As a big fan of double cleansing, I was really excited to try the Glow Recipe papaya cleansing balm. I love using cleansing balms every night to remove my makeup and sunscreen. When I first started getting into K-beauty 5 years ago, I became infatuated with cleansing balms and they are still one of my favorite Korean products today. I’m going to do a brief overview of double cleansing and cleansing balms for those of you who are new to K-beauty or cleansing balms.

A Quick Intro to Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is the K-beauty method of using an oil cleanser to remove oil based impurities (makeup, sunscreen, etc.) and then following up with a water based cleanser to remove water based impurities (sweat, dirt, anything the oil cleanser missed). Oil cleansers come in liquid and balm form (like this one). 

How to Use an Oil Cleanser

To use an oil cleanser, simply scoop a large glob of balm, rub together on your palms to liquify it, then rub on dry skin to remove makeup. After cleansing for one minute, splash away with water to wash off and emulsify the balm. You can read more about double cleansing in my post, A Complete Guide to Double Cleansing. 

Now that you’re familiar with double cleansing, let’s get into today’s review on the Glow Recipe papaya cleansing balm:

Consistency

The Glow Recipe papaya cleansing balm has a nice, rich texture for removing oil based impurities like makeup and sunscreen. I used this as the first step of my double cleansing routine before following up with a water based cleanser. This cleansing balm removes heavy makeup and waterproof mascara very easily. 

The only thing I don’t like about the consistency is that it does not emulsify as quickly as other cleansing balms do. There is a light film left on my skin after using this. It’s not a huge issue since I always follow up with a water based cleanser, but it is something to note.

Scent

The Glow Recipe papaya cleansing balm has no added fragrance. Since all Glow Recipe products are formulated with fruits, many have slight fruity smells from the fruit ingredients. This cleansing balm is formulated with papaya. It has a very faint scent that I am not crazy about. 

To be honest, it smells like cheap old chapstick to me. You know, like the drugstore one you keep in your car that’s been there for years. I wouldn’t say I hate the smell; I just don’t like it.

Highlighted Ingredients

Papaya enzymes– gently exfoliate, brighten, and smooth skin

Papaya seed oil– to hydrate 

Blueberry extract– to protect against pollution damage and environmental stressors

Price

This Glow Recipe cleansing balm is $32 for 3.3 ounces ($9.70 per ounce). As far as Sephora prices go, this is a good price for a cleansing balm, but when looking at it from a K-beauty stance, I am not impressed. My favorite cleansing balm of all time is the Banila Co. Clean It Zero cleansing balm (review coming soon!) which I get at $22 for 6 ounces of product ($3.65 per ounce)! I understand Glow Recipe is a K-beauty inspired brand, but I see no reason to spend more than I would on the Banila cleanser for something I like, but don’t love. 

Packaging

Glow Recipe’s packaging always impresses me! Their jars come in such fun shapes and textures, the papaya cleansing balm is no exception. I love the fun and bright orange color. I enjoy seeing this jar on my vanity. It was very easy to get to the last bit of product at the end of the jar because the jar doesn’t have any nooks or crannies. This jar is also 100% recyclable!

Results

Overall, I had a good, but not great experience with the Glow Recipe papaya cleansing balm. It did an amazing job of removing my makeup, but I wouldn’t repurchase again because it’s overpriced for something that I don’t love. It took longer to emulsify than other oil cleansing balms I’ve used in the past and it left a film post cleanse. I honestly enjoyed how it felt on my face during cleansing, but like I said, I see no benefit of spending more on a product I don’t love when my favorite cleansing balm is more affordable and works better.

I liked other Glow Recipe products like their watermelon glow sleeping mask and banana moisture cream, but this is not one that I would repurchase.

Have you ever tried Glow Recipe? Do you use the double cleansing method to wash your face?