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

    Loved by Skin Types 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and esthetician-approved for all skin types in need of an effective double cleanse to dissolve and remove makeup.

  • 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.

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
43 reviews
  • AT
    Alina T.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 55 - 64
    4 months 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.

  • YD
    Yasmin D.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 55 - 64
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 7
    My Skin is Aging
    1 year 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.

  • K
    Kyra
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 35 - 44
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 9
    My Skin is Dull, Dry, Red, Aging
    1 year ago
    Age Range 35 - 44
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 9
    My Skin is Dull, Dry, Red, Aging
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Another Excellent Cleanser

    I’m slightly obsessed with finding the perfect cleanser. This takes off makeup and sunscreen beautifully. My skin doesn’t fall oily or dry afterwards. Initially I thought I had a bad reaction to the ingredients. I played around with it for about a month. Renee Rouleau has never failed me! I realized that I wasn’t removing properly. I rarely have an allergic reaction to products so I work with it until I was positive that it wasn’t user error. I love this product so much!

  • TG
    Terri G.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 65+
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 6
    My Skin is Aging, Sun Damaged
    1 year ago
    Age Range 65+
    Renée Rouleau Skin Type 6
    My Skin is Aging, Sun Damaged
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Way better than disposable makeup remover wipes, imo.

    Note that it may take an application or two to get the hang of the product. The first time I didn't use enough product and I wasn't sold on it. However, after the second use, I used enough product and wet my fingers/hands enough. My eye makeup (liner, mascara and shadow) melted like butter and of course it removed my foundation. I use one of those thin washcloths and I found that my makeup rinses right off of the cloth. I really like how my skin feels afterwards-soft and supple. It definitely does not dry out your face at all. This is my go-to makeup remover now. I absolutely love it and have no hesitation recommending it.

  • AP
    Amy P.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range 55 - 64
    My Skin is Aging
    1 year ago
    Age Range 55 - 64
    My Skin is Aging
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great product!

    I was sad to see the Aloe Cleansing Lotion was discontinued so I reached out to RR for a suggestion of a similar product. I am so happy with this product and am thankful for the suggestion.