulations are more suitable for dry skin types. For those with sensitive skin, a balm with soothing ingredients, such as chamomile or centella, can offer a gentle cleanse without causing irritation or discomfort.
#4. Cleansing Performance
How well a cleansing balm or oil cleanses the skin depends on the formula. Generally, both are highly effective at thoroughly removing makeup, sunscreen, dead skin, and impurities from the face. Balms generally do a slightly better job at breaking down heavy makeup and waterproof formulas. They can provide a deeper cleanse, making them ideal for more intensive cleaning.
#5. Ease of Use
Ease of use is something that depends more on personal preference. The choice comes down to which texture and method you find more enjoyable or convenient.
Now, let’s get to the specifics and compare the Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm, so you can decide which one is best suited for your skin.
Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
The Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is designed to offer a deep skin cleanse while maintaining its optimal moisture levels. It doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it soft and hydrated after use. This is thanks to its formula containing a blend of oils like rice oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, macadamia oil, and jojoba oil, which hydrate and replenish the skin. This combination of oils gives it a rich and nourishing consistency that feels very luxurious when applied. Although the consistency feels nourishing, the cleansing oil has completed the non-comedogenic test, and does not clog pores.
Upon contact with water, the oil emulsifies and turns into a milky texture that gently dissolves daily makeup and impurities. The skin texture feels very smooth afterward, with no tightness. Despite being gentle, it is still strong enough to get rid of all impurities, including fine dust. In fact, tests show impressive cleansing efficacy: 97.13% ultra-fine dust removal, 98.27% makeup removal, and 66.48% blackhead removal.
It is formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so it is free of potential irritants like alcohol and fragrance, making it a very gentle option.
Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm
A soft, sorbet-textured cleansing balm that is formulated to effectively melt away heavy makeup, keep the pores clean from blackheads, and improve texture. It is enriched with a blend of argan oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and olive oil.
Despite the shea butter and olive oil content, the consistency of the balm remains lightweight, showing that the product’s consistency cannot always be judged by its ingredients. The formula is very elegant and spreads effortlessly when massaged into the skin.
Once you start massaging it on the face, the balm turns into a lightweight oil, removing all traces of makeup with ease. In addition to the lack of fragrance, the formula also uses Centella and Panthenol in order to be extra gentle on the skin.
Which Product is Right for Your Skin?
Here’s how to choose the right product based on your skin needs:
#1. Dry or Flaky Skin
If you have dry or dehydrated skin, the Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil would be more suitable for you. Dry skin is often dehydrated because it lacks oils that create a barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss. As a result, water escapes more easily, leaving the skin feeling drier, tighter, and lackluster. This oil is gentle enough for this skin type because it doesn't compromise the skin barrier. It actually replenishes it and makes it feel soft and hydrated.
#2. Oily and Combination Skin
The Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm, on the other hand, would be slightly more beneficial for oily and combination skin types. It offers a deeper and more thorough cleanse, which is needed to remove excess and hardened sebum that these skin types tend to accumulate. Preventing sebum from accumulating also helps prevent blackheads from forming. This keeps pores clean and helps them appear even smaller.
#3. Sensitive or Reactive Skin
Both products do not include fragrance, so they're both excellent options for sensitive skin. Your choice would mainly depend on whether you have oily or dry skin. The cleansing balm goes a step further in soothing, as it contains Centella Asiatica. Centella is known for its anti-inflammatory properties so using the balm can be a beneficial additional step in your routine to help calm active irritation.
#4. Acne-Prone Skin
Those who have not tried oil or balm cleanser might wonder: Is putting oil on acne-prone skin safe? The answer is yes, but here’s why:
First, although both products contain oils, they also contain emulsifiers that help water and oil mix and rinse off easily. The oils are specifically included to break down makeup and impurities but they will not stay on your skin. Second, some oils can be comedogenic if used in their pure form, but formulated into a cosmetic product, the finished formula can be non-comedogenic. Both the oil and the balm are formulated to be non-comedogenic, making them generally safe for acne-prone skin. However, the Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm offers a more thorough cleanse, judging by how it leaves the skin feeling after use, which acne-prone skin may prefer. But the cleansing oil would be a great choice as well. Actually, clinical evaluations confirm its suitability for acne-prone skin:
-
Sebum levels: Reduced by 34.22% in 2 weeks and 64.72% in 4 weeks
-
Overall acne severity (ASI score): Improved by 38.17% in 2 weeks and 61.32% in 4 weeks
-
Investigator’s assessment (IGA grade): Improved by 21.25% in 2 weeks and 42.92% in 4 weeks
-
Breakouts (Inflammatory & non-inflammatory lesions): Statistically significant improvement after 2 and 4 weeks
#5. Frequent Makeup Users
Both products are excellent for removing makeup and waterproof sunscreen at the end of the day. The cleansing balm is a bit more slippery in texture and does a slightly better job at removing all traces of makeup more quickly.
