If you’ve ever tried making your own cleansing balm at home, you might have noticed one little drawback… the oily film it can leave behind. Don’t get me wrong, nourishing oils and butters are amazing for melting away makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime, but sometimes you just want that luxurious balm-to-milk transformation that rinses off clean without extra scrubbing.
Good news is that you can totally make that at home! The secret is a gentle emulsifier (I’m using Olivem 1000, a vegan emulsifying wax), which allows the balm to rinse away with water, leaving skin soft, refreshed, and never greasy.
This recipe is vegan, customizable, and perfect for all skin types, even sensitive skin if you skip essential oils.
Why You’ll Love This Cleansing Balm
- Shea Butter → deeply nourishing, softens skin without being too heavy.
- Jojoba Oil → mimics skin’s natural sebum, balancing and non-comedogenic.
- Sunflower Oil → light, vitamin E-rich, and super gentle.
- Olivem 1000 → the magic emulsifier that turns oil into a silky cleansing milk when it meets water.
- Vitamin E Oil → antioxidant protection and a natural booster for skin health.
- Candelilla Wax → gives structure so your balm stays scoopable.
DIY No-Residue Cleansing Balm Recipe
Makes: 4 oz jar
Skin type: All (especially great for normal, dry, and combo skin)
Ingredients
Directions
- Melt shea butter, candelilla wax, and Olivem 1000 together in a double boiler until completely liquid.
- Add oils. Stir in jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E.
- Cool + customize: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then stir in essential oils if using.
- Jar it up: Pour into a sterilized jar and let it set at room temperature until firm.
How to Use
- Scoop a pea-sized amount into dry hands.
- Massage into dry skin (it’ll dissolve makeup and sunscreen like a dream).
- Add a splash of warm water and the balm will emulsify into a silky cleansing milk.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Follow up with your favorite toner, serum, and moisturizer.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter balm, swap shea butter with mango butter.
- For ultra-dry skin, add a few drops of rosehip or argan oil for extra nourishment.
- Keep it fragrance-free if your skin is sensitive.
This cleansing balm is proof that you don’t need to spend $$ on luxury skincare to get spa-like results at home. It’s nourishing, gentle, eco-friendly, and totally customizable. Plus, making your own beauty products is so empowering and fun!
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About Sunny (Sunny’s Profile)
Longtime vegan, hardcore compassionate beauty junkie, serious cake aficionado, and lover of all things floofy and sparkly! If there’s something in particular you’d like me to review, drop me a line at Sunny@VeganBeautyReview.com.
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Filed in: DIY vegan beauty products
