Last updated on 13 December, 2023
In our quest to find the best serums and treatments for our skin, we often neglect the basic yet essential skincare step – cleansing. If you do not clean your skin properly and your pores remain congested, the rest of your skincare regimen cannot be 100% effective. Therefore, double cleansing your face at least once a day is non-negotiable. While there are numerous excellent second cleansers in India, there are very few emulsifying cleansing balms to choose from. I recently found one that impressed me though, which is the Plum E-Luminence Simply Supple Cleansing Balm. Today, I will be reviewing this affordable cleansing balm for you.
Plum Cleansing Balm Review
Brand Claims
Non-drying, SLS-free, 100% Vegan cleansing balm. Perfect for dry to combination skin. Sensitive skin friendly. Removes waterproof makeup. Blend of Vitamin E and 8 luxurious plant oils that add a subtle glow to the skin.
Ingredients
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Aqua, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soy Polyglycerides, C15-23 Alkanes, Glyceryl Monostearate, Silica, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Synthetic Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Garcinia Indica (Kokum) Seed Butter, Coco Glucoside, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 26100, Argania Spinosa(Argan) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance
How to use?
- Take a small scoop of the cleansing balm and spread it on dry skin with your fingers.
- Massage all over the face to melt makeup, oil, and dirt.
- Rinse off with water (preferably lukewarm).
- Follow up with a foaming cleanser.
- Proceed with the rest of your skincare routine.
Price, Shelf life and Availability
The mini is priced at a super affordable INR 99 while the full-sized jar is priced at INR 545. Shelf life is 2 years from manufacturing and available on Amazon as well Plum website.
Packaging, Texture and Fragrance
The Plum E-Luminence Simply Supple Cleansing Balm comes in a sleek plastic tub with a spatula to scoop out the product. The pink and white packaging is cute, non-bulky, light-weight and travel-friendly. It is available in two sizes – a travel-sized mini with 10gm product and a full-sized jar with 90gm product.
In terms of texture, the Plum E-Luminence Simply Supple Cleansing Balm looks waxy in the tub but melts easily upon touch to an oily consistency. It feels soft and gentle on the skin and spreads easily too. As for the scent, even though added fragrance is mentioned on the ingredients list, it seems to be minimal. Because of this, the balm has a bit of a waxy smell which some may find unpleasant.
My experience with Plum Cleansing Balm
I have struggled to find an emulsifying cleansing balm in India for the longest time. Hence, discovering the Plum E-Luminence Simply Supple Cleansing Balm was an Aha moment for me. The brand had sent it over in a PR package and the moment I rubbed it on my fingers, I knew that it would be a winner!
With non-emulsifying balms, you need to take your time to spread them evenly on the skin. Washing them off is a struggle too and I always worry about the waxy residue that they leave behind. Some of them need multiple washes with a foaming cleanser to remove the residue completely. So, I was looking for an emulsifying cleansing balm from a homegrown brand desperately.
The Plum E-Luminence Simply Supple Cleansing Balm melts effortlessly on the skin and emulsifies beautifully when it touches water. I take my time to massage it on my skin, especially around my eyes if I have waterproof mascara on. Then, I simply splash water on my face and the oil turns milky and rinses off with ease, taking the makeup along with it. I have tested this cleansing balm with liquid lipsticks and waterproof makeup, and it has always done a good job. It removes waterproof sunscreen equally well on no-makeup days.
The brand recommends washing it off with lukewarm water. They also do not mention that you need to use a foaming face wash after this. However, I am a stickler for double cleansing and always follow up any cleansing balm or oil with a face wash. I usually wash it off with room temperature water, and even though I don’t feel any residue on my skin, I always double cleanse. Bear in mind that my skin is oily and acne-prone. So, perhaps those with dry skin can get away without a second cleanse.
PROS
- User-friendly packaging
- The cleansing balm removes waterproof makeup with ease
- It emulsifies well and rinses off easily with water without leaving any residue on the skin
- Feels gentle and non-stripping
- Contains nourishing oils like Kokum Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil and Shea Butter
- Is vegan and SLS-free
- Affordable and easily available in India
- Also available in a trial/travel mini
CONS
- Has a waxy scent which may bother some people
- Packaging does not have a luxe vibe. It is functional and recyclable though.
Plum Cleansing Balm Review
My hunt for the best cleansing balm in India has concluded with Plum E-Luminence Simply Supple Cleansing Balm! I love how this cleansing balm is so easy to work with. Plus, it rinses off like a dream. The affordable price tag and the fact that it is an Indian brand readily available online are added bonuses! Double cleansing is less of an ordeal and more of a pleasure with its beautiful texture. My skin has been feeling super clean because I have been using this cleansing balm even on the no-makeup days.
I have always loved cleansing balms because they are less messy and more travel-friendly than cleansing oils. Now, I am sure that I will be repurchasing the Plum cleansing balm over and over again. In fact, I feel that this is a dupe for my favourite cleansing balm – Banila Co Clean It Zero! So, if you liked the cleansing balm from Banila, or are looking for an affordable cleansing balm in India, give this one a shot.
Author Bio
I am Mrinalini, an engineer turned beauty blogger with a passion for skincare and makeup. I write about affordable, homegrown beauty brands on my blog – Lipstick for Lunch. Check out my page if you are looking for the best Indian products for oily and acne-prone skin!
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