Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Review

I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect skincare product for years now. There are so many choices out there and most of them have left me feeling disappointed. I’ve been using Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm recently and I’m not going to lie – I’m impressed.

The Elemis Pro-Collagen range is one of the brand’s most famous lines, and this cleansing balm is their number one bestseller. But does it actually live up to the hype? In this honest Elemis cleansing balm review, I’ll break down the Elemis cleansing balm ingredients, tell you whether it’s actually oil-based, share my genuine experience, and help you decide if it’s worth the investment.

Updated: May 2026

What is Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm?

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is an all-in-one product that removes makeup, cleanses the skin, and provides nourishing hydration. It’s known for its unique ability to transform from a solid balm to a silky oil, providing what they call the ultimate cleansing experience. It’s a bit like coconut oil in that sense – it turns liquid when it’s warm but it’s creamier in texture.

This balm isn’t just a cleanser – it has additional benefits that have made it a staple in my skincare routine. I love that it can also be used as a nourishing face mask, providing an extra dose of hydration to my dry skin. Just pop it on for a bit longer and it does a fantastic job at hydrating your skin.

The Elemis cleansing balm has become their number one bestseller, which tells you something. It’s been winning beauty awards for years and has a massive following. But does it actually live up to the hype? Let’s find out.

Why Does Dry Skin Need Special Care?

Dry skin is a common condition, particularly in harsh weather conditions or as we age. It’s characterised by a lack of sufficient moisture in the skin, leading to feelings of tightness, itchiness, and flaking. Dry skin can be uncomfortable and can even lead to premature signs of ageing, like wrinkles and fine lines.

That’s why a product like Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is so valuable. It doesn’t just cleanse; it also hydrates, helping to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance.

I’ve always suffered from dry skin. If I don’t use a moisturiser, my skin suffers. I can feel the tightness all day, and I just cannot get away with not moisturising. But after using this balm, my skin feels like it’s been moisturised already, which is brilliant.

Elemis Cleansing Balm Ingredients: What’s Actually In It?

Right, this is what people really want to know about – what’s actually in the Elemis cleansing balm ingredients list? One of the standout features is its ingredient list. This product is chock-full of skin-loving ingredients that not only cleanse but also nourish the skin.

Key Active Ingredients

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil – This is the first ingredient listed, which means it’s the main component. Sweet almond oil is known for its ability to dislodge makeup and oil from the skin’s surface whilst simultaneously calming irritation and providing hydration. It’s loaded with skin-nourishing fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid) and contains antioxidant vitamin E. It’s an emollient that helps soften and hydrate your skin by creating a barrier to trap moisture in.

Padina Pavonica – This is a type of brown algae that’s genuinely clever. It boosts moisture retention in the skin and has been shown in studies to increase skin hydration levels. Elemis uses this in loads of their Pro-Collagen range because it actually works.

Sambucus Nigra Oil (Elderberry Oil) – Rich in essential fatty acids that help maintain a healthy skin barrier. It’s packed with vitamins A, B, and C, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This helps protect the skin and keep it hydrated.

Starflower Oil (Borago Officinalis Seed Oil) – Also known as borage oil, this is one of the richest sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that helps maintain the skin’s barrier function and reduces water loss.

Rosa Multiflora Flower Wax and Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax – These natural waxes give the balm its luxurious texture whilst also helping to lock in moisture.

Essential Oils Blend

The Elemis cleansing balm contains a blend of 9 essential oils that create its signature scent:

• Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil – Calming and soothing
• Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil (Chamomile) – Anti-inflammatory and gentle
• Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil – Refreshing and purifying
• Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil (Geranium) – Balancing
• Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil – Uplifting

These essential oils not only smell heavenly but also provide aromatherapy benefits. The scent is properly spa-like.

Other Notable Elemis Cleansing Balm Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride – Derived from coconut oil, this is a lightweight emollient that makes the balm feel smooth and non-greasy on the skin.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil – Soothing and moisturising, particularly good for sensitive or irritated skin.

Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil – Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) – Deeply moisturising and nourishing.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil – Similar to skin’s natural sebum, so it absorbs easily without clogging pores.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil – Lightweight oil rich in antioxidants.

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen – Helps improve skin elasticity and hydration.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) – Antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage.

