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17 Best Cleansing Balms for Every Single Skin Type and Concern
Including the formulas our dermatologists actually recommend.
![cleansing balms cleansing balms](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/cleansing-balms-1664465248.png?crop=1.00xw:1.00xh;0,0&resize=1200:*)
Not to ~brag~, but my friends are very lucky to have me, a beauty editor, in their lives, because they’ll never have to buy dry shampoo, toothpaste, mascara, or moisturizer again. But the one product I won’t part with? My cleansing balms—all 8,000 of them. As a daily wearer of waterproof eyeliner, cream eyeshadow, and lip stains, I need a heavy-duty makeup remover to get my face clean, which is where my favorite cleansing balms come in. As a refresher, cleansing balms can dissolve even the most saturated makeup without leaving your skin stripped or greasy. Basically, they’re a must-have for makeup wearers.
And while I won’t give away my favorites to my friends (sry), I will share them with you. So here’s a peek at my favorite cleansing balms of 2022, along with the best formulas recommended by our experts, board-certified dermatologists Fatima Fahs, MD; Mona Gohara, MD; and Karan Lal, MD.
Our top cleansing balm picks of 2022
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Best Cleansing Balm for Waterproof Makeup
Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
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Keep scrolling for all the best cleansing balms for removing makeup, whether you have dry, oily, combo, acne-prone, or irritated skin. Then, I’ll break down what a cleansing balm is and how you choose the best cleansing balm for your skin type. Right this way, bbs.
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
![CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664288431-cerave-makeup-removing-cleansing-balm-1664288415.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Pros
Reviewers say it didn’t sting their irritated skin
Cons
Requires a double-cleanse to remove all residue
Cleansing balms are often filled with fragrances and essential oils that can srsly wreak havoc on your sensitive skin. Instead, try this no-frills balm from CeraVe that Dr. Lal loves because it “contains ceramides, which help hydrate and heal your skin as you cleanse.” It has a silky, sherbert-like texture that melts into your skin the second you start massaging it on, breaking down makeup and SPF with gentle and moisturizing emollients.
THE REVIEWS: “This is the best makeup remover for me I have found so far,” writes one reviewer. “I have sensitive skin and other removers have either left my skin feeling dry and itchy, or they burn my eyes and skin. This hasn't irritated me whatsoever after two weeks of everyday use and really gets the makeup off well.”
Key Ingredients | Jojoba oil (emollient), ceramides (moisturizers) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Jar |
Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
![Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664288877-elf-holy-hydration-cleansing-balm-1664288866.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Pros
Less than $10
Cons
Some testers noted it left flecks of makeup behind
If you’re just looking for a simple cleansing balm that’ll remove your makeup and cost less than your lunch, grab this one from Elf at pretty much any drugstore. It’ll dissolve your makeup and soften your skin (‘sup, ceramides and sunflower seed oil) at the same time, and it even comes with its own spatula to make digging into the jar a bit easier.
THE REVIEWS: “I wash my face in the shower, but regular face wash doesn’t really remove makeup the way this stuff does,” writes one tester. “It’s very gentle on my eyes, so I’m not afraid to put it directly on my lids and rub it in. When I get out of the shower, all of my makeup is removed.”
Key ingredients | Hydrogenated polydecene (emollient), peptides and ceramides (barrier-repairing) |
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Fragrance free? | No |
Packaging | Jar with spatula |
Beekman 1802 Buttermilk Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
![Beekman 1802 Buttermilk Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm Beekman 1802 Buttermilk Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664296501-beekman-1802-cleansing-balm-1664296304.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Beekman 1802 Buttermilk Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Pros
Contains aloe vera, honey, and chamomile extract to soothe skin
Cons
Some reviewers dislike its natural, fragrance-free smell
This cleansing balm contains probiotics that, says Dr. Lal, help strengthen your skin barrier to offset water loss in dry and dehydrated skin types. “This is a microbiome saver, because it removes dirt and oils and also restores your healthy skin bacteria,” he says. The formula is also filled with hydrating squalane and glycerin, along with soothing honey and aloe vera, making it a TLC powerhouse for your dry patches.
THE REVIEWS: “I love this balm cleanser,” writes one reviewer. “It removes my makeup without leaving my skin feeling dry, and it’s easy to use and smells clean.”
Key ingredients | Squalane (moisturizing), chamomile flower extract (anti-inflammatory), whey protein (barrier-repairing) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Jar with spatula |
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
![Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664289330-elemis-pro-collagen-cleansing-balm-1664289262.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Pros
Leaves your skin feeling super soft
Cons
Most expensive cleansing balm on this list
If your bathroom is already filled with essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy candles, you’ll love this fresh, floral-scented cleansing balm from Elemis. It’s filled with essential oils—like lavender, orange peel, geranium, and rose—that’ll make your nighttime routine feel fancy af. But don’t think the lovely scent is this blam’s only merit: “The added elderberry and starflower oils help leave your skin feeling extremely soft and smooth after rinsing,” says Dr. Fahs.
