Elemis has brought back the Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm this week, and 2025 is already looking promising. If you’re familiar with the original formula, you know it delivers top-notch cleansing performance. Combine that with a scent that perfectly balances sharp, green notes and sweet, juicy undertones, and you’ve got a product that might just justify breaking your No-Buy January rule. It’s a limited edition, and there’s no guarantee it’ll return next year—so waiting could be risky.
The Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm: A Global Skincare Icon
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has achieved cult status in the beauty world, and it’s easy to see why. It deeply cleanses while leaving skin soft, nourished, and hydrated. The original version is beloved for its herbal aroma, crafted from nine plant oils, including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus.
Building on its success, Elemis introduced variants like the oh-so-posh Rose Cleansing Balm and the fragrance-free Naked formula. Here’s hoping the Green Fig edition becomes a permanent part of the lineup—it’s just that good.
The Green Fig Fragrance: A Sophisticated Sensory Experience
Fig is a challenging fragrance note to perfect, but when done right, it’s unforgettable. I still reminisce about Jo Malone’s Wild Fig & Cassis, a scent so unique I’d often splurge on the matching candle. These days, I alternate between DS & Durga’s Debaser for its fruity finesse and Caudalie’s Moisturizing Fig Body Oil Elixir, which masterfully balances fresh and earthy notes.
The beauty of fig lies in its green, sharp nuances—derived from the leaves and bark—rather than just the pulpy sweetness of the fruit. Elemis compliments the star ingredient with raspberry and bergamot. The Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and earthy accords, delivering a truly indulgent fragrance experience.
What’s Inside the Balm?
Elemis packs this formula with a powerhouse of botanicals that nourish and cleanse every skin type expertly well:
• Sweet Almond, Sunflower, Borage Seed, and Elderberry Oils for deep cleansing and hydration.
• Optimega™ Oil, a proprietary blend of wheat germ and oat oils, to support skin’s moisture barrier.
• Beeswax and Shea Butter for the balm’s luxurious texture (though take care during summer travel, as it can liquify in transit).
• Padina Pavonica, a brown microalgae renowned for its moisture-boosting and radiance-enhancing properties.
How To Use A Cleansing Balm
If you’re new to cleansing balms, here’s a quick guide:
1. Start with dry skin and dry hands.
2. Scoop a small amount, warm it between your fingertips, and massage it onto your face.
3. Focus on areas prone to product buildup and extend to your hairline.
4. Massage for 1-2 minutes, then add water to transform the balm into an oil, and finally, a milky cleanser.
This multi-phase formula melts away makeup, sunscreen, and grime with ease. For an extra-deep clean, some recommend following with a water-based foaming cleanser—a process known as double cleansing. While there’s no conclusive scientific proof that it’s more effective, many skincare enthusiasts swear by it. Because at the end of the day, if the products you use are gentle and kind to skin, this rule can be beneficial.
How I Use It
Before I step in the shower, I apply the balm on dry skin while the water heats up. Once in the shower, I add water to emulsify the formula, rinse it off, and follow with whichever foaming cleanser I have in rotation.
For sinkside cleansing, I remove the balm with a Clean Skin Club Towel (the XL Supreme version is my go-to). Often, my skin feels so clean afterward that I skip a second cleanse. But if I do double cleanse, I reach for the Filorga Enzyme Cleansing Foam—a light, non-drippy formula that’s perfect for this step.
Final Thoughts
If your budget allows for a skincare splurge, the Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm is worth every penny. Its luxurious texture, nourishing ingredients, and sophisticated scent make it a standout option—especially for fans of fig fragrances.
Available in two sizes: $69 (100g) or $40 (50g) at sephora.com
