Tag Archives: skin

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Exfoliating can be one of the most satisfying steps in a skincare regime, but for that reason, you have to make sure you don’t overdo it! Here are my top picks of the Best Exfoliators for 2026 and how best to use them.

Best Exfoliators 2026 for Mature, Dry & Sensitive Skin

You have to be more careful when it comes to exfoliating if you have dry or sensitive skin. Also mature skin can always benefit from a more cautious approach to exfoliation. It is probably best to avoid anything too ‘scrubby’ and stick to gentle acid and enzyme formulations.

Omorovicza Acid Milk

If you’re looking for an exfoliator that delivers results without leaving skin feeling tight or irritated, Omorovicza Acid Milk is well worth considering. This milky treatment combines a blend of exfoliating acids with nourishing ingredients, making it ideal for those who want smoother, brighter skin while maintaining comfort and hydration. The texture feels more like hydrating milky toner than a traditional acid treatment, and it leaves skin looking fresh and radiant rather than stripped.

I particularly like this for mature skin because it offers effective exfoliation without compromising the skin barrier. It helps to refine texture, boost glow and improve clarity, while the creamy, conditioning formula makes it suitable for those who find stronger acid toners too aggressive. It’s a luxurious treatment that slots easily into an evening routine and leaves skin feeling soft, balanced and beautifully polished. Also a little goes a long way, and a bottle will last you months and months.

For more information, read Omorovicza Acid Milk Review.

Medik8 Press & Glow

This is one of my favourite exfoliators and in fact one of my favourite Medik8 products. This is a brand I really love.

This gentle exfoliating liquid uses PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), the gentlest type of acid. The formula is just swiped over clean skin with a cotton pad and it works to remove dead skin cells and gently refine the texture. It is a hydrating formula with Aloe to hydrate and Acai Extract to prevent inflammation.

It works really well with another of my favourite Medik8 products, Crystal Retinal which is a super effective yet gentle retinoid. Read my full Medik8 review here.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

This was my first ever purchase from Dermalogica many moons ago. It has truly stood the test of time and remains an innovative and effective, yet gentle exfoliant that can be used daily. As I said earlier though, once or twice a week should be enough.

It’s a powder that you mix with water to use, and it contains Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes along with a Phytic Acid from Rice Bran, White Tea and Licorice. These combine to smooth and brighten the skin while soothing ingredients ensure that everything stays calm.

Pro tip – spend some time mixing it into a light foam in palm of your hand before applying to fully activate the ingredients.

Gallinée Vinegar Mask

If your skin is feeling dull, congested or a little out of balance, Gallinée Vinegar Mask is a brilliant weekly treatment. This creamy clay mask combines exfoliating acids with Gallinée’s signature focus on supporting the skin microbiome, helping to smooth texture and boost radiance without leaving skin feeling stripped. It delivers that satisfying deep-clean feeling while remaining surprisingly gentle and comfortable to use.

I especially like this for mature or sensitive skin because it offers more than simple exfoliation. Alongside refining and brightening the complexion, it helps to keep skin feeling calm, balanced and hydrated. After use, skin looks clearer, smoother and fresher, making it an excellent choice when you want a glow boost without reaching for stronger acid treatments.

For more info, read Gallinée Vinegar Mask Review.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist

If you like your toning step to feel more like skincare than a traditional toner, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist is a really interesting modern hybrid. It’s an ultra-fine mist that instantly hydrates and softens the skin while also delivering gentle exfoliation thanks to gluconolactone (a PHA). It also includes marine-derived ingredients designed to help refine the look of pores and support a more balanced complexion, so it works as both a hydrating mist and a light treatment step after cleansing.

I think this is a great option for mature skin because it gives that immediate plumping, comforted feeling while still gently encouraging skin renewal in the background. It helps skin look smoother, more even and slightly more “awake” without any tightness or irritation. It’s especially useful if your skin feels a bit dull or dehydrated, or if you want a very easy way to add a touch of gentle exfoliation into your routine without committing to stronger acids.

Read Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist Review for more information.

Best Exfoliators 2026 for Combination & Oily Skin

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive

This is somewhat of an icon when it comes to exfoliating, and Kate says this is the next best thing to a facial in her clinic!

