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

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Quite satisfied. It worked for me and my kids who have general dry skin,/mild eczema
Did not work for my husband who suffers from dyshydrotic eczema.

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

The shampoo initially worked great and the cream absorbed into your skin quickly

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

Yes, skin improved slightly and scalp improved greatly at first but then after a few washes became more sensitive. I'd maybe have to alternate washes with it if I stuck with it long term

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

Not at the cost of 9.99 per bottle, it's a decent product but not worth that much and the packaging and smell are quite unappealing overall

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

Loved the shampoo and it made a huge, huge difference. I have already given feedback (different user name) but wanted to come back after a longer try and say what a brilliant shampoo this is for me. I have tried everything and this one works, and continues to do so.

The cream was lovely too although no better than one or two others I have used but still very good.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo? Shampoo - actually works, smells nice and leaves my hair like a normal shampoo, not like a medicated one. Cream is lovely and soft and, again, the smell is pleasant.
• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp? Scalp, definitely. Skin, yes.
• Would you recommend the product(s) to others? Absolutely. Especially the shampoo which I have been waxing rather lyrical about online and in person.

-Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I am very satisfied with the cream - it really improved the dryness of my skin. However, I felt that the shampoo did dry out my hair a bit.

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

I like the pump dispenser and the consistency of the cream. However, I didn't like the smell much.

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

I have very dry skin and decided to do a test with the cream and put it on only one leg to see the difference. The difference the cream made was huge - it was much less dry and itchy. I saw the improvement after only a couple of days of using it. My husband used the cream too and said his skin was definitely less itchy. The shampoo made my scalp feel less dry but it was still a little itchy.

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

I would definitely recommend the cream but maybe not the shampoo as it dried out my hair.

Thank you for the products. My main problem area is my scalp as I had a reaction to antibiotics 18 months ago.

I have used the shampoo twice and did think it improved the condition of my head but unfortunately it stripped the colour out of my hair so I will use again nearer to the time my colour needs redoing.

I have been putting a small amount of cream on my head the night before I am going to wash my hair and it is soothing and does stop the itching so I will continue with this.

I would recommend the products as I did get some relief.

Very satisfied with both. The cream especially worked really well on dds dry skin, there was a noticeable change right away

I really liked the cream, I liked the pump bottle too. The shampoo was great too, I didn't love the smell but it worked well

Yes it improved dds scalp a lot

Yes definitely would recommend both products, I already have recommend the cream to my mum

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I'm really satisfied with both the cream and shampoo.I have been using the cream on a dry, itchy rash that I have on my head, arms and legs in place of a generic cream I was given by the GP. I'm awaiting a skin biopsy as no one knows what's causing the rash.
My husband has itchy, sensitive skin with no visible rash.

What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
The cream is easy to apply from the pump dispenser and soaks well into the skin. It doesn't leave you with a sticky feeling. The shampoo is in a good bottle that stops too much coming out at a time. A little bit goes a long way so should be more cost effective than it initially looks.

Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
My husband says that the cream relieves his itch for a good while and his skin feels very smooth. My rash is much less itchy and appears to be clearing up. I love the shampoo and my itch has definitely improved although has not completely gone.
Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
Yes. I will definitely buy again and would be happy to recommend them.

Overall I was very satisfied with both products.

I have to say that after years of ‘suffering’ from the constant itch of winter legs and an equally itchy scalp and associated dandruff, I was a little sceptical but happy to try something new.

Using the cream on my legs, and the back of my sons knees where he suffers eczema, I was delighted with the results! I could actually feel that my, now this probably sounds ridiculous, itch was being kind of attacked! I know how that sounds but it’s the only way I can describe it. I went from using the cream 6 times a day to now only using it in the morning and at night, and to be honest I probably could go right down to using it just after my shower but I like the way it’s non greasy on my skin and my skin has a little glow.

My son still uses it three times a day but the skin on the back of his legs has softened and he has no scratch marks over night now and this has taken about two weeks give it take to get to this point, we are very happy.

The shampoo only I used (selfish as I am), and without a doubt, as I wash my hair every day, there was a marked difference in the itching. I did also notice than when I had product (tint) applied to my hair which is an almost traumatic experience for me as I sit with a tail comb and literally burst bits of my scalp with scratching, was improved. I am only sorry there is not a conditioner to add to the shampoo. My hair needs conditioner.

I would 100% recommend this to all my friends and family and I am a firm purchaser if these products. Thank you!!!!!

