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

Apologies I missed the part where we had to leave feedback in a specific format on here too!

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo? Shampoo is quite good although as I have previously used medicated shampoos I'm not sure it was strong enough for my scalp itchiness. It has done an excellent job on DP though who has less severe scalp itching. The cream was very good for my DSS patches of eczema where the skin becomes quite dry although I wasn't sure about using it specifically on the inflamed areas so avoided that.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo? The shampoo didn't have any smell and helped with my partner's dandruff as well! The cream was really moisturising which was perfect for the extra dry skin DSS has
• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp? It improved mine slightly but I think I would need something stronger for times when my scalp fully flares up. It worked perfectly for DP. Skin was left soft and moisturised as expected
• Would you recommend the product(s) to others? Yes and I have done!

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

Very

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

It soothed itchy dry skin quickly. The cream was versatile and great for the family.

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

Yes

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

Yes, definitely

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
The shampoo was ok but still needed to use conditioner which outweighs the benefits of the shampoo
The cream was very greasy and it stung my skin on face when I put it on and made my eyes water for the rest of the day! (Maybe not suitable for face? - it doesn’t say wether it is or isn’t?) I like the pump dispenser though!

What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
The pump dispenser
Not much else

Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
No sorry.

- Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I really loved both, with cream having a very inoffensive smell and shampoo smelling quite nice. It also did improve both my husband's and mine scalps and improved my daughters dry skin.

- What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
Cream was very light and not greasy at all, but also very moisturising. I have eczema and it really helped me maintain skin hydrated and to keep dry skin at bay. Shampoo helped me immensely. For a while I have had a very flaky and dry scalp to the point of not being able to sleep, I tried every over the counter shampoo, nothing helped, but only using blend shampoo once I could see probably a 50% improvement in my scalp. My husband was also very impressed with the shampoo, because it smells nice and made his scalp less itchy.

- Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
It helped our family immensely. Our scalps are a lot less flaky, and thanks to the blend shampoo I'll be able to avoid going to my GP and using heavily medicated products.

- Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
Definitely, I have already recommended the shampoo and cream to my friends with same dry scalp issues and my mum has already bought some balneum cream to try out on her dry skin.

After a few further weeks of testing

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

I liked the cream, absorbed well and if used regularly made my skin softer. However I’m not sure if I would buy it given the price as I think it’s on par with some other cheaper creams

With shampoo use, my head was definitely less itchy and after further uses I thought less dandruff too. However it did leave my hair a little too flyaway and frizzy.

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

Cream, absorbs very nicely and I did not find it oily or greasy. I liked the smell, it wasn’t strong and wasn’t scented

Shampoo, works well, soft hair afterwards

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

Cream, skin was less dry and flaky after regular use but I often forget to use a cream regularly and I didn’t see a marked difference after occasional use.

Shampoo, scalp less itchy and less dandruff, I liked this shampoo

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

I would definitely recommend the shampoo, I would be less likely to recommend the cream as I don’t think for the price it’s above other cheaper options

I found both fab. My skin felt amazing after using the cream and improved massively after a weeks usage. The shampoo reduced the amount of itching on my scalp
I had comments from family about my hair smelling especially clean (this doesn't always happen with gentle shampoos)

The cream reduced the patches of psoriasis on my arm and also at the back of my ears which had been exposed to the shampoo and also the cream. The reduced scaling meant I did not have to use my usual steroid ointment. Amazing
I would recommended the products to anybody, I have already told friends about the improvements I've had and will look to purchase products from the range

Thanks for allowing me to test!

I was quite impressed with the cream and shampoo. Ive noticed less itching since using the shampoo and the cream seems to be working well for me and my daughter. Skin feels softer and not greasy like some creams.
I know quite a few people that could benefit from this range also so i will definitely recommend to them.

Overall how satisfied were you:

Not only satisfied but surprised. So yes, very satisfied with both products.

What did you like about the cream and shampoo
The shampoo was a great find as it did not smell medicated but rather had a pleasant smell - my hair was very soft after using. As for the cream - I found it so easy to apply - it definitely was 'creamy' however was grateful to the large bottle as I had to use it on my exzema.

Did it improve your skin and scalp
Skinwise - had to use it every day but the cream did definitely alleviate the itch even if I had to use the cream every day. The shampoo was such a pleasant surprise - it was like a regular 'scalp' shampoo but my hair shone as if I had put something extra on it - my hair was soft and the itch was kept at bay. I wash my hair every day so the shampoo ensured my scalp did not get a chance to itch.

Would you recommend
I certainly would recommend both cream and shampoo

Overall how satisfied were you:

I'm satisfied with both products.

What did you like about the cream and shampoo

I liked the shampoo because it didn't have a hospital kind of smell, and my scalp felt much better after every use. I used this for my son as well, I could see his scalp has improved, flakiness has reduced.
Cream: nice size bottle with a good controlled pump, easy to use. It felt really good on my skin, I apply it every day now. It doesn't feel oily and very soothing. But it didn't suit my face as it looked very greasy, may it's not for face?