It offers both a physical and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation lifts dead skin cells, and the chemical exfoliation gently dissolves dead skin. The formula clears pores and improves skin texture with a combination of AHA Lactic Acid and BHA Salicylic Acid plus Papaya, Pumpkin, Pineapple Enzymes.

A good dose of Aloe Vera, Honey and Vitamin E  work to soothe and soften skin while Vitamin A and C help to neutralise free radicals and defend against environmental aggressors.

It’s a super quick treatment, it only needs two minutes, and after I use it, all my products sink in beautifully.

Sachi Complexion Clarifying Accelerator

The Sachi Complexion Clarifying Accelerator is a clever multi-acid treatment that blends AHAs, BHA and enzymes to deliver a proper all-round resurfacing effect. With dioic, mandelic and salicylic acids alongside pomegranate enzymes, it works to smooth texture, unclog pores and brighten uneven tone, while still being supported by hydrating and soothing ingredients like manuka honey and glycerin. It can be used as a leave-on treatment or a short-contact mask, which makes it feel quite flexible in a routine.

I really rate this for mature skin because it gives visible refinement without the harsh, stripped feeling that stronger exfoliants can sometimes leave behind. Skin looks fresher, clearer and more even after use, but still feels comfortable and balanced rather than tight. It’s a great option if you want something that tackles dullness, pigmentation and congestion in one step, while still being gentle enough to use weekly or build up slowly.

Read Sachi Complexion Clarifying Accelerator Review & Discount Code for more info.

USE CODE REE15 FOR 15% OFF.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This is an iconic exfoliator, and great if you want to tackle imperfections such as blemishes, acne or clogged pores.

It uses salicylic acid and green tea to treat blackheads, whiteheads, and enlarged pores by regulating oil production. It will refine skin texture and leave it looking and feeling more smooth and less congested.

Best Exfoliators 2026 for Normal Skin

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

I love to use these pads when I want a quick fix to ensure my makeup goes on smoothly. They are one of my top favourite Elemis products.

They use Elemis’ Tri-Enzyme Technology to gently work on dark spots, pores and uneven skin texture. The formula uses Lactic Acid and Probiotic Ferment Complex to boost cell renewal, and Elemis say they can be used twice daily. I’d only ever use them once daily or less to avoid over-exfoliation, however.

Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule

Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule is one of those modern exfoliators that sits somewhere between skincare and a bit of clever “skin-satisfying” theatre. It’s a gommage-style formula that gently rolls across the skin as you massage it in, helping to lift away surface buildup while also delivering a blend of AHA, BHA and PHA alongside hydrating rice extract, niacinamide and squalane. The result is skin that feels noticeably smoother and looks more refined almost immediately after use.

It’s particularly good if skin is feeling a bit textured, dull or congested, but still needs comfort and hydration. While it’s not a traditional acid treatment in texture, it does leave skin looking clearer and more even, making it a great occasional reset when you want visible results without overdoing stronger exfoliants.

Read Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule Review for more info.

Best All Round Luxury Exfoliators 2026

Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial

This a professional quality exfoliating mask that contains a powferful 25% AHA/2% BHA blend with glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids. It also includes chickpea flour, pumpkin ferment plus a soothing antioxidant blend of matcha tea, milk thistle, and apple, which are antioxidant and also gently exfoliating.

There’s also Cactus Extract to calm, Virgin Marula Oil to nourish, Niacinamide (vitamin B3) to work on lines, tone and texture, improve signs of ageing (fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness) and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer (low weight HA alternative) for enhanced hydration. Plus loads more!

Cle de Peau Skin Refining Clay Scrub

This is a fabulous all-rounder because it contains a beautiful clay blend to gently decongest the skin, along with very gentle physical exfoliants to polish.

It’s mineral-rich and is infused with natural kaolin clay sourced from the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. This works to detoxify the skin, without drying it out. There is also sebum-absorbing powder and antioxidant-rich rose apple leaf extract to balance and protect.

It’s amazing for a deep clean and a really smooth feel, plus it contains Cle de Peau’s Skin-Empowering Illuminator derived from golden silk essence, theanine and Japanese pearl which helps provide environmental protection and delivers radiance.

Best All Round Budget Exfoliators 2026

The Ordinary 30% AHA 2% BHA Peeling Solution

This is an absolutely excellent peel at an excellent price!

