October 30, 2018

Pond’s Cleansing Balm Review

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.
5 stars out of 5

Pond’s Cleansing Balm and Makeup Remover ($9.99) is a new solid, rose scented balm that turn emulsifies when water is added. There have been a few cleansing balms that launched at drugstores this past year like NYX Stripped Off Cleansing Balm and Yes to Coconut Coconut Oil Cleansing Balm but I think Pond’s Cleansing Balm actually nailed the formula in a way both of these formulas did not.

This is very close to the popular Banila Co Clean It Zero out of Korea in terms of consistency and texture. And it’s easily available at stores like Target and Walmart!

Pond’s Cleansing Balm is available in a 3.38 oz aqua, pink, and mint green jar that will set you back $10 to $11 bucks depending where you purchase it. If you like formulas like Banila Co Clean It Zero or Clinique Take the Day of Cleansing Balm you’ll likely love Pond’s version. However, this does contain mineral oil. Mineral oils isn’t an issue for me personally but I know some of you aren’t fans so it does deserve mentioning that it’s a in ingredient present in this formula. It also has a rose fragrance which I found very pleasant but might not be great fro sensitive users.

This is formulated as a solid balm that has the texture and consistency of softened paraffin wax. When you scoop it out of the jar it soft and creamy but it dissolves once applied to your face and becomes more of a cleansing oil. If you’ve never used a cleansing balm it works the same way as a cleansing oil. You’ll be applying it on a dry face, adding a little water to emulsify to the formula, and apply more to rinse it clean away!

I liked how easily it broke down when I applied it to my face and how equally easily it washed away. The formula wasn’t too waxy or nor oily and once water was applied it broke down quickly taking away all my makeup with it. It rinses clean away and didn’t leave behind any film on my skin. Plus it broke down my makeup very easily (even waterproof mascara! Although, I do tend to remove my eye makeup before cleaning my face). I also didn’t experience any cloudiness when using it around my eyes nor stinging or burning. All in all, a very good formula that didn’t strip my skin or make it tight!

I was deeply impressed with this formula. I feel like there have been some true horror shows in the drugstore cleansing balm world that didn’t quite capture the spirit of a Korean cleansing balm but Pond’s managed to do so with their new cleansing balm! This is well worth trying out!

Muse Approved!

Where to buy

Walmart CVS Target

Pond’s Cleansing Balm is launching now at drugstores and is a new solid balm that acts to whisk away makeup easily. This is available in one size of 3.38 oz and will set you back around ten bucks. It has a rose fragrance and does contain mineral oil neither of which bothered me but sensitive users might want to take that into consideration. I felt like the consistency was comparable to Banila Co’s very popular and cult favorite Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm. It’s soft and dissolves it an oil as you massage it on skin and easily whisks away makeup. It also rinses clean away without leaving a film behind or leaving my skin tight or dry after use.

ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, MINERAL OIL, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, PEG-10 ISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), HEXYL CINNAMAL.

Pros

  • Easily accessible and available at drugstores.
  • Rinses clean away without drying out skin.
  • Removes makeup very easily.

Cons

  • Contains fragrance (rose scent).
  • Contains mineral oil.

Who

I think Pond’s Cleansing Balm will be a popular pick for those who want a quick and easy way to remove makeup without stripping skin! This formula does an excellent job removing makeup quickly and easily!

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

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‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • Carol G

    This sounds awesome! Can’t wait to try it. Especially at that price. I used to use Clinique’s TTDO balm when I worked for them because I got it free but I’m not paying $27 for it now. This sounds like a great, affordable dupe. Thanks for the review! Definitely going to look for it at Walmart next time I’m there.

  • kjh

    The only thing you didn’t say about this is how it compares to your fave, the Japanese market Pond’s. When I kill my Nooni, def will try this. Thanks for an excellent heads up.

    • Isabella Muse

      They don’t really compare since this is a cleansing balm and that’s a cold cream. It’s like apples and oranges if I compare them 🙂 My pleasure hope you like!

      • kjh

        Yah, but they both work as m/u removers. I think if this goes well, they will expand the scent range. I’d prefer lemon as well, Kim.