Did it improve your skin and scalp
Skinwise

Yes after daily use I could see a clear improvement. Less itchiness, less dandruff.

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

I will definitely recommend the shampoo as I really liked it. My hair feels much softer and less dandruff. But I had to use conditioner afterwards. I recommend the cream to my sister who complains of dry feet.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I was very satisfied with the cream but not a huge fan of the shampoo as it was ineffective at relieving my itchy scalp problem

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

The cream had a lovely rich texture to it and was easily absorbed into the skin. It was very effective at relieving dry, itchy skin and was loved by all of my family. I personally wasn’t very impressed with the shampoo as it didn’t relieve my itchy scalp. However, it left my hair feeling soft and clean and had a nice smell. My daughter had more success with it than I did and she said it did relieve her itchy scalp.

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

The cream helped all of my families skin and the shampoo helped my daughters itchy scalp.

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

I would definitely recommend the cream but I probably wouldn’t recommend the shampoo as it is an expensive product to buy if it isn’t going to work.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

• I think the shampoo did definitely help my flaky scalp however I hate shampoos with panthenol so I would not buy it again for this reason. It leaves my hair feeling lank like it hasn’t been washed. I used the balneum then used my own shampoo afterwards.

-my husband has really bad dry skin and hacks on his hands and he said it was a decent moisturiser and didn’t irritate as many creams do, however it didn’t help his hacks.

• the cream did help my daughter’s eczema slightly.
• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
• I liked that the shampoo did improve my flaky scalp
• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
• as above
• Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
• I probably wouldn’t recommend the shampoo as it contains but panthenol and I avoid them. I would recommend the cream as certainly worth trying.

1. Overall we were satisfied with the cream and shampoo.

The cream rubs in easily without feeling greasy and doesn't leave any white residue.

My son and I both have eczema on legs and arms mostly so have been applying the cream after a daily shower, the patches haven't quite cleared up but the redness and scaly parts is a lot less noticeable and itching has calmed down as a result.

My son and husband also have dermatitis on their scalps which leaves it quite red and flaky, the shampoo has also lessened this but has been very drying on their hair. I used it on myself to see if it would benefit me if it's more sensitive but it took all the shine out of my hair and I had to use a lot of conditioner.

1. We liked that neither the cream nor shampoo had an obvious medicated smell, the cream in particular had a faint non-offensive smell and I liked that it didn't linger as some of the creams I have used in the past do.

1. Yes, we itch a lot less and skin and scalps aren't as dry as they were.

1. I would (already have) recommended the cream to anyone with excessive dry and/or itchy skin but I wouldn't readily recommend the shampoo unless it's a last resort because of the drying effect it's had on our hair.

Thank you for letting us trial these products :)

My DS has both dry itchy skin and flaky scalp. DH has itchy scalp, and I just have horrible dry skin.
After we all gave the Balneum a good trial run my opinions are..

The shampoo does work. Takes a lot of effort to lather up and rinse thoroughly but stops the itchiness. It left our hair feeling soft. DS still has some flakiness but it is easing off so I would probably continue to buy it.

The cream was excellent, deeply moisturising and really did stop any itching. I found it worked best after a lukewarm shower and applying while the skin was still damp.

Price wise, it compares well with Aveeno and I think it is more effective. Recommended!

Thank you for the opportunity to try these products.

I was pretty satisfied with both products.

The cream was really smooth and improved my skin. I got a slight stinging when I put it on very dry skin but it made it improved quickly. The shampoo improved my itchy scalp but didn't cure it completely.

I liked that it wasn't scented but dp would prefer more scent so I guess you can't please everyone.

Overall happy, would buy it and would recommend it to others.

I have dry skin and occasionally eczema on my scalp although not at present. I thought the shampoo lathered up better than other ones I have tried which are meant to be more medicinal. However, I did not notice any changes after using the shampoo. I would need to see a major change before I bought something like this as I prefer cosmetics with a nicer smell. I also tried the cream. It was easy to apply, but again I didn’t notice any particular change. Again this is not something that I would buy as I would tend to buy something with a better smell. For me this was not as effective as usuing a cocoa butter. Based on this, I would not recommend either product as they are also more than I would usually spend. I can see that for others there has been a noticeable change, just not for me. Thanks for letting me try it out.

Overall I was satisfied with both the cream and shampoo.
I liked the fact that the shampoo didn't irritate my scalp like most shampoos and it made my hair feel soft. It also didn't get greasy as quickly. The cream absorbed well and seemed to stop my 4 year old scratching.
It didn't get rid of a stubborn eczema patch on my head, for that I had to use an alternative dandruff shampoo but I didn't have any itching or dry patches on my scalp that I get with most shampoos I have tried and it definitely made my hair feel lovely and clean.
The cream also helped my Son stop itching and I loved the pump action packaging which made it easy to pack when he went away for the weekend without fear of it going everywhere.
I would recommend both products.