The Ordinary’s AHA BHA mask is a 10 minute treatment that dissolves debris and dead skin, while hydrating and providing an antioxidant boost. All for about £6!!

It has all the acids you need to keep your skin in shape – Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric, Citric Acids, Salicylic Acid – and leaves my skin smooth and glassy. It’s fab.

Read The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Review.

No7 Good Intent Pore Buff Clarifying Acid Pads

If you like the convenience of exfoliating pads, the No7 Good Intent Pore Buff Clarifying Acid Pads are a really easy way to work acids into your routine. These pre-soaked pads are infused with a blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, so they help to clear congestion, smooth texture and brighten dull skin in one simple swipe. They feel lightweight and refreshing on the skin, and the format makes them especially good for days when you want something quick and fuss-free.

They deliver noticeable smoothing without feeling overly harsh, and leave skin looking fresher and more refined after use. Used once or twice a week, they’re a great maintenance exfoliator to keep skin looking clear and polished.

For more info, read No7 Good Intent Pads Review: Pore Buff Clarifying vs Calm Fix Soothing.

I have this list is helpful to you! If you’re looking for a new cleanser, make sure you check out Best Cleansers for 2026, and let me know if you have any questions!

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

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If you love the results that exfoliating acids can deliver but don’t enjoy the irritation, dryness or tight feeling that often comes with them, I think you’re going to be very interested in this. I’ve been testing the new Omorovicza Acid Milk and it has quickly become one of my favourite exfoliating treatments.

It delivers that instant glow and plumping effect that makes your skin look refreshed and healthy almost immediately, yet it manages to feel remarkably gentle and comforting at the same time.

This is exactly the kind of balanced approach to exfoliation that I love.

What is Omorovicza Acid Milk?

Omorovicza Acid Milk is a leave-on resurfacing tonic designed to brighten, smooth and refine the skin using a blend of exfoliating acids, while simultaneously supporting and comforting the skin barrier. The formula combines four exfoliating acids with soothing and nourishing ingredients to help reveal a fresher, more radiant complexion without the irritation that can often accompany acid treatments.

It comes in a beautiful 100ml bottle and, because you need so little per application, I can already tell it’s going to last for ages.

Quick Verdict

• Beautiful silky texture
• Instant glow and plumping effect
• Comfortable on the skin
• Gentle yet effective exfoliation
• Expensive, but a little goes a long way

My Review

Texture and Application

The texture is absolutely gorgeous. It has a silky, slightly gloopy consistency that sits somewhere between a serum and an essence. It feels incredibly elegant on the skin and immediately gives a sense of hydration and comfort.

A little goes a very long way and I simply smooth a small amount over clean skin using my fingertips. As soon as it’s applied, I can feel a very soft prickly sensation. Nothing uncomfortable at all, but just enough to know that the acids are getting to work.

What I particularly love is that while you can feel the activity, the formula never feels aggressive. There is no stinging, burning or tightness. Instead, it feels soothing, fresh and almost cushiony on the skin.

I leave it for a few minutes to absorb before following with serum and moisturiser.

For my serum and moisturiser recommendations, check out:

• Best Serums for 2026 – all Skin Types & Budgets
• Best Moisturisers For 2026 – All Skin Types & Budgets

My Results

The glow is what really impressed me. Immediately after application, my skin looks fresher, smoother and noticeably more radiant. There’s a lovely plumping effect too that makes my complexion look healthier and more rested.

What I appreciate most is that this isn’t the kind of acid treatment that leaves my skin looking shiny because it’s irritated. The glow looks genuine and healthy.

The morning after use, my skin always appears smoother and more refined, and makeup seems to sit beautifully.

How Often I Use It

Personally, I use Acid Milk twice a week (once if I am testing new products). I have always believed that when it comes to exfoliating acids and retinoids, less is often more. Overusing active ingredients can quickly compromise the skin barrier, and that’s something I work hard to avoid.

I don’t use this on the same evenings as my retinol products, such as Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10*. Instead, I alternate my active nights and give my skin recovery time in between.

If you have sensitive skin, I’d suggest starting with once a week and seeing how your skin responds before increasing frequency. Omorovicza recommends using Acid Milk up to three times weekly, but I find twice weekly more than enough to maintain results.

Is Omorovicza Acid Milk Worth It?

