Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Better Than Balm

4.2
Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
38 Reviews

Great for skin types:

Find Your Skin Type

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.

Regular price
$45.50

Quantity

"Winner 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award"
"2023 Winner Real Simple Beauty Award: Face Wash For When It’s Been A Day"
"Winner 2023 Harper’s BAZAAR Skincare Award: Best Dual Cleanser"

Description

  • Why Better Than Balm? Traditional cleansing balms are difficult to rinse off, which means they can leave an oily film behind. This film creates a barrier that the skincare products you apply after cleansing can’t penetrate through, which means they won’t be effective. Thanks to its unique, dual-phase technology, Better Than Balm emulsifies much better than traditional balms and rinses off easily with no trace of residue. 

    In its first phase, Better Than Balm starts as a silky, lightweight oil that breaks down stubborn makeup and sunscreen. In its second phase, Better Than Balm transforms from an oil into a milky gel to cleanse away dirt and environmental pollutants. Finish by gently wiping your face with one of our Reusable Cleansing Cloths to lift away every trace of loosened makeup and debris. The result? Skin that feels impeccably clean, soft, and hydrated—never oily or greasy. 

    Better Than Balm was created for makeup wearers who:

    • Think traditional cleansing balms are too heavy or waxy and prefer a more lightweight texture
    • Want to save time by effectively double-cleansing with just one product 
    • Are prone to breakouts and clogged pores, which heavy oils and solid waxes aren’t recommended for 
    • Want their skin free of oily residue that can impede the penetration of serums applied after

    This cleanser is gentle and suitable for all skin types. It can also be used for the proper removal of water-resistant sunscreens.  


  • Feel / Smell / Look

  • When first applied, this cleanser feels like a luxurious, lightweight oil. Once water is added, it transforms into a milky gel that’s easily rinsed off the skin. Unlike traditional cleansing balms, which can quickly re-solidify after being applied, this cleanser glides across the skin and never dries out making it perfect for a facial massage with your hands or favorite massage tool. 

    This product looks like a thick, clear gel that feels silky. It has a warm, inviting scent with hints of soft rose. 


  • Ingredients

  • Hero 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


  • How To Use

  • 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. 

    Can be used nightly by all skin types for makeup removal. 


  • FAQs

  • 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. 

    Can I use this product if I’m pregnant?

    Yes. There are no ingredients in this product deemed unsafe to use during pregnancy.

    What is the pH level of this product?

    Because this product doesn’t contain a significant amount of water, it doesn’t have a pH level.

    Is this product tested on animals?

    No. 

    Where are your products made?

    Our products are manufactured in the U.S. and Canada. 

    I took your Skin Type Quiz and was wondering if I can use products that weren't specified for my skin type.

    Yes. While the skin type product recommendations are carefully selected for the needs of a specific type of skin to give the best results, many people will modify their routine with other products as needed. 

    I have questions about my skin, where can I get help?

    Email us and we would be happy to provide expert advice!

  • Reviews

    4.2
    Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
    Based on 38 reviews
    Total 5 star reviews: 26 Total 4 star reviews: 3 Total 3 star reviews: 3 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 5
    76%would recommend this product
    38 reviews
    • K
      Kyra
      Verified Buyer
      Age Range 35 - 44
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 9
      My Skin is Dull, Dry, Red, Aging
      1 hour 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
      2 weeks 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 month 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.

    • RG
      Rose G.
      Verified Buyer
      Age Range 65+
      2 months ago
      Age Range 65+
      Rated 1 out of 5 stars
      Use led to clogged pores

      I am a long time user of Renee's products, most of which are absolutely wonderful. However, I feel compelled to warn against use of Better Than Balm, especially if you have combination or oily skin prone to clogged pores. Use of the balm (I followed the instructions precisely) led to small bumps filled with hard sebum. There were no more bumps after I discontinued use. In addition, the balm was no more effective at remove makeup or cleaning my face than double cleansing with my usual Renee cleanser. Double cleansing was still required when using the balm by the way. So, all in all, this product is a miss, at least for my skin type.

      Renée Rouleau Skin Care
      2 months ago

      Hey Rose,
      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. We would suggest exchanging it for our Vitamin Infused Cleansing Emulsion if you would like to try that one. It's a completely different formula with a different type of chemistry. We'll reach out to you via email so keep an eye on your inbox :)

    • A
      Aurora
      3 months ago
      Rated 4 out of 5 stars
      4 Stars

      did what it said it would, my makeup came right off and didn’t leave behind that oily feeling. The price of the product could be a bit lower tho but otherwise it did a good job.

    Reviews LoadedReviews Added

    Questions