My favorite cleansing balm — Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm Review

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I was first introduced to cleansing balms about 11 years ago. I was struggling with horrific breakouts and had tried so many acne products, including all the things my dermatologist had recommended. They only seemed to make matters worse.

So, when Colleen Rothschild reached out to me in 2016 to send some products, I gladly accepted. I was skeptical and hesitant to try a balm that sounded heavy, and I worried it would make my breakouts worse. But I was wrong. After just one use, my skin felt calmer, softer, and noticeably more hydrated. That single product – the Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm – completely changed how I thought about skincare and marked the beginning of my love for gentle, high-performance formulas.

Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm Review

Because of my work, I get to try dozens of cleansers every single year, from luxury brands, clean beauty brands, and everything in between. I’m always testing new launches and formulas, and very few products actually earn a permanent spot in my routine.

This cleansing balm is one of them.

No matter how many new products I try, this is the one I come back to. It’s the cleanser I reach for when my skin feels dry, irritated, off, or just needs something reliable. It works every time with ease.

The Radiant Cleansing Balm melts away my makeup, sunscreen, and buildup effortlessly, but it never leaves my skin feeling tight or stripped. It also doesn’t sting my eyes (which is a non-negotiable for me), and it rinses clean. But what really sets it apart is how my skin feels after I use it – my face feels calm, hydrated, and balanced, not like I need to immediately fix something with the rest of my routine.

When you’re constantly testing products, you notice pretty quickly which ones are good. And this one is among the very best.

If you want to try it for yourself, you can use my code TERILYN20 for 20% off at Colleen Rothschild – this is the best discount they offer sitewide. 

Who is a cleansing balm best for?

Cleansing balms are ideal for all skin types, but they’re particularly beneficial if you have:

• Dry or dehydrated skin – Cleansing balms help replenish moisture instead of stripping it away, which is key if your skin already feels tight or flaky. This balm leaves your skin feeling soft and comfortable immediately after cleansing, even before moisturizing. 
• Sensitive skin – If your skin reacts easily, a balm can be a more gentle option than foaming or gel cleansers. 
• Acne that doesn’t respond well to harsh treatments – If you’ve tried drying or aggressive acne products and were disappointed, a balm like this can be a game-changer. Supporting your skin barrier and keeping it hydrated often helps calm inflammation, which can make breakouts easier to manage over time.

A Note for Acne-Prone Skin

Back when I first discovered this balm, I thought my skin was oily. In reality, my skin was extremely dry, and I was over-cleansing and over-treating it, which made my breakouts worse.

Then I switched to gentler, more hydrating products like this cleansing balm, and my skin finally started to heal. If you’re struggling with breakouts and nothing seems to work, there’s a good chance your skin barrier needs support, not more aggressive treatments (it’s worth a shot!).

One thing I especially appreciate is what isn’t in this formula. It contains no parabens, SLS/SLES sulfates, phthalates, triclosan, formaldehyde, PABA, toluene, or benzene.

Key Ingredients in the Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm

This is why it works so well and why it feels more like skincare than just something to wash your face.

Moringa Oil – This helps bring life back to your skin. It supports radiance and nourishment, and it’s packed with zeatin, which makes your skin healthier over time. Basically, it helps your skin look brighter and more glowy the longer you use it.

Lipexel – This ingredient helps keep your skin from feeling stripped after cleansing. It mimics your skin’s natural fatty acids, so instead of drying you out, it actually supports your skin barrier. This is usually in moisturizers and not cleansers, which is another thing that makes this balm different (and better).

Black Seed Oil – Black seed oil is loaded with antioxidants that help protect your skin from everyday environmental stress.

Aromatic Complex – This is what gives the balm that luxurious feel. It helps calm and decongest the skin, and the scent is enjoyable. I’m super sensitive to smells, and this one has never bothered me. And just to note – “fragrance” on an ingredient list doesn’t always mean a strong scent. I’m pretty wary of “fragrance” since some brands use it to hide what’s truly in a product, but I totally trust this brand and feel comfortable with how they make their products.

How to Use the Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm

1. Apply to Dry Skin

Start with clean, dry hands and a dry face. Melt a pea-sized amount of balm between your palms, then gently massage it into dry skin using circular motions. A little goes a long way, and it’s safe to use around the eyes.

2. Remove with the Muslin Cloth

This balm is meant to be removed with a warm, damp cloth, not just rinsed off. Use very warm water to dampen the included muslin cloth, place it over your face for a few seconds to lightly steam the skin, then gently wipe away the balm and makeup. 

3. Pat Dry

Finish by splashing your face with tepid or cool water and gently pat dry. I notice immediate hydration and calmness every time.

4. Finish Your Skincare Routine

Follow with your favorite serums and moisturizer. Here’s the rest of my skincare routine.

I also found this photo from my blog archives in 2016 when I shared the balm for the very first time!

Where to Buy Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm

The best place to purchase the Radiant Cleansing Balm is directly from Colleen Rothschild Beauty, where you can use my code TERILYN20 for 20% off sitewide (and free shipping).

If you need it quickly, Amazon also carries it with Prime shipping, but you won’t be able to use the discount code there.

The bottom line:

I’ve used this balm for years, and it’s still the one I come back to. I love the luxurious texture, the scent, and how nourishing it is. It never stings my eyes, removes all of my makeup in one step, and makes washing my face something I actually look forward to, even when I’m exhausted.

If you’re looking for a gentle, effective, luxury cleansing balm, this one is so worth it. Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off if you want to try it yourself.

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