Full Elemis Cleansing Balm Ingredients List

For those who want the complete list, here are all the Elemis cleansing balm ingredients:

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG-8 Beeswax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Sambucus Nigra Oil, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Silica, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Wax, Glycerin, Lecithin, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Linalool, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Geraniol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Rosa Multiflora Flower Wax, Tocopherol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Limonene, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Menthol, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Citral, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract

What’s NOT in the Elemis Cleansing Balm Ingredients

It’s also worth noting what Elemis has left out:

• No mineral oils – Unlike cheaper cleansing balms
• No parabens – Uses phenoxyethanol as a preservative instead
• No harsh sulfates – Gentle cleansing agents only
• No synthetic colours – All the colour comes from natural ingredients

However, it does contain essential oils and fragrance, so if you’re sensitive to these, you might want to patch test first. It also contains PEG compounds, which some people prefer to avoid (though they’re generally considered safe).

The Luxury of Using Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Using Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is genuinely a luxurious experience. It’s more than just a skin routine – it feels like a face mask or spa treatment.

The balm has a rich, buttery texture that melts into the skin, easily dissolving makeup and grime. It comes with a face cloth for easy application and removal, though you can also remove it with just water if you prefer.

The scent is heavenly. It’s a blend of lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus. The aroma is both uplifting and soothing. This spa-like scent can transform your daily skincare routine into a moment of relaxation and self-care.

When you warm it in your hands, the solid balm melts into an oil. As you massage it onto your face, it breaks down makeup and sunscreen effortlessly. Then, when you add water, it emulsifies into a milky cleanser that rinses away cleanly.

The texture transformation is quite satisfying – balm to oil to milk. It’s one of those products where the experience of using it is almost as good as the results.

How to Use Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm can be used daily as the first step in your skincare routine. Here’s how to get the best results:

Step 1: Scoop out a pea-sized amount of the balm. A little goes a long way with this product.

Step 2: Warm it between your palms until it melts into an oil. This takes about 5-10 seconds.

Step 3: Gently massage it onto your dry face, neck, and décolleté using circular motions. Take your time with this – it’s quite therapeutic. The balm will dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime.

Step 4: Add a little water to your fingertips and continue massaging. The balm will emulsify into a milky texture.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly with warm water, or use the included muslin cloth for gentle exfoliation as you remove it.

As a face mask: You can also leave the balm on for up to 10 minutes as a deeply nourishing face mask before removing it. I do this once or twice a week when my skin needs extra hydration.

Top tip: If you wear heavy makeup or waterproof mascara, spend extra time massaging the balm around your eyes. It will break down even stubborn makeup without tugging or irritating the delicate eye area.

Different Versions of Elemis Cleansing Balm

Elemis actually makes several versions of their cleansing balm now:

Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (Original) – The classic version with the signature 9 essential oils blend. This is what I’m reviewing and what most people buy.

Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm – Contains English rose oleo extract for an extra soothing, rose-scented experience. Same cleansing power with a different aromatherapy profile.

Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm – Fragrance-free version for those sensitive to essential oils or who prefer unscented products. Same effectiveness without the scent.

Pro-Collagen Summer Bloom Cleansing Balm – A limited edition seasonal version that comes out occasionally.

The ingredients vary slightly between versions, particularly in the essential oils used, but the core cleansing ingredients remain similar across the range.

My Actual Experience with Elemis Cleansing Balm

I’ve been using Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for a few weeks now, and I love it. It’s been the best cleansing experience of my life, genuinely.

It’s perfect for my dry skin. I love how it cleanses without leaving my skin feeling stripped or tight. Many cleansers leave my face feeling squeaky clean but uncomfortable – this doesn’t do that at all.

The scent is gorgeous, and it removes makeup so easily at the end of the day. Even waterproof mascara comes off without me having to rub and tug at my eyes. My face feels clean, soft, and actually moisturised after using it.

I have dry and sensitive skin, and my skin loves this balm. I prefer to use this just on an evening rather than morning as well – it’s price,y so I want to make it last, and I don’t usually wear makeup during the day anyway.

The transformation from balm to oil to milk is quite satisfying. There’s something nice about the ritual of warming it in your hands, massaging it onto your face, and feeling it dissolve everything.

Does It Actually Work for Different Skin Types?

Based on my experience and reading loads of other reviews:

Dry skin (like mine): Brilliant. It hydrates whilst cleansing, which is exactly what dry skin needs.

Oily skin: Works well because it’s oil-based. Remember, oil dissolves oil, so it actually helps remove excess sebum without stripping the skin.

