The review that so many of you asked for, the one you have been waiting for: can this cleansing balm knock my favourite cleansing balm off the top spot? Here is my expert, unbiased opinion on the Skin Rocks Cleansing Balm from the perspective of a skincare expert, facialist, and someone obsessed with cleansing balms who has tried a lot. The pressure to create an amazing cleansing balm is immense, as the skincare market is flooded with them, and sadly, many fail at the first hurdle: simply removing makeup effectively.
When I say I was sceptical about this cleansing balm, it’s probably an understatement. One of my biggest frustrations with cleansing balms or oils is when they leave a greasy film on the skin. I don’t want to feel any residue or see my skin glistening afterwards.
Does Skin Rock Cleansing Balm Emulsify?
To say the Skin Rocks Cleansing Balm doesn’t emulsify wouldn’t be strictly true - it does emulsify, but not to the level you might be used to. The balm has been created so that you don’t need to emulsify, and this was the part I was most nervous about. True to Caroline Hirons’ words, it removes makeup effectively with no trace of residue. The skin feels soft, supple, and perfectly clean, with no signs of tightening, dehydration, or leftover film.
The Cleansing Balm Standouts:
Smells heavenly: I’m a huge fan of fragrance in skincare—it’s part of the joy and experience. However, for those who avoid fragrance, there is also a fragrance-free option, which is brilliant.
Luxurious texture: A solid balm that melts into a glorious, skin-conditioning oil. The texture once melted is divine.
Replenishes the skin: Thanks to a blend of lipids that support the skin barrier, the skin feels instantly nourished.
Packed with benefits: Fatty acids and phytosterols (plant sterols related to cholesterol) strengthen and reinforce the moisture barrier.
Effective cleansing: The skin feels soft, smooth, and completely makeup-free after just one cleanse.
Melts eye makeup effortlessly: No panda eyes in the morning.
Nourishing ingredients: Plant oils and seeds (jojoba, macadamia, squalene, and vitamin E) mimic the skin’s natural needs, leaving it hydrated, moisturized, and calm.
Protects and soothes: Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to defend the skin and reduce irritation.
Clinically tested: Independent clinical cleansing evaluations, dermatological patch testing, and ophthalmological studies have been conducted.
Why are lipids so important for the skin?
You’ve probably heard me emphasize the importance of keeping your skin barrier (moisture barrier) intact. Every day, the skin is robbed of lipids that make up this barrier. Lipids fill the gaps between skin cells, preventing water loss and protecting against environmental aggressors. Replenishing the skin barrier daily with lipids (like fatty acids and cholesterol) is key to healthy skin and preventing dehydration. Cleansing with lipid-rich products, like this balm, is an easy and clever way to strengthen your skin barrier.
What types of lipids do we need to repair the skin moisture barrier?
To give your skin the ultimate care, you need three lipids: cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides. Ceramides make up 50% of the intercellular lipids, while cholesterol and fatty acids make up the other 50%, making them equally important. The Skin Rocks Cleansing Balm is packed with plant oils and seeds rich in fatty acids and phytosterols (part of the cholesterol family).
What skin types can use The Cleansing Balm?
All skin types will love this cleansing balm. It deep cleanses, removes makeup and impurities, and supports the skin barrier.
Is it worth the hype?
At £55, the Skin Rocks Cleansing Balm does sit at the top end of cleansing balm prices. However, most of my favourite cleansing balms fall within the £40-£50 range. This is more than just a cleanser—it’s packed with skin-loving, strengthening, and conditioning ingredients that justify the price.
Will The Cleansing Balm be in my top cleansing balms?
Yes absolutely, I love the aroma, the texture and the way the skin feels after one use so it's definitely in my top 10, if not my top 5.
BUY HERE - fragrance free
How to get the best out of The Cleansing Balm
One unique point of the Skin Rocks range is the circle on top of the packaging, which shows you how much product to use. I recommend using half of the suggested amount—when it melts into the gorgeous oil, a little goes a long way. Apply the balm onto dry skin, massage it in, and let the warmth of your fingertips melt the balm. It effortlessly breaks down makeup and lifts impurities.
Does it remove all makeup including waterproof, smudge-proof and bulletproof makeup?
Yes! If a cleansing balm leaves mascara behind, I’m the first to call it out. The Skin Rocks Cleansing Balm removes all makeup, including waterproof mascara, with no black smudges or panda eyes in the morning.
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Thank You For Reading
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please let me know if you need any help with your skin.
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Bye for now,
Fiona x
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