When there’s a skincare product that’s clamored and glamoured about online, the New York Post is all ears.
Not only are we big on skincare (just read our review of the best skincare brands for proof), we’re always fascinated by new products that hit the market, the best Amazon beauty items we can add to our carts and what’s going viral on TikTok.
The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a product, in particular, I’ve been following for a while. It has been praised in the highest regard for being ultra-hydrating, allowing you to have a fresh base to apply your makeup or, rather, to take the day away at night to ensure you don’t clog your pores with residual product.
After using the product for two years straight, (1) this review is long overdue and (2) I can attest that it’s one of the most hydrating cleansers I’ve used, especially for dry skin.
“The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a sophisticated, anti-aging cleanser that takes you on a journey of the senses — it [has three] unique indulgent texture[s] all wrapped into one luxurious product,” Emer Gillen, skincare expert and ELEMIS brand ambassador, qualified esthetician, makeup artist and massage therapist — with 23 years of experience in the global beauty industry (who clearly wears many hats) — exclusively told the New York Post. “This cleanser takes the everyday and often mundane task of cleansing your skin and elevates it to a spa-like experience. The rich balm melts into a lux oil when gently massaged onto the skin, before transforming into a hydrating milk on contact with water.”
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Pros:
- Leaves the skin refreshed, soothed and radiant
- Doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
Cons:
- The price may be unreachable for some, although it’s available in miniature versions to order online
- Not the best for removing eye makeup
With more than 13,000 applauding reviews on Amazon alone, the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a superstar product that feels like a whipped smoothie when you brush your fingers through it. It deeply cleanses your skin, while also calming and soothing it.
Our review
Unlike traditional cleansers that simply feel like splashing water onto your face, the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm penetrates deeply into your skin — and a little goes a long way. Comparing traditional face washes to cleansing balms is like comparing traditional lip balms to lip masks; the hydration is amplified, the feel is more akin to a blanket on the outer layer of your skin and you feel hydrated for longer.
That’s exactly how I feel every time I use this cleansing balm. Its large circular tub has a front-row seat on my bathroom counter, and regardless of which serums or creams I follow up with, it always leaves my skin with an impressively soft feel, allowing for the next step of layering other ingredients and products — if you so choose.
At first, trying a cleansing balm made me feel a little like a fish out of water — a similar feeling I had when trying gel eyeliners instead of the traditional liquid or pencil medium. It took some time to grow accustomed to (as is the case for any new type of product you try), but I soon learned that my dry skin needs to double up on hydration, especially in the winter; I’ve been reaching for the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm on repeat.
The consistency isn’t quite like Vaseline, as it may appear. It is a pretty emollient and thick formulation, but it quickly absorbs (beautifully, at that) into your skin and leaves a natural radiance, as if sunlight is being reflected onto your skin from every angle.
Though I opt for the brand’s Naked fragrance-free version ($48) nine times out of 10 (more on that below), I don’t find the original cleansing balm to have a strong fragrance. If that were the case, my skin would immediately react in a negative way (#sensitiveskinproblems), and this review would, transparently, not exist.
Oh, and its lasting power in the tub is extraordinary. Similar to hair masks, if water comes in contact with some formulas, you may notice the texture of your product become more “runny” over time. Candidly, when I wash my face, water does make its way everywhere, and I can confidently say that the consistency hasn’t faltered — and its radiance and cleansing power is just as strong.
The cleansing balm takes the word ‘multi-purpose’ to new heights, too. In addition to using this product as a wonderful cleanser, I also love reaching for it as a face mask when I want to use more of it throughout the day (yes, it’s that good). I also find that it doubles as a stellar makeup primer, allowing my tinted moisturizers and foundations alike to wear beautifully.
What’s more, I love using it it as a dry skin salve, too. If I’m feeling dry — usually on my kneecaps, elbows or even my collarbone — I take two fingers, place them into this cleanser and voilà, my skin is instantly soothed when I apply to drier areas of my body. (Related: Best body butters we reviewed).
How I use the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
While the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm can be used daily as a traditional cleanser, I find that it’s even more versatile. Instead of opting for a makeup remover and then a cleanser, its formulation is virtually a twofer, as Gillen noted. My pro tip: you can also layer it once a week (I find about four coats of it on my skin is the perfect amount), let it soak into the skin for five to 10 minutes, and you’ll find it’s a nourishing way to extend its benefits even more.