After a few weeks of testing

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

I really liked the cream, it's an easy to use pump container and cleared up my very itchy dried skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth. The shampoo I have had mixed results with, it's stopped the itching at the top of my scalp which is more dandruff itchiness but the eczema on the base of my scalp hasn't improved and has actually spread more. It does leave my hair feeling very soft and looking shiny though. I am going to use my steroid cream to clear the eczema then carry on with he shampoo to see if it keeps it at bay.

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

I like the container the cream comes in and I do like how soft the shampoo leaves my hair

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

My skin is 100% better it isn't dry or itchy at all. My scalp is better and I'd recommend it to anyone that has dandruff.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others? I have already recommended the cream to a few people and I'd probably recommend the shampoo to someone with mild dandruff but not for anything else.

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

It helped with the itchiness of my legs which i particularly suffer with at night, my scalp is a lot less irritated

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

My 5 year old didn't complain about either although we've had to use his normal eczema products on his skin

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

my scalp

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

yes

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I was very satisfied with both. The cream was really effective: applied easily - richly moisturising but did not feel greasy or heavy. I was really surprised by how well it worked to reduce my itching and redness in my skin. The shampoo was also effective: my hair felt clean and soft afterwards, and my scalp (and my child's) was definitely less itchy afterwards.

What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
The above really. That they were effective but without feeling heavy or greasy. Lots of products feel like a layer on your skin, or too light and absorbed so easily that they are not effective. This was effecitve without being heavy, which was brilliant.
Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
It did, particularly the cream: much less itching and dryness/bumps on the skin. I will buy more when it has been used up.
Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
I would, especially the cream. Thank you.

I trialed this when having an outbreak of psoriasis on my scalp and arms.

- Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Really satisfied with the cream, took the itch out of the psoriasis on my arms but unfortunately the shampoo didn’t work for me and also left my hair feeling really dry.

- What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
I liked that the cream wasn’t greasy and dried quickly which was perfect for use in the morning while getting ready and it did help the itch. Did not like the shampoo.

- Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
The cream improved my skin, it’s not as dry or itchy any more.

- Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
I would recommend the cream as it was great. Im not sure I would recommend the shampoo although this may work for some who doesn’t have psoriasis.

Testers please answer the following questions:

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

Overall I thought the shampoo was better than the cream, it definitely helped with my daughters dandruff and left her hair very soft. Unfortunately the cream did absolutely nothing for her ezcema :( had high hopes for it but it made no improvement. To be fair though I have been searching for a long time that a cream that has worked, was hoping I may have finally found a miracle cream but unfortunately not.

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

Both the cream and shampoo were very nourishing and I bet they will help a lot of others with dry skin, unfortunately just didn't help us.

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

Yes and my daughters hair was very very soft.

• Would you recommend the product(s) to others? Maybe the shampoo. Due to the fact that the cream made no difference I wouldn't recomend the cream

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

I was very satisfied with the cream however the shampoo made my head more itchy and sore so had to stop using it.

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

I liked that the cram had no smell, got rid of my itching very swiftly and my skin feel much more moisturised than normal

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

Yes. The dry skin on my legs and back is greatly improved

Would you recommend the product(s) to others?

Yes most definitely. I already have.

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

Overall I found both items disappointing. The cream lid broke (maybe by one of my DD's), it felt initially quite nice, but left my hands 'slimey'. I used it in the DD's legs & they quite liked it, but I'll be sticking to Sanex & DD1's diprobase lotion. Obviously they'll use the rest if we can work out how to get it out.
The shampoo, I used it a couple of times but felt another brand (which is medicated & contains coal tar) worked better. Maybe I don't have the correct itchy head for this shampoo?

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

My DD's liked that their skin wasn't dry & therefore itchy. They weren't as sensitive to the clammy feeling I had. The cream was easy to spread (I though it didn't soak it) but no complaints from them.

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

The cream is an instant & temporary soothing fix for dry skin. I'm not sure anything applied externally will change skin conditions, but it did soothe the their itchy skin. I didn't like the feeling of it on my hands.

I'm going to give the shampoo another try & as DD1 complained of an itchy head yesterday (no nits), I'm going to use it on her.
The shampoo didn't make my hands react, which is a good thing.

Thank you for letting me test both products.

*Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
*
Loved the shampoo but the cream was just ok.

*What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
*
The cream was moisturising. The shampoo was fantastic and has stopped my daughters scalp itching.

*Did it improve yours or your family member's skin and/or scalp?
*
No difference to the skin itchy although the cream was definitely moisturising. Huge difference to my daughters scalp though, very impressed.

*Would you recommend the products to others?
*
Have already recommended the shampoo. The cream didn't work for us but might for others.

The cream has worked well on my 11 year old's ultra-dry cream, when I have managed to convince him to use it regularly (twice a day) there has been a definite improvement. Shampoo hasn't been quite so effective (he also has a really dry, flaky scalp) but we will persevere with it. I would buy the cream again.