Balance Me Restore and Replenish Cream Cleanser

Can a cleanser be anti-ageing? Yes, according to the team at Balance Me, who’ve incorporated their natural peptide complex in this cleanser, part of the Collagen Boost Collection. We agree – not least because cleansing is such a vital part of an anti-ageing regime. If skin’s not perfectly cleansed, those wrinkle-targeting ingredients in your creams and serums don’t stand an earthly, because they won’t reach their destination.

This pump-action product makes cleansing a real pleasure – which is half the battle. A truly luscious cream, alongside those peptides it blends plant extracts with natural butters, infused with neroli and frankincense oils. (Hence the sublime scent, even if they were selected for their active powers rather than simply the fragrance.

Massaged into skin it can melt even stubborn mascara. Balance Me recommend removing residue with cotton wool but we always prefer a muslin or facecloth. For a really deep yet mosturising cleanse, meanwhile, they suggest leaving it on for five minutes before removing.

A sort of mask/cleanser in one, then – and sheer heaven to use.

Balance Me Restore and Replenish Cream Cleanser/£18 for 125 ml at www.johnlewis.com