• Better Than Balm
  • Better Than Balm Video
  • Better Than Balm
  • Better Than Balm
  • Better Than Balm
  • Better Than Balm Video
  • Better Than Balm
  • Better Than Balm

Better Than Balm

4.0
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars
4.0 / 5

An oil-to-gel cleansing balm that thoroughly removes makeup particles, sunscreen, dirt, and oil without leaving behind unwanted residue.
$45.50
  • Get a Feel For It +

    Say goodbye to thick, waxy cleansing balms, and HELLO to Better Than Balm! This innovative, dual-phase formula gives you a double-cleanse with just one product. Thoroughly removes makeup and cleans skin without leaving a greasy residue behind.

    • Silky, lightweight alternative to traditional cleansing balms
    • Effective double-cleanse with just one product
    • Leaves skin free of oily residue
    • Ideal for breakout-prone skin
  • How To: The Renée Way +

    Apply cleanser to dry skin and gently massage over the face for 30 seconds to dissolve dirt, oil, and makeup. Using fingertips, add water to emulsify the cleanser and massage for another 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and finish by using a soft, damp washcloth to wipe loosened makeup and debris from the skin. Can be used nightly by all skin types.
  • Ingredients +

    Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Water, Sucrose Laurate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Natural Fragrance
Pair it with

Pro-Selected Ingredients

Jojoba Oil

An emollient close in structure to human sebum

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

A lightweight emollient that easily rinses off with water

Sucrose Laurate

A sugar-based emulsifier that allows for oil-to-gel transformation

Sunflower Seed Oil

An emollient rich in linoleic acid to soften skin

Glycerin

A humectant to help hydrate the skin

In the Treatment Room

Never let your skin marinate in makeup while you sleep, not to mention a day's worth of oil and bacteria buildup. Cleanse your face nightly. Your skin will thank you.
Foundation makeup formulas are made to last, so using a cleanser made for breaking down makeup is essential so your nighttime skincare products can perform best.
Always wipe the skin with a soft cleansing cloth or baby washcloth after the balm is rinsed off. The gentle wiping action is what truly lifts away leftover makeup. Don’t skip this step.

Frequently Paired With

FAQs

  • Can I use this product if I’m pregnant? +

    Yes. There are no ingredients in this product deemed unsafe to use during pregnancy.
  • How does Better Than Balm compare to a traditional cleansing balm or cleansing oil? +

    This cleanser is neither a balm nor an oil. Instead, it undergoes a unique transformation from oil to gel. Because of this, it won’t leave behind a greasy residue the way some cleansing balms and oils do. This means your other skincare products will be able to work effectively since they’ll be applied to clean skin free of any residue. It also removes the need for a second cleanser, effectively making it a double-cleanse in one. This cleanser also features a much more lightweight oil than most balms, giving it a modern texture.

  • How Do I Decide Between Better Than Balm and Vitamin Infused Cleansing Emulsion? +

    In short, we recommend Better Than Balm for removing heavier makeup, like long-wear foundation. The best way to break down this type of makeup is with oil, and many customers requested we come out with an oil-based cleanser for this very reason. Renée decided to create Better Than Balm because foundation makeup is smarter and longer lasting than it used to be, which means it's also harder to remove.

    Vitamin Infused Cleansing Emulsion breaks down makeup as well, but it contains fewer oils so may not be as suitable for stubborn formulas.

    It ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you prefer the texture of an oil over a lotion or vice versa, choose the cleanser you enjoy using the most!
  • Can I Use a Second Cleanser After Better Than Balm? +

    Yes, if you want to! Thanks to its dual-phase technology, Better Than Balm can be used alone and doesn't require a second cleanse. However, if you prefer to use another cleanser after our balm, you are welcome to do so.

Reviews

4.0
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 43 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 28 Total 4 star reviews: 4 Total 3 star reviews: 3 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 7
74%would recommend this product
Write a Review (Opens in a new window)
43 reviews
  • AT
    Alina T.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 55 - 64
    2 weeks ago
    Age Range 55 - 64
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Really is Better Than Balm

    I love this product!

    It is the first step in my double cleansing routine.

    Nicely melts away makeup leaving the skin with a soft feel.

    Was this helpful?
  • M
    maria
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 18 - 24
    My Skin is Acne Prone, Oily, Tired, Dull
    1 month ago
    Age Range 18 - 24
    My Skin is Acne Prone, Oily, Tired, Dull
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    won’t come off

    From the consistency I thought this balm would work wonders, but after using it multiple times and trying different methods I have found that this doesn’t work for me at all. Not only does it not take makeup off AT ALL but the product doesn’t come off either. It’s like the makeup gets stuck under this layer of oil that won’t come off unless I scrub it off, and even then my skin still feels like there’s oil on it.

    Was this helpful?
    Renée Rouleau Skin Care
    1 month ago

    Hi!

    This is not something we hear for Better Than Balm, one of our award-winning cleansers! We recommend cleansing with Better Than Balm like this:

    Step 1: Apply the cleanser to dry skin and gently massage over the face for a full 30 seconds. This will start to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. For heavier makeup, such as long-wear or full-coverage foundation, massage for 60 seconds.

    Step 2: Using your fingertips, add water to transform the cleanser into a milky gel. Massage for another 30 seconds or, for heavier makeup, another 60 seconds.

    Step 3: Rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove the bulk of the cleanser and makeup.

    Step 4: Use a slightly dampened Reusable Cleansing Cloth and gently wipe across your face to remove every last trace of loosened makeup and debris. Repeat as needed for heavier makeup.

    Someone from our Customer Care team will be sending you an email so be on the lookout!

  • MW
    Melissa W.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 45 - 54
    6 months ago
    Age Range 45 - 54
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    So disappointed.

    Wow, I was thinking about ordering this for so long and then to have it be such a disappointment is such a bummer. My first impression was that it made my eyes sting immediately, so I was more careful with it for another week or so, keeping my eyes tightly shut. Then I noticed I was breaking out! On top of all this, it's overly fragranced. Yikes. Back to my other balm I go running.

    Was this helpful?
    Renée Rouleau Skin Care
    6 months ago

    Hi Melissa,

    Wow, no fun at all that this cleanser didn't work for you! This product has won four beauty awards but we're sorry it wasn't a win for your skin type. Every person's skin is like a fingerprint, meaning, it's unique for each individual. We would suggest exchanging it within 45 days for a store credit to try something new.

    If you would like to meet with out Expert Esthetician for a consult she would be more than happy to assist you. You can book through this link for a day and time that works best for you!
    https://calendly.com/maddie-reneerouleau

    -The RR Customer Care Team 💙

  • J
    Jessica
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 25 - 34
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 2
    My Skin is Oily, Clogged Pores, Tired, Sensitive
    9 months ago
    Age Range 25 - 34
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 2
    My Skin is Oily, Clogged Pores, Tired, Sensitive
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Don’t give up!

    This cleanser was not my favorite first impression, however, after cleansing with it a few more times, I eventually learned how to use it. I don’t wear too much make up but I do wear an ample amount of SPF underneath my make-up so I massage my face and neck for about a minute on dry skin then just wet my fingertips and massage all over for another minute. I will say, I do need to use more product than I would like in order to ensure a good cleanse, but overall, I love this product! Tip: I use their eye make-up remover first for mascara removal!

    Was this helpful?
  • YD
    Yasmin D.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 55 - 64
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 7
    My Skin is Aging
    11 months ago
    Age Range 55 - 64
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 7
    My Skin is Aging
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great product

    Works as described. Leaves my skin feeling clean and soft not drying at all.

    Was this helpful?