The best budget-friendly cleansing balm ever

There’s no disputing that Pond’s original Cold Cream is a beauty icon, but I’ll admit that I’ve never actually tried it. I love a good throwback, but something about this type of cleanser seems very dated to me—and I’m skeptical about the effects it would have on my sometimes-blemish-prone skin. It’s no secret that I love an oil-based cleaner (so long as it emulsifies upon contact with water), so I didn’t hesitate to purchase the relatively new Pond’s Cold Cream Cleansing Balm when I finished my last jar of step-one cleanser.

I have nothing but good things to say about this wallet-friendly cleansing-balm option, as it thoroughly clears away makeup and leaves my skin feeling soft, fresh and clean before following up with my Tatcha Rice Polish and Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water. Decidedly more “now” than its original cold-cream formula, I honestly wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between this and a $60+ counterpart—it’s that awesome.

Let’s just say that the next time I actually have to spend my hard-earned money on an oil-based cleanser, this will be it (although I’m obviously open to alternatives that may be sent to me for review purposes). I’m rather picky when it comes to cleansing balms, and this one ticks all of the boxes, so run (don’t walk) to your local supermarket or drugstore and add this to your skincare arsenal.