We Tested Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm—Was It Worth the Mess? Review

Can Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm Actually Dissolve Stubborn Makeup, or Is It Just Fancy Oil?

A cleansing balm should do one thing exceptionally well: remove every trace of makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime without wrecking our skin. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm arrives with promises of a luxurious cleanse, but does it actually break down stubborn products, or is it just another overhyped, overpriced jar of scented oil? We tested it on waterproof mascaras, SPF layers, and full-coverage foundations to find out.

Can It Handle Waterproof Makeup and Heavy Sunscreen?

Breaking Down Waterproof Mascara and Full-Coverage Foundation

We love a double cleanse, but for $67, a cleansing balm should be capable of standing on its own. We put the Elemis Cleansing Balm through a real-world test, coating our skin with layers of SPF, waterproof eyeliner, and long-wear foundation to see if it could break everything down in a single cleanse. The results? It melted through foundation and sunscreen impressively well, breaking them down into an easy-to-rinse milk. But waterproof mascara? That was another story. While it did loosen the mascara, it required extra work—gentle massaging wasn’t enough, and a second cleanse or micellar water was still needed to completely remove all traces. So, is the Elemis Cleansing Balm good for waterproof makeup? Sort of. It does the job, but don’t expect a one-step miracle.

Does It Hydrate, or Does It Leave a Film on the Skin?

A cleansing balm that claims to be one of the best cleansing balm options should not leave behind a greasy film. This one does—and whether you love or hate that depends on your skin type. Dry skin might appreciate the slightly occlusive feel, but oily and combination skin types may find it a little heavy. While it doesn’t leave a suffocating residue, there is a noticeable “moisturized” layer left behind. If you prefer a squeaky-clean finish, you’ll probably want to follow up with a second cleanse.

Is This a One-Step Wonder or a Necessary Double Cleanse?

Does Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Replace the Need for a Second Cleanser?

A truly luxury skincare product should be effective enough to simplify your routine, but the Elemis Cleansing Balm leans more toward being a first step rather than a solo act. If you have dry or mature skin, you might be able to get away with using this as your only cleanser. But for those with oily or combination skin, skipping a second cleanse could leave you feeling a little too moisturized—verging on greasy.

How Does It Compare to Budget-Friendly Alternatives?

The real question: Does the Elemis Cleansing Balm outperform more affordable options? If we’re comparing pure makeup removal ability, there are drugstore cleansing balms that do just as good of a job for a fraction of the price. Take The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter—it removes waterproof makeup just as effectively, costs far less, and doesn’t leave as much residue behind. If it’s the luxury skincare experience you’re after, Elemis delivers. But if performance is all that matters to you, there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives that can get the job done just as well.

Who Should Reach for This Balm, and Who Should Run the Other Way?

With cleansing balm for sensitive skin being a hot topic, let’s break down who should—and shouldn’t—consider this balm a staple in their routine.

Is It a Dream for Dry and Mature Skin?

If your skin craves moisture and often feels tight after washing, this balm will feel like a spa treatment. It doesn’t strip, and the mix of botanical oils can provide a much-needed hydration boost for drier skin types. For mature skin, it also works well as a best cleanser for dry skin, especially since it’s gentle and won’t disrupt the skin barrier.

Oily and Acne-Prone Users—Blessing or Breakout Waiting to Happen?

Here’s where things get tricky. While the balm itself is nourishing, some of its ingredients—like sweet almond oil—can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin. If you’re someone who breaks out easily from heavier oils, you might find this balm too rich. Is Elemis Cleansing Balm safe for acne-prone skin? If you’re breakout-prone, we’d proceed with caution.

Rosacea and Sensitive Skin—Soothing or a Red Flag?

