BYOMA Melting Balm Cleanser

A restorative cleansing balm enriched with plant oils and ceramides that melts away makeup while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This is an exceptionally formulated cleansing balm. The primary base of Olive Fruit Oil and Grape Seed Oil, combined with Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, provides high efficacy in dissolving waterproof makeup, sebum, and sunscreen. The inclusion of Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate is key, acting as a highly effective emulsifier that allows the oil to turn milky and rinse off cleanly with water without leaving a greasy residue. Uniquely, this formula includes Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, and Sphingolipids, which help maintain the skin barrier and prevent the stripping feeling often associated with cleansing. Synthetic Wax ensures a smooth, melting texture that is easy to spread.

Safety Rating: 4.1

The formula is free from harsh surfactants (SLS/SLES), parabens, and drying alcohols. It relies on a gentle preservative system (1,2-Hexanediol). However, the presence of Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil (an essential oil) acts as a fragrance component which can be a potential sensitizer for those with hypersensitive skin or eyes. Additionally, while Olive Oil is nourishing, it is heavier than some other oils and can be potentially comedogenic for very specific acne-prone skin types, although the wash-off nature of the product significantly reduces this risk.

Final Rating: 4.3

This product is a top-tier choice for the first step of a double cleansing routine. It stands out by combining effective makeup removal with sophisticated skincare ingredients like Ceramides and Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae Rhamnoides), offering antioxidant benefits. While the inclusion of rosemary oil serves as a minor drawback for fragrance-free purists, the overall blend provides a luxurious, non-stripping cleanse suitable for dry, normal, and combination skin types.

Verdict

This formulation is a classic cleansing balm designed to transition from a solid wax to a silky oil upon application. At its core, it utilizes a blend of Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil. This combination provides a robust mechanism for dissolving stubborn waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. The olive oil adds a nourishing richness suitable for drier skin types, while the grape seed oil provides a lighter slip and antioxidant benefits. The addition of Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil ensures the product melts effortlessly on the skin, reducing friction and the need for tugging during the cleansing massage. What distinguishes this cleanser from standard options is its impressive profile of barrier-supporting ingredients. It includes Ceramide NP, Sphingolipids, and Niacinamide. While wash-off products have limited contact time with the skin, these ingredients help mitigate the stripping effects of cleansing, ensuring the skin remains soft and hydrated rather than tight. The inclusion of Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil further boosts the formula with vitamins and antioxidants, potentially aiding in skin recovery. The rinsing mechanism relies on Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, a highly effective emulsifier that allows the oils to mix with water and rinse away cleanly. However, the structure of the balm is supported by fatty acids like Palmitic, Stearic, and Myristic Acid. While these create a luxurious texture, they can be comedogenic for a small subset of users with highly reactive, acne-prone skin, though they are usually safe when rinsed thoroughly. Finally, the inclusion of Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil adds a refreshing herbal aroma. While pleasant for many, this essential oil can be a potential irritant for those with hypersensitive skin or eyes. Users should be careful when using this around the immediate eye area if they have a history of sensitivity to botanical fragrances.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base Oils & Emollients / 基础油与柔润剂

🧪 Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil / 油橄榄果油

Purpose: Emollient, Antioxidant

Concerns: May be heavy for acne-prone skin

Notes: Rich, moisturizing oil containing oleic acid and Vitamin E.

🧪 Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil / 葡萄籽油

Purpose: Emollient, Antioxidant

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Lightweight oil high in linoleic acid, suitable for most skin types.

🧪 Cetyl Ethylhexanoate / 鲸蜡醇乙基己酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Synthetic ester that helps dissolve makeup and provides a silky feel.

🧪 Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil / 巴巴苏籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Non-greasy oil similar to coconut oil, melts on contact with skin.

🧪 Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil / 沙棘油

Purpose: Emollient, Antioxidant

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Sea Buckthorn oil, rich in vitamins and fatty acids for skin repair.

📁 Emulsifiers & Fatty Acids / 乳化剂与脂肪酸

🧪 Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate / 山梨醇聚醚-30 四油酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Key ingredient allowing the oil balm to turn milky and rinse off with water.

🧪 Palmitic Acid / 棕榈酸

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Fatty acid that adds structure to the formula.

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Fatty acid used to harden the texture of the balm.

🧪 Myristic Acid / 肉豆蔻酸

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing Agent

Concerns: Potentially drying in high concentrations

Notes: Fatty acid that aids in cleansing and removing impurities.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening, Barrier Repair

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Vitamin B3, helps with pore control and uneven skin tone.

🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and hydration.

🧪 Sphingolipids / 鞘脂类

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Lipid precursors that support barrier function.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None generally

Notes: A stable form of Vitamin E that protects against free radicals.

📁 Functional Ingredients & Fragrance / 功能性成分与香精

🧪 Synthetic Wax / 合成蜡

Purpose: Texture Enhancer, Binder

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Provides the solid structure typical of cleansing balms.

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Humectant that helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil / 迷迭香叶油

Purpose: Fragrance, Antimicrobial

Concerns: Potential sensitizer for sensitive skin

Notes: Essential oil providing a herbal scent.