When there’s a skincare drop, I’m all about it (naturally). So, when the makers of my tried-and-true pimple patches — that quite literally save the day — grace the beauty market with a new cleanser, I’m here for it.
But, it’s not just any cleanser. Hero Cosmetics (yes, the brand behind the best-selling Mighty Patch) launched its Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm on Feb. 6.
When I first heard news the brand was dishing out a non-comedogenic cleansing balm formulated especially for acne-prone skin, I was immediately intrigued. Though my skin leans more on the sensitive side, any averse skincare ingredient can cause a brutal flare-up — specifically on my cheeks — so a product form-fitting to help smooth out my skin is one I’d finagle into my routine (and, one *everyone* should).
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This is the inaugural debut for Hero Cosmetics, too. The Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm is its first cleansing balm (!!!) that gently lifts away makeup, dirt, sunscreen and excess oil so your pores can breathe. It’s something we all can appreciate — for any time of year. More, it washes away without filmy residue and keeps my skin feeling moisturized.
Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm
Pros:
- Affordable price point; excellent value for the price
- No recognizable fragrance, so apt for sensitive skin
- Foams beautifully, helping to remove nearly all makeup on the first swipe
Cons:
- May make the skin slightly shiny if overused; be sure to use a nickel-sized amount
“Dissolve Away is unique because it was formulated especially for acne skin,” Ju Rhyu, Co-Founder of Hero Cosmetics, exclusively shared with the New York Post. “I am a huge fan of double cleansing and have personally seen it help my acne and skin.
She’s excited to launch Dissolve Away and develop something non-comedogenic because “a lot of acne-prone people tend to be afraid of oil and oil cleansers,” she tells us.
To whip out a cleanser *this* good — at less than $20, no less — is a remarkable feat. Not to mention, I’m a sucker for cleansing balms of any kind. I’ve been loving the ELEMIS Pro Cleansing Balm (which I reviewed) and the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser (read: full Drunk Elephant review), so it’s no surprise Hero Cosmetics’ new formulation caught my eye.
Ahead, you’ll find my complete, honest review of the Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm — why it’s worth it, how it’s unique and how I use it.
Our review
When first using the Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm, I was blown away. As mentioned I’ve used many a cleansing balm (side note: maybe that’ll be another review coming soon) and this one is the most similar to the crowd-favorite Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($36) in both consistency and texture.
However, here’s the kicker: Hero Cosmetics’ new cleanser is more foamy upon use, so it’s a bit more effective at removing all of your makeup — for less than $20! Not to mention, it made me feel confident without makeup on days when I apply it bright and early.
What makes this product truly a *hero* product is its affinity for smoothness. Sure, I’ve used skincare products that near-instantaneously left my skin smoother than it had been prior, but for a makeup remover — that’s equally as good as a start-the-day cleanser — it’s the multi-purpose tub you’ll want to pick up.
A nickel-size amount is all you need, or else it may make your skin shiny. I noticed a subtle shin at the center of my forehead but, once I added more water, the cleansing balm immediately foamed up and resolved that issue. Just be wary when applying; overuse is certainly not what you want.
How Hero Cosmetics recommends using the Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm
Ahead, Rhyu gives us her exclusive, insider tips from the brand on how you may want to use this. Editor’s note: Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, so work the product in whatever way you feel comfortable.
- Step 1: First Cleanse. Wash away excess oil, dirt and grime on your skin with the new Dissolve Away.
- Step 2: Second Cleanse. If double cleansing, follow up with a regular cleanser. The Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser ($13) gently exfoliates to keep pores clear.
- Step 3: Patches. As needed, apply the Mighty Patch pimple patches (($13 – $22), Mighty Patch for Fine Lines ($25), and/or Hero Cosmetics’ Micropoint patches — either for Blemishes ($13) or Dark Spots (also $13) — to clean, dry skin for best results.
- Step 4: Serums / Treatments. As needed, address skin concerns. The Balancing Capsule Toner ($13) hydrates; Pore Release ($20) helps unplug blackheads; Lightning Wand ($10) spot treats discoloration; Rescue Balm ($13) speeds up post-blemish recovery; and more.
- Step 5: Moisturizer. The Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer ($13) is great for day and Rescue Retinol ($23) is great for overnight renewal and nourishment. Â
- Step 6: SPF. If during the day, apply the Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 ($20) or the Superbeam Sunscreen SPF 30 (also $20) to protect your skin from UV rays.
How I use the Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm
The way I’ve been layering on my Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm is similar to how I’ve been maintaining my skincare routine as of late. Full disclosure — I had a *not so lovely* reaction to a skincare product that included a flowery ingredient, so I’ve been using products I know won’t allow my skin to react. Amazingly, Hero Cosmetics’ new cleanser instantly fell into the class of products that I feel safe when using on my sensitive (and, as a result, sometimes acne-prone skin).
In the mornings: First, I use the Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm to both start the day or take the day away (so, both in the mornings and evenings). After single-cleansing in the morning, I follow up with the Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum ($17) to help tune down the post-results of my skin reaction — thank you so much, azelaic acid! — and then dollop on either the Mario Badescu Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15 Sunscreen ($23) as a standalone product or the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Moisturizer ($72) followed by the Hero Cosmetics Superbeam Sunscreen SPF 30 ($20) Rhyu recommends above.
In the evenings: When winding down, I double cleanse with the Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm, as opposed to my single-action maneuver in the mornings. Once my makeup is fully removed, I spot-treat my eye makeup with the Avène Tolérance Gentle Eye-Makeup Remover ($24). While the new product is gentle enough to use on my eyes, I like to use more of a gel-liquid product to ensure no mascara finds its way onto my pillowcase.
Once cleansing is complete, I’ll go in with a serum. My favorites right now are the Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Hydrating Face Serum ($32) and the Olay Retinol24 Night Serum ($30), depending on the day.
Then, I’ll use one of the 50+ eye creams I tested (yes, there’s an entire box in my bedroom), followed by a rich moisturizer for a calming, bedtime-ready night cream. Recently, I’ve been reaching for the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream ($300) or The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer ($20) — the latter royally more affordable.
The bottom line
The brand-new Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm is worth the money, helps remove makeup impressively well and is gentle enough for multi-day use. If you want to hop on the cleansing balm craze, this is the ideal beginner product that you may happen to use for a long while.
Oh, and if you’re a teen buzzy about skincare, this one is editor-approved and gentle for your growing, ever-changing skin.
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