March 13, 2018

Yes to Cucumbers Exfoliating Cleaning Balm Review

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Yes to Cucumbers Exfoliating Cleaning Balm ($10.99) is a new exfoliating cleansing balm that the brand launched for the Spring 2018 which acts to not only cleanse skin but also to gentle exfoliate it as it removes makeup.

As you know, Yes To introduced two new cleansing balms for Spring 2018 one of which I already reviewed was the Yes to Coconut Coconut Oil Cleansing Balm. I’ve always been a rather big fan of cleansing oils or balms and I’m happy to see how readily available they have become in the US market as a majority of my favorites are from Korea.

Yes to Cucumbers Exfoliating Cleaning Balm is a rather unique offering since it acts as a cleanser and a exfoliate which I haven’t personally seen in the cleansing balm world but hey, if St. Ives can give us Facial Oil Scrub why not a exfoliating cleansing balm too?

I have to admit I like the idea of this more in theory than actual use. I mean, what’s not to like right? Think about it. It cuts your cleansing and exfoliating in half since it acts to do both at once. However, it doesn’t quite work out that way for me.

The product arrives in a chubby squat jar with a rubber scublet tool to gently work it into your skin and also, in its own right, the tool actually smooths and exfoliates as it works the balm into your skin. Unlike traditional cleansing balms you can use it on dry or wet skin. Although I think you get better scrubbing action on dry skin since adding water emulsifies the balm a little quicker as you move the tool around your face. If you never used a cleansing balm that’s actually how it works. You apply it to your dry skin, work it in, and add a little water to emulsify it. It’ll go milky and at this point you can rinse it clean away. Although, in my experience with the Yes to Coconut Coconut Oil Cleansing Balm formula it doesn’t exactly go milk but it does thin out and breaks down easily once water is added and does rinse clean away. However, the Yes to Cucumbers Exfoliating Cleaning Balm seemed to act a little different. It does break down but seems to leave behind a bit of a film as water beaded off my face a bit during the rinsing process. It didn’t leave me tacky, sticky, or greasy after I patted my face with a towel. It didn’t leave me feeling tight and my face felt lightly hydrated after.

The formula is a traditional soft balm which has tiny little beads in the mix. Yes, I cringed. I do not like anything with beads. Not shower gels, not hand soap, definitely not facial cleansers. I visited their website and I am unsure if these are biodegradable since they didn’t melt down as I scrubbed. I also found them difficult to rinse off and I had a few little tiny green dots on my face after I rinsed. Oddly enough, there is some graininess to this formula which might offer some exfoliation but I need something a little grittier for my drier skin. None the less it still left me fairly smooth if not completely de-flaked.

Sadly, the beads are one of the reasons this fails at being a hybrid formula. Really though, even if they used sugar or something else as part of the scrub it would still fail as a cleanser since you wouldn’t be able to use it around your eye area. Not to mention I was worried and concerned during the rinsing I’d somehow get one of the beads in my eyes.

I have to admit the smell on this is awful. I find it ironic this is for sensitive skin as the fragrance will likely be an issue with sensitive users. I’ve expressed how much I disliked it in prior Yes to Cucumber reviews. It’s a really synthetic cucumber scent that gives my a headache and makes me feel nauseated. It’s quite strong.

The scent and the exfoliating beads were a deal breaker for me. I think I like the idea of Yes to Cucumbers Exfoliating Cleaning Balm a lot more than I like the way it works. It’s impossible to fully cleanse makeup off your face as well as exfoliate with just one product in my opinion especially if you’re one that uses cleanser around your eyes like me. I’m stick with the Yes to Coconut Coconut Oil Cleansing Balm instead.

Yes to Cucumbers Exfoliating Cleaning Balm is launching now at drugstores or at target.com and amazon.com.

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Carol

    I agree, I love and only use cleansing balms but how in the world could you use this on your entire face? So that defeats the purpose because you’re still having to use another product on your eyes to remove your eye makeup. I guess you can use it to exfoliate your hands/cuticles if you polish your nails, Muse. Otherwise it’s utterly useless…

  • Dee

    Thanks for your review Muse. I’ll take a pass on this. I have dry, sensitive skin,,,I do not need fragrance, or that scrubby tool touching my face. 😛

    • Isabella Muse

      I imagine they are biodegradable and that’s why they are used here!

  • Kathy

    Thank you for reporting on this product as having the beads. I think they are yucky, too. I,ll pass.

  • Phoenixx

    Eeeeeek! I’m sorry this was such a miss it sounded so interesting! An exfoliating balm? Intriguing. Beads + graininess + overscenting? PASS -_- I’m a cosmetic chemist crafting my own line of skincare products. I LIVE for your reviews I’m going to make you a good cleanser one of these days hahahah

    • Isabella Muse

      strangely enough I don’t mind fragrance but this is intense! oh my gosh thank you so much <3! When you do please share it ;-D