The 13 Best Cleansing Balms for Every Skin Type and Concern
Discover the top cleansing balms for removing makeup, nourishing skin, and enhancing your nightly routine with expert-tested favorites.
13 Best Cleansing Balms for Clean, Soft, and Hydrated Skin
Cleansing balms are a transformative step in modern skincare routines, providing a luxurious way to gently remove makeup, excess oil, sunscreen, and daily grime. Whether you need a product that melts waterproof makeup or want an ultra-gentle formula for sensitive skin, this curated list of the best cleansing balms in 2024 offers options for every skin type and concern. Below, you’ll find expert-tested and reviewed formulas, details on their pros and cons, standout ingredients, and real user experiences to help you find your perfect match.
What Is a Cleansing Balm?
A cleansing balm is a solid or semi-solid oil-based cleanser designed to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and impurities while moisturizing skin. Upon contact with skin, these balms transform into a silky oil that can be rinsed away or swept off with a washcloth, leaving skin soft, clean, and nourished.
Key benefits include:
- Effective removal of waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime
- Adds hydration—never leaves skin stripped or tight
- Often suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin
- Ideal first step in a double cleansing routine
Our Picks: The Top Cleansing Balms of 2024
Below are the 13 best cleansing balms reviewed by skin experts and editors. Each product includes a breakdown of key details, pros & cons, ingredients, and reviewer feedback.
| Product | Best For | Key Ingredients | Fragrance-Free? | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm | Luxury & Softness | Sweet almond oil, chamomile oil, starflower oil | No | Jar |
| Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm | Sensitive Eyes & Skin | Vitamin E, meadowfoam seed oil, jojoba oil | Yes | Tube |
| Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm | Mild Exfoliation | Papaya fruit extract, camellia oil, apricot kernel oil | Yes | Jar |
| Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm | Classic, Fragrance-Free | Safflower seed oil, vitamin E | Yes | Jar |
| Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm | K-Beauty Favorite | Papaya extract, vitamin C, acerola extract | No | Jar |
| Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm | Green Beauty | Sunflower and ginger root oil, turmeric extract | No | Jar |
| Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser | Silicone-Free Formula | Marula oil, baobab seed oil | No | Jar |
| Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm | Calming for Sensitive Skin | Oat kernel oil, colloidal oatmeal | Yes | Tub |
| Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm | Budget-Friendly | Eucalyptus oil, clove leaf oil | No | Jar |
| Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm | Luxe, Glowing Skin | Moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel | No | Jar |
| Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm | Deep Hydration | Avocado-olive oil complex, squalane | Yes | Tube |
| Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm | Korean Skincare | Vitamin E, bamboo stem extract | No | Jar |
| Heimish All Clean Balm | Gentle K-Beauty | Coconut extract, shea butter | No | Jar |
Expert Reviews: In-Depth Look at the Top Cleansing Balms
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Pros: Leaves skin feeling super soft and smooth. Packed with essential oils including lavender, orange peel, geranium, and rose for a spa-like experience. Added elderberry and starflower oils further soften and moisturize.
Cons: Most expensive on the list.
Reviewer said: “This is my absolute favorite. The feel, aroma, texture, and results are unmatched. The expense is worth the experience for a pleasurable evening double-cleanse.”
Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm
Pros: Thin consistency, easy to spread, minimal ingredients—great for sensitive skin and eyes. Removes waterproof makeup gently without irritation. Completely fragrance-free and essential oil-free.
Cons: Some testers noted it wasn’t as effective on extremely stubborn waterproof makeup.
Reviewer said: “I finally removed waterproof mascara without losing lashes, and my eyes were not irritated. Gentle and effective.”
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
Pros: Contains naturally exfoliating papaya enzymes for smoother skin, plus moisturizing camellia and apricot kernel oil. Delightful papaya scent.
Cons: Needs to be warmed up between hands for oil transformation.
Reviewer said: “Using this daily, my skin is so smooth and texture noticeably improved.”
What others are reading
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Pros: Renowned classic, fragrance-free formula; consistently gentle and effective at melting away makeup.
Cons: Some users experience mild eye stinging.
Reviewer said: “A staple for years; removes even tough makeup with zero irritation, leaves skin soft.”
Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Pros: Beloved K-beauty classic; affordable, mild scent; lasts long and comes with an easy-to-use spatula.
Cons: May cause temporary vision clouding if it gets in eyes.
Reviewer said: “Perfect introduction to cleansing balms—gentle, effective, and longest-lasting on my shelf.”
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Pros: Eco-conscious formula with sunflower and ginger root oils, turmeric extract for added antioxidant and calming benefits.
Cons: Jar packaging can be messy for travel.
Reviewer said: “Leaves no greasy residue and my skin feels refreshed—perfect for nightly routine.”
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Pros: Free from silicones and fragrance; ultra-nourishing with marula oil.
Cons: Can feel dense for oily skin types.
Reviewer said: “Noticeably reduces dryness and leaves skin dewy after every cleanse.”
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
Pros: Especially formulated for sensitive, irritated skin—with soothing oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal.
Cons: Thick texture; may require a follow-up cleanser for oily-prone users.
Reviewer said: “Most calming balm I’ve tried—goodbye redness!”
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
Pros: Budget-friendly price point; eucalyptus and clove leaf oils provide antimicrobial benefits and a refreshing feel.
