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Better Than Balm

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
18 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

  • KEY 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 can I buy this product?

    Our products are sold exclusively at ReneeRouleau.com

    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

    4.6
    Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
    Based on 18 reviews
    Total 5 star reviews: 14 Total 4 star reviews: 2 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 1
    89%would recommend this product
    18 reviews
    • RM
      Rhianna M.
      Verified Buyer
      Age Range 35 - 44
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 6
      My Skin is Aging
      2 days ago
      Age Range 35 - 44
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 6
      My Skin is Aging
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Love it!

      It is a wonderful product! Takes off makeup and cleans skin, leaving it soft and not stripped!

    • LD
      Linda D.
      Verified Buyer
      Age Range 65+
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 7
      My Skin is Dry, Aging, Tired
      5 days ago
      Age Range 65+
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 7
      My Skin is Dry, Aging, Tired
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Removes makeup

      I’m loving the feel of cleanser and it removes all the makeup very well.

    • JS
      Jaqui S.
      Verified Buyer
      Age Range 65+
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 4
      My Skin is Acne Prone, Clogged Pores, Aging, Sensitive
      1 week ago
      Age Range 65+
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 4
      My Skin is Acne Prone, Clogged Pores, Aging, Sensitive
      Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Really Better!

      Love this because it dissolves makeup but turns milky with water and rinses off with no oily residue. It’s perfect!!

    • L
      Laura
      Verified Buyer
      Age Range 35 - 44
      2 weeks ago
      Age Range 35 - 44
      Rated 4 out of 5 stars
      Love the product, hate the packaging

      I love this product but wish it came in a pump bottle like the other cleansers. The tube is messy and I always end up wasting product

    • L
      Lindsey
      Verified Buyer
      Age Range 35 - 44
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 4
      My Skin is Acne Prone, Aging, Clogged Pores, Oily, Irritated
      2 months ago
      Age Range 35 - 44
      Renée Rouleau Skin Type 4
      My Skin is Acne Prone, Aging, Clogged Pores, Oily, Irritated
      Rated 3 out of 5 stars
      I love RR but this is a bit average.

      I like the formula- so many oil and balm cleansers out there have a ton of acne triggering ingredients in them. I like the texture a lot, like a viscous oil rather than a runny oil or hard balm. But I have found, I really have to work at getting my water proof mascara off. I have used other similar type cleansers that required a lot less effort. I do like that when you emulsify and rinse, the skin doesn’t feel tight like some other oil/balm cleansers.

      I have to say, I really hate the packaging of this. It makes it just such a pain in the rear to use, i otero use something else for this alone. You need three hands to use this. The twist off cap has to come off, but then the cleanser is runny enough that it just pours out of the tube. So you can’t set the tube down cap off like needed, because you only have one hand with the product being in the other, can’t screw the cap on but if you set it down it will run out of the tube. So procure in one hand, I have to kind of hold the tube against my chest with my arm and get the cap on with the other hand and usually this results in me accidentally squeezing out more product because of the way I’m holding it. This all before I can actually wash my face. It’s totally silly. This needs at least a flip top cat instead or preferably a pump, or even one of those rubber stoppers in the cap so the product won’t fall out unless deliberate pressure is applied.

      Renée Rouleau Skin Care
      2 months ago

      Hey, Lindsey! Thanks so much for taking the time to provide feedback and your review of our new cleanser!
      We're so happy you're loving the texture and formula. This product was definitely one of Renée's babies, taking over three years to create. You'll be glad to know that we recently switched the tops of these tubes to include a flip top rather than the screw cap! I've just sent you a separate email to confirm your shipping address so we can get one of these caps shipped to you to make using the product easier!
      -Genna, Customer Advocacy Manager 💙

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