Say goodbye to single-use makeup remover wipes and hello to the new sustainable and beneficial cleansing balms. A cleansing balm is great for washing off the day and all its impurities on your face to reveal a fresh and hydrated complexion, and pairs well with tools like a facial cleansing brush and pore vacuum for a complete skincare routine.

They help promote a balanced feeling and looking complexion while removing excess oil and dirt on the skin. Typically they are best for those who wear makeup, but if you want a good clean even when you are not, a cleansing balm is never out of the picture.

Cleansing balms are more mild than a dead skin cleanser, but the benefits are widespread and target lots of concerns, however, there are a few recurring benefits that almost all balms have. Most cleansing balms have makeup-removing, hydration, and nourishment properties, and there are plenty of formulations out there for all skin types. And good news for you, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about this skincare fave in this post.

How To Use Cleansing Balm

Another point to add to the long list of reasons why you should switch your old makeup remover to a cleansing balm? It’s super easy to use.

There aren’t a whole lot of steps that go into operating a cleansing balm, but there are definitely a few things to note, such as:

• Make sure you have a dry face, or else the balm will have a more challenging time clinging to the skin and melting the makeup.
• Less is more, however, using more may be necessary depending on how much makeup you are wearing.
• Even though these products are often very nourishing, ensure to include moisturizers in your routine.
• If you don’t like a mess, a cleansing balm is a great way to minimize that, as its solid form prevents dripping and dropping on the counter, etc.

With those essential pointers in mind, let’s get into the particulars on how to use these products step-by-step.

Here’s the breakdown on how to use a cleansing balm:

1. Start by rubbing and warming up a pea size amount of your cleansing balm before melting it onto a dry face.
2. As you gently rub the product on your face, it should become more like an oil than a balm, sweeping away all your makeup and impurities.
3. This step is optional, but this could be an excellent chance to give your face a nice depuffing massage.
4. Once you feel the product has been removed, you can wash away all the remaining product. If you still have some remaining makeup, go back in and repeat the steps.
5. Continue with your regular skincare routine.

Elemis Cleansing Balm

Elemis cleansing balm is a holy grail product that changes into three different textures during the cleansing process. This hydrating balm removes makeup effortlessly and hydrates, leaving your skin feeling plump and pillowy-soft as opposed to dry and stripped. This mineral, oil-free formula has a combination of 9 different essential oils.

And users have a lot to say about the results of using Elemis Cleansing Balm:

• 96% of users felt the cleansing balm helped their skin feel soft and soothed
• 94% of users agreed the cleansing balm made their skin feel clean
• 90% of users felt the cleansing balm adequately removed their makeup

Best For: Dry or Irritated Skin

Elemis’ cleansing balm is best for people looking to remove their makeup without feeling like they are stripping the skin of moisture. This product is also ideal for softening and adding a glow to their skin.

Elemis Cleansing Balm Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Soothes Nourishes Removes makeup, impurities, and pollutants Softens
Main Ingredients	Elderberry oil Starflower oil Padina Pavonica
Sizes	100g 20g 50g 200g
Cruelty-Free	No indication of being cruelty-free.
Price	$66 – $110

Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

This hypoallergenic cleanser starts with a sherbet-like texture and finishes as a smooth oil. Clean It Zero cleansing balm is formulated to remove the toughest waterproof makeup and impurities from your skin without stripping it. This hydrating one-step product is designed for all skin types.

Aside from the magnificent ingredients that the Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is made of, it’s free of:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Phthalates
• Polyethylene
• Mineral oil
• Alcohol
• Artificial coloring

These harmful ingredients can be found in many beauty products, and it’s important to make sure you are reading the ingredient list of items you plan to buy. For example, parabens are harmful because they can disrupt your hormones and reproductive organs. It also increases the risk of cancer and can cause irritation to the skin. Each of the ingredients listed that are absent from Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm has varying reasons for being excluded from the product. It may be a good idea to read up on why these specific chemicals can cause harm.

Best For: Normal to Combination Skin

This product is best for its replenishing, firming, and soothing properties. Taking the day off cleansing balm leaves the skin feeling happy and refreshed without feeling stripped of its natural and crucial oils.

Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Zero balance technology Formulated with, Active botanicals, Hot Springs Water, Vitamin E, and C
Main Ingredients	Ethylhexyl Palmitate Cetyl Ethylhexanoate PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate PEG-10 Isostearate
Sizes	100ml 180ml 25ml
Cruelty-Free	No indication of being cruelty-free
Price	$7-$27

Juno + Co Cleansing Balm

Juno and Co’s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm is a multitasking oil-based cleanser for all skin types. It easily dissolves makeup and cleanses the skin. Juno cleansing balm is jam-packed with only 10 ingredients that are an incredible source of vitamins and antioxidants for regular melanin production in the skin. Not to mention they are a sustainable brand and environmentally conscious.

Best For: Dull Skin

Juno + Co Cleansing Balm is excellent for all skin types. The specifically chosen and curated ingredients make this cleansing balm best for brightening and reducing dark spots while cleaning deep in the skin.

Juno + Co Cleansing Balm Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Brightens Removes regular and waterproof makeup Has only 10 ingredients
Ingredients	Ethylhexyl Palmitate Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Synthetic Wax Polysorbate 85 Fermented Japanese Pearl Barley (Saccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate) Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) Water Butylene Glycol
Size	3.0 oz
Cruelty-Free	No indication of being cruelty-free
Price	$21

Oat Cleansing Balm by Inkey List

The Oat Cleaning Balm by Inky List won the Allure beauty award for being the 2020 winner of the “Best Steal” award. This is your winner if you want to try an award-winning cleansing balm. The Inky List oat cleansing balm is a rich formula that delicately melts makeup and impurities off the face without causing the skin to feel dry or leaving you with clogged pores. Its high-level ingredients contain natural actives that give the cleanser soothing capabilities for irritated and red skin.

Best For: Problem Skin

This product is best for someone who is looking to help with skin issues such as:

1. Impurities
2. Dry skin
3. Redness

It’s also perfect for someone who enjoys killing two birds with one stone because it can double as a shaving balm in the shower or be used as a ten-minute face mask for added nourishment.

Oat Cleansing Balm by Inkey List Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Removes makeup and SPF Hydrates dry skin Soothes redness Can be used for more than a cleansing balm
Main Ingredients	Oat Kernel Oil Collodal Oatmeal Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil Cetearyl Alcohol PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Size	150 ml
Cruelty-Free	Yes
Price	$13.99

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm is a lightweight, silky makeup and sunscreen remover. This product starts as a solid balm and shifts forms into an oil as it’s warmed into the skin. If you wondering how to use Clinique’s cleansing balm, it’s the same as any other, just gently rub it onto your face and then remove the excess. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm leaves the skin free of pollution and impurities to reveal and younger-looking complexion for longer.

Important factors to note about this product are that it is:

1. Non-comedogenic
2. Non-greasy
3. Non-drying
4. Fragrance-free
5. Allergy tested

Best For: Sensitive Skin

This balm is best for all skin types, from combination oily, dry combination, oily, to very dry to dry, for people looking for a product to gently dissolve makeup and impurities without tugging at the skin. You can follow it up with a face wash for oily skin for a complete skincare routine.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Gently removes makeup and impurities Works for all skin types Vegan
Ingredients	Ethylhexyl Palmitate Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate Polyethylene Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate Water\Aqua\Eau Tocopherol Phenoxyethanol ILN30654
Size	125ml
Cruelty-Free	No indication of being cruelty-free
Price	$47

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm

Melt the day away with The Green Clean Cleansing Balm by Farmacy. This product dissolves makeup away efficiently and effectively without stripping, drying, or leaving behind any unwanted residue. Farmacy Cleansing Balm exfoliates the skin with papaya extract without ever being too harsh for all those with delicate and sensitive skin. The blend of lime, bergamot and orange oils makes the product smell like a tropical paradise.

Users have seen great success with this cleansing balm, with:

1. 92.4% of users felt the cleansing balm left their skin feeling clean and fresh.
2. 90.9% of users felt the cleansing balm removed their makeup.
3. 92.4% of users felt the cleansing balm made their faces calm and soothed.

Best For: All-In-One Skincare Seekers

This cleansing balm is best for people wanting to remove the day with one product while retexturing skin and replenishing moisture and nutrients.

