Cleansing Balm vs. Cleansing Oil

Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: What’s the Best Pick for Your Routine?

At Banila Co, we know a thing or two about cleansing—after all, our Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm has become a global cult favorite. But with so many oil-based cleansers out there, one question always pops up: what’s the real difference between a cleansing oil and a cleansing balm—and which one should you be using?

If you’ve ever stood in front of your skincare shelf wondering which texture is right for your skin, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about cleansing oils and cleansing balms so you can choose the best match for your routine and skin goals.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

What Is a Cleansing Oil?

What Is a Cleansing Balm?

Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: Key Differences

How to Use Them (The Right Way)

Which One Is Right for You?

Why We’re Team Balm at Banila Co

Final Thoughts: Just Start with What Feels Good

What Is a Cleansing Oil?

Cleansing oils are liquid, lightweight, and typically come in a pump bottle. They’re easy to spread and excellent for dissolving makeup in seconds — especially great for those with oily or combination skin who don’t want something too rich.

But let’s be real: they can be a little… slippery. If you’ve ever watched your oil drip down to your elbows before you could even massage it in — you know the struggle. They’re efficient, but a little messier to handle. And not everyone loves the feeling of oil on their skin, especially if you’re already oil-prone.

Pros:

• Lightweight and non-greasy

• Ideal for daily cleansing and light makeup

• Emulsifies beautifully with water

• Doubles as a makeup brush cleaner

Cons:

• Can feel too oily for some

• May clog pores if not formulated well (always check for non-comedogenic oils)

• Can leave a slippery residue if not rinsed properly

• Trickier for travel (ever had a pump leak in your bag? Not fun)

What Is a Cleansing Balm?

Think of a cleansing balm as the solid cousin of cleansing oil — but creamier, cozier, and way more travel-friendly. It’s solid in the jar, but melts into a silky oil when massaged onto your skin. You only need a small amount (like a big pea) to get the job done. It glides across your face, lifts away heavy makeup, and emulsifies with water into a gentle milk.

Plus, no drips. No mess. Just a buttery texture that makes cleansing feel like self-care.

Why People Love Balms:

• Easy to portion and apply with a spatula (so satisfying)

• Great for travel — no leaks, no stress

• Perfect for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin

• Often feels more pampering and luxurious

• Removes even waterproof mascara with ease

Benefits:

• Deeply hydrating and soothing

• Luxurious texture and scent

• Leaves your skin soft, not stripped

• Excellent for sensitive or acne-prone skin — if you pick the right formula

Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: Key Differences

Let’s break it down side by side:

At the end of the day, both are oil-based cleansers that do the same essential job — they just go about it in slightly different ways.

How to Use Them (The Right Way)

Whether you’re team oil or team balm, here’s the golden rule: always start with dry hands and a dry face.

1. Take a small amount of balm or pump your oil into your palms.

2. Massage gently onto dry skin in circular motions — don’t rush this part.

3. Add a bit of water to emulsify the product — it’ll turn milky.

4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

5. Follow with your favorite water-based cleanser (gel or foam).

Pro tip: If your balm comes with a muslin cloth, use it damp to gently wipe away everything — it adds a mild exfoliating effect too.

Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s the thing — it depends on your skin and your lifestyle.

Choose a cleansing oil if:

• You have oily or combo skin

• You wear minimal makeup

• You want something quick and liquid

Go for a cleansing balm if:

• Your skin leans dry, sensitive, or reactive

• You love a richer texture or pampering cleanse

• You travel often or need something mess-free

• You wear waterproof makeup

Why We’re Team Balm at Banila Co

Let’s be honest — we might be biased, but there’s a reason we made Clean It Zero a cult favorite around the world. It’s everything you want in a first cleanser: effective, gentle, fun to use, and easy to love.

No spills. No stinging. No stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Just one little scoop, and your day melts away — makeup, SPF, and grime gone in seconds. And if you’ve ever tried our Revitalizing or Pore Clarifying versions, you know: this is what clean should feel like.

Final Thoughts: Just Start with What Feels Good

At the end of the day, the best cleanser is the one you’ll actually use. If you’re curious about cleansing balms, we’re happy to help you find your perfect match. And if oils are more your thing, that’s okay too — your skin, your rules.

Just remember: double cleansing doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be you.

Ready to find your favorite first cleanse? Explore our cleansing balms and experience the Banila Co glow.