The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover
The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover
Product Description
Product overview
A luxurious, buttery-soft cleansing balm infused with Japanese Indigo that melts away makeup, dirt, and excess oil while soothing sensitive skin and restoring the moisture barrier. Fragrance-free and formulated for even the most reactive complexions.
Japanese Indigo Extract
Historically used by Samurai for wound healing, this anti-inflammatory botanical visibly calms redness and soothes irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYJapanese Indigo Extract
Historically used by Samurai for wound healing, this anti-inflammatory botanical visibly calms redness and soothes irritation.
Hadasei-3 Complex
Tatcha's signature blend of fermented rice, green tea, and Okinawa algae to nourish and support the skin's moisture barrier.
Cleansing Lipids
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and cleansing emulsifiers dissolve makeup without stripping natural oils.
Lotus Flower Extract
Japanese lotus provides antioxidant protection while helping to refine and smooth skin texture.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains fermented ingredients (Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, and Rice Bran Oil which can feed malassezia yeast.
Most ingredients are non-comedogenic. Unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Fragrance-free formula with calming indigo extract. Part of Tatcha's dedicated sensitive skin collection.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSJapanese Indigo Extract (Indigofera Tinctoria)Proven
A powerful anti-inflammatory botanical with centuries of use in Japanese and Chinese medicine. Contains active compounds Tryptanthrin and Indirubin that calm visible irritation and support skin barrier function.
- Research: Studies show indigo extract significantly decreases dermal inflammation and accelerates wound healing
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant
- Historical Use: Samurai wore indigo-dyed cotton under armor to help heal injuries
Hadasei-3 ComplexProven
Tatcha's proprietary blend of double-fermented Akita rice (Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate), Uji green tea (Camellia Sinensis), and Okinawa red algae (Cladosiphon Okamuranus).
- Fermented Rice: Rich in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins to nourish skin
- Green Tea: Polyphenols provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage
- Okinawa Algae: Supports skin hydration and barrier health
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride BaseProven
A coconut-derived emollient that forms the base of this balm. Provides excellent skin conditioning while effectively dissolving makeup and sunscreen.
- Function: Emollient, solvent, texture enhancer
- Benefits: Softens skin, prevents moisture loss, non-greasy feel
- Safety: Generally well-tolerated, non-comedogenic
Lotus Flower Extract (Nelumbo Nucifera)Promising
Japanese lotus extract provides antioxidant benefits and helps to smooth and refine skin texture while adding a touch of luxury to the formula.
- Function: Antioxidant, skin conditioning
- Benefits: Protects against environmental stressors, smooths skin
Rice Bran Oil (Oryza Sativa)Promising
A nourishing oil rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Helps to soften and condition skin while supporting the moisture barrier.
- Function: Emollient, antioxidant
- Benefits: Nourishes dry skin, provides vitamin E
24 ingredients
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Aqua/Water/Eau, Pentylene Glycol, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Polygonum Tinctorium Leaf/Stem Extract, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquioleate, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Propanediol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Tin Oxide, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in double cleansing (PM). Follow with a water-based cleanser like Tatcha Rice Polish: Calming for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEScoop Product
Start with dry hands and face. Use the included spatula to scoop product up to the marked line (a little goes a long way).
Warm & Apply
Warm the balm between your fingertips until it melts into a silky oil. Gently massage onto dry skin for about 1 minute.
Focus on Makeup
Spend extra time on areas with heavy makeup, waterproof mascara, or sunscreen. The balm will dissolve everything.
Emulsify & Rinse
Add warm water to emulsify the balm into a milky texture. Rinse thoroughly or use a warm washcloth for deeper cleansing.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You want a fragrance-free makeup remover
- You wear heavy makeup or waterproof products
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You appreciate luxurious textures and packaging
- Your skin feels tight after cleansing
- You have redness-prone or reactive skin
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're on a tight budget ($38 for 54g)
- You prefer a fragranced product
- You want a larger quantity for the price
- You dislike soft/mushy balm textures
- You prefer a more milky emulsification
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free with calming indigo extract. Part of Tatcha's Indigo sensitive skin collection.
Leaves skin hydrated without stripping. Clinical data shows 21% improvement in skin moisturization after one week.
Perfect balance of cleansing and hydrating. Melts makeup without leaving residue or greasy feel.
Works well across different zones. May want to follow with second cleanser in oilier areas.
Effective for removing oil-based impurities. Recommend double cleansing with a foaming cleanser afterward.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5), but NOT safe for fungal acne due to fermented ingredients and esters.
Results timeline
ONGOINGClean, Soft Skin
Makeup, dirt, and sunscreen dissolve completely. Skin feels clean without tightness or dryness.
95% felt soothed after 1 useImproved Hydration & Barrier
Skin moisturization improves significantly. Moisture barrier function shows measurable improvement.