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer writes, “I have tried almost 30 different cleansing balms, and this is my absolute favorite. The feel, the aroma, the texture, and the result are utterly unmatched. It is quite expensive, but for me, the experience is worth the expense. It makes my evening double-cleanse pleasurable and something I look forward to.”
Key ingredients | Sweet almond oil (emollient); starflower seed oil, chamomile flower oil (soothing) |
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Fragrance free? | No |
Packaging | Jar |
Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm
![Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664289708-naturium-purple-ginseng-cleansing-balm-1664289698.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm
Pros
Helps soothe irritation with calming ingredients
Cons
Some reviewers don’t love its natural smell
Love plant-based products but need something a bit stronger to take off your makeup? Reach for this gentle cleansing balm that’s spiked with soothing aloe vera and turmeric root extract, moisturizing oils (hi, chia seed and jojoba oil), and hella botanicals, like neem and eggplant extract. Just scoop out a dollop with your fingers (or a spatula) and massage it into your skin to melt away makeup, grime, and oils.
THE REVIEWS: “This cleansing balm is gentle and effective,” writes one tester in a review. “In the winter, I used this morning and night because it is so moisturizing. Now that we have warmer weather, I am usually only using it once a day. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and very hydrated.”
Key ingredients | Chia seed oil (moisturizing); turmeric root extract, aloe vera (soothing) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Jar |
Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
![Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664289869-milk-makeup-cleansing-balm-1664289859.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Pros
Quickly removes waterproof makeup
Cons
Oily skin types will need to double-cleanse
When you need to take off waterproof mascara, gel eyeliner, and liquid lipstick, reach for this powerful cleansing balm that breaks down even the strongest makeup without requiring you to scrub or scratch. The first two ingredients in the formula are soybean oil and sunflower seed oil, which—along with its other moisturizing oils—give it the power to dissolve all pigments and stains while you massage.
Just note that because of its oil-heavy nature, you'll want to follow it up with your regular cleanser (especially if you have oily skin) to remove any lingering residue before moisturizing.
THE REVIEWS: “This cleansing balm melts down into a silky oil once it comes in contact with skin,” writes one reviewer. “It breaks down all of my makeup from foundation to waterproof mascara. It gets all the points for me since it rinses away clean with water and doesn’t leave a film on my skin.”
Key ingredients | Soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil (emollients) |
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Fragrance free? | No |
Packaging | Jar |
Eadem Dew Dream Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
![Eadem Dew Dream Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm Eadem Dew Dream Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664290042-eadem-dew-dream-cleansing-balm-1664290028.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Eadem Dew Dream Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Pros
Leaves skin feeling moisturized without leaving behind a film
Cons
Some reviewers find the scent overwhelming
This cleansing balm is one of my personal favorites for my combo skin because it doesn’t leave an oily residue on my skin, despite being thick and buttery. How? Because it’s filled with a mix of lightweight cleansers and fatty-acid-rich moisturizers (see: borage oils and moringa seed oil) that work to break down makeup while still rinsing away cleanly.
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “This is a really lovely cleanser. It has a thick balmy texture with small beads in it and a relaxing spa-like fragrance. It spreads easily and melts makeup off. After cleansing, my skin feels soft, calm, and supple, like I used a hydrating mask that also removed makeup.”
Key ingredients | Borage seed oil, watermelon seed oil, moringa seed oil (emollients) |
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Fragrance free? | No |
Packaging | Tube |
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
![Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664287937-farmacy-green-clean-cleansing-balm-1664287918.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Pros
Quickly emulsifies with water
Cons
Can sting if it gets in your eyes (contains essential oils)
I get it: Cleansing balms can be messy and require a bit of elbow grease to remove sometimes. But not this best-selling one from Farmacy. All you need is a splash of water to completely emulsify it into a milky cleanser that can break down layers of sunscreen and makeup, even waterproof. If your eyes are sensitive though, make sure to avoid massaging it into your lashes and opt instead for a micellar water.
THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, “My sister had this while we were on vacation, and I tried it and had to buy it when we got home. It is so simple to use! It is oily when you apply it to your face, but once you rinse it off, your face feels delicate and soft. I wear a full face of makeup, and when I use it, my makeup comes right off, even eye makeup.”
Key ingredients | Lime oil, bergamot oil (fragrance); turmeric root extract (soothing) |
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Fragrance free? | *Yes, but contains essential oils |
Packaging | Jar with spatula |
Banila Co Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm
![Banila Co Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm Banila Co Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664290240-banila-co-clean-it-zero-1664290221.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Banila Co Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm
Pros
Available in moisturizing, acne, and exfoliating formulas
Cons
Some reviewers say it can sting if it gets in your eyes
Whaddup to the 7,000 five-star reviews on this cleansing balm from Banila Co. But trust: The hype is real, as this balm removes waterproof makeup without leaving behind a residue or requiring you to rub at your eyes. It’s ideal for dry and oily skin types alike, containing lightweight emollients and moisturizers that