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Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm for combination skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm

Average

  • LowCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ConcerningSafety

Works for combination skin; other pre-cleansers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • This cleansing balm offers moderate benefits for your combination skin, as Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil and Coconut Oil effectively remove makeup and impurities, though these emollient oils may increase oily shine in certain areas.
  • Bisabolol and Tocopherol provide some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, contributing to general skin health.

How to apply

  • Use this makeup remover PM as the first step of your evening routine to clear away excess oil.
  • Apply this makeup remover before your regular cleanser to effectively break down heavy makeup and dirt.
  • Gently wipe the makeup remover across your face using a soft cotton pad, avoiding harsh rubbing.
  • Use the makeup remover on completely dry skin to help dissolve surface oils and impurities best.
  • Avoid direct contact with the eyes while using this makeup remover.

People Say

★4.4Overall rating based on 1.1k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users describe this balm as a luxurious, spa-like treatment that effectively melts away makeup while leaving dry or mature skin feeling exceptionally soft, hydrated, and plump rather than stripped. A minority of users find the heavy glass packaging cumbersome and note that the rich formula can leave a film if not removed thoroughly with the included muslin cloth, making it less ideal for those preferring a quick rinse-off cleanser.

Highlights

  • Deeply hydrating Mostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels balanced and hydrated”
    • “leaves skin peachy clean and conditioned”
    • “nourishes and hydrates for soothed skin”
    • “never felt stripped.”
  • Luxurious texture Often Mentioned
    • “decadent and buttery texture”
    • “melts into the skin effortlessly”
    • “feels like a luxurious treat”
    • “texture is true heaven.”
  • High price point Often Mentioned
    • “not worth the money”
    • “definitely on the pricier end”
    • “can't justify the price”
    • “expensive for a cleanser.”
  • Effective makeup removal Sometimes Noted
    • “mascara and liquid liner literally melted off”
    • “removes every trace of the day”
    • “dissolves stubborn makeup”
    • “effortlessly removes makeup.”
  • Gentle and fragrance-free Sometimes Noted
    • “fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types”
    • “very gentle yet cleanses everything”
    • “odorless formula”
    • “calms as it cleanses.”
  • Requires cloth removal Sometimes Noted
    • “leaves a white residue until I use the cloth”
    • “requires a second step to remove”
    • “didn't fully wash off with warm water”
    • “high-maintenance for me.”
  • Eye irritation Rarely Noted
    • “fogs my eyes”
    • “cloudy vision after use”
    • “irritated my eyes slightly”
    • “struggled with eye makeup removal.”
  • Heavy packaging Rarely Noted
    • “packaging is way too big”
    • “heavy glass jar”
    • “digging finger into a pot”
    • “not travel friendly.”

Sources: lovi.care, cultbeauty.com, sephora.co.uk, lovelyskin.com, beautytheshop.com, augustinusbader.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm work for combination skin?

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm works moderately well for combination skin by removing makeup and impurities, though the rich oils may increase oily shine in certain areas. This skin type needs products that provide soothing and nourishing ingredients for hydration without heavy oils that worsen shine.

Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil and coconut oil help remove makeup and impurities, while bisabolol and tocopherol provide soothing and antioxidant benefits. Combination skin needs products with soothing ingredients that do not irritate, lightweight hydration, and gentle cleansers that balance both oily and dry areas.

What does Tfc8 do for combination skin?

Tfc8 is unlikely to address the specific balancing needs of combination skin, as this skin type requires lightweight hydration and gentle oil control rather than deep repair mechanisms.

What does Squalane do for combination skin?

Squalane helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. It supports the skin barrier and provides lightweight hydration that works well for both dry and oily areas.

Skin Health and Disease, 2024Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025

Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser, or once a week as part of your weekly routine. Combination skin needs a lightweight, oil-balancing makeup remover that cleanses effectively without adding excess shine.

Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine before your cleanser, but combination skin needs a lightweight, oil-balancing formula that cleanses without adding extra shine.

How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleansing balm works as a makeup remover in the evening routine, though its oils may increase oily shine on combination skin. To work better for this skin type, a product of this type needs lighter oils and ingredients that balance oil without adding shine.

Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cleansing balm is an average fit for your combination skin, as its rich oils effectively remove makeup but may increase oily shine in certain areas. To avoid clogged pores on combination skin, a makeup remover of this type needs lightweight ingredients that clean thoroughly without leaving a heavy, greasy film.

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts.

    Molecules, 2025

  • Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway.

    Antioxidants, 2025

  • Overnight virgin coconut oil application provides a skin protective effect against damage and increased TEWL from frequent alcohol-based hand sanitizer usage in 60 volunteers, resulting in a 25% increase in perceived moisture content compared to the control group.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

  • Topical cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil improved wrinkle grading, reduced nasolabial fold area and volume, and increased skin elasticity in twenty healthy volunteers over 12 weeks without allergic reactions.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Topical treatment with SSFAO 50% or avocado oil increased wound contraction, reepithelialization, collagen density, and tensile strength while showing anti-inflammatory activity compared to petroleum jelly in rats.

    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013

Ingredients

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Wax Seed Sunflower Wax Seed, Persea Gratissima Oil Avocado Oil, Squalane, C10-18 Triglycerides, Phytosterols, Bisabolol, Hydrogenated Oil, Olea Europaea Oil Fruit Olive Oil Fruit, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Water, Lecithin Soybean, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, Phenylalanine, Glycine, Lysine, Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Oligopeptide-4, Oligopeptide-177

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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