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
I love the cream and shampoo!

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

Myself and my daughters have irritable skin and scalps, there are so many products that we have allergic reactions to so it was lovely to use something that soothed rather than irritated.

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

My skin certainly improved and my scalp wasn't itchy at all. I've only been able to use The Body Shop shampoo and condtioner's so it was nice to have a change.

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

I would definitely recommend this to others and will be purchasing these products from now on.

Overall I was very satisfied with the cream and shampoo.
I liked the pump action dispenser of the lotion, it was easy to use, and I was also pleased that didn't feel greasy. My skin felt moisturised all day, I didn't notice much of a smell from the lotion.
The shampoo worked well, usually when I change shampoo I suffer a bad scalp reaction but I didn't have this with the product. It left my hair and scalp feeling clean, I did need to use conditioner afterwards.
I was particularly pleased that the shampoo didn't smell as is so often the case with these products, being trapped in a shower stinking of coal tar is not my favourite way to start the day.
I am pleased with the products and will continue to use them, I would recommend them, especially the shampoo

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Cream: very satisfied. Shampoo: not all satisfied.

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

Cream: effective at soothing and smoothing my scaly skin patches. Neutral about its 'pleasantness' - did its job.

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

Skin: yes. Scalp: no, made it worse.

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

Cream; yes. Shampoo: prob not, but might mention it as something that didn't work for me, but might for others. Not prejudiced!

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

I wasn't keen on the cream, it smelt weird and made my poor dry hands sting so had to wash it off. The shampoo is nice enough.

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

The shampoo made my hair feel quite soft but dulled the dyed colour so I probably wouldn't use it again.

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

My scalp felt cleaner after using the shampoo.

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

Honestly I probably wouldn't recommend this. There's nicer products on the market.

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

Very satisfied with both

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

They worked! Didn't smell medicinal either.

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

Very much so, worked on both skin and scalps.

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

Already have!

The cream did help with the dry skin on my hands, however it left my skin greasy, and does not smell very nice. The shampoo is effective at keeping away dandruff, however it also smells bad, and does not leave hair very soft, and I have had to use more conditioner than usual. After seeing the price of these products I would not recommend them, as I think the cheaper alternatives work just as well, or better.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo? I am very satisfied with both the shampoo and the cream.

• What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo? When I use he shampoo, my head is not itchy at all, and even after a few days when it needs a wash it doesn't get itchy. That's brilliant for me. Also my little one said it's had the same affect on her and I've noticed she scratches her head a lot less. The cream has also soothed my arms, reducing the scabs on my skin (tmi sorry). I do find it thick but it works wonders.
• Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp? Yes, see above.
• Would you recommend the product(s) to others? Yes definitely. I will continue to use it and the shampoo has replaced Nizoral.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?

The cream was great on my legs - really made a difference. I break out in scales and redness whenever I use it on the problem areas on my face though and I really dislike the smell.

The shampoo was okay, but only can be used once or twice a week without drying out my hair.

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

I like how quickly the cream is absorbed. The bottles for each are great.

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

The cream made a difference to my legs.

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

Unsure. The cream was great on my legs but problematic elsewhere. I think it's good, but not the miracle I was hoping for.

since my first feedback post, we've continued using both the shampoo (my daughter) and the cream (me). The flaky itchy skin on my shins is much improved, but I still find the strong rubber odour from the cream overpowering and unpleasant.

The shampoo sadly has made no difference to daughters itchy scalp although it is a pleasant shampoo to use.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Cream- Not really satisfied. Found the cream a little sticky and did nothing for my psoriasis unfortunately. Found my skin was dry again not long after applying.
Shampoo- I am very satisfied with the shampoo, complete opposite reaction to the cream.
What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
Again the cream didn’t wow me at all and thought the dispenser was a little fiddly as the nozzle was quite close to the bottle.
The shampoo didn’t make my hair smell unpleasant and had a nice lather to it.
Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
The moisturiser didn’t but the shampoo has definitely made a difference. No longer scratch at my head half as much as I did before and there is a lot less snow on my shoulders!
Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
Absolutely recommend the shampoo and having seen that most of the testers have had a positive experience with the cream then it’s definitely worth others trying it out.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Cream- I liked the cream. Although it didn't help my skin completely, I found it pleasant to smell and not to oily.
Shampoo- I really like the shampoo. Not odour, left hair feeling fresh. Scalp slightly better.
What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
I liked the cream bottle and the consistency.
The shampoo lathered well and I didn't need much, even though my hair is very thick and long.
Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
My skin feels a bit softer. So yes a slight improvement.
And the shampoo has helped quite a bit. Head still itchy every now and then but no where near as much. Hair looks and feels clean. Even had comments on it!
Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
Although the cream didn't work miracles I will continue using it.
The shampoo I will buy again. So overall, yes I would recommend both products.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Very satisfied. I did feel that the cream really helped improve some eczema on my hands, it stopped the itching, and made the skin condition start to improve.

