BYOMA Melting Balm Cleanser

A nourishing, oil-based cleansing balm designed to effortlessly melt away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while supporting the skin barrier with ceramides and niacinamide.

Performance Rating: 8.9

The cleanser achieves an excellent performance rating of 8.9/10 due to its highly effective oil-cleansing base. Plant-derived emollients like Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, and Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil work efficiently to dissolve stubborn makeup, excess sebum, and sunscreen. The inclusion of Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate ensures excellent emulsification, allowing the formula to rinse off cleanly with water without leaving a heavy, greasy residue. Furthermore, it is enriched with barrier-supporting and skin-restoring actives such as Ceramide NP, Sphingolipids, and Niacinamide, which prevent moisture loss and leave the skin feeling hydrated and soft post-wash.

Safety Rating: 8.4

A safety rating of 8.4/10 reflects a formulation that is overall very safe and gentle, dominated by nourishing plant oils and skin-identical lipids. However, the rating is slightly adjusted due to the inclusion of Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, an essential oil that contains aromatic compounds which can cause sensitization or contact dermatitis for individuals with highly sensitive skin. Additionally, the presence of certain fatty acids like Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, and Stearic Acid may carry a mild comedogenic risk for some acne-prone skin types, though they pose no systemic safety concerns.

Final Rating: 8.7

With a final rating of 8.7/10, this product is an outstanding makeup-removing and skin-nourishing cleanser (likely a balm due to the structuring Synthetic Wax). It successfully combines heavy-duty makeup-dissolving performance with high-quality skincare benefits, thanks to Ceramide NP and Niacinamide which actively protect the skin barrier during the cleansing process. While it is highly beneficial for dry and normal skin types, those with extremely sensitive or acne-prone skin should remain mindful of the Rosemary Leaf Oil and comedogenic fatty acids. Overall, it represents a top-tier cleansing formula.

Verdict

This cleansing balm is an excellent first-step cleanser formulated to dissolve stubborn oil-soluble impurities like sebum, waterproof makeup, and sunscreen. Its base relies on a blend of nourishing plant oils, including Olive Fruit Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and Babassu Seed Oil, structured by Synthetic Wax to give it a classic solid-to-oil balm texture. The key emulsifier here is Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, a highly regarded surfactant in oil cleansers that ensures the formula transforms into a milky emulsion upon contact with water, allowing it to rinse off cleanly without leaving a heavy, greasy residue. What elevates this balm beyond a basic cleanser is its thoughtful inclusion of barrier-supporting and skin-conditioning ingredients. It features Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which helps to brighten the complexion and regulate sebum production. More importantly, the formula contains Ceramide NP and Sphingolipids (skin-identical lipids), which work together to fortify the skin’s moisture barrier during the cleansing process. This minimizes the transepidermal water loss commonly associated with washing the face. Additionally, Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil) and Vitamin E supply potent antioxidant protection, shielding the skin from environmental stressors. The formula also incorporates fatty acids like Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, and Myristic Acid, which enrich the balm’s texture and replenish skin lipids. However, users with highly acne-prone skin should note that some of these fatty acids and heavier oils like olive oil can be slightly comedogenic if not completely washed off. Therefore, following this up with a gentle, water-based second cleanser (the ‘double cleansing’ method) is highly recommended. Another minor consideration is Rosemary Leaf Oil, an essential oil included for its natural herbaceous scent and antimicrobial benefits. While generally well-tolerated in wash-off products, individuals with extremely reactive skin or known essential oil sensitivities should perform a patch test beforehand. Overall, this is a beautifully formulated cleansing balm that bridges the gap between deep cleansing and active skincare. It leaves the skin feeling clean, remarkably soft, and thoroughly hydrated rather than stripped, making it an outstanding option for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin types.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Emollients & Plant Oils / 润肤剂与植物油

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

Purpose: Emollient and solvent that dissolves oil-based makeup and impurities.

Concerns: May be slightly comedogenic for extremely acne-prone skin, but safe in rinse-off products.

Notes: Rich in nourishing fatty acids and antioxidants.

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

Purpose: Lightweight emollient and antioxidant.

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation or clogging pores.

Notes: High in linoleic acid, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

🧪 Cetyl Ethylhexanoate / 鲸蜡醇乙基己酸酯

Purpose: Synthetic emollient and skin conditioner.

Concerns: Minimal concerns, provides a smooth texture without heavy greasiness.

Notes: Improves the spreadability and feel of the cleanser.

🧪 Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil / 巴巴苏籽油

Purpose: Nourishing plant oil and emollient.

Concerns: Generally safe and highly compatible with skin.

Notes: Melts quickly at skin temperature to help dissolve grime.

🧪 Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil / 沙棘油

Purpose: Antioxidant-rich plant oil.

Concerns: Natural bright orange color and scent, but highly beneficial.

Notes: Rich in vitamins and rare fatty acids that promote healing.

📁 Emulsifiers & Surfactants / 乳化剂与表面活性剂

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

Purpose: Emulsifier that helps oil and water mix.

Concerns: None in rinse-off formulations.

Notes: Enables the cleansing oil/balm to rinse off cleanly without leaving a greasy film.

📁 Skin-Replenishing & Active Ingredients / 皮肤修护与活性成分

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Skin brightening, barrier support, and soothing agent.

Concerns: Rare sensitivity in extremely reactive skin.

Notes: In a cleanser, its contact time is brief but still helps minimize stripping.

🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-identical lipid that repairs and maintains the skin barrier.

Concerns: None, highly skin-compatible.

Notes: Helps protect the skin barrier from moisture loss during washing.

🧪 Sphingolipids / 鞘脂类

Purpose: Skin-identical lipid and barrier-repairing ingredient.

Concerns: None, very gentle and safe.

Notes: Works together with ceramides to restore skin hydration.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Vitamin E derivative with antioxidant properties.

Concerns: Very low risk of contact allergy.

Notes: Protects both the skin and the botanical oils in the product from oxidative damage.

📁 Fatty Acids / 脂肪酸

🧪 Palmitic Acid / 棕榈酸

Purpose: Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier.

Concerns: Can be slightly comedogenic in leave-on products, but safe in a cleanser.

Notes: Helps build formula viscosity and cleanses when saponified.

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Fatty acid that acts as an emulsifier, surfactant, and thickener.

Concerns: Generally safe for most skin types.

Notes: Contributes to a rich texture and helps cleanse the skin.

🧪 Myristic Acid / 肉豆蔻酸

Purpose: Fatty acid that serves as a cleansing agent and surfactant.

Concerns: Can be drying in soap-based formulas, but balanced here by heavy oils.

Notes: Creates a luxurious, creamy lather when saponified.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Solvents / 质地调节剂与溶剂

🧪 Synthetic Wax / 合成蜡

Purpose: Viscosity controller and solidifying agent.

Concerns: None for skin, though synthetic polymer nature is sometimes scrutinized for environment.

Notes: Maintains the solid balm structure at room temperature.

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Solvent, humectant, and preservative booster.

Concerns: Extremely safe and low risk.

Notes: Helps preserve the formula and keep it hydrated.

📁 Fragrance & Essential Oils / 香精与植物精油

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

Purpose: Essential oil providing natural fragrance and antioxidant benefits.

Concerns: May cause sensitization or irritation in highly sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Notes: Usually well-tolerated in rinse-off formats, but use caution if sensitive to essential oils.