Read Mumsnet users reviews on Balneum scalp and skin care products

[EllieMumsnet]

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This is the feedback thread for the 250 MNers who tested both the Balneum dry skin and itch relief Cream (click here for further information) and their dry and itchy scalp shampoo (click here for further information).

Here’s what Balneum have to say: “At Balneum, we understand that an itch is never just an itch. Irritated skin can get in the way of everyday life, causing frustrations and ongoing itch-scratch cycles. It’s our mission to help you itch less and live more. Whether that’s spending more time with your loved ones, smashing your exercise routine, or enjoying a more social lifestyle, we’re here to help. We don’t just care for you, we care for your skin and scalp too.”

Testers please answer the following questions:

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

All testers who leave the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

I really liked the shampoo. I get an itchy scalp and I do think using this shampoo helped stop the itch. I usually go for shampoos that are cruelty free and with more natural ingredients avoiding SLS and parabens so while I would buy the Balneum shampoo, I would only do so if I was going through a particularly bad itchy phase. I liked the way it was like a 'normal' shampoo though and doesn't smell like a medicated one.
The cream was nice and rich and very moisturising. I used it on my legs but also my hands which do get itchy, especially as I find myself washing them often. I like creams in a pump dispenser. If my son's eczema was flaring up I would try this on him. I think it would work although his eczema is generally mild. I would suggest this cream for others to try.

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Extremely satisfied - much more than expected

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

We liked that the cream has repaired and softened our dry itchy skin where many others have failed and that it has no strong scent and is quickly absorbed and not greasy. We liked that the shampoo is very effective at soothing a dry itchy scalp and getting rid of dandruff even with long term use (I've previously found some products seem to work initially but then my skin flares up again).

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes, significantly

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Absolutely without hesitation

The only negative if you could call it that is the name and packaging make it seem clinical and not friendly so without the product test I wouldn't have picked the product up off the shelf

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I thought they were both good but the cream is slightly better. I've given it a bit longer before posting as sometimes we've tried things that initially seem to work but then don't. The cream seems to of made a real difference to both mine and my daughter's skin. The shampoo is also good but like others say, you need to condition more.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

We liked that they were easy to use, they didn't have a strong scent and with the cream it rubbed into skin well and didn't leave a greasy layer.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

The shampoo worked ok but hasn't significantly improved my daughter's scalp yet. The cream does seem to be making a difference to both my daughter and my skin. Haven't had any flare ups since using it.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes I would recommend them both. The cream definitely, the shampoo I think is good to try as I've found shampoos are real trial and error, what suits one person doesn't suit another.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Quite satisfied with both products, they were effective at soothing with my dry itchy skin/scalp. I normally use sulfate-free shampoos, but this worked well. Scent is not great (the cream smells a little of nappy cream), but due to the efficacy of the products it does not put me off using them. The scent doesn't linger long anyway.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

The cream did not irritate my sensitive skin, most creams make my skin feel hot and my pores clogged. Skin felt moisturised and less prone to itching.

The shampoo has helped my itchy scalp somewhat (I have psoriasis and this isn't designed to be strong enough to soothe completely.) My hair has been soft and shiny, really lovely actually - unlike the usual scalp treatment shampoos I have tried, it doesn't turn my hair to straw!

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

The dry skin round my neck has improved a little, it definitely feels a lot smoother.

My scalp feels slightly less itchy, which is most welcome as it normally unbearably itchy.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes I would. Has worked better than other products that I assume are their competitors in the same price range.

Impressed with the shampoo, my itchy and dry scalp has improved vastly. I like the cream as well, but not as much as the shampoo where I have seen real improvements after a couple of washes

1. I was quite satisfied with the shampoo. It didn’t smell as nice as my normal shampoo and left my hair a little more dry but it did take away dandruff. My husband said it lathers really well so he didn’t need to use much.
   The cream I am delighted with.

2. the cream goes on with a cooling feeling and within minutes I felt heat leave an itchy patch of dry skin. I hate grease and sticky creams but this rubbed in so well I am genuinely delighted with it.
   The shampoo did the job but I think it’s not as kind to hair as I’d like.
   I also used the cream on my son who was itchy and dry from a recent allergy rash breakout, it really soothes that rough texture. Better than our normal doublebase gel.

3. I feel the shampoo did improve my scalp, my husband says it did the same as his usual brand. The cream has improved my skin and my son’s.

4. I would recommend the cream absolutely. The shampoo I would recommend if the usual cheaper brands had already been tried and failed.

- Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I like the cream overall but I wasn’t a fan of the shampoo

- What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
The cream is effective and good for flaky dry skin. The shampoo we did not like.

- Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
The cream really helped my son’s skin as he had extremely dry patches.

- Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
Yes to the cream, for sure. The shampoo I’d suggest trying it but couldn’t recommend it.