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Effortlessly removes makeup and impurities Gently exfoliates Smells great.
Ingredients	Sunflower + Ginger Roots Oils Turmeric + Moringa Extract Papaya Enzymes
Sizes	50ml 100ml 200ml
Cruelty-Free	Yes
Price	$60-$24

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

This vitamin E-infused cleansing balm melts away makeup and impurities without removing moisture from the skin. With the natural antibacterial properties of eucalyptus, clove leaf oil, and gentle milk, your skin will feel healthy and clean. The Versed Cleansing Balm is oil-based and softens the skin yet doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

Best For: Normal to Dry Skin

The product is best for people who want to take the day off with their makeup but keep the moisture in. There’s no skin discrimination with this product, as it’s formulated for all skin types.

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Removes makeup Locks in moisture Good for all skin types Recyclable container
Ingredients	Vitamin E Jojoba Oil Avocado Oil Eucalyptus Oil Clove Leaf Oil
Sizes	23 fl. oz 0.6 fl. oz
Cruelty-Free	No indication of it being cruelty-free
Price	$24.99 – $10.99

Elf Holy Hydration! Cleansing Balm

Elf Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Coming in as one of the most affordable cleansing balms on our list, you are still getting quality results and ingredients in this product. This Elf cleansing balm sweeps and removes makeup and impurities by melting into a soothing oil and nourishing milk texture. This is one of the best drugstore cleansing balms, and it leaves your skin looking and feeling smooth and plump with hydration.

Best For: Dry Skin

Elf’s Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm is ideal for those looking to have their skin looking and feeling nice and plump. It can be used for all skin types, however, considering its main ingredients of hyaluronic acid it might be more beneficial for people with dry skin.

Elf Holy Hydration! Cleansing Balm Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides Leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated Great for all skin types
Main Ingredients	Hyaluronic Acid Ceramides Peptides
Size	2 oz
Cruelty-Free	Yes
Price	$11

Neutrogena Cleansing Balm

Neutrogena’s Cleansing balm transforms your skin into a clean canvas at the end of the day. This dermatologically tested cleansing balm removes makeup, dirt, and oil, revealing a nourished and clean complexion. Formulated with Vitamin E, it can provide you with a nice vitamin E massage to relax the facial muscles before bed.

Best For: Balmers on a Budget

This cleansing balm is best for those who want a cheap but effective option for removing makeup that won’t leave you looking or feeling greasy.

Neutrogena Cleansing Balm Characteristics	Description
Benefits	Cleanses away dirt, oil, grime, impurities, and bacteria Formulated with Vitamin E Silky balm to oil Dermatologist tested
Main Ingredients	Isopropyl Palmitate Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Paraffin PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate Heptyl Undecylenate Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Size	2 oz
Cruelty-Free	No indication of being cruelty-free.
Price	$11.99

Glow Recipe Papaya Cleansing Balm

Forget about makeup wipes or micellar water! Glow Recipe’s Papaya Cleansing Balm is the new hot shot in town. This cleansing balm melts into the skin, dissolving makeup, dirt, and oil, revealing smooth and radiant skin. This product is packed with natural enzyme ingredients that actively smooth the skin. After use, the skin is clean, supple, and glowy, perfect for a stunning complexion and seamless makeup application.

A few highlights worth noting about this product:

1. 100% of users said their skin looked healthy and glowy after use.
2. 100% of users said this product removed their most stubborn makeup.
3. 100% of users said this product didn’t leave their skin feeling stripped or tight
4. 97% said their skin felt softer and smoother.

Best For: Dull, Dry Skin

This product is best for people looking to remove their makeup and give their skin a glowy makeover. The Glow Recipes cleansing balm is, precisely as it sounds, a recipe for glowy skin.

Glow Recipes Papaya Cleansing Balm	Description
Benefits	Removes makeup and impurities Exfoliates Plumps Packed with lots of clean and beneficial ingredients
Main Ingredients	Papaya enzymes Papaya Extract and Seed Oil Blueberry Extract Camellia Japonica Seed Oil Apricot Kernel Oil
Size	100ml
Cruelty-Free	No indication of being cruelty-free
Price	$32

Melt Away

Now that we have come to the end of our time together, we hope we have converted you to the newest member of the cleansing balm team. Not only are there significant benefits to using cleansing balms for your skin, and they work in great complement to products like pore strips, but most companies use recyclable containers and strive to be sustainable and clean.

Unfortunately, not all companies and their cleansing balms are cruelty-free, but we encourage you to support the brands making a conscious effort to be.