There’s no getting around the fact that this is a luxury skincare purchase. However, I genuinely think it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for an effective exfoliating treatment that doesn’t leave your skin feeling compromised.

The bottle is generous, the formula is incredibly concentrated, and because I only use it twice weekly, I expect it to last for a very long time. I have been using it for a few months and I have barely made a dent in the bottle. Most importantly, I love the results.

It delivers exactly what I want from an acid treatment: smoother texture, brighter skin, enhanced radiance and a healthy glow, all without discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Omorovicza Acid Milk is one of the most elegant acid treatments I’ve used in a while. The silky milky texture, beautifully balanced formula and immediate glow-giving results make it a pleasure to use, while the inclusion of ceramides, oat oil and soothing actives helps keep skin feeling calm and comfortable.

If you’ve been nervous about introducing acids into your routine, or if you’ve found traditional exfoliating products too aggressive in the past, this is definitely one to look at.

It’s luxurious, effective and incredibly easy to use, and for me, that’s a winning combination.

Who Is Omorovicza Acid Milk For?

One of the things I like most about this formula is that it feels accessible to a wide range of skin types because it balances active exfoliation with plenty of skin-supporting ingredients.

I think Omorovicza Acid Milk could be a great option for:

• Anyone looking to boost radiance and glow
• Skin that feels dull, tired or lacking luminosity
• Those wanting smoother-looking skin texture
• People who find traditional acid treatments too harsh
• Anyone looking to introduce exfoliating acids into their routine in a more gentle way
• Those who want an effective treatment that doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped or uncomfortable

If you have very sensitive skin, I’d suggest starting with once-weekly use and building up slowly depending on how your skin responds.

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If there’s one skincare category I didn’t know I needed more of, it’s serum sticks. And after a few weeks of using the new RoC Hydra+ Hyaluronic Serum Stick, I’m completely sold on the concept, especially for summer, travel, flights and beach holidays.

This is one of those products that makes skincare feel effortless. It’s cooling, hydrating, mess-free and genuinely useful throughout the day, which is something I can’t say about many serum products.

What is RoC Hydra+ Hyaluronic Serum Stick?

The RoC Hydra+ Hyaluronic Serum Stick is a solid serum treatment designed to deliver instant hydration and plumping in a convenient stick format.

Developed with dermatologists, the formula combines 7 forms of hyaluronic acid, pro-collagen peptides and bio-blue peptides to deliver both immediate and longer-term skincare benefits. RoC says it provides up to 100 hours of hydration while helping to visibly smooth fine lines and improve elasticity over time.

At £34.99 for 30g, it’s positioned as a treatment product rather than a simple hydrating stick.

Key Ingredients

What makes this formula particularly interesting is that it goes beyond basic hydration.

7 Forms of Hyaluronic Acid

RoC uses seven forms of hyaluronic acid designed to help hydrate and visibly plump the skin. The result is skin that looks fresher, smoother and more bouncy almost immediately after application.

Pro-Collagen Peptide

This ingredient is designed to help support the skin’s natural collagen production and improve the appearance of elasticity over time.

Bio-Blue Peptide

The formula also includes copper peptides which help support smoother-looking skin and improve overall texture.

Alongside the headline actives, there are some excellent supporting hydrators including Saccharide Isomerate and Beet Root Extract, which help attract and retain moisture within the skin.

Fragrance-Free Formula

Another huge plus for me is that this formula is fragrance free, making it suitable for sensitive skin and particularly appealing during hotter weather when skin can become more reactive.

My Review

Texture and Application

This is where the product really shines. It glides over the skin with an almost icy-cooling sensation and leaves behind a fresh, hydrated finish rather than anything greasy or heavy.

The cooling effect is genuinely noticeable and incredibly refreshing, especially on warm days.

It’s one of those products that instantly makes your skin feel more comfortable.

Why I Think This Is Perfect For Travel

I can already tell this is going to be living permanently in my hand luggage.

For anyone who travels regularly, you’ll know how dehydrated skin can become on flights. Between recycled cabin air, air conditioning and long travel days, skin can quickly start looking dull and tight.

This stick is the perfect solution.

There’s no liquid to worry about, no risk of spills and no need to get product on your hands. You simply swipe it over your skin whenever you need a hydration boost.

I honestly think this would be amazing on a long-haul flight.