Cons: Scent might be strong for sensitive noses.
Reviewer said: “Affordable, effective, and a must for double cleansing.”
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
Pros: Moringa seed extract and wild sea fennel deliver antioxidant-rich, luxurious cleansing. Renowned for leaving skin glowing and hydrated, without breakouts.
Cons: Premium price tag and rich balm texture.
Reviewer said: “My favorite cleanser, hands down. Skin is hydrated and radiant after each use.”
Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm
Pros: Features the brand’s TFC8® technology for skin repair, plus deep hydration via avocado-olive oil and squalane. No fragrance or essential oils.
Cons: A splurge for most; some users report mild eye sting.
Reviewer said: “Skin looks more youthful, feels plumper—worth the investment.”
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Pros: Vitamin E and bamboo stem extract support hydration and soothe irritation. Popular in Korean skincare circles.
Cons: Scented; spatula makes scooping easy but not everyone loves the texture.
Reviewer said: “Gentle enough for all skin types, great intro to K-beauty balms.”
Heimish All Clean Balm
Pros: Shea butter and coconut extract provide a nourishing glide; formula is soft and effective for clearing heavy makeup.
Cons: Can leave slight residue if not fully rinsed.
Reviewer said: “Super gentle, lightweight—skin feels cleaner and smoother.”
How To Use a Cleansing Balm
- Scoop a quarter-sized amount onto dry hands
- Massage gently onto a dry، makeup-covered face
- Allow balm to melt into oil as you work it into the skin
- Splash with water or sweep off with a warm، damp cloth
- Optionally، double cleanse with a gentle water-based cleanser for thorough removal
Who Should Try Cleansing Balms؟
Cleansing balms are suitable for nearly everyone but are especially beneficial for:
- Those who wear makeup daily
- People with dry، sensitive، or mature skin
- Anyone seeking moisture or protection during cleansing
- Fans of aromatherapy and spa-like rituals
- K-beauty enthusiasts and double-cleansing adherents
Key Ingredients to Look For
- Natural oils (almond، camellia، sunflower، moringa)
- Butters (shea، cocoa)
- Antioxidants (vitamin E، turmeric، elderberry)
- Enzymes & extracts (papaya، bamboo، sea fennel)
Choose balms with ingredients matched to your skin concerns—soothing for sensitive types، antioxidants for aging، and exfoliating enzymes for dullness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cleansing Balms
Q: Can cleansing balms remove waterproof makeup؟
A: Yes، most cleansing balms are formulated to dissolve waterproof mascara، long-wear lipsticks، and heavy foundation; check reviews and key ingredients for maximum effectiveness.
Q: Are cleansing balms suitable for oily or acne-prone skin؟
A: While many are oil-based، most balms do not clog pores and contain non-comedogenic oils. However، oily skin may benefit from a follow-up water-based cleanse.
Q: Should I double cleanse after using a balm؟
A: Yes، double cleansing (balm followed by gentle cleanser) ensures removal of all residue، makeup، and pollutants، especially for heavy makeup or sunscreen users.
Q: How does a cleansing balm compare to micellar water or wipes؟
A: Balms remove more stubborn makeup and leave skin moisturized، while micellar water and wipes are convenient but can be less thorough and sometimes drying.
Q: Can I use a cleansing balm if I have sensitive skin؟
A: Absolutely—many balms are formulated without fragrance and essential oils specifically for sensitive and reactive skin. Read labels carefully and patch test new products.
Shopping Tips for Finding Your Perfect Cleansing Balm
- Check for fragrance or essential oils if you have sensitivities
- Look for added benefits (hydration، exfoliation، calming)
- Opt for easy-to-use packaging—jars، tubes، or tubs
- Consider formulas with antioxidant or soothing ingredients
Editor’s Top Pick
If luxury، texture، and spa-like experience are priorities، Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm stands out for its transformative results and sensory experience.
If you prefer simplicity and sensitivity، Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm delivers on clean، gentle effectiveness without fragrance or irritation.
Cleansing Balm Comparison Table
| Brand | Texture | For Skin Type | Best For | Added Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elemis | Dense، Soft Balm | Dry، Mature، Sensitive | Softness، Aroma | Essential oils، anti-aging |
| Paula’s Choice | Lightweight، Creamy | All، Sensitive | Gentle Cleansing | Fragrance-free، antioxidants |
| Glow Recipe | Smooth، Sorbet-like | All except extremely oily | Gentle Exfoliation | Papaya enzymes، moisture boost |
| Clinique | Light، Solid Balm | All، Sensitive | Classic Makeup Removal | Fragrance-free، long-standing favorite |
Final Thoughts: Why Cleansing Balms Deserve a Spot in Your Routine
The best cleansing balms give you more than just makeup removal—they offer hydration، softening، mild exfoliation، and a ritualistic spa feel. With options for every budget، skin type، and preference، adding a cleansing balm to your routine is one of the best ways to elevate your skin care regimen، ensuring your face feels clean، soft، and pampered every night.
References
- https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/g34550152/best-cleansing-balms/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g36864325/best-cleansing-balms/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/skincare/a45316197/emma-hardie-moringa-cleansing-balm-review/
- https://formulaeprescott.com/en-us/blogs/press/cosmopolitan
- https://formulaeprescott.com/en-us/blogs/press/the-9-best-face-cleansers-for-blitzing-stubborn-makeup-1
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