The most basic rule of makeup? Remove it before bed! While it may sound very silly to mention, let’s accept that there are times when all you want at the end of a long tiring day is to snuggle inside your warm blanket and sleep. Makeup? What makeup? But do this one day and get ready the next morning to say hello to new zits, pimples, blackheads, clogged pores, and so much more.
The above scenario was not pleasing; trust us, we can feel you (been there, done that); many products are available on the market that makes makeup removal an easy process. One such item is cleansing balms. High in oils, they are heroes when it comes to removing even the most saturated of makeup, dirt, grime, sunscreen, and other beauty products.
The creamy, buttery texture feels silky to the touch, making your skin ten times softer and smoother. Gone are the days when you needed to scrub the makeup off to get every last bit of morsel away, as the genius invention of this oil-based pick emulsifies and serves as the first cleansing step. Pair it up with your regular cleanser or face wash, and you’ll be amazed at how easy removing makeup is.
Whether you’re looking for products on a budget or are looking to splurge, below are some top cleansing balms for you to consider.
Comparing the Most Popular Cleansing Balms
Banila Co Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm — Best Overall
Talking about taking makeup off, and Banila Co’s legendary balm is not mentioned? No chance. Celebrities and crowd favorite, this Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm is worthy of all the hype it gets. The simple yet effective formula is so powerful that it removes layers of makeup in just a few seconds. Its texture is sherbet-like, which spreads smoothly onto the skin, giving the feel of being embraced in silk. Plus, this pick is infused with vitamin E, vitamin C, and botanicals that help maintain a healthy skin barrier and brightens the complexion. While the original formula will always be classic, the brand has different iterations – revitalizing, nourishing, clarifying, and purifying- meaning there is something for everyone. Having said that, it’s no guess that this product is our best overall, as it’s perfect for everyday use and is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Sturdy packaging
- Comes with a spatula
- Free from harsh chemicals
Cons
- Scent may be off-putting for some
Juno & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm — Best for Dry Skin
Whether you’re looking for a product to remove makeup or are finally ready to give your skin some extra love – double cleansing, this Juno & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm is a one-stop solution. Its buttery formula contains only ten ingredients, the Japanese pearl barley and vitamin E, being show-stoppers, not only aids in the breakdown of makeup and other impurities that are sitting on the face but also a variety of other skin concerns. From delivering moisturizing benefits to helping with hyperpigmentation, dark spots and brightening complexion, this cream does it all effortlessly.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Easy to use
- Fast-acting formula
Cons
- Packaging isn’t very durable
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm — Best Nourishing
Formulated with nine hydrating oils and mimosa and rose waxes, this Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm leaves no room for dryness. Its silky texture will give you spa vibes, and no, it’s not an overstatement, as it melts into your skin like a dream. Its transformative formulas are impressive as it beautifully transitions from balm to oil and cleansing milk, foolproof against stubborn makeup, dirt, oil and SPF. All you have to do is to take a pea-sized amount of this product, warm it between your palms, massage it gently in circular motions over your face and neck and see how magic unveils. While it’s pricey, but considering the range of skin benefits it offers, we think it’s worth of the purchase.
Pros
- Soothing
- Restores elasticity in the skin
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin type
Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Balm — Best for Sensitive Skin
Finding products that don’t cause flare-ups is a dream for people with sensitive skin types, and this Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Balm exactly does that. It’s a miracle as the star ingredient, gluconolactone, gently exfoliates the skin, draws moisture, and strengthens the barrier for happy, healthy skin. Only a dollop of it is needed to clean the makeup away. It’s so mild and non-irritating that folks with eczema can also benefit from it.
Pros
- Highly moisturizing
- Deep clean the pores
- Free from parabens
Cons
- Leaves skin a little oily
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm — Best Vegan
Matte lipstick, waterproof liner and mascara are life-saving when you have to pull a day off with makeup, but when it’s time to remove it, the process becomes long and tiring. Well, with Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm, it’s no longer a chore, as it literally dissolves your makeup like a breeze. Infused with vitamin E, avocado, jojoba, eucalyptus and clove leaf oil, this product is a miracle in a cute pink container. It deeply nourishes, hydrates and melts a day’s worth of dirt, gunk, oil and makeup in just one swipe. What’s more impressive, this buttery balm has no artificial fragrance, marking it safe for even folks with sensitive skin types.
Pros
- Great value
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist recommended
Cons
- Not ideal for oily skin
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm — Best Classic
It’s all in the name – this Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm pretty much sums up the product. The gentle formula has a serum-like consistency that melts into your skin and quickly lifts all makeup and dirt without stripping your face of natural oils. Be it pigmented eyeshadow, waterproof mascara or layers of sunscreen, a dime-sized amount is all you need to cleanse your skin thoroughly. It’s classic and our favorite for a reason: it makes your skin so soft and silky that you’ll instantly fall in love with it.
Pros
- No irritation
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Gets a little messy
Buying Guide: Cleansing Balm
Having a cleaning balm in your beauty routine is non-negotiable. But with so many products available on the skincare market, it can be challenging to choose which one fits your needs and concerns. Below are a few pointers from which you can take help while on your next beauty balm shopping.
Things to Look for
Ahead are some things you should keep in mind.
Ingredients
As with all skincare and beauty products, ingredients are one thing you should always look for to determine whether it’s right for you or not. For instance, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, keep an eye out for lightweight oil such as grapeseed or safflower, as they won’t clog your pores. AHAs and BHAs also come in handy to keep your skin clear. Sensitive skin gals should look for products free from fragrance as they can be highly irritating. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, try cleansing balms with humectants, ceramides and glycerin. Oils like jojoba, coconut, and almond are great, as well as ingredients like vitamin E and shea butter are dry skin’s best friend due to their high hydration dose.
Packaging
The silky, buttery texture of cleaning balm can get messy. And if you’re someone who doesn’t like it, it’s wise to invest in one that comes in a tube or with a spatula so that no negligence on your part occurs. Plus, if you don’t have a spatula, you can always buy and make the most of it.
Benefits of Using Cleansing Balm
- Makes skin ultra-smooth and soft
- Doesn’t strip off the skin of its natural oils
- Helps in minimizing the appearance of pores
- Brightens the skin over time
- Gentle on the skin
- Doesn’t create much mess
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I use a cleansing balm?
Take a small amount of it in your hands, warm it up between your palms, and gently massage it onto your dry skin for 30 seconds. Add lukewarm water to emulsify the balm and thoroughly rinse the product away. Follow it up with your regular cleanser and pat your face dry with a soft microfiber towel.