Summer Skin Hack

I think this will probably be my favourite way to use it. If you’re out and about all day, or spending the day at the beach or by the pool, skin can often start feeling hot, tight and dehydrated before it’s time to top up your sunscreen.

You can use the RoC stick first as a cooling hydration layer and then applying an SPF stick over the top. It’s such a simple trick but it makes a huge difference to how comfortable your skin feels throughout the day.

My favourite SPF sticks to pair with it are:

• Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF 50+ 
• Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF50

Honestly, if you threw either of these two SPF sticks and the RoC Serum Stick into your beach bag or handbag, you’d have pretty much everything you need to keep skin looking fresh, hydrated and protected all day long.

RoC Hydra+ Serum Stick vs Tatcha The Serum Stick

If you’ve read my Tatcha The Serum Stick Review, you’ll know that’s been a long-standing favourite of mine.

The Tatcha formula is richer, more nourishing and brilliant for dry skin or colder weather. However, I think the RoC version has a clear advantage for spring and summer.

The cooling sensation is significantly more noticeable and the texture feels lighter and fresher on the skin.

If you’re looking for something to use in warmer climates, on holiday or throughout the day during summer, I think the RoC Serum Stick may actually be the better option.

Before and After Results

The biggest difference I notice immediately is how much plumper and smoother my skin looks after application.

Fine dehydration lines appear softened almost instantly and makeup sits more beautifully on top.

Longer term, the inclusion of peptides means this isn’t just acting as a temporary hydration boost. The formula is designed to support smoother, firmer-looking skin over time with consistent use.

Who Should Buy It?

I think this is ideal for:

• Frequent travellers
• Anyone taking long-haul flights
• Dry or dehydrated skin types
• People who struggle to remember extra skincare steps
• Anyone looking for a quick hydration boost throughout the day
• Those who want a mess-free alternative to traditional serums

Is RoC Hydra+ Hyaluronic Serum Stick Worth It?

Absolutely.

What I love most is that this is a product that solves a real-world problem. It isn’t just another hyaluronic acid serum. It’s a genuinely useful skincare product that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

The cooling sensation feels amazing, the hydration is instant, the format couldn’t be easier and the added peptide technology means you’re getting both immediate and longer-term benefits.

RoC Hydra+ Hyaluronic Serum Stick FAQs

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(currently on offer for £10.86)

If you’ve been reading here for a while, you’ll know that cleansing balms are one of my favourite ways to remove makeup. So when I spotted the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, I was immediately interested.

I already really like CeraVe as a brand because it focuses on simple, effective skincare without lots of unnecessary extras, and I was curious to see how its cleansing balm would compare to some of the much more expensive options in my collection.

I’ve been testing it out for a few weeks now, and here’s everything you need to know.

In This Review

• Is CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm any good?
• Does it remove waterproof makeup?
• CeraVe Cleansing Balm vs Elemis
• Ingredients and benefits
• Who should buy it?
• Before and after results
• My final verdict

What is CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm?

The CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm is a fragrance-free cleansing balm designed to remove makeup, SPF, excess oil and daily impurities while helping to support the skin barrier.

It’s formulated with three essential ceramides and jojoba oil, and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Unlike many cleansing balms that focus on creating a luxurious spa-like experience, this feels very much like a practical, results-driven product. It’s designed to cleanse effectively whilst being gentle on the skin, and that’s exactly what it does.

Key Ingredients

One of the things I like most about CeraVe products is that they focus on ingredients that support the skin barrier rather than lots of fragrance or unnecessary additions.

The standout ingredients here are:

Three Essential Ceramides

Ceramides help support and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, which is particularly important if you’re prone to dryness or sensitivity.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil helps soften and nourish the skin whilst assisting with the removal of makeup and impurities.

Fragrance-Free Formula

The entire formula is fragrance-free, making it suitable for those who prefer to avoid added fragrance in their skincare.

My Review

First Impressions

One of the first things I noticed was the packaging. I really like the compact little pot. It’s lightweight, easy to store and feels perfect for travelling. So many cleansing balms come in large tubs that aren’t particularly convenient to pack, whereas this feels much more practical.

The price point also immediately appealed to me. Most of the cleansing balms I use regularly sit in the premium or luxury category, so it was refreshing to see a budget-friendly option from a brand I already trust.

Texture and Application

If you’re expecting something similar to the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, you’ll be surprised. This is a much firmer balm.

