09-05-2025
The Elemis Cleansing Balm Is Worth Every Penny
It's embarrassing to admit this, but despite my lifelong devotion to all things skin care, I've long relegated cleansers to the bottom of my priority list, to my own detriment. But over the last year or so, I've started double cleansing and incorporating high-quality products into my routine and the difference in my skin has been shocking.
There's nothing quite like the deep clean that accompanies a double cleansing routine, and a good oil cleanser or balm is an absolute must for beautifully fresh skin that doesn't feel dry or stripped. I'd long heard people sing the praises of the Elemis Pro-Collagen cleansing balm, but the price point made me hesitant to pull the trigger. I finally gave in about four months ago and I regret to inform you that it is worth every penny.
It brings me no pleasure to report that it was in fact my own mother who turned me onto this iconic, cult-fave cleansing balm. After hearing her rave about it for months I finally gave it a shot while visiting my family and couldn't believe how soft, supple and clean my skin felt. I had always assumed that someone with acne-prone, oily skin like me should stay away from oil cleansing, but I couldn't have been more wrong. My face cannot get enough, and when I start to get lazy and stop using it for a few days my complexion always rebels and starts to feel congested and stripped, leading to colleague Kristen Aiken is also a huge fan of this cleansing balm. She told me that 'this item is way pricier than what I'm usually willing to spend on cleanser (which is usually from the drugstore and under $10), but I've found it's one of the only products that can effectively cleanse my skin AND nourish it without making me break out. I have perpetually dry skin no matter how much water I drink, and this saves me from drying out (especially in the winter months). Bonus: If you use it as a second round of double-cleansing (i.e. after you've already removed the day's initial layer of gunk), you can use your favorite facial massage tool over top it, to help your tool slide smoothly along your face and de-puff.'
There are also scores of videos, comments and more dedicated to this luxury beauty product on TikTok, Reddit and beyond. This TikTok in particular shows just how effective it is at removing makeup. It's the real deal!
The texture is wholly unique and utterly delectable. It has a buttery soft consistency that starts off like a rich, thick oil and slowly melts into the skin, dissolving makeup, grime and impurities. Eventually, it takes on the consistency of a cleansing milk, so by the time I wash it off, my skin is as clean as can be while still feeling hydrated, smooth and healthy. I like to massage the balm into my face for up to a minute to really let it sink into my pores to get all the gunk out and soak up the balm's nourishing ingredients.
I was initially wary of the fact that it's a scented skin care product; those of us with sensitive skin often avoid scented items (especially those formulated with essential oils). But I'm pleased to report that not only has my skin shown zero adverse effects, but the intoxicating scent is a large part of why I love it so much.
This cleansing balm takes the everyday act of washing your face and turns it into a true self-care moment. There's no denying that it is definitely on the expensive side, but a little goes a long way, so it's not a purchase you need to make more than a few times a year. I like to think of it as an investment not only in my skin, but in my overall well-being. I love how relaxed and fancy it makes me feel.
But don't just take my word for it, take a look at these major raves from happy showers over at Amazon. Pick one up for yourself and consider gifting one to the skin care lover in your life this season — your pal will be thrilled.
Get it from Amazon for $58.65+ (available in two scents and unscented) or from Sephora for $69 (available in three scents including green fig).