I use the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm nearly every morning. Post-cleansing, I love following up with the Glossier Super Glow Vitamin C + Magnesium Serum ($29) — my favorite of its serums, and I’ve reviewed nearly the entire brand.
After, I’ll use the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 ($108). Using SPF daily is important (just ask any dermatologist), so this is critical. In the warmer months, I’ll use a moisturizer and then a separate SPF product, but in the colder months, as long as I’m abiding by the universal “use-at-least SPF 30” rule, this moisturizer pairs nicely with the ELEMIS cleansing balm and the Glossier serum.
In the evenings, I stick to the following cycle: cleansing balm, serum, moisturizer. The end. On some nights, I may toss in the occasional eye cream or sheet mask, but the nighttime moisturizer I’ve been recently loving is the new Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream ($69) — the recently launched dreamboat for dry skin. Fun fact: I usually like to rotate my moisturizers because there are so many I love!
Although the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm isn’t the best at removing eye makeup, here’s the honest truth: I haven’t yet found a single cleanser that effectively takes off both face makeup and eye makeup — except towelettes (which I refuse to use because they’re not sustainable).
When using the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm to remove makeup and wash my face before bedtime, I use the Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover ($38). It’s the only one I use — and I’ve tried plenty that didn’t measure up — so take that as you will.
Because of its versatility, it’s worth the $68.
Which brings me to my next point: money and skincare. The circular question I always ask is, Is this product worth the money, or can I use something else instead? Is it *actually* working, or do I just *think* it’s working?
When you purchase products separately (think: your face wash, toner, niacinamide serum, eye cream, moisturizer, SPF, face masks), it adds up. For that reason, finding quality products that can be used in a multitude of ways is a no-brainer. Alas, we have ELEMIS.
How the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm measures up to other products
The incredibly satisfying, luxe-feeling and — most importantly — nourishing formulation makes the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm different from other cleansers I’ve used. For something as crucial as a cleanser, a surefire staple in anyone’s skincare routine, investing in a good one is probably the best advice I can offer.
Aside from this particular cleansing balm, I’ve used the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser ($36), although I find myself using this only at nighttime. That said, this one from ELEMIS is a bit more versatile for day and night — oh, and the occasional face mask, let’s not forget.
Honestly, when I spot the occasional blemish arising, I ditch my regularly used skincare products for something a bit more simple. This allows my skin to “detox” for a little while, and then I return to the same cleansing balm, serum, moisturizer ritual.
During these moments, I use the Cetaphil Hydrating Foam Cleanser ($10), the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser ($17) or the OLAY Sensitive Facial Cleanser with Oat Extract ($15) — all of which are incredible budget-friendly options, but aren’t nearly as velveteen and nourishing as the ELEMIS option. The common denominator? It all goes back to ELEMIS.
Why the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is worth it
What’s more, its unique formula effortlessly removes long-wear makeup, daily grime, SPF and surface pollutants — deeply cleansing yet never stripping or drying your complexion. “It really is the ultimate cleanser,” Gillen said. “[An] added bonus, this intensely nourishing balm can double up as a purifying skin softening facial mask for a weekly treat!”
The golden question — what ingredients does this cleansing balm contain? ELEMIS has infused a trio of nourishing plant oils, including elderberry, patented Optimega and bee-friendly starflower oil, along with its superhero algae padina pavonica. This trifecta of ingredients allows your skin to feel soft, hydrated and glowing in no time.
“Our signature blend of nine essential oils, including lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus invigorate the senses and help you unwind and relax while you cleanse and treat your skin to a spa experience at home.” Gillen added.
When I asked Gillen about this product’s efficacy on different skin types (because, after all, I can only speak to dry skin and sensitive skin, since I have to be pretty careful with what I put on my face), she said this product is formulated to work on all skin types.
For anyone who is super sensitive to scents, the Naked fragrance-free version ($45) is a great option that is the version of the cleansing balm I’ve been craving each morning and evening.
Based on my experience testing a variety of cleansers, gel-based ones don’t seem to offer immediate nourishment compared to a cleansing balm.
The bottom line
If you couldn’t already tell, I’m very much in love with the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It doesn’t feel greasy, leaves your skin radiant and effectively cleanses — what’s not to love?
Above all else, it’s extremely versatile, ultra-hydrating and lasts a while. If you opt for the traditional 3.5-ounce size, it should last you for months on end — perhaps even one year — before you’ll have to restock.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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