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

I liked the cream, I felt it did help with my itch on the legs and it didn't feel too heavy. I initally liked the shampoo, it definitely helped with dry scalp but I felt like my hair got greasy again really quickly as though it didn't give it a really good wash.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

The cream felt nice and light, and moisturised really well.
The shampoo definitely helped with my dry scalp.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes, it helped my scalp and felt lovely on my legs.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

I would definitely recommend the cream to somebody if they suffered from dry or itchy skin. I probably wouldn't recommend the shampoo as I didn't feel like it washed my hair brilliantly.

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Very satisfied, the cream is easily absorbed and unscented (didn't notice a lingering smell mentioned by others). I found the shampoo very good.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

I really liked the shampoo, I have a very itchy flaky scalp and have tried pretty much everything. This didn't irritate, lathered well and didn't leave a residue. I usually wash my hair every other day so as to not dry out my scalp, but found this was better used everyday otherwise by the end of day 2 the itch has returned.

Children liked the cream as it's not sticky and is quickly absorbed.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes the shampoo has improved my scalp where many other products have failed. The cream, whilst good, is I think on a par with other moisturizers on the market. But I asked to test this product primarily for the shampoo.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes I would. Thank you for letting me test it!

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Overall, I wouldn't use the cream again- didn't like the texture so much but I'd definitely use the shampoo.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

Cream worked well on my dry, flaky skin but had a squeaky feel once dried. The shampoo was amazing- my scalp is so much better.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Scalp totally improved. Cream has improved skin too but difference isn't as dramatic.

Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
Yes to the shampoo - absolutely. I’d suggest using the cream but only in the same way I’d suggest a similar product such as Diprobase.

- Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I was very satisfied with both. They smelt nice and the cream rubed in easily.

- What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
The shampoo left DD's hair looking really shiny, her usual shampoo always makes it look dull.

- Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
Before the trial, DD regularly woke up with blood on her pillow and in her hair. After a few days of using the shampoo, we have had no more blood.

- Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
I would definitely recommend the shampoo.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Overall I was very pleasantly surprised and was thrilled with how well we all did with them both.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

It was non greasy and absorbed quickly, skin felt softer and less itchy immediately.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Both cream and shampoo made a large difference to myself and my DD who also used both. Scalp especially felt less itchy while still leaving my hair lovely, soft & not weighed down.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Absolutely would and already have!

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Fairly satisfied, it worked well on my 10 year old DD, especially the shampoo, but I wasn't a fan of the feel of the cream on my skin.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

My daughter and I both have dry skin and psoriasis, hers is mostly on her scalp but mine on both scalp and skin. The shampoo helped with her head feeling itchy during the day, which stopped her scratching and causing her to have flakes through her head as much.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

I do think there was a slight improvement on my daughter's scalp, we haven't used the entire amount yet as it is a decent sized bottle so will continue to use it and hopefully continue to see an improvement. My elbows had been particularly dry and the cream has helped with those a lot, however I didn't like the feel of it over larger areas of my skin. I think it worked best directly after bathing though as I felt it sank in better then.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

I wouldn't rave about it, but if I was speaking to someone about psoriasis or other similar conditions I would definitely ask as to whether they had used it and tell them to try it if not.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Very-loved the texture of the cream and the consistency of the shampoo. I liked that it didn’t smell, however, after using the cream a few times it did start to remind me of hospital type smells.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo? Easy to use, not much fragrance.
• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp? Dds scalp has improved hugely, no visible dryness at all. Our skin is super soft too.
• Would you recommend the product(s) to others? Yes and I will be purchasing again.

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Fairly satisfied - they both have good points and bad points. Bad points for the cream are the smell and the fact that it stings sometimes. Bad point for the shampoo is the price, and the unattractive design of the bottle.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

I loved the reduction in flakiness and itching once I started using the shampoo. I liked the pump bottle that the cream is in

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes, definite reduction in itching and flakiness on the scalp. The cream had mixed results - worked well on some areas of skin, but not on very dry flaky patches.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes, with some caveats. I will definitely purchase the shampoo if my itchy scalp recurs after I've finished the free bottle.

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

I was satisfied with the cream and would use it again but not the shampoo.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

The cream was smooth to apply and definitely reduced dryness in my sons skin (who has ichthyosis) and my eczema prone skin. Shampoo didn't relieve the itchy scalp for either of us and left hair looking lank.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Skin is softer and less dry/flaky after using the cream.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

I would definitely recommend the cream but not the shampoo.

I was very pleased to be able to try these products.

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Very satisfied!

