There’s something so luxurious about a cleansing balm. The rich texture, the relaxing, melty massage—it’s a nice ritual at the end of a long day. A new favorite of mine, Oak Essentials Cleansing Balm provides a sensorial, spa-like experience in the comfort of my own bathroom. I’m not surprised, as I’ve been a fan of brand founder Jenni Kayne’s for some time. Her minimalist aesthetic, cozy neutrals and effortless vibes transfer seamlessly to her skin-care line. Here, all the reasons why this cleanser is a must-try (its hundreds of five-star reviews back me up).
The Benefits
Not all cleansing balms are created equal. Some leave a strange film on the skin, some don’t smell great and others leave behind a dry feeling. This one is special in the sense that it’s gentle, smells good and leaves skin clean, but also hydrated. According to the brand, it was designed to not only dissolve makeup and grime, but also protect the skin’s moisture barrier. It does this by replenishing protective lipids in the skin with organic safflower and sesame oils. Both of these ingredients are chock-full of essential fatty acids the skin craves to stay healthy and moisturized. Sesame oil, in particular, is also rich in phenolic compounds that give it anti-inflammatory benefits and the ability to reduce oxidative stress.
The rich balm is velvety-soft and dissolves into an oil when you massage it into your skin. It leaves my skin feeling baby-soft every single time and perfectly prepped for more skin care. The brand recommends it for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive because it’s both nonirritating and hydrating. For me personally, I was surprised when it took off my waterproof mascara with ease, as well as a heavy layer of long-wear foundation. I also love the spa-like scent, which is from natural botanicals—the formula is free of synthetic fragrance.
Key Ingredients
Organic safflower seed oil, organic sesame oil and avocado oil
How to Use It
You can use the balm on its own or as the first step in a double cleanse to remove makeup. Warm a dime-size amount in your hands until it melts into an oil. Then massage into your skin using gentle circular motions. I love the feeling of massaging a cleansing balm into my skin, and I try to do it for a full minute or two as a little self-care ritual. Facial massage boosts circulation, which is really good for the health of the skin and gives it a natural glow from within. Next, remove the balm with a warm, damp washcloth. Note: You will not be able to remove it effectively with just water.
