Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Review: Is it Acne Approved?

The long awaited HONEST review is finally here. Does the Elemis ‘holy grail’ cleanser live up to its hype, or does it deserve to be thrown out? Let’s find out! *disclaimer* These views are my own, and I purchased this cleanser myself to review!

Since forever, I’ve seen this cleanser everywhere. Recommended by fashion/beauty magazines, I’ve even heard it mentioned on numerous youtubers videos I watch. You might ask, “Why did you take advice from ‘influencers’ or ‘youtubers’, since they’re usually gifted these items or advertising them?” I don’t know what I was thinking. But I was on the lookout for a good cleanser, and a vlogger who also has acne swears by this cleanser, so I thought hm… Maybe it’s worth a shot!

I bought a sample size for £9.50, so if I hated it, I wouldn’t then hate myself for splurging. They sell it everywhere, ASOS, Sephora, John lewis and LookFantastic, just to name a few. This product claims to be a makeup remover and cleanser all in one. Sounds incredible, I know.

It arrived, and I was excited to try it. The jar is plastic, not as luxurious feeling as it could be, but it’s still nice. Upon opening, the scent really hits you and that’s what worried me. Prior to purchasing, I read on reviews that the scent can either smell like a heavenly spa treatment to you, or it can hit you right in the face. It knocked my pimple away. If my pimple had legs it’d do a Usain Bolt. The added scent/perfume is way too much for me. I’ve always used very simple creams prescribed to me as I have ultra sensitive skin, so I’m surprised people like the smell. Personal preference.

First time using it, I decided to use it just as a normal cleanser, so I didn’t have makeup on. Texture was new to me, it feels like a combo of jelly and a cream. I smelt it again and thought wowza, but if it can help my skin, why not? I followed the instructions, so I scooped out a pea-sized amount, applied to my face using circular motions, then wet my hands, continued these circular motions for around 45-60 seconds, it foamed a little then I washed it off, patting my soaking face with a towel.

Now when I say it burned. You have no idea. My skin went slightly red, but I just thought, maybe this is a sign of it working? And that my skin just needs to get used to a new formula, as this compared to my trusted Dermol 500 lotion, they’re worlds apart. This balm did leave my face feeling softer than usual so I thought “Ooh, this is nice” disregarding. any sensation I was feeling, like an idiot. I stuck to using this Elemis balm for around 3 weeks.

I tested this product at removing makeup too and meh it’s okay, but I honestly had to double cleanse. When I take off makeup, let me tell you I don’t wanna see ANY trace of makeup anywhere. I was still getting makeup marks on white towels when I thoroughly washed my face. I’ve used ‘Simple Cleansing Wipes’ and have had no marks.

At the end of my 3 week trial I had to stop using it. It actually made my acne worse. I saw a few small raised bumps on my forehead around week one, and hoped it was ‘purging’, then the longer I was using the Elemis Cleansing balm, the worse my skin got. I worked hard to get my acne reduced to a certain degree, and by week three, I was feeling very self-conscious of my skin again. My forehead was looking like comedonal acne flaring up again.

Since I’ve stopped using this product, my forehead is still angry. My miracle skincare baby, Skinoren (azelaic acid) is hard at work to try and rectify what the Elemis cleansing balm caused.

My final thoughts: Sensitive skin / acne sufferers, I’d strongly advise NOT to try this. I think it’s asking for trouble. The added scents / perfume is too overbearing. Skincare shouldn’t really have a great scent. If it does, you know theres a list of added ingredients and chemicals in there that isn’t needed. Would I recommend this to people who don’t have reactive / problematic skin? No, skincare doesn’t need potent scents, plus if it made my skin and acne worse, I just wouldn’t take the risk. The full-sized Elemis cleansing balm is £44.00 for the privilege. Save your coin!

Did you enjoy this review? Do you have the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm? What do you think? What cleanser do you use? Comment below!