At the end of the day, the last thing we want to do is spend forever removing every trace of foundation, concealer and mascara. But skipping this step can lead to breakouts and irritation. While micellar water can help, it only does so much. So, is there a faster, more effective solution? Absolutely! Cleansing balms are the answer to streamlining and speeding up your makeup removal routine.
Cleansing Balms: The Ultimate Makeup Remover
Why are they so effective? These balm-to-oil formulas dissolve makeup by using oil to attract oil, easily lifting away makeup, sebum, dirt and grime. They combine two steps into one, making your nighttime skincare routine much quicker. Plus, they come in convenient, travel-friendly jars, making them a long-lasting, eco-friendly alternative to wipes. Best of all, they’re gentle on the skin without drying it out or causing irritation.
How To Use Cleansing Balms
Consider a cleansing balm a “pre-cleanse.” To use a cleansing balm, massage a pea-sized amount onto your dry, unwashed face to dissolve makeup. Rinse with warm water or wipe with a clean cloth. Then, follow up with your usual cleanser and finish your skincare routine as normal.
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Here are 10 Cleansing Balms To Try
1. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, $40
This cleansing balm has a loyal following, and for good reason. Packed with key ingredients like elderberry and starflower oils, it boasts a rich, thick texture that stays on the skin, making it easy to massage in. It effectively removes every last bit of makeup, leaving your skin feeling thoroughly clean and deeply moisturized—without any of that stripped sensation.
2. Eve Lom Cleanser, $68
Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s the OG and absolutely iconic. I first discovered this incredible cleansing balm about 10 years ago, and it’s been a favorite ever since. The key ingredients include clove oil, eucalyptus oil, hops oil, Egyptian chamomile oil and cocoa butter. Plus, it comes in a small travel-friendly size, perfect for taking on-the-go.
3. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, $36
If you’re looking for a cleansing balm to tackle everyday dirt and light makeup, this is a fantastic choice. Key ingredients include sunflower and ginger root oils, as well as papaya enzymes. While it effectively removes SPF, oil and makeup, it’s not as strong on mascara. The balm has a softer texture than most, allowing it to glide smoothly across the skin, breaking down dirt and impurities. Its slightly oilier formula makes it especially great for aging skin, while the papaya enzymes gently exfoliate for a refreshed feel.
4. Brandefy Melting Cleansing Balm, $26
This amazing new cleansing balm gives Farmacy’s version a run for its money (literally) coming in at $10 less for the same size! I’ve been impressed with every Brandefy product I’ve tried, and this one is no exception. Plus, I love supporting this female-owned company that’s shaking up the industry. Formulated with moringa seed oil, turmeric root extract and holy basil, this nourishing balm transforms from a solid to a silky oil, dissolving makeup and impurities with ease while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance.
5. Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm, $38
If you have sensitive skin, I highly recommend this cleansing balm. Its key ingredients include Japanese Indigo extract, which helps soothe irritation, cleansing lipids that effectively remove makeup and sebum and Hadasei-3 to support the skin barrier. It easily removes long-wear makeup and waterproof mascara. I also love that it’s free from fragrance, mineral oil, sulfates, detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA and phthalates, making it gentle and safe for sensitive skin types.
6. CeraVe Cleansing Balm for Sensitive Skin, $9.97
Speaking of sensitive skin, CeraVe is renowned for its range of affordable products tailored to dry and sensitive skin, and this cleansing balm is no exception. After using it, I was amazed how soft, moisturized and nourished my skin felt –not at all stripped. It effectively removed all my makeup and sunscreen. The formula’s moisturizing jojoba oil and skin-strengthening ceramides deserve all the credit. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it ideal for those prone to irritation. The only slight drawback is its thicker texture, which can take a little extra effort to wash off completely. Which means there’s a little more tugging on the skin. But you can’t beat the price.
7. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, $11
Looking for an affordable cleansing balm that doesn’t break the bank? Look no further! I was genuinely impressed with how well this balm performed, especially given its budget-friendly price. With key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides, it offers plenty of skin benefits. Though it’s thick in the jar, it melts beautifully into the skin as you massage it in. Plus, the smaller size is perfect for travel!
8. Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm, $29
I’ve loved every Paula’s Choice product I’ve tried, and this balm is no exception. The Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm is a triple-action formula rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9 that not only cleanses thoroughly but also softens the skin noticeably. This fragrance-free balm melts into the skin, effortlessly dissolving stubborn makeup and sunscreen, and rinses away without leaving any residue. Its barrier-repairing complex, which includes coconut-derived fatty acids and omega-rich jojoba oil, conditions the skin while preventing moisture loss during cleansing.
9. Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm – Eucalyptus Oil + Vitamin E, $17.99
This cruelty-free balm effortlessly melts away makeup and impurities without stripping moisture from your skin. Infused with Vitamin E, jojoba oil, avocado oil, eucalyptus oil and clove leaf oil, it offers a spa-like experience. Vitamin E conditions and provides antioxidant benefits, while natural eucalyptus and clove leaf oils help soothe the skin. As you massage the balm with wet fingertips, it transforms into a light, milky texture that rinses clean without leaving any oily residue.
10. Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm, $68
I was sold on this balm as soon as I saw Manuka Honey as a key ingredient! Manuka Honey is renowned for its exceptional humectant properties and has a UMF rating of 16+, making it a top choice for hydration. The balm also contains Lactobacillus Ferment, a potent probiotic that helps rejuvenate the skin with moisture, and Royal Jelly Peptides, which promote a smoother, more even complexion. It hydrates expertly without stripping the skin and effectively removes every last trace of makeup.
Do you use a cleansing balm? Which one is your favorite?
Read some of my other beauty posts like 11 of The Best Creams To Try for Skin Barrier Repair and Splurge Vs. Steal: 9 of The Best Mascaras and Their Drugstore Twins.
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