Best Cleansing Balms (2026) Reviewed
Cleansing balms dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime without stripping your skin. These oil-based cleansers transform from solid to silky oil on contact, making them ideal for the first step in a double-cleanse routine or as a standalone cleanser for light makeup days.
What to Look For
- Texture transformation — Quality balms melt from solid to oil, then emulsify to milk when water is added for easy rinsing
- Residue-free rinse — The best formulas wash away completely without leaving an oily film or requiring excessive rubbing
- Skin-friendly oils — Look for nourishing bases like sunflower, jojoba, or safflower seed oil that cleanse without clogging pores
- Fragrance considerations — Sensitive skin benefits from fragrance-free options; others may enjoy aromatherapy blends
- Packaging — Jars with included spatulas keep the product hygienic; squeeze tubes offer convenience
Product Recommendations
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm — Best Overall
No products found.
Farmacy’s award-winning balm removes 99% of longwear foundation, waterproof mascara, and SPF while improving skin texture after one use.
The plant-based formula features a super greens blend of moringa, holy basil, and arugula for antioxidant benefits. Papaya enzymes provide gentle exfoliation while sunflower oil melts away stubborn makeup. Transforms from sorbet-like solid to silky oil to milky lather.
- Pros:
- Clinically proven makeup removal
- Includes spatula for hygienic application
- Pleasant lime, bergamot, and orange scent
- 100% post-consumer recycled packaging
- Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- Scented formula not ideal for fragrance-sensitive users
Best for: Daily makeup wearers who want effective removal with skincare benefits.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Original — Best K-Beauty
No products found.
The world’s best-selling cleansing balm delivers Korean skincare innovation with a sherbet texture that melts on contact.
This cult-favorite uses Zero Balance Technology to dissolve waterproof makeup without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier. Acerola berry and Vitamin C provide antioxidant protection. Certified vegan, dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic.
- Pros:
- Lightweight sherbet texture
- Suitable for all skin types including oily
- Multiple formula variations for specific concerns
- Rinses clean without residue
- Cons:
- Light fragrance present
- Jar packaging less travel-friendly
Best for: K-beauty enthusiasts and anyone seeking a lightweight, effective balm at a mid-range price.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm — Best for Sensitive Skin
No products found.
Clinique’s iconic balm offers dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free cleansing that’s gentle enough for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Safflower seed oil efficiently dissolves hard-to-remove makeup while the lightweight formula rinses completely clean. Ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested for maximum compatibility with reactive skin. Works on face and eye makeup including waterproof formulas.
- Pros:
- 100% fragrance-free
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Trusted prestige brand
- Cons:
- Premium pricing
- No added skincare benefits beyond cleansing
Best for: Those with sensitive skin, allergies, or anyone who prefers fragrance-free skincare.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm — Best Luxury
No products found.
This spa-grade balm transforms cleansing into a luxurious aromatherapy experience with nine essential oils and marine actives.
Starflower oil, elderberry oil, and Padina Pavonica algae deeply nourish while dissolving makeup. The lavender and chamomile aromatic blend creates a spa-like ritual. Can double as a weekly hydrating mask for added value.
- Pros:
- Luxurious texture and scent
- Multi-use as cleanser or mask
- Deeply hydrating formula
- Leaves skin soft and radiant
- Cons:
- Highest price point on this list
- Low melting point can cause texture changes in transit
Best for: Those who want a premium, spa-like cleansing experience and don’t mind the investment.
JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm — Best Minimalist Formula
No products found.
With only 10 ingredients, this straightforward balm proves effective cleansing doesn’t require a complicated formula.
Japanese pearl barley ferment filtrate brightens and hydrates while Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection. The simple formula makes it ideal for those avoiding common irritants. Fresh citrus scent from orange peel oil.
- Pros:
- Simple 10-ingredient formula
- Affordable price point
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Rinses clean with no residue
- Cons:
- Contains orange essential oil (potential sensitivity)
- Smaller jar size
Best for: Ingredient-conscious consumers who prefer minimal, transparent formulas.
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm — Best Drugstore
No products found.
CeraVe brings its dermatologist-developed approach to cleansing balms with ceramides and jojoba oil for barrier support.
Three essential ceramides help maintain the skin’s protective barrier while plant-based jojoba oil dissolves longwear makeup. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested. Leaves skin feeling clean without that tight, stripped sensation.
- Pros:
- Ceramide-enriched formula
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Widely available at drugstores
- Affordable price
- Cons:
- Smaller size than competitors
- Basic formula without extra skincare benefits
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who trust CeraVe’s dermatologist-backed formulas.
Heimish All Clean Balm — Best Value K-Beauty
No products found.
This Korean cult favorite delivers premium performance at an accessible price with a soothing aromatherapy experience.
Ten natural essential oils including shea butter and coconut extract transform cleansing into relaxation. The sherbet texture changes to oil then milk for thorough yet gentle makeup removal. Dermatologically tested with 0% irritation and certified vegan.
- Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Thorough three-step texture transformation
- No eye irritation
- Includes spatula
- Cons:
- Herbal scent not for everyone
- Contains multiple essential oils
Best for: Anyone wanting K-beauty quality without the premium price tag.
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm — Best Budget
No products found.
This affordable balm packs hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides into a hydrating formula that punches above its price class.
Transforms from solid balm to luxurious oil to nourishing milk texture. The hydrating trio of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides leaves skin plumped rather than stripped. Includes spatula for hygienic scooping.
- Pros:
- Lowest price point
- Hydrating ingredients typically found in pricier products
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Works for all skin types
- Cons:
- May not remove heavy waterproof makeup as thoroughly
- Light fragrance
Best for: Beauty shoppers on a tight budget who still want effective, hydrating cleansing.
The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm — Best for Redness-Prone Skin
No products found.
Colloidal oatmeal soothes and reduces redness while oat kernel oil gently removes makeup without irritation.
The oat-based formula delivers ceramides and omega fatty acids to support the skin barrier. Squeeze tube packaging eliminates the need for a spatula and improves portability. Can double as a 10-minute hydrating mask.
- Pros:
- Calming oat formula
- Convenient squeeze tube
- Multi-use as cleanser or mask
- Fragrance-free
- Cons:
- Thicker texture requires more massaging
- May struggle with very heavy makeup
Best for: Those with redness-prone, sensitive, or easily irritated skin.
Verdict
For most people, the Farmacy Green Clean delivers the best combination of effective makeup removal and skincare benefits. On a budget, the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! balm offers impressive performance at a fraction of the price. Those with sensitive skin should reach for Clinique’s fragrance-free formula.