Combination skin: Perfect for double cleansing. Use this first to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a water-based cleanser.

Sensitive skin: Generally good, but the essential oils might irritate some people. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, go for the Naked version instead.

Mature skin: The nourishing oils and Padina Pavonica make this particularly good for mature skin that needs extra hydration.

Acne-prone skin: It’s non-comedogenic despite being oil-based. However, some of the ingredients (like cetearyl alcohol) may not be suitable for fungal acne.

The Price: Is It Worth It?

Right, let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s £48 for 100g, which is expensive. There’s no getting around that. You’re not going to pick this up on a whim from Boots.

However, you only need a small amount (genuinely, a pea-sized amount), so it does last a while. I’ve been using mine for several weeks and I’ve barely made a dent in it. If you use it just in the evenings as I do, a 100g tub will probably last you 3-4 months.

When you break it down to £12-16 per month, it’s more palatable. Still not cheap, but less shocking than £48 in one go.

Is it worth it? For me, yes. My skin feels better, it removes makeup brilliantly, and the experience of using it is lovely. But I completely understand if £48 for a cleanser feels ridiculous. There are cheaper alternatives that do a decent job.

20% Elemis Discount Code

Luckily for you, I have a discount code where you can get 20% off Elemis if you shop through this link. That brings the price down to £38.40, which makes it slightly more affordable.

They also often do gift sets where you get the cleansing balm plus other products for better value. Keep an eye out during sale periods like Black Friday.

How Does It Compare to Other Cleansing Balms?

I haven’t tried every cleansing balm on the market, but here’s how Elemis compares to other popular ones:

vs The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm (£9.99): The Inkey List version is much cheaper and also very good. It’s fragrance-free and gentle. The Elemis feels more luxurious and has a nicer texture, but the Inkey List is brilliant value.

vs Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (£24): Clinique’s is fragrance-free and very effective at removing makeup. Elemis feels more nourishing and has a better scent (if you like scented products).

vs Banila Co Clean It Zero (£16): The Korean option that’s very popular. It’s cheaper and comes in different versions. Elemis feels more premium and has better ingredients for anti-ageing.

vs Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (£38): Similar price point and also comes with a cloth. Emma Hardie has a different scent profile and slightly different texture. Both are excellent.

Honestly, if you’re on a budget, get The Inkey List version. If you want the full luxury experience and don’t mind spending more, Elemis is worth it.

Pros and Cons of Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Pros:

• Removes makeup brilliantly, including waterproof products
• Hydrates whilst cleansing (perfect for dry skin)
• Luxurious texture and spa-like scent
• Works for most skin types
• Can double as a nourishing face mask
• Comes with a muslin cloth
• A little goes a long way
• Non-comedogenic despite being oil-based
• Contains beneficial ingredients like Padina Pavonica
• Leaves skin feeling soft and clean, not stripped

Cons:

• Expensive at £48 for 100g
• Contains essential oils and fragrance (may irritate sensitive skin)
• The balm can melt in warm weather
• Not vegan (contains beeswax)
• May not be suitable for fungal acne
• Needs proper removal or can leave residue
• The jar packaging isn’t the most hygienic

My Verdict on Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Skincare is a deeply personal journey. What works for one person might not work for another. However, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has proven to be a popular choice among many, particularly those with dry skin.

Its luxurious texture, soothing scent, and nourishing Elemis cleansing balm ingredients make it much more than just a cleanser. It’s a proper skincare treatment that happens to also remove your makeup.

The ingredients list is impressive, with multiple nourishing oils, beneficial botanical extracts like Padina Pavonica, and a blend of essential oils that make using it feel like a spa treatment. The fact that it’s won loads of beauty awards and is consistently a bestseller tells you it’s not just clever marketing.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a product that can cleanse, hydrate, and pamper your skin all at once, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm might just be the perfect fit for you. Just be prepared for the price tag.

For me, it’s become a staple in my evening routine. My dry skin loves it, it makes removing makeup actually pleasant rather than a chore, and it feels properly indulgent. Worth the investment? I think so, especially with the 20% discount.

Related posts:

• Feel Hair Support Review
• Revive Collagen Review
• Rejuvenated collagen shots review
• Retinol Vs Collagen Vs Hyaluronic Acid
• I’ve Been Drinking Elavate Collagen
• Absolute Collagen Review