  • Dee

    Great news that this got a good review. I love IT’s balm and Clinique too, but if I could get something for less I’ll do it.

  • hs

    this is an exciting launch from an old tried and true brand. i’ve been using the Ponds cream in the green jar to take off my makeup for years and really do like it’s creamy texture and how well it works. Sometimes however it leaves a little mascara around my eyes so it sounds like this new formula takes care of that issue. I will surely be trying it when I’m out of the cold cream. Oh and have you used the Ponds makeup remover wipes? They’re another favorite of mine as they somehow hold a ton of moisture and feel like you’ve actually washed your face! I always put them in my bag for a night out.

    • Isabella Muse

      ITA! Pond’s is indeed an old company and it’s nice to see them releasing something like this ;-D I have! Their wipes are quite nice ;D I hope you like the balm do let me know whatcha think when you try!

  • kimkats

    mmm… the only thing holding me back is the rose fragrance to it…. Is it very strong? I’m not a lover of rose scented anything… May have to just take a sniff in store to see how strong it is. Glad to hear it works well… Wish they’d have made it lemon scented – I used to love the Pond’s Lemon cold cream – that stuff would take off *anything*!!

    • Isabella Muse

      It’s there let’s just say 🙂 I wouldn’t say strong but not subtle either! You probably can’t since it has a little peal off seal 🙁

  • Kish

    This sounds great, except for the scent. I’ve never cared for rose scented stuff, except actual roses lol. Right now with the latest round of meds I’m on, stuff that never bothered me before does now. So maybe I’d end up liking this haha. I do like the Farmacy sample that I have of Green Clean, but I’d love an affordable version. Thanks for the review!

    • Isabella Muse

      I don’t mind roses so much but mmm I’m def hit or miss with it in my skincare! My pleasure dear <3!

  • Nyna

    I’ve never used a cleansing balm. Do I have to use another cleanser afterwards or is this a 1 step product and then I can use a moisturizer afterwards? Thanks for the review Muse.

    • Isabella Muse

      Hi Nyna of course you can use this only! Double cleansing is a choice not a law 😀 So, sure of course, you can remove your makeup with this, dry your face, and hydrate as usual 🙂 without the need to use another cleanser! My pleasure my dear!

  • Dawnn

    I can’t agree more this stuff is great! I was browsing and picked it up not having high expectations, but I love it, takes all my make up off easily!

  • Dinah

    Woohoo!!! Thanks for this review. Finally a drugstore cleansing balm worth exploring. I’m going to keep my eye out for it and grab it

  • carol

    Hi, I want your recommendation but for other kind of product. I have a dry skin and I hear that for my skin is better a setting spray than a powder. Could you please recommend me one; including the ones of the drugstores. Thank you

  • Chelsea

    Boots Botanics (Walgreens) has had one for a few years! I loved using it, but I’m excited for a more affordable drugstore version!

  • Nikki

    Isabella thank you for your review. I do have one question, in the nest to last paragraph that starts with, “I liked how easily…”, the second sentence, “The formula”, who state was, is this correct or did you mean wasn’t? Thank you! Nikki

  • Silvia

    Hi Muse, where do you buy the Japanese pond from? I’m thinking to try both after many years.
    Having dry/normal skin I been cleaning my face with jojoba oil from Target and is great! I received the Caudalie oil as birthday gift and although I like the scent it broke me out. My dear jojoba doesn’t and lot cheaper! Bingo! Lol! I don’t mind a light rose scent oil on rest of body which disappears quickly but don’t like it on face at all but will give a try. My mom loves real roses but says the perfumes reminds her of funerals. Lol!

    • Isabella Muse

      AlphabeautyUK 🙂 Roses are weird for me! Sometimes I like the scent, other times it doesn’t really work out for me 😀 Let me know if this works out for ya!

      • Silvia

        Thank you! Will check it out. Going back to Ponds after finishing what I’m using now. It’s been years! I see them at Target they have a deal buy 4 I believe and you get a $5.00 card. Is like shopping at Costco way too much unless you can give them away to family members.

        • Isabella Muse

          my pleasure! That’s a lot! I find it hard getting through a big jar of ponds ;-D one is plenty to last a while 😀