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After Testing Dozens, We Can Confidently Say These Are the 6 Best Cleansing Balms
A must-have for melting away makeup.
Byrdie
TL;DR
The longtime, fan-favorite Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover earned our vote for the best cleansing balm out there, breaking down makeup in seconds and leaving skin super soft and hydrated. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, we fully stand behind the Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm.
Cleansing and makeup removal are likely the most tedious steps in your skincare routine, which is part of what makes cleansing balms such standout products. They combine two steps in one, making getting unready much easier. What makes them so effective? They tend to be oil-based and effectively dissolve the oils found in makeup, making them highly moisturizing and especially great for those with drier skin. “Cleansing balms are cleansers that use oils and emollients to remove dirt, makeup, and buildup from the day without harsh scrubbing,” says Dr. Carmin Castilla, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “They can cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils and damaging your skin barrier.”
Of course, not all cleansing balms are created equal. So, testers and Byrdie editors tested dozens of the top options available. We used them for two weeks, considering everything from the texture and how they felt on our skin to how well they removed makeup. Ultimately, the ones on this list washed away (get it?) the competition.
Top Picks
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm at Amazon$44
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Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid at Amazon$15$12
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Byoma Melting Cleansing Balm at Amazon$15
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Then I Met You Cleansing Balm at Amazon$39
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Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm at Amazon$72$49
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Farmacy Green Makeup Cleansing Balm at Amazon$36
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Best Overall
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
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Removes makeup and SPF in seconds
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Leaves skin extremely soft
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No greasy residue
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Fragrance-free
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Can irritate sensitive eyes
Key Ingredients: Safflower seed oil| Size: 1, 3.8, 6.7 oz| Cruelty-Free: No
We are huge fans of this beloved cleansing balm. The formula is rock hard and solid in the jar, but run your finger through it, and it melts into a beautiful, silky texture. It also glides across skin beautifully, dissolving makeup in seconds. Plus, there’s no greasy residue left behind; in fact, it left our tester’s skin supremely soft and balanced, another one of our favorite attributes. And finally, the fact that it’s fragrance-free was another win, especially for our tester with sensitive skin, who noted that synthetic fragrances often trigger irritation.
Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor with sensitive skin: “From the moment I tried this cleansing balm for the first time, I was instantly hooked by its soft, luxurious feel and how it swiftly removes makeup without drying or irritating my skin. But perhaps the best testament to this product is the fact that I allowed each of my friends to try it one night while on a girls’ trip, and every single one of them purchased it the next morning because of how soft their skin still felt when they woke up hours later.”
Best Drugstore
Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid
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Excellent value
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Leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth
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Removes all makeup in one application
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Can leave a slight residue
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba seed oil | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For an affordable cleansing balm that really works, look no further than Garnier’s Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm. Our tester tested this formula several times over two weeks—including on eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, foundation, and matte lipstick—and found that every time, it removed almost all traces of even the most stubborn pigments with just one application. In particular, this balm’s texture and finish stood out. When she applied it to a dry face and rubbed it with her fingers in circular motions, it quickly melted into a creamy oil. When she removed it with a washcloth and warm water, her dry skin felt exceptionally clean and hydrated (thank its hyaluronic acid-rich formula for that!). While our tester didn’t notice any greasy residue, it’s worth noting that some online reviewers mentioned it. A bonus: It’s also fragrance-free, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin, and noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
Lastly, its larger size—a 4.2-ounce jar—makes it an even better value for its less than $15 price point. Snap up this drugstore staple ASAP.
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Avery, tester: “I was incredibly impressed with this formula’s performance and finish, especially for the price—it removed heavy eye makeup with one application and left my skin feeling moisturized and squeaky clean. I’d buy it again, no question.”
Best for Oily Skin
Byoma Melting Cleansing Balm
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Leaves skin moisturized, not oily
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Soft and silky texture
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Won’t irritate eyes when used to remove eye makeup
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Has an unpleasant smell
Key Ingredients: Olive fruit extract, sea buckthorn, grapeseed oil | Size: 2.1 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes
Yes, as a general rule of thumb, cleansing balms are typically recommended for those with normal to dry skin since they’re rich in oils. But this one proved to be a solid choice, even for those with more oily skin. Case in point: Our oily-skinned tester, who typically shies away from cleansing balms, raved about how beautifully this one worked, leaving skin feeling moisturized but never greasy. The silky, buttery texture dissolved makeup extremely well, with minimal effort required, and also didn’t cause any irritation. Some online reviewers noted an unpleasant smell while using, so we just don’t recommend for sensitive noses.
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Dominique Hobdy, senior editor with oily skin: “My disheveled, post-pool makeup was completely wiped away without much effort. I struggle with really oily skin and sensitive eyes, so I tend to steer clear of cleansing balms. But, I used this one on smudged waterproof mascara close to my lash line and didn’t get irritated at all. My face felt moisturized but not oily.”
Best for Dry Skin
Then I Met You Cleansing Balm
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Creamy, luxurious consistency
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Packed with moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and olive oil
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Removes all makeup for a clean complexion
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Does leave behind a little bit of a residue
Key Ingredients: Sea buckthorn oil, olive oil, vitamin E | Size: 3.2 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes
Sea buckthorn, olive oil, and vitamin E are only a few of the moisturizing ingredients in this winner. We were especially big fans of the creamy texture, which made the whole face washing experience feel that much more luxurious. The fruity scent was a nice bonus, too, and we couldn’t get over how well it dissolved a full face of makeup. However, you may want to follow this one up with a regular face wash; it left behind a bit of residue that we felt warranted a second cleanse to remove fully.
Byrdie
Shannon Stubbs, writer with dry skin: “This is a lot more nourishing than using a micellar water or liquid makeup remover, and it feels healthier for my skin since I don’t have to do a lot of harsh rubbing.”