Cleansing Balm vs. Oil: How to Use
Balms and oils gained popularity as the first step in double cleansing but they can also be used on their own. While you can definitely use them for double cleansing if that is part of your regular routine, you don’t have to use them in that way. They are effective enough as standalone cleansers so there’s usually no need for a second step.
Both are massaged onto dry skin for a few seconds until everything has melted off. Then, water is added to emulsify the product, and it is rinsed off with lukewarm water. They can be used once or twice a day, depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. It effectively cleanses while maintaining a moisture balance and leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished.
On the other hand, the Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm is great for oily or combination skin types. It offers a deeper cleanse and helps to remove excess sebum, preventing blackhead formation. Its soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica also make it perfect for those experiencing sensitivities.
Ultimately, your choice between cleansing balm vs cleansing oil will depend on your skin type and cleansing needs. I recommend trying both to find the one that works best for you and helps you achieve the best results.
Cleansing Balm vs. Cleansing Oil: Which One is Best for You?
Cleansing is an essential and important step in any skincare routine, and choosing the right product can make all the difference. Apart from the traditional water-based cleansers that have been around for a very long time, we're now widely using two other options that have become very popular thanks to K-Beauty in recent years: cleansing oils and cleansing balms.
Both are designed to remove sebum and impurities while maintaining the skin's moisture barrier, which makes them ideal first steps in a skincare routine. Wondering which one is right for you? Choosing between the two depends on a couple of factors like skin type, makeup habits, and personal preference.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm to help you figure out which one suits you best by comparing their texture, performance, ingredients, and benefits.
Key Differences in Cleansing Balms and Cleansing Oils
Cleansing balms and cleansing oils both serve the same purpose and are used as the first step in a skincare routine. However, they differ in texture and formulation, as well as how they feel and work on the skin. Understanding these differences will help you decide which one best suits your needs.
#1. Texture and Consistency
Cleansing balms, like the name suggests, have a solid, buttery consistency that transforms into an oil upon contact with the skin. Cleansing oils, on the other hand, already come in liquid form.
Traditionally, balms had a richer and thicker consistency, but, nowadays, balms come in many different consistencies, including lighter formulas, to cater to different skin types. The same goes for oils. So, cleansing oils and balms come in different forms, but you can also find various consistencies within both categories.
#2. Formulation and Ingredients
The ingredients that are included in oil and balm cleansers vary, although they both are designed to do the same job. Richer and more emollient ingredients usually are included to help lock in moisture without stripping the skin. This way, the skin remains supple and hydrated. However, modern balms now can include lighter oils or emulsifiers, which make them easier to rinse off without leaving any residue.
Cleansing oils are also no longer formulated in just one way. Some are designed for dry skin to offer more hydration and nourishment. And others feature lighter oils, like jojoba or sunflower, which are great for oily and combination skin.
#3. Skin Type Suitability
The suitability of a cleansing balm or oil largely depends on its consistency and ingredients. As mentioned, lighter formulations are best for oily skin, and thicker formulations are more suitable for dry skin types. For those with sensitive skin, a balm with soothing ingredients, such as chamomile or centella, can offer a gentle cleanse without causing irritation or discomfort.
#4. Cleansing Performance
How well a cleansing balm or oil cleanses the skin depends on the formula. Generally, both are highly effective at thoroughly removing makeup, sunscreen, dead skin, and impurities from the face. Balms generally do a slightly better job at breaking down heavy makeup and waterproof formulas. They can provide a deeper cleanse, making them ideal for more intensive cleaning.
#5. Ease of Use
Ease of use is something that depends more on personal preference. The choice comes down to which texture and method you find more enjoyable or convenient.
Now, let’s get to the specifics and compare the Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm, so you can decide which one is best suited for your skin.
Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
The Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is designed to offer a deep skin cleanse while maintaining its optimal moisture levels. It doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it soft and hydrated after use. This is thanks to its formula containing a blend of oils like rice oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, macadamia oil, and jojoba oil, which hydrate and replenish the skin. This combination of oils gives it a rich and nourishing consistency that feels very luxurious when applied. Although the consistency feels nourishing, the cleansing oil has completed the non-comedogenic test, and does not clog pores.
