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Ever so often you come around something that has been available for such a long time, you question whether or not putting up a review does actually make any sense. Take the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm for example: It has been available for many years now, and there is a ton of rave reviews out there.
So is it absolutely necessary that I add my voice to the mix?
Well, yes.
You see, back when I was a child I loved to play “school” with my three little sisters. I was so strict that my mother, a teacher herself, made me promise NEVER to take up that profession.
And I never did pursue a career in teaching, but (at least according to Mr. Loca) my desire to educate people (whether they want it or not) is still going strong.
So without further ado, here is what I have to say about the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm.
If you prefer the spoken version (I promise it is short and snappy, something that I am really working on!), here is the corresponding video.
What the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm claims:
It literally melts from balm to oil, to make quick work of removing make-up, grime, SPF and pollution. Your skin will be amazingly soft, hydrated and you will love the comfort and glow.
Every skin type, age, race and gender, will get beautifully clean skin without any waxy residue or tightness…just great skin
Facts about the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm
Prize and size
One squeezy tube contains 100 ml and retails for 20 £ on the website here. I had the 20 ml travel size that last me well for almost two months, using it exclusively for two weeks when traveling.
Texture and scent
The balm itself has a lovely texture, isn´t hard and doesn´t need “melting” in your palm before you use it. Just like claimed it “literally melts from balm to oil” and then emulsifies to rinse clean.
The scent though, raved about by many (I have heard it called spa-like several times), is absolutely not my cup of tea. It just reminds me of something I dislike, something I can´t really put my finger on, slightly floral and sweet. Maybe a perfume?
The worst thing (at least for me, it might be different if you enjoy it), the scent lingers after washing your face. Even if I do my routine a few hours before bed time, I can still smell it by the time I go to bed.
How to use the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm
It is suitable both for first and second cleanse (if you have no clue what I am talking about, read more about Double Cleansing and if it is right for you here), but while it takes off most of my makeup, it does struggle a little with waterproof mascara.
For cleansing you just take it straight from the tube and massage it onto your face with your fingers (or a device, should you prefer). It really needs no pre-warming, it has the perfect consistency the second it comes out of the tube.
There is enough grip for a massage, yet the balm emulsifies easily and rinses clear without the need for a flannel to take it off.
Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm Ingredients
Favorable ingredients
- Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride:~Occlusive, antioxidant
- Glycerin: Humectant, draws moisture to the skin
- Sweet Almond (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) Oil:Rich in Vitamin E, emollient
- Sucrose Laurate: Gentle surfactant
- Glyceryl Dibehenate: Emollient
- Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids, anti-inflammatory
- Sucrose Cocoate: Emollient
- Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract:Rich in antioxidants
- Caprylyl Glycol:Humectant
- Butylene Glycol: Humectant, penetration enhancer
Other ingredients
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative
- Sucrose Stearate:Thickening (sometimes used as emollient)
- Ethylhexylglycerin:Preservative
- Chlorphenesin:Preservative
- Tetrasodium EDTA: Preservative, water softener
- Hexylene Glycol: Solvent
Unfavorable ingredients
- Parfum
- Citronellol/Linalool/Limonene: part of essential oils, potential irritant
Sweet Almond Oil (rich in Vitamin E) as base, along with Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil (rich in essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory, good for acne prone skin) and Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract (rich in antioxidants). Glycerin and a few emollients. It does contain perfume and Linalool/Citronellol/Limonene, so beware if you are sensitive to that.
Does the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm live up to its claims?
Yes.
It melts from balm to oil revealing soft, hydrated skin.
How does the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm compare to the
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
Another one that has been around for a while now, but this time one that I have already reviewed. The Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm too is famous for its scent, is based on Moringa Seed Oil rather than Sweet Almond Oil and is a little stiffer in texture. It contains more essential oils than the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm and I´d recommend you use a wash cloth to remove it, as it doesn´t emulsify completely.
Read my full review of the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm here
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
You knew that one would be in here, it still is my favorite cleansing balm to date. The biggest difference between Clinique Take the Day Off and the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm has to be the scent. Or better, the complete lack of any scent in Cliniques product. Cliniques Take the Day Off balm is palm oil based (certified palm oil, so sustainably harvested) and, like the Emma Hardie Moringa one, is best taken off with either a flannel or a second cleanse as it doesn´t emulsify completely.
Read my full review of the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm here
Would I repurchase?
No.
But that decision is solely driven by the scent. If I liked the scent, I´d be all over that balm. But as it simply doesn´t agree with me, I will stick to my Clinique Take the Day Off balm for now.
Which skin types is the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm best suited for?
With the exception of sensitive skins that react to fragrance and essential oils I think all skin types will enjoy this balm.
I´d especially recommend it for dry, dehydrated and mature skin though, as it is really nourishing. Acne-prone skin might benefit from the essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory ingredients inside.
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