Best for Mature Skin
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
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Velvety, nourishing texture
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Cleanses effectively without tugging at the skin
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Leaves skin nice and moisturized
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Not the best value
Key Ingredients: Elderberry and starflower oils | Size: 0.7, 1.7, 3.5, 7 oz| Cruelty-Free: No
We quickly joined the long list of devotees who can’t get enough of this luxe cleansing balm. Rich and thick, it stays put on your skin, making it easy to massage in and let it do its thing. To that point, this took off everything from stubborn makeup to glitter, leaving skin feeling both totally clean and extremely moisturized, not at all stripped (no easy feat). We appreciate that the velvety texture spreads and cleanses effectively without tugging at the skin, making it a great option for those with mature skin. Plus, the nourishing formula gives mature skin, which can lack moisture, an extra boost of hydration.
Our one minor complaint: It’s definitely on the more expensive side, so it is a bit of an investment. That being said, using it daily is a luxurious experience, heightened even more by the elevated, herbal scent.
Byrdie
Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director with combination/sensitive skin: “I’m obsessed with the texture of this balm. It feels so smooth and comforting on the skin as you rub it in, truly like a mini facial”
Best for Every Day
Farmacy Green Makeup Cleansing Balm
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Glides beautifully across the skin
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Soothing on skin
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Contains papaya enzymes for gentle exfoliation
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Those with oilier skin may find it a bit oily
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Could be more effective for removing eye makeup
Key Ingredients: Sunflower and ginger root oils, papaya enzymes | Size: 1.7, 3.4 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes
For those seeking a cleansing balm to remove everyday grime and minimal makeup, this is a great option. It did a nice job of removing SPF, oil, and complexion makeup, although we felt it could be a bit better at removing eye makeup. It has a softer consistency than some of our other winners; this is part of what makes it so easy to move across the skin, where it can break down dirt and grime. However, it also does skew a bit oily, so if you already have oily skin to begin with, just keep in mind that you may not love how this feels after the fact. Still, if your complexion is drier, it is extremely soothing. We also appreciate that it contains papaya enzymes to provide gentle exfoliation.
Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor with sensitive skin: “I’ve used plenty of cleansing balms and makeup removers over the years, but this is the one I keep going back to. It dissolves every trace of makeup and long-lasting SPF while softening my skin and preparing it for the rest of my skincare routine. It’s a product that I look forward to using each evening.”
What to Look for When Buying Cleansing Balms
A good cleansing balm should wash away the day gently and effectively, preparing the way for your other skincare products. To determine which cleansing balm is right for you, we suggest considering the following factors.
- Ingredients: Though cleansing balms are wash-off products, it’s still important to consider their ingredients when selecting one that’s right for you and your skin type. For example, steer clear of synthetic fragrances if you have dry or sensitive skin, as fragrance can be irritating, Dr. Castilla notes. Acne-prone? “Lanolin should also be avoided as it can lead to a contact allergy, and it can sometimes clog pores, as can coconut oil,” she says. Have dry skin? Seek out jojoba oil and ceramides, two top-notch moisturizing ingredients.
- Texture: While most cleansing balms come in a jar with formulas that start solid and transform into a milky consistency, more fluid formulas are housed in tubes. Some cleansing balms are extremely thick and stay that way, while others become a bit more liquid-y the more water you add. Ultimately, it boils down to a matter of personal preference, although, as a general rule, the thicker the texture, the more moisturizing the formula.
- Size: When shopping for cleansing balms, consider the packaging size. While you usually only need a little product to remove the day’s makeup, you’ll want something that’ll last at least a month so you don’t have to run out and buy more. Consider how often you wear makeup (and, therefore, remove makeup) and buy the size that suits your lifestyle. It’s also worth mentioning that some brands sell minis that are easy to stow and TSA-compliant if you’re traveling.
How We Tested Cleansing Balms
Byrdie
Below are the features our editors and contributors evaluated over the course of two weeks to determine our top picks.
- Consistency: While the textures of different cleansing balms may vary, a general rule is that they should be comfortable and lightweight. We looked for these characteristics, eliminating options that felt too heavy or greasy.
- Oiliness: Oily skin is a common problem, and a good cleansing balm is a solid solution. We observed which options removed any unwanted greasiness or oiliness, favoring those that did so quickly and easily.
- Hydration: An added benefit of an effective cleansing balm is the hydration it adds to the skin. As such, we tracked which options left our faces feeling more moisturized and supple.
- Cleansing Ability: Finding a cleansing balm that completely removes makeup and oil at the end of the day is essential. We identified which products thoroughly cleansed our skin, awarding points to those that eliminated grime swiftly and effortlessly.
- Appearance: Perhaps most importantly, a cleansing balm should leave your skin looking better than you found it. We took note of which options improved our skin’s overall appearance over the two-week testing period, along with any added benefits (such as increased hydration or fewer breakouts).
Meet Our Expert
To get more insight into what makes a good cleansing balm and factors to consider before buying, we spoke to:
- Dr. Carmen Castilla, M.D., is a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Her skin skews towards the dry side, so she loves using a cleansing balm, particularly whenever she’s wearing a full face of makeup.
Avery Stone is a contributing writer for Byrdie and was previously the brand’s Editorial Director. Her work has also appeared in The Cut (NYMag), The Wall Street Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, Bustle, Billboard, ELLE, GQ, VICE, Eater, NYLON, Refinery29, and more. From the above, she is a personal fan of Garnier’s budget-friendly cleansing balm.
We compiled this list of the best cleansing balms with the help of Byrdie testers, including Avery, who rated our top picks on consistency, oiliness, hydration, cleansing ability, and appearance.
Alyssa Kaplan
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-cleansing-balms-4797728