'This $25 cleansing balm is the best I've tried (and I've tried them all).'

I'm someone who actually cannot go to sleep unless my face is squeaky clean. Not a speck of sunscreen on my skin or an atom of mascara on my lashes.

As a result, I've spent a small fortune on face wipes, micellar waters and microfibre cloths that all promise to remove every trace — and yet, I've never truly loved one to repurchase. 

But it wasn't until a few years ago on a trip to Seoul that I stumbled across cleansing oils, and my whole skincare life changed for the better.

WATCH: We road-tested a viral Korean beauty blush. Post continues below.

In case you missed it, cleansing oils are meant to be the first step in your skincare routine, before your water-based cleanser.

They dissolve makeup, sunscreen and environmental grime efficiently, so your second cleanse can focus purely on refreshing the skin.

Plus, because you don't need wipes or non-degradable cloths to remove your day's face, they're a more environmentally friendly option. Win-win.

Over the years, the formulas of cleansing oils have come a long way (something I've picked up on after buying and trying every product under the sun).

But after all this testing, there's one I keep coming back to: the Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm.

Here's everything you need to know about it.

Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm, $24.95 (usually $32).

Image: Lila Beauty.

Fast facts:

• A sorbet-like cleansing balm that transforms into a cleansing oil specially designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin

• Unique 'grinding mechanism' dispenses fresh product each time for hygiene and portion control

• Calms irritation and reduces redness without stripping or sensitising skin

• Contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (controls sebum) and Soybean Oil (maintains moisture balance)

• Infused with essential oils for a replenished, soft finish post-cleanse

• Lightweight, non-greasy texture that melts away makeup and impurities

• 50ml, $24.95 (with an RRP of $32)

How to use the Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm.

It looks and feels like sorbet but turns into oil once it comes into your skin. Image: Supplied.

Like other cleansing balms or cleansing oils, use this before any other nighttime skincare products. Unlike all the others, this one has a really innovative packaging design.

Twist the product clockwise to dispense the desired amount. Scoop it up and massage it in small circles on dry skin to dissolve makeup and impurities.

The balm should transform into an oil. Add a splash of water to emulsify it into a milky texture, then thoroughly rinse off with lukewarm water.

Follow with your usual water-based cleanser, and the rest of your skincare routine!

My Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm review.

This isn't like any regular cleansing oil. Image: Supplied.

It's a combination of the formula, effectiveness, packaging and price that gives this cleansing balm a solid 10 out of 10 in my books. 

It doesn't sting my eyes (even when I'm scrubbing off a full face of eyeliner and mascara), it doesn't leave behind that weird oily film some balms do, it doesn't cause irritation, breakouts or clogged pores, and did I mention it's completely odourless?!

Without fail, my skin feels smooth, hydrated and actually refreshed after every use. Yes, no more morning mascara specks! 

I especially love how easy it is to use. That twist-top packaging means I don't have to dig my fingers into a jar or risk spilling liquid oil all over my vanity (or inside my luggage. RIP).

I've thrown this in my carry-on bag for flights and weekend trips without a second thought, which is not something you can do with any ordinary cleansing oil. 

And can we talk about the price? At under $25, it feels like a total steal considering how luxe it feels on the skin and how long a single tub lasts me. I've used way pricier cleansing oils that haven't delivered anywhere near the same results. So, yes, take my money. 

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast below or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

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Feature image: Supplied.