Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm — Sorbet Balm-to-Oil Makeup Remover, Non-Stripping Emulsifying Cleanser

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm is a sorbet-textured, award-winning balm-to-oil cleanser that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while rinsing clean without a greasy residue.

This multi-award product from Then I Met You was developed by founder Charlotte Cho to make the first step of your skincare routine both effective and sensorial. The formula turns from a soft balm into a silky oil on contact, lifting oil-based impurities and emulsifying with water so they rinse away. Key botanical oils—particularly seaberry (sea buckthorn), olive, and grape seed—deliver fatty acids and antioxidants to help support the skin barrier while leaving skin feeling comfortable and prepped for the next cleansing step.

How does the balm remove long-wear makeup and sunscreen?

The balm’s oil-rich texture dissolves pigments, waterproof mascara, and chemical sunscreen molecules without needing harsh rubbing. When you massage it onto dry skin it binds to oil-based residues, then emulsifies into a milky solution when water is added, lifting the impurities away for a clean rinse.

• Sorbet-soft balm melts on contact to dislodge stubborn makeup.
• Emulsifies with water for thorough removal without residue.
• Designed to minimize tugging and repeated rubbing on skin.

What skin benefits come from the key ingredients?

The formula centers on seaberry oil, a bright-hued source of fatty acids and antioxidants that help nourish and protect the skin surface. Olive and grape seed oils further support hydration and barrier health, while persimmon extract and vitamin E add antioxidant support to help even tone and soothe the complexion.

• Seaberry oil supplies omegas and antioxidants for skin comfort.
• Olive and grape seed oils support barrier integrity and hydration.
• Persimmon extract and vitamin E offer antioxidant brightening support.

Will this cleanser leave my skin feeling oily or stripped?

The balm is formulated to be non-stripping: it removes oil-based impurities yet rinses clean when emulsified, leaving a light, hydrated finish rather than a heavy film. The balance of nourishing plant oils aims to cleanse while maintaining skin comfort and preventing tightness.

• Melts away grime without pulling moisture from the skin.
• Rinses to a comfortable, non-greasy finish suitable for layering.
• Free from mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, parabens and silicones.

How should I use the Living Cleansing Balm in my routine?

Use as the first step in an evening or double-cleansing routine: scoop a small amount onto dry hands, warm and massage onto dry face to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, add water to emulsify, then rinse or gently remove with a damp cloth. Follow with your regular water-based cleanser if you prefer a deeper double-cleanse.

• Scoop a pea-to-dime sized amount depending on coverage.
• Massage onto dry skin; emulsify with water; rinse thoroughly.
• Pair with a second cleanser for pore-deep or post-workout cleansing.

Who is this for: The Living Cleansing Balm suits a wide range of users—from those with dry or sensitive skin who want a gentle, nourishing first cleanse, to oily or acne-prone skin types seeking an effective oil-based remover that won’t clog pores. It’s also a good match for anyone who prefers plant-based, vegan formulas and a sensory cleansing experience that elevates daily skincare rituals.

Ingredients

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Trii-sostearate, PEG-8 Isostearate, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcristalline), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Ceresin, Synthetic Wax, Orbiignya Oleifera Seed (Babasu) Oil, Diospyros Kaki (Persimmon) Fruit Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer