I’ve been a fan of double cleansing for a couple of years and have been raving about Physician’s Formula’s The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 cleansing balm for a while. It’s truly a great product and does a great job at removing makeup, dirt and oil — perfect for my oily skin.
I recently came across Physician’s Formula’s Cleansing oil during a trip to CVS while stocking up on Physician’s Formula cleansing balm — I got both.
Although I was on my third refill of the cleansing balm — if it ain’t broke, why fix it? — I just love trying out new products so I decided to give the oil a try.
RELATED POST: Beauty Bloggers Share Daily Skincare Routines
First, let’s get into some details about both products. They’re both drugstore finds so you should be able to find them at CVS or Kroger – purchased at both stores.
Hypoallergenic, Fragrance free, Paraben free gluten free Dermatologist approved Vegan Cruelty Free.
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is a great way to deeply clean away impurities and excess oil after a long day. Also, some makeup will not wash away with just a foaming cleanser or water-based cleanser like BioDerma. That’s why an oil-based cleanser can help melt away makeup deeply. Double cleansing is the practice of using a cleansing oil, cleansing balm or other similar product to melt and cleanse makeup and sunscreen. Then, you follow up with a water-based or other facial cleanser to get the remainder of impurities.
Physician’s Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm
The Physician Formula Cleansing Balm is antioxidant-packed and enriched with Matcha Green Tea, Bamboo Shoot, and Lotus Extract. This cleansing balm runs about $12. With the included spatula, scoop a small amount and apply to face. Massage into the skin with gentle upward and outward circular motions. For eyes, apply to closed eyes in a downward and outward sweeping motion. Rinse off with water or wipe off with a warm, damp washcloth.
Because this product has a similar consistency to Vaseline, I prefer to wipe it off rather than rinse with water. The balm does a great job of melting off my makeup, even mascara. Although I don’t use waterproof-mascara, it’s still difficult to remove, but this balm does a great job. After I wipe the balm off my face, I continue the second part of double cleansing with a mild cleanser.
PROS: Easy to use, leaves skin hydrated, removes stubborn makeup. Non-Comedogenic, Ophthalmologist Tested, Vegan and Cruelty-free
CONS: Small amount ( I get maybe a month max use out of it), contains fragrance.
Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Double Cleansing Oil
The cleansing oil comes in a bottle and pumps out the product. It’s a bi-phase cleansing oil that combines a cleansing water with a purifying oil to help clean, restore, and nourish the skin in one easy step, according to PF’s website.
To use, you shake the bottle to mix both ingredients and apply a couple pumps to dry hands. Then apply to dry skin and work in circular motion. The product warms up on application to make it easier to remove makeup.
The instructions on the bottle indicate to rinse off the product with warm water. I did not like how this made my skin feel. It’s water would bead on my face and it did not rinse my makeup off. I prefer using a damp washcloth to remove the product. I also noticed that even after following up with my usual cleanser, my face still had makeup residue.
PROS: Organic, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free, Gluten Free, Vegan and Cruelty -Free
CONS: Leaves skin oily, doesn’t take off all your makeup, doesn’t emulsify, hard to rinse off.
Cleansing Oil v. Cleansing Balm
View this post on Instagram
After using both products a few times, I will have to say that the cleansing balm beats the oil hands down. The balm is easy to handle and less messy than the oil. The balm also does a better job at melting off my makeup than the oil.
Going forward, I will continue to purchase the Physician’s Formula cleansing balm because of it’s ability to get the job done and its affordability.
I am definitely a lover of cleansing balms, however, Physician’s Formula is not considered a clean brand exclusively. If you’re looking for a clean brand that delivers the same amazing results, I would recommend Farmacy’s Green Clean. This product is a little pricey at $34 compared to the $12 for the Physician’s Formula.
However, Farmacy’s ingredients include turmeric and moringa extract which helps remove impurities, sunscreen residue, and fight the effects of pollution. It also contains papaya enzymes which naturally exfoliate pores.
Whichever you choose, I highly recommend starting a double cleanse regime today. Not only will it keep your skin looking healthy but it will help with clogged pores, and dull skin. I’ve definitely noticed a difference since starting to double cleanse and really enjoy how hydrated and supple my skin feels. Do you have a current double cleanser that you enjoy? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