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

The cream absorbed really well and quickly. I used it on my arms and legs. It really helped with unbearably itchy skin on the back of my legs and upper arms. I also get keratosis pilaris on my upper arms and it really reduced the appearance of this after a week or so of daily use which I was delighted with. Two of my dc aged 3 and 6 get patches of extremely dry and itchy skin on their hands and torso. The cream vastly improved all of their symptoms within a few days of daily use. It's a really good product and I found it less greasy than some alternatives. The shampoo took a few uses before I noticed any difference but it did help with an itchy scalp for both me and dc (9). I have long dyed hair and I was pleasantly surprised by how my hair looked and felt after use and I didn't notice any fading in colour.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes noticeably with the cream and a bit with the shampoo.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes to both but more strongly for the cream.

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

I was very happy with the cream, it really helped my dry skin. I only used the shampoo twice as it did not help at all and actually made my scalp more itchy.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

The cream was good, very easily absorbed and did not leave my skin feeling greasy.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes it did improve my skin but the shampoo made my scalp worse.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

I would recommend the cream but not the shampoo

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

I really liked using the cream, worked really well. The shampoo was good, made my hair feel very clean. However I wouldn't buy a shampoo approx £10.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

Cream was fantastic, my awful dry hands were improved after just one day. I liked the pump bottle and that it wasn't greasy.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes they both did, cream more so than the shampoo.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes and no. I would recommend however I feel the price is quite high, Especially so for the shampoo.

Testers please answer the following questions:

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Very satisfied with both products. Seemed to help both my own skin and my son's.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

We liked the smell of both products, some products for itchy scalps or dry skin smell quite strongly but these both seemed quite mild. The shampoo seemed to leave hair nice and clean, hair was soft but I do use conditioner routinely (my hair is long and bleached so I have to) and I use it on DS's hair just as a matter of course too.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

The shampoo was very effective on DS's slightly dry and cracked scalp. It has gone from looking quite sore to looking completely healthy. It has also calmed my scalp, I have psoriasis and mine can get quite scaly and sore. Smells much nicer than the coal tar shampoo I tend to use when it gets bad.

DS has definitely complained less frequently about itchiness since using the cream. He only has mild eczema but he gets very upset about the way his skin feels, he had a flare up after a virus and his skin felt really bumpy and tight. Applying this cream really seemed to make a difference although it was a fairly heavy product for his skin and took a while to rub in.

Just seen above that others have had success using it on keratosis pilaris which DD3 suffers from so I am going to try it on her next!

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Would definitely recommend both products, I would probably keep the shampoo for use in case of a flare up but the cream I would recommend more as a routine product.

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Not at all. Our skin and hair wore worse for using

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

We didn't - my daughter used the shampoo and it left her hair in an awful state. She refused to use it again. At 14 she's very conscious about how she looks and would rather have a flaky scalp then a bad hair day.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

No, daughter says her scalp was worse than when she uses her normal shampoo (OGX Coconut Water) She used the cream once on her skin, said it stung and refused to use it again. DH and I both tried it for a few days. We both agree it stung and then if fact left us itchier. I have really bad eczema on my arms now which I did not have before and have switched back to my usual Diprobase cream.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

No

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

I was i pressed. The cream is really very good. It stops itching right away and makes the skin smooth again. I was away in a very dry region of the world and forgot to take the cream. My skin got so dry, itchy and bumpy. Used it on return and immeditely got relief.
Shampoo has been good too. Scalp is no longer itchy and it makes my hair quite shiny and maneagable.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

Shine and lack of itch. DCs have found it good too, with there rather idfferent hair than m8ne, one flyaway, one rougher. Works well, cleans well and takes the itch away.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

My skin is hugely improvd. DD a d DS have really liked using the cream to settle their skin flare ups. Goes on easily, takes a while to absorb, but is soothing.. It can sting a little if the skin is in a really bad way, but we coped with that.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

I would recommend both.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Really happy, the cream has had better results than the shampoo but both have worked for us.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

The cream specifically was brilliant, stops the itchy psoriasis on my shins, and has improved the look of the skin. The shampoo had less dramatic results but my scalp is definitely less itchy and irritated.

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes, definitely mine. DH has nabbed the shampoo so I guess he likes it! The cream has helped the eczema on DS' arms but success with anything is limited with him as getting it on him is like applying sunscreen on an octopus.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes, and I have done

• Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

I was really impressed with the shampoo. I have a severely flaky scalp which most shampoos exacerbate but this called it from first use and is well helping (often I find a change in shampoo can help for a week or so then it relates up again but that hasn't happened this time. I didn't like the look of the bottle though and needed to use a lot of conditioner after. The cream has worked well and soothing m y young daughter's itchy dry skin.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?

The shampoo works well and I love that it didn't smell odd like many medicated shampoos do. The cream was non great and really absorbed which I liked

• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?

Yes. The shampoo has definitely helped for my scalp and I may but more depending on the price. The cream is helping my daughter's skin, the real test will be how long it is before it flares up again.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes I already have to my Dad who has skin problems