Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

Let's do a bottom of the jar review, which means I used the entire thing before telling you what I think of it. As you can see, I've completely cleaned it out.

Short version: I like this one, I've already repurchased it, and it lands at an 8 out of 10.

The Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm is 2.3 ounces for $17.99, which puts it firmly in the affordable category.

It's a product similar to Farmacy Green Clean, and it's meant to be the first step in your double cleanse — the oil-based step that breaks down makeup and sunscreen before you go in with a water-based cleanser. (For step two, I've reviewed a gel cleanser I keep using.)

It comes in a lightweight plastic container. Mine is their older packaging; they've since moved to new packaging, and the good news is that it's now carried at Target, so you don't have to order it online.

When you use it, it's a very thick, oily cream. It melts into your skin on contact, and it very easily takes off makeup — including waterproof mascara, which is the real test for this category.

The whole schtick of a balm like this is that it's supposed to remove your makeup without stripping your skin.

That's the bar, and it clears it. No tight, squeaky, over-cleansed feeling afterward.

Here's my hesitation, and it's the entire reason this isn't a 9 or 10.

It contains eucalyptus oil and clove oil.

I didn't have any issues with it. But those are fragrant oils that can be problematic for some people, so that's important to take into consideration before you buy a jar, especially if your skin is reactive.

And my real objection is simpler than safety:

This is a balm whose job is to dissolve makeup and rinse off. It doesn't need fragrant essential oils to do that job, and including them narrows the group of people who can comfortably use an otherwise excellent, inexpensive product.

I bought this myself and already repurchased another tin of it. The company also sent me one, so I now have a whole bunch of it on hand. The repurchase came first, and that's the part I'd weigh if I were you.

It works very well, it's inexpensive, and you can find it at Target. The only thing holding it back is a fragrance choice I don't think the formula needed.

If you're looking for a good first step for your double cleanse, this is worth trying. If you know fragrant oils irritate you, pick a different balm and skip the experiment.

For the rest of what I actually finished and formed an opinion on, see my other bottom of the jar reviews — including another Versed product I use and a different take on melting makeup off.