Skip to content

Chamomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

Chamomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A rich, indulgent cleansing balm by The Body Shop that melts effortlessly into a silky oil to remove stubborn makeup, SPF, and impurities in under 30 seconds. Enriched with Community Trade chamomile from England, shea butter, and olive oil, it leaves skin feeling petal-soft, nourished, and refreshed — all without stripping or stinging. Perfect first step in a double-cleanse routine.

100% Vegan Cruelty-Free Community Fair Trade Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Gluten-Free Recyclable Tin Contact Lens Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
3/5
Brand
The Body Shop
Size
90ml / 3.0 fl oz
Type
Cleansing Balm
Hero Ingredient
Chamomile + Shea
Best For
PM Cleanse
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Removes Tough Makeup

Dissolves waterproof mascara, foundation, SPF, and pollution in under 30 seconds without tugging.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Solid Balm to Oil
Scent
Light Chamomile
Absorption
Rinses in 30s
Finish
Soft & Nourished

Removes Tough Makeup

Dissolves waterproof mascara, foundation, SPF, and pollution in under 30 seconds without tugging.

Community Trade Chamomile

Steam-distilled essential oil from a family-run cooperative in Norfolk, England.

Eye & Lens Safe

Gentle enough to use around the eyes — suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive skin.

Plastic-Free Packaging

Recyclable metal tin with a paper label — zero plastic waste in the primary packaging.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use throughout pregnancy and nursing.

Not Fungal Acne Safe

Contains olive oil, shea butter, fatty esters, and PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, which can feed Malassezia yeast.

Comedogenic Rating: 3/5

Olive oil and shea butter rate moderately comedogenic. As a rinse-off cleanser, residue risk is lower, but acne-prone users should rinse thoroughly.

Contains Fragrance

Includes Parfum, Linalool, and Limonene — potential allergens for very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin. Patch test first.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

100% plant-based formula with no animal-derived ingredients. The Body Shop has been certified cruelty-free for decades.

Layering Compatibility

Pairs well with all serums, retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs — applied as the first cleanse before actives in your routine.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Ethylhexyl Palmitate ~30-40%Proven

The first ingredient — a lightweight emollient ester derived from palmitic acid. It gives the butter its silky slip and acts as a primary makeup-dissolving agent.

  • Function: Skin-conditioning emollient and solvent that breaks down oil-based makeup, SPF, and sebum.
  • Texture: Provides the lightweight, non-heavy feel that distinguishes this balm from greasy formulas.

Synthetic Wax ~15-20%Proven

The structural backbone of the balm. It keeps the product solid in the tin and gives it that recognizable buttery, scoop-able consistency.

  • Role: Binder and viscosity agent that creates the solid-to-oil transformation on contact with skin.
  • Stability: Helps the formula stay shelf-stable without separation.

PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate ~10-15%Proven

The key surfactant that makes this balm rinse off cleanly with water — no greasy residue. It's what turns the oil-balm into a milky emulsion when you splash water on your face.

  • Source: Manufacturer notes it creates microemulsion cleansers that are gentle to skin and easily rinsable.
  • Benefit: Allows you to use this without a muslin cloth if preferred — just water removes it.
Not fungal-acne safe — this PEG ester can feed Malassezia.

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive Oil) ~5-8%Proven

Cold-pressed olive oil rich in oleic acid, squalene, and Vitamin E. Acts as both a nourishing emollient and a powerful makeup solvent.

  • Composition: Primarily glycerides of oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids, plus natural antioxidants Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
  • Benefit: Supports the skin's moisture barrier and provides antioxidant protection.
Comedogenic rating of 2-3 — some acne-prone users report breakouts from olive-oil-based formulas.

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) ~3-5%Proven

The "magic moisturizer" from African Karite trees. Provides the nourishing, soft-skin feeling after rinsing — and gives the product its name.

  • Active compounds: Rich in Vitamins A, E, F, plus quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate antioxidants.
  • Skin benefits: Regenerates and soothes skin, protects against UV and wind, and offers natural anti-inflammatory action.

Caprylyl Glycol ~1-2%Proven

A multitasking humectant and skin-conditioning agent that also boosts the effectiveness of other preservatives — keeping the formula fresh longer.

  • Triple role: Adds soft skin feel, draws in moisture, and acts as a preservative booster.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~0.5-1%Proven

Pure Vitamin E — one of the most studied antioxidants in skincare. Protects the formula from oxidation and provides photoprotective benefits to skin.

  • Research: Provides significant photoprotection against UVB rays and works synergistically with Vitamin C.
  • Stability: Prevents the oil-rich formula from going rancid.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower) ~1-2%Proven

A non-comedogenic plant oil rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E. Helps balance the formula and supports the skin's lipid barrier.

  • Fatty acid profile: High linoleic acid content makes it more skin-barrier-friendly than oleic-heavy oils.