Fragrance is the elephant in the room here. The black cherry fragrance might sound lovely, but for skincare for rosacea and sensitive skin, it’s a potential irritant. Dermatologist recommended? Not necessarily. If you have highly sensitive skin or rosacea, we’d suggest opting for a fragrance-free cleansing balm to avoid unnecessary flare-ups.
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Luxury or Just Overpriced Skincare? Let’s Talk Money

A luxury skincare price should reflect high performance, high-quality ingredients, or a truly unique experience. So, does Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm justify its cost?

Breaking Down Cost Per Use—Is It Worth the Price Tag?

At $67 a jar, this balm is undeniably pricey. But how much use do you actually get out of it? If you use a pea-sized amount per cleanse, a single jar can last a few months. But if you enjoy a generous slather (or regularly wear heavy makeup), you’ll burn through it quickly. The cost per cleanse is significantly higher than that of mid-range or budget-friendly alternatives.

Are We Paying for the Brand Name?

Elemis has a luxury skincare reputation, but is this price point about the formulation or the name on the jar? The original Elemis Cleansing Balm was already expensive, and this limited-edition version doesn’t bring major formulation upgrades—just a different scent. Is the Elemis Cleansing Balm overpriced? If fragrance doesn’t justify an extra spend for you, the answer might be yes.

More Affordable Alternatives That Deliver the Same Results

If you’re looking for a luxury skincare experience, Elemis delivers. But if you’re just after a cleansing balm that works, you can get similar results from more affordable brands. Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a fragrance-free option that melts makeup effectively. Meanwhile, Farmacy Green Clean offers a similar buttery texture at a lower price.

Limited Edition Gimmick—Does Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm Add Any Real Value?

The limited-edition label adds an exclusivity factor, but let’s be real: if this were a permanent release, would it have the same hype? Beyond the black cherry fragrance, there isn’t a major improvement in formula, so unless you’re particularly drawn to the scent, this version doesn’t necessarily outperform the original.

Dermatologist’s Insight: What Does a Skincare Expert Think About Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm?

Not all cleansing balms are created equal, and when fragrance-heavy luxury formulas enter the mix, dermatologists tend to raise an eyebrow. Dr. Amy Perlmutter, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, shares her expert take on the Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm—from its rich texture to its potential drawbacks for certain skin types.

“Patients love a good sensorial experience,” Dr. Perlmutter acknowledges, “but fragrance is one of the most common triggers for irritation, especially in people with sensitive or reactive skin.” She explains that while Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm offers a spa-like feel, its black cherry scent and essential oil components—including linalool, limonene, and coumarin—can be problematic for some. “I see a lot of contact dermatitis cases from fragranced skincare,” she says. “For those with rosacea or a history of eczema, a heavily fragranced balm like this one might not be the best choice.”

One of the biggest concerns she hears from acne-prone patients is whether oil-based cleansers clog pores. “People are often afraid of balms, thinking they’ll leave behind a greasy layer that worsens breakouts,” she notes. “This formula contains sweet almond oil, which is technically a low-grade comedogenic ingredient. That means some people will tolerate it just fine, while others—especially those prone to congestion—might see an increase in clogged pores.”

So, is the Elemis Cleansing Balm safe for acne-prone skin? Dr. Perlmutter says it depends. “If you have dry, acne-prone skin that gets irritated easily, you might do well with this because of its barrier-supporting oils. But if you tend to break out from heavier emollients, I’d proceed with caution or follow up with a gel-based cleanser to remove any residue.”

While Dr. Perlmutter acknowledges that cleansing balms are effective for makeup removal, she emphasizes that they should never be the only cleanser in a routine. “Double cleansing is especially important if you wear sunscreen or foundation,” she advises. “A balm like this will break down surface debris, but if you don’t follow up with a water-based cleanser, you risk leaving behind residue that can trap bacteria and dead skin cells.”

For dry and mature skin, Dr. Perlmutter says this balm is a “lovely, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip the skin.” But for sensitive or acne-prone individuals, she urges caution. “If you’re easily irritated by fragrance, or if you find richer cleansing oils clog your pores, there are fragrance-free balms that do the same job without the risk.”