Skin hates balm cleanser, help me find something it loves!

[MollyBloomYes]

I have combination skin, recently madly oily on the forehead, tends towards small sore little pimple type spots rather than large areas of breakouts. I cannot go near tea tree in any shape or form and depending on how much is in it orange or rose don't seem to be too great for it either.

Reading up it seems like a gel cleanser might be the best thing for my skin but I've no idea which one might be best. I bought an Ole Henrikson one from Boots (the green one) but it was so very mentholy and full of eucalyptus I couldn't bear it. I don't mind using strong smelling stuff but this was too much.

The rest of my routine is fine, suits my skin well, I just need to find a cleanser that doesn't absolutely reek of menthol and feels nice to clean with (and doesn't feel like an oil slick after applying or washing off which was the problem when using cleansing balms or oils). Open to creams, gels or washes as long as they're god at effectively cleansing combination skin without stripping it.

Help me wise ones!

Cetaphil or Cerave, in each case the one for oily skin. Foaming and they clean without drying. Non glam packaging but they have focused on the product.

If I stray, I always go back to Liz Earle cleanse and polish, and my skin improves!

Have you tried a milk cleanser? They tend to be gentler on the skin but are also very effective. You will need a washcloth to remove it (as you would with balm or cream cleansers).

I like this one by Ren: www.renskincare.com/products/evercalm-gentle-cleansing-milk

This one by Nivea is good too:
www.nivea.co.uk/products/sensitive-cleansing-milk-40058089244310045.html

The Inkey List salicylic cleanser would probably help with the spots.

Sounds counter intuitive but oil cleanser works for my combination/oily skin. Mixture of sweet almond and black Jamaican castor oil.

Dr Sam Bunting (she’s a dermatologist) Flawless cleanser is my favourite. Every time I try an alternative my skin punishes me so now I just stick with Flawless. The consistency is lovely, not as thick as gels and at first I wasn’t sure about the efficacy as it felt like I was putting nothing on my skin.

I have combination skin, with the drier parts very dry it leaves my skin smooth and hydrated, very clean but without the stripped tightfeeling. My spots have definitely decreased as well.

As a PP recommended Ren is very good and do a range of cleansers for different skins. They sell it in m&s if you’re near a big one.

The Aldi marine algae hot cloth cleanser works well on my sensitive skin.

Also the Sisley Soapless Cleanser.

Opposite ends of the spectrum on price, but I love both

La Roche Posay Toleriane range has very good ones, it's available in Boots and the tubes and huge. It will last you months and months.

They are all non scented, so no offending minty whiffs there.

I use Ponds Cold Cream as a cleanser. It is oil-based, but I find this is best for my combo skin. The oil sinks in and drags out impurities, and to be honest, if I don't use it for a while, my skin breaks out. It also leaves my skin soft, sometimes soft enough to not need moisturiser, but when I do, I find Simple Light Moisturiser is good. Both cheap as chips.

Try Face Theory. Works for me.

I like the DHC Skin Cleansing Oil, or the Beauty Pie JapanFusion cleanser. Rub it in, and wash it off.

Would also recommend Dr Sam's flawless cleanser.

I only use a balm cleanser to remove make up followed by a gel cleanser to clean my face and that prevents any spots

Oooh I forgot about Dr Sam, I've used her stuff before and agree, it is very nice. The fact you can't see how much is left is a bit annoying though. However the texture does feel lovely!

I have always wondered about Cerave or Cetaphil, I suppose I always think they look a bit...cheap. But they do seem to be quite cult.

Loving the look of the other products, I'll check them out. Hadn't considered a milk cleanser but as I said, I'll consider all types. I always use a washcloth to clean them off, splashing my face causes tidal waves all over the bathroom! Oil and balm cleansers really don't work for me unfortunately, just make me really greasy feeling and in need of a second cleanse and I'm not a fan of a drawn out routine!

Thanks everyone!

If you want a gel - dermalogica special cleansing gel is gentle and scent free. Cleans thoroughly but no tight feeling on me.

I like Alpha H Balancing Cleanser. Very gentle, washes everything off without stripping. I have oily skin.

I use Dermalogica special cleansing gel and it's lovely. It's last ages because it's concentrated. I would never used it to remove make up though, I use a balm cleanser first for that