100% showed barrier improvementCalmer, Less Reactive Skin
Consistent use of indigo extract helps reduce visible redness and irritation. Skin appears more balanced.
21% improvement in moisturizationMaintained Skin Health
Continued use supports overall skin barrier health. Less sensitivity to environmental triggers.
Daily maintenance benefitsRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Buttery soft texture melts instantly on contact
- Effectively removes all makeup including waterproof mascara
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Leaves skin hydrated, never stripped or tight
- Beautiful packaging with hygienic spatula included
- No greasy residue after rinsing
- Calming indigo visibly soothes redness
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
Criticized
- Expensive at $38 for only 54g (smaller than competitors)
- Soft/mushy texture may not appeal to everyone
- Doesn't emulsify as milky as some other balms
- Not fungal acne safe due to fermented ingredients
- Can leave blurry film on eyes temporarily
- Blue color may vary batch to batch (normal)
- Jar packaging less hygienic than pump/tube
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESK-beauty cult favorite with similar sorbet texture. Fragrance-free Purifying version for sensitive skin. Larger 100ml size. Contains mineral oil instead of plant-derived cleansing lipids.
Affordable K-beauty option with botanical ingredients. Contains essential oils (natural scent). 120ml size at fraction of the price. Also contains fermented ingredients - not FA safe.
Oat-based calming formula at drugstore price. Good for sensitive skin but may leave more residue than Tatcha. 150ml size is excellent value.
Similar luxury positioning with spa-like experience. Contains fragrance (lavender, eucalyptus). Creamier texture. 100g size but higher price point overall.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. The balm has a soft texture that can become even softer in warm conditions.
Glass-look jar with spatula (PP #5 recyclable plastic). Includes hygienic disk applicator to measure product.
Yes, TSA-compliant (54g is under 100ml). Solid balm format is less messy than liquid oils for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleansing balm is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any ingredients typically avoided during pregnancy such as retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The formula is fragrance-free and uses gentle, plant-derived ingredients. However, always consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No, this product is NOT safe for fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis). It contains several ingredients that can feed the malassezia yeast: Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate (fermented ingredient), Ethylhexyl Palmitate (fatty acid ester), and Oryza Sativa Rice Bran Oil. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Malezia Cleansing Balm which is specifically formulated to be FA-safe.
Yes! As a first-step cleanser that gets fully rinsed off, this balm is compatible with all actives in your routine. In fact, its gentle, non-stripping formula makes it ideal for those using potent treatments that can sensitize skin. Use it to remove makeup and sunscreen in the evening, follow with a water-based cleanser, then apply your actives on clean skin.
This balm is best suited for sensitive, dry, and normal skin types. It was specifically formulated for sensitive and easily irritated skin as part of Tatcha's Indigo Collection. The fragrance-free formula with calming indigo extract makes it ideal for reactive skin. It also works well for combination and oily skin when followed by a second cleanser, though those with fungal acne should avoid it.
Immediate results: Clean, soft, hydrated skin after first use. 95% of users felt soothed immediately. Within 1 week: Clinical studies show 21% improvement in skin moisturization and 100% showed improvement in skin barrier function. 2-4 weeks: Continued use helps reduce visible redness and irritation. The calming benefits of indigo extract compound over time with consistent use.
Use as the FIRST step in your PM routine (double cleansing method). Apply to dry skin to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities. Rinse or wipe off, then follow with a water-based cleanser (like Tatcha Rice Polish: Calming) to complete the double cleanse. Then continue with toner, serums, and moisturizer. Not necessary in AM routine unless you wore heavy products overnight.
The comedogenic rating is low (1/5), meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most skin types. The base ingredients (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) are generally non-comedogenic. However, individual reactions vary. If you're prone to breakouts, patch test first and always follow with a thorough second cleanse to ensure all residue is removed from pores.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The product comes with a hygienic spatula to minimize contamination - avoid dipping fingers directly into the jar. Note: The blue color may vary slightly between batches due to natural indigo extract, but this doesn't affect safety or efficacy.
Verdict: The Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm is a luxurious, effective makeup remover that truly delivers for sensitive skin. The fragrance-free formula with calming Japanese indigo provides genuine soothing benefits backed by research. It melts makeup effortlessly and leaves skin hydrated rather than stripped. However, the premium price for a smaller-than-average jar (54g vs. 100g+ competitors) makes it a splurge purchase. Those with fungal acne should avoid due to fermented ingredients. Best for those who prioritize gentle formulation, beautiful packaging, and are willing to pay for a premium sensitive skin experience.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Synthetic Wax
Masking, Emollient, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Antistatic Agent, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|
|
| 1 |
Polyethylene
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Abrasive, Bulking Agent, Adhesive
|
|