It’s not the soft, buttery texture that you can effortlessly scoop out with your fingertips. Instead, it’s quite solid and you almost need to scrape or break it up slightly as you pick it up from the pot.

That said, once it comes into contact with the skin, it melts down beautifully. The balm transforms into a lightweight silky oil that glides across the face with ease. It feels smooth, comfortable and gives plenty of slip for a good facial massage without feeling heavy or greasy.

It actually feels much more elegant on the skin than I expected.

How Well Does It Remove Makeup?

This is where the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm really impressed me.

Some cleansing balms seem to dilute very quickly when water is added. This keeps it’s balmy texture and you can see the makeup suspended in the milky phase, and I found I found makeup broke down and lifts away incredibly quickly.

Foundation, concealer, SPF and general daily grime all seem to dissolve almost instantly, making the cleansing process feel effortless.

I tend to massage it onto dry skin as my first cleanse and then remove it with a warm damp face cloth. Afterwards, my skin feels clean, soft and comfortable, without any feeling of tightness or dryness.

For me, this is exactly what a cleansing balm should do.

The One Thing I Don’t Love

The smell. Now, I appreciate that this is a fragrance-free product, and generally speaking that’s a positive thing. However, because there is no fragrance masking the raw ingredients, you are left with the natural scent of the formula itself.

And honestly, I don’t particularly enjoy it. To me, it smells quite plasticky and quite ‘chemical’. It’s difficult to describe exactly, but it’s not the kind of scent that makes you want to linger over your cleansing routine.

In fact, I’d probably say it’s the strongest-smelling fragrance-free CeraVe product I’ve tried. The good news is that the scent disappears as soon as you’ve rinsed it away, and it doesn’t affect performance at all.

However, if you’re someone who loves cleansing balms because of the sensory experience, this probably won’t be for you. Products like Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm or Perricone MD’s cleansing balms feel luxurious partly because of their beautiful aromas. This doesn’t offer that same experience.

This is much more about functionality than indulgence.

In fact, the smell is the reason this won’t be joining the products in my Best Cleansers edit. I think it’s a really good cleanser and I’d happily recommend it, but when I’m choosing my absolute favourites, the overall experience matters just as much as the results. If the scent was a little more pleasant, this would probably be a different story.

CeraVe Cleanser Balm vs Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

I can imagine a lot of people wondering how this compares to Elemis because it’s one of the most popular cleansing balms on the market.

The biggest difference is the overall experience. Elemis feels luxurious from start to finish. The texture is softer, the scent is gorgeous and using it feels like a mini spa treatment.

CeraVe feels much more straightforward. The texture is firmer, the scent isn’t particularly pleasant and the focus is entirely on effective cleansing and skin barrier support.

When it comes to actually removing makeup, however, I don’t think there’s a huge gap between them. The Elemis balm definitely wins on experience, but the CeraVe balm performs exceptionally well considering the difference in price.

Who Is It Best For?

I think this cleansing balm is particularly well suited to:

• Anyone looking for an affordable cleansing balm
• Sensitive skin types
• Fans of fragrance-free skincare
• Those who prioritise performance over luxury
• Frequent travellers who want a compact cleansing product
• Anyone looking for an effective first cleanse

If you’re buying a cleansing balm purely for the ritual and sensory experience, there are better options available.

If you’re buying it to remove makeup effectively whilst supporting your skin barrier, it’s an excellent choice.

Is CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm Worth It?

Yes, I think it is. What impressed me most was how quickly and effectively it breaks down makeup whilst still feeling gentle and hydrating on the skin.

The smell isn’t great and I think that’s something potential buyers should be aware of, but for me it isn’t enough to outweigh the positives. It performs extremely well, contains skin-friendly ingredients and comes at a very accessible price point.

Final Verdict

The CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm isn’t the most luxurious cleansing balm I’ve ever used, but it might be one of the most practical.

It removes makeup quickly, feels lovely on the skin once melted down, leaves skin soft and comfortable and offers excellent value for money. Would I choose it over Elemis when I’m in the mood for a spa-like cleansing experience? No.

Would I happily reach for it when I want an effective, affordable and fragrance-free cleansing balm that gets the job done? Absolutely. If you can overlook the plasticky scent, I think this is a really solid addition to the CeraVe range and one that’s well worth considering.