The shampoo was also wonderful, and definitely worked giving clean hair that didn't itch. The only problem I would say is that my hair is really long, and it would be too expensive to use all over, so I only used it on the scalp.

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

I liked that the cream and shampoo looked like they were pharmacy or prescription products, the cream had a good consistency, and there was no scent. Same with the shampoo - it was very thick, which meant it was easier to apply and massage in to the scalp, and it was unscented.

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

Yes!! My eczema definitely saw an improvement, and then when i stopped using it, my eczema got worse again. And the shampoo really soothed my sensitive scalp too and I didn't have any dandruff or itching.

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

Yes! I found that they really worked for me, and would definitely recommend to someone looking for advice.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
My husband used it and he loved the shampoo as it didn't make him itch and made his hair shiny. He only used the cream the once as his skin on his arms wasn't itching at all while he was using the shampoo. He found it stopped the itching and was very soothing

What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo
The fact that it made his hair shiny and he never had any itching apart from once and the cream helped soothe that

He said that he would definitely recommend the shampoo a cream to anyone who suffers from itching or irritated skin.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Pretty satisfied- more so with the cream, but the shampoo was good.

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

The cream left skin feeling hydrated and the shampoo definitely helped remove flakes.

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

Yes, however, the shampoo did also leave my hair dry

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

The cream definitely, the shampoo probably

We have been very satisfied with the cream. Very soft skin after use with no itch. Left the skin smooth and soft.
Shampoo was good and did stop the itch straight after use.
We liked the dispenser for the cream and thought it was really easy to use with no mess.
The cream did improve the texture of the skin. Not so sure about the shampoo as so still have an itchy scalp tho not as bad as before use.
I would definately buy the cream and would certainly recommend it to others.

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

Very satisfied with both cream & shampoo.

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

Cream - really helpful for my partner who's skin flares up at anything- even water! He used the cream after taking DD swimming - usually this activity results in his skin flaring up for days and constant itching & discomfort, but he used the cream afterwards & it greatly reduced the amount of discomfort and itching. Shampoo - left my hair so glossy and healthy, and stopped any itching even though the past few weeks have been incredibly stressful (which is usually when my condition flares up) the scent of the shampoo was not a plus point for me and it did not help with any stress-related flakiness.

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

Yes - see above. For my scalp there were no periods of tightness or itching in my scalp however I did still get odd bits of flaky skin.

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

Yes

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Very, especially with the cream.

What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
The cream eliminated all itchy incidents while it Was used. This is the time of year I generally get worse leg itching so was pleasantly surprised. My husband used the shampoo and thought it worked as well as his usual brand, but overall he preferred the packaging and scent of this one.

Did it improve yours or your family members skin and/or scalp?
The cream definitely improved my skin. My husband thought the shampoo was as effective as his usual brand, probably slightly happier with the Balneum.

Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
Yes to both.

Overall how satisfied were you with the cream and shampoo?
Very satisfied with the cream. Not so much the shampoo.

What did you or your family member like about the cream and shampoo?
The cream was really nice to use - not greasy and absorbed easily. The shampoo I really wasn't keen on. It was pleasant enough to use and lathered nicely. But I have coloured, dry hair and the shampoo left it with a really weird texture - bit like wire wool! Even with loads of conditioner combing out the knots was a nightmare. My hair was also left looking really dull. Having said that I think it did improve my scalp psoriasis a little, but not enough to make me want to use it. I have gone back to my normal coal tar based shampoo which seems to suit my hair type better. I think it is a good product, but not for me.

Did it improve yours or your family member’s skin and/or scalp?
The cream is really helping the dermatitis I get on my hands. Also sorted out the eczema on my son's arms very quickly. As mentioned above the shampoo did improve my scalp a little but prefer my normal one.

Would you recommend the product(s) to others?
Definitely the cream - its fab! On balance I would recommend the shampoo also - other testers appear to have found it really helpful and it would certainly be worth trying. Just doesn't suit my mental hair!

Thank you for the opportunity to test these products