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
- Award-Winning Makeup Cleansing Balm - Clinically proven to remove over 99% of longwear foundation, waterproof mascara + SPF, while improving skin texture + hydration. This gentle face balm is 3x more gentle on skin than makeup wipes.*
- New Plant-Powered Formula - Now greener + cleaner, this upgraded make up remover features a farm-grown super greens blend of upcycled moringa, holy basil + arugula. These natural antioxidants promote healthier-looking skin.
- Purifying Papaya Extract - This makeup melting balm is packed with papaya extract to lift away dirt + impurities without stripping skin, leaving it fresh, soft + smoother-feeling after just one cleanse.
- Melts Makeup, Nourishes Skin - Made with sunflower oil to act as a waterproof mascara + eye makeup remover, Green Clean leaves skin nourished + hydrated.
- How to Use - Massage the balm cleanser onto dry skin. Add warm water to emulsify the makeup remover oil into a milky texture, then rinse or wipe with a damp washcloth. Follow with your favorite Farmacy cleanser for the ultimate double cleanse.
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
- Best-Selling Cleansing Balm 🥇 With 100 million+ units sold worldwide, this award-winning K-beauty favorite effortlessly melts away even waterproof makeup, leaving skin clean, soft, and refreshed.
- Balm to Oil Type Cleanser🫧 Sherbet-type cleansing balm blended with magnet oil formula melts to cleanse heavy makeup and impurities from pores and wrinkles. This lightweight balm transforms from a sherbet-like texture into a smooth oil upon application, breaking down makeup, SPF, dirt, and impurities effortlessly in one step.
- Safe Ingredients🍒 Formula combines the antioxidant benefits of Acerola berry and Vitamin C to provide hydration & vitality to all skin types. Certified vegan formula, dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, Clean It Zero Original is gentle enough for everyone, offering a deep clean without stripping moisture or clouding your eyes.
- 3-Step Cleansing🧖🏻♀️ Try Banila Co's Foaming Cleanser to remove even the most stubborn makeup residue, along with our Toner Pads to complete the ultimate cleansing routine!
- How to Use 📝 Scoop the appropriate amount using the spatula included. Gently massage in a circular motion onto dry skin using your fingertips to remove makeup and residue. Add water and massage further to emulsify the oil. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
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
- SILKY BALM CLEANSER: Gently melt away makeup and sunscreen with this luxe, lightweight makeup cleansing balm. Cleans thoroughly, rinses off completely.
- BALM-TO-OIL FORMULA: Transforms from a solid makeup-melting balm to an oil cleanser upon application. Feels silky on skin.
- THOROUGH REMOVAL: This facial cleanser is gentle yet effective. Over 95% removal of face makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants.*
- CLINICAL EXPERTISE: Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free. Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested. Safe for sensitive eyes. Safe for sensitive skin.
- BUILT ON DERMATOLOGICAL SCIENCE: As a dermatologist-guided brand, Clinique’s commitment to safety starts with skincare science. We partner with the best minds in dermatology and formulate for all skin types, tones, concerns—in service of all skin.
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
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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
- An uncomplicated list of only 10 ingredients
- Rinses clean, leaving zero residue
- Non-irritating ingredients lend a fresh scent
- Japanese Pearl Barley Magic+ nourishes and help keep your skin soft
- Key Ingredients--Pearl Barley: Our star ingredient, that hydrates and nourishes the skin, and refines texture; Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that prevents aging
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
- [ CLEANSING BALM FOR FACE ] CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, enriched with three essential ceramides, removes stubborn makeup without a greasy residue, ideal as a travel makeup remover
- [ EYE MAKEUP REMOVER WITH JOJOBA OIL ] This gentle yet effective makeup remover balm incorporates jojoba oil, leaving skin smooth, soothed, and radiant. Effective on waterproof makeup and mascara
- [ FOR SENSITIVE SKIN ] Designed for sensitive skin, this makeup cleansing balm combines jojoba oil for face and ceramides for hydration without irritation. Free from fragrance, parabens, and soap, it's non-comedogenic and allergy-tested
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Featuring a trio of essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), this makeup remover cleanser helps sustain the skin’s natural barrier. Great christmas gifts for women
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe’s makeup balm remover is suitable for various skin types, including dry, oily, and acne-prone skin. It ensures effective cleansing while maintaining skin health
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
- 1-STEP, ALL-IN-1 CLEANSING SOLUTION: Effortlessly remove even heavy makeup, including eye and lip makeup, with a multi-functional formula that combines lip & eye remover with cleansing foam for a complete cleanse. Clinically proven to eliminate 93% of impurities and reduce blackheads by 67.51%.
- INSTANT HYDRATION BOOST: See an immediate improvement in skin hydration by 108.89%, leaving your skin feeling plump and refreshed. Perfect for combating dry or dull skin while effectively removing makeup and serving as a hydrating shield when used in the double cleansing routine.
- NATURAL AROMATHERAPY FOR A LUXURIOUS JOY: Enriched with 10 premium natural essential oils such as Shea Butter and Coconut Extract, HEIMISH All Clean Balm transforms your cleansing routine into a fragrant, relaxing experience, like a calming aromatherapy session at home.
- EXCEPTIONAL 3-STEP TEXTURE TRANSFORMATION: Features a unique texture that changes from a rich, soothing oil to a milky emulsion, providing a smooth and light finish without tightness, heaviness, or stickiness - A skincare gift for all skin types especially oily skin, as it leaves no greasy residue behind.
- COMMITMENT TO SAFE & CLEAN BEAUTY: Dermatologically tested with 0% irritation, this Korean cleansing balm is safe for sensitive skin and the delicate eye area with no stinging. Proudly certified EVE VEGAN and cruelty-free, ensuring no animal testing, harsh chemicals and artificial additives, it's a pure, safe choice for those seeking ethical beauty products.
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
- NOURISHING CLEANSING BALM: Watch your makeup melt away! It’s solid cleansing balm that melts into a luxurious oil and turns into a nourishing milk texture that rinses off clean.
- INFUSED WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides leaving your skin feeling silky smooth and plumped with hydration.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: The Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is perfectly compatible with all skin types.
- BEAUTY TIP: Double cleanse for that extra clean feel with your favorite e.l.f. cleanser such as the Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: 100% vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
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
- CLEANSING MAKEUP REMOVER - This luxurious cleansing balm gently dissolves make-up, while cleansing and nourishing the skin, making it ideal for all skin types
- POWERFUL INGREDIENTS - The formula combines Oat Kernel Oil, a rich, natural oil containing ceramides and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to effectively remove impurities together with Colloidal Oatmeal to help soothe and comfort dry, tight or sensitive skin and reduce the appearance of redness
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES - Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, our viral oat cleanser is a non-stripping, non-drying formula with a soft, rich texture; Specially formulated to deeply cleanse and dissolve all visible traces of makeup including waterproof and long-wear products, revealing skin that feels instantly hydrated, nourished and more glowing
- HOW TO USE - The ideal gentle AM and PM cleanser; Gently massage a small raspberry sized amount onto dampened face and neck add water, then rinse thoroughly; For an extra nourishment boost, leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing
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.