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil (Roman Chamomile) ~0.1-0.5%Promising

The hero botanical — Community Trade Roman Chamomile from Norfolk Essential Oils, a family-run cooperative in England.

  • Active phenolics: Roman Chamomile has soothing and skin-toning properties from its phenolic compound content.
  • Note: Roman variety contains less anti-inflammatory chamazulene than German chamomile, but is still gentle and calming.
  • Sourcing: Steam-pressed from freshly cut flowers — supports a small UK farming cooperative.

Citric Acid <0.1%Proven

An AHA from citrus fruits, but here used in trace amounts purely as a pH adjuster — not as an active exfoliant.

  • Function: Stabilizes the formula's pH for skin compatibility.

13 ingredients

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Synthetic Wax, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Parfum, Linalool, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Limonene, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Citric Acid.

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Phthalates, Animal-derived ingredients, Gluten, Formaldehyde, SLS/SLES, Synthetic dyes, Drying alcohols.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleansing Balm
2
Water Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (AM)

Use as Step 1 of your evening double-cleanse to dissolve makeup, SPF, and pollution. Always follow with a water-based cleanser for a fully clean canvas.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Scoop a Walnut-Sized Amount

With clean, dry hands, scoop out a walnut-sized amount onto your fingertips. The balm will start to soften from the warmth of your hand.

2

Massage Onto Dry Skin

Apply to a completely dry face — including over makeup, mascara, and SPF. Massage in circular motions for 30–60 seconds to dissolve impurities.

3

Add Water to Emulsify

Wet your fingertips with warm water and continue massaging — the oil will turn into a milky emulsion that lifts away makeup.

4

Rinse or Wipe Away

Rinse thoroughly with warm water, or remove with a damp muslin cloth or reusable pad for a deeper cleanse.

5

Follow with Second Cleanse

For a complete double-cleanse, follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue before applying serums.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You wear daily makeup, SPF, or live in a polluted city
  • You have normal, dry, or sensitive skin
  • You wear contact lenses and need eye-area-safe cleansing
  • You want a vegan, cruelty-free, plastic-free option
  • You're new to balm cleansers and want a beginner-friendly texture
  • You prefer a budget-friendly classic over luxury price tags
  • You love calming, herbal scents

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (Malassezia) — contains feeding ingredients
  • You're highly fragrance-sensitive (contains Parfum, Linalool, Limonene)
  • Olive oil typically breaks you out
  • You have very oily, congestion-prone skin
  • You don't wear makeup or SPF (a regular gentle cleanser may be enough)
  • You prefer pump packaging over a tin (hygiene preference)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Skin
Excellent

Olive oil and shea butter nourish without stripping. Leaves dry skin feeling soft, cushioned, and never tight.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically marketed for sensitive skin. Roman chamomile soothes, and the formula avoids harsh sulfates.

Normal Skin
Excellent

Effortlessly removes makeup and SPF while maintaining the skin's natural balance. A reliable everyday classic.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well as a first cleanse, but always follow with a water-based cleanser to prevent residue in the T-zone.

Oily Skin
Moderate

Use only at night and rinse thoroughly. Pair with a salicylic acid or gel cleanser as a second step to control shine.

Acne-Prone
Moderate

Some users report breakouts from olive oil. Patch test first; not recommended if you have fungal acne (Malassezia).

08

Results timeline

AFTER 4 WEEKS
Immediately

Effortless Makeup Removal

Stubborn waterproof mascara, foundation, and SPF dissolve within 30 seconds. Skin feels clean but never stripped or tight.

95% noticed
1st Use

Soft, Nourished Finish

Skin feels petal-soft and conditioned right after rinsing — unlike foaming cleansers that can leave a squeaky-tight feel.

88% noticed
After 1 Week

Calmer, Less Reactive Skin

Sensitive and dry users report less redness and irritation from removing makeup. The chamomile soothes over consistent use.

72% noticed
After 4 Weeks

Improved Skin Comfort & Barrier

Regular double-cleansers report a more balanced, comfortable complexion with no over-cleansing damage.

68% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

10K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
4,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Tin packaging is unhygienic — fingers must dip into the product.
Body Shop Website
4.7
Rating
3,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong fragrance for the unscented-skincare crowd.
Influenster
4.4
Rating
1,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some acne-prone users experienced breakouts from olive oil.
MakeupAlley
4.3
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Waxy texture takes some getting used to versus oil cleansers.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Excellent makeup-melting power, including waterproof mascara
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers
  • Travel-friendly under 100ml carry-on limit
  • Plastic-free recyclable tin packaging
  • Vegan and cruelty-free with ethical Community Trade sourcing
  • Great value compared to luxury cleansing balms
  • Soothing chamomile scent loved by many
  • Long-lasting — a small amount goes a long way

Criticized

  • Not fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe due to PEG esters and oils
  • Olive oil may cause breakouts in acne-prone users
  • Tin packaging requires fingers — less hygienic than tube/pump
  • Contains fragrance and known allergens (Linalool, Limonene)
  • Can melt or leak if exposed to high heat
  • Chamomile sits low in the INCI — relatively small concentration
  • Some find the texture waxy rather than truly buttery
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
$9.00
Budget Pick

Nearly identical solid-balm-to-oil texture at a fraction of the price. Adds hyaluronic acid for hydration. Less ethical sourcing story but excellent everyday performer.

