Is this cleansing balm suitable for sensitive, acne‑prone, or dry skin types?

The balm’s emollient base and soothing plant oils make it gentle enough for dry skin, while the inclusion of salicylic acid and charcoal can help unclog pores for acne‑prone skin, but the salicylic acid and fragrance‑like citrus peel oil may irritate very sensitive or reactive skin, so a patch test is advised.

What role does charcoal powder play in Muji’s cleansing balm and how does it benefit dull skin?

Charcoal powder acts as an adsorbent that traps excess oil, dirt and environmental pollutants, helping to clarify the skin surface and improve radiance, which contributes to the product’s claim of reducing dullness.

How often should the balm be used and are there any ingredients that could cause irritation or concern?

It can be used once daily, typically in the evening to melt away makeup, but users should be aware of potential irritants such as phenoxyethanol, PEG‑20 glyceryl triisostearate, synthetic waxes and salicylic acid, especially if they have a history of sensitivity to preservatives or acids.

Muji • 100g

Cleansing balm (Dullness)

Cleansing Balm

Product Insights

Muji’s 100 g Cleansing Balm (Dullness) is a solid-to-creamy skin cleanser designed to dissolve makeup and impurities while targeting a dull complexion. The formula blends emollient esters such as ethylhexyl palmitate and caprylic/capric triglyceride with a rich mixture of plant seed and fruit oils, including rapeseed, shea, camellia, citrus peel, hazelnut, meadowfoam, macadamia, evening primrose, rice germ, avocado, sweet almond, rosa canina, jojoba and grape seed, providing lubrication, antioxidant support and a brightening effect, while activated charcoal helps absorb excess sebum and pollutants. Potential irritants include PEG‑20 glyceryl triisostearate, synthetic waxes, phenoxyethanol preservative and salicylic acid, which may provoke sensitivity for some users, so a patch test is recommended before full‑face application.

Comparative Analysis

Marketed as a brightening cleansing balm, Muji’s blend of charcoal and a high‑concentration mix of seed and fruit oils differentiates it from typical foaming cleansers by offering deep makeup removal, oil‑absorbing detoxification and nourishing moisturization in one step.

Ingredients

ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, SYNTHETIC WAX, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (RAPESEED) SEED OIL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) OIL, CAMELLIA JAPONICA SEED OIL, CITRUS SINENSIS PEEL OIL EXPRESSED, CORYLUS AVELLANA (HAZELNUT) SEED OIL, LIMNANTHES ALBA (MEADOWFOAM) SEED OIL, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) GERM OIL, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, CHARCOAL POWDER, TOCOPHEROL, KAOLIN, SALICYLIC ACID, SEA SILT, PHENOXYETHANOL

84%

35%

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