Upon contact with water, the oil emulsifies and turns into a milky texture that gently dissolves daily makeup and impurities. The skin texture feels very smooth afterward, with no tightness. Despite being gentle, it is still strong enough to get rid of all impurities, including fine dust. In fact, tests show impressive cleansing efficacy: 97.13% ultra-fine dust removal, 98.27% makeup removal, and 66.48% blackhead removal.
It is formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so it is free of potential irritants like alcohol and fragrance, making it a very gentle option.
Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm
A soft, sorbet-textured cleansing balm that is formulated to effectively melt away heavy makeup, keep the pores clean from blackheads, and improve texture. It is enriched with a blend of argan oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and olive oil.
Despite the shea butter and olive oil content, the consistency of the balm remains lightweight, showing that the product’s consistency cannot always be judged by its ingredients. The formula is very elegant and spreads effortlessly when massaged into the skin.
Once you start massaging it on the face, the balm turns into a lightweight oil, removing all traces of makeup with ease. In addition to the lack of fragrance, the formula also uses Centella and Panthenol in order to be extra gentle on the skin.
Which Product is Right for Your Skin?
Here’s how to choose the right product based on your skin needs:
#1. Dry or Flaky Skin
If you have dry or dehydrated skin, the Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil would be more suitable for you. Dry skin is often dehydrated because it lacks oils that create a barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss. As a result, water escapes more easily, leaving the skin feeling drier, tighter, and lackluster. This oil is gentle enough for this skin type because it doesn't compromise the skin barrier. It actually replenishes it and makes it feel soft and hydrated.
#2. Oily and Combination Skin
The Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm, on the other hand, would be slightly more beneficial for oily and combination skin types. It offers a deeper and more thorough cleanse, which is needed to remove excess and hardened sebum that these skin types tend to accumulate. Preventing sebum from accumulating also helps prevent blackheads from forming. This keeps pores clean and helps them appear even smaller.
#3. Sensitive or Reactive Skin
Both products do not include fragrance, so they're both excellent options for sensitive skin. Your choice would mainly depend on whether you have oily or dry skin. The cleansing balm goes a step further in soothing, as it contains Centella Asiatica. Centella is known for its anti-inflammatory properties so using the balm can be a beneficial additional step in your routine to help calm active irritation.
#4. Acne-Prone Skin
Those who have not tried oil or balm cleanser might wonder: Is putting oil on acne-prone skin safe? The answer is yes, but here’s why:
First, although both products contain oils, they also contain emulsifiers that help water and oil mix and rinse off easily. The oils are specifically included to break down makeup and impurities but they will not stay on your skin. Second, some oils can be comedogenic if used in their pure form, but formulated into a cosmetic product, the finished formula can be non-comedogenic. Both the oil and the balm are formulated to be non-comedogenic, making them generally safe for acne-prone skin. However, the Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm offers a more thorough cleanse, judging by how it leaves the skin feeling after use, which acne-prone skin may prefer. But the cleansing oil would be a great choice as well. Actually, clinical evaluations confirm its suitability for acne-prone skin:
Sebum levels: Reduced by 34.22% in 2 weeks and 64.72% in 4 weeks
Overall acne severity (ASI score): Improved by 38.17% in 2 weeks and 61.32% in 4 weeks
Investigator’s assessment (IGA grade): Improved by 21.25% in 2 weeks and 42.92% in 4 weeks
Breakouts (Inflammatory & non-inflammatory lesions): Statistically significant improvement after 2 and 4 weeks
#5. Frequent Makeup Users
Both products are excellent for removing makeup and waterproof sunscreen at the end of the day. The cleansing balm is a bit more slippery in texture and does a slightly better job at removing all traces of makeup more quickly.
Cleansing Balm vs. Oil: How to Use
Balms and oils gained popularity as the first step in double cleansing but they can also be used on their own. While you can definitely use them for double cleansing if that is part of your regular routine, you don’t have to use them in that way. They are effective enough as standalone cleansers so there’s usually no need for a second step.
Both are massaged onto dry skin for a few seconds until everything has melted off. Then, water is added to emulsify the product, and it is rinsed off with lukewarm water. They can be used once or twice a day, depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. It effectively cleanses while maintaining a moisture balance and leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished.
On the other hand, the Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm is great for oily or combination skin types. It offers a deeper cleanse and helps to remove excess sebum, preventing blackhead formation. Its soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica also make it perfect for those experiencing sensitivities.
Ultimately, your choice between cleansing balm vs cleansing oil will depend on your skin type and cleansing needs. I recommend trying both to find the one that works best for you and helps you achieve the best results.