82% Match
Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
$19.00
Similar Price

The K-beauty cult classic. Sherbet-like texture melts faster than the buttery Body Shop version. Includes acerola extract. Slightly easier to rinse without a cloth.

70% Match
Hydrating Cream-To-Foam Cleanser
$15.00
Budget Pick

A different format (cream-to-foam) but a similar gentle, non-stripping cleanse with ceramides. Dermatologist-loved for sensitive skin without the balm step.

68% Match
Micellar Cleansing Water All-In-1
$10.00
Budget Pick

A no-rinse oil-water hybrid that targets the same makeup-removal job. Less nourishing but faster and more hygienic than a tin-balm.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Size 125ml
Price per ml $0.28/ml
Hero Ingredients Safflower Oil + Vitamin E
Vegan No
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
FA Safe No
Packaging Plastic Jar
Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Size 100ml
Price per ml $0.19/ml
Hero Ingredients Acerola + Vitamin E
Vegan Mostly
Fragrance Yes (rose scent)
FA Safe No
Packaging Plastic Jar
Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Size 56.5g
Price per ml $0.16/g
Hero Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E
Vegan Yes
Fragrance Yes (mild)
FA Safe No
Packaging Plastic Jar
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Use within this window for full efficacy and freshness.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Keep tightly sealed; balm may melt above 30°C/86°F.

Packaging

Recyclable metal tin with screw-top lid and paper label. Plastic-free primary packaging.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 90ml is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Avoid hot car interiors as the balm can soften and leak.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the main ingredients flagged during pregnancy and lactation. The active ingredients (chamomile, shea butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, vitamin E) are all considered safe for pregnant and nursing skin. As always, consult your OB/GYN if you have specific concerns about fragrance or allergens.

No. The formula contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast: PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, olive oil, shea butter, and ethylhexyl palmitate. If you struggle with fungal acne breakouts, look for a Malassezia-safe alternative such as a simple squalane oil cleanser or a dedicated fungal-acne-safe balm.

Yes — and very well. As a first-step cleansing balm, it's rinsed off completely before any actives go on. This makes it fully compatible with retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide, peptides, and any other actives in your routine. The gentle, non-stripping cleanse is actually ideal before applying potent actives, since it doesn't compromise the skin barrier.

It's best for dry, normal, and sensitive skin types. The shea butter and olive oil leave a nourishing finish that drier skin appreciates, and the chamomile soothes reactive complexions. Combination skin can use it as a first cleanse with no issues. Oily and acne-prone users should patch test — the olive oil and PEG-20 can be too rich or comedogenic for some.

Immediately. Unlike treatment products, a cleanser shows its benefit on first use — clean skin without tightness, full makeup removal, and a soft conditioned feel. After 1–2 weeks of regular use, sensitive users typically report calmer skin and less reactivity from over-cleansing. After 4 weeks, most users notice a more comfortable, balanced complexion overall.

Use it as Step 1 of your evening routine — the very first product applied to dry skin. Massage in to dissolve makeup, SPF, and pollution, then rinse with warm water or remove with a damp cloth. Always follow with a water-based second cleanser (gel, foam, or cream cleanser) to fully clean the skin before moving on to toner, serum, and moisturizer.

The comedogenic rating is moderate (around 3/5) due to olive oil and shea butter, both of which can rate 2–3 on the comedogenic scale. However, because this is a rinse-off product — not left on the skin — clogging risk is significantly lower than with a leave-on oil. Most users have no issues, but acne-prone users with a history of breakouts from olive oil should patch test or choose an alternative.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within a year for full freshness and to prevent the natural oils from oxidizing. Store in a cool, dry place — avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot bathrooms above 30°C/86°F, as the balm can soften and lose its texture. Always use clean, dry hands when scooping to keep the formula hygienic.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: A gentle, beautifully-textured cleansing balm that has earned its cult status. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter melts off makeup effortlessly, soothes sensitive skin with Community Trade Roman chamomile, and rinses cleanly thanks to its smart PEG-emulsifier system — all in a recyclable tin at a fair price. Best suited tonormal, dry, and sensitive skin. Avoid if you havefungal acne or react to olive oil. For decades-loyal fans, it remains a reliable, ethical, value-for-money classic that proves you don't need to spend luxury prices for a luxurious cleanse.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol Citric Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
46% 23% 30%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 13 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 B
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
1 A
Synthetic Wax
Masking, Emollient, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Antistatic Agent, Binding Agent, Binding
3 Unknown
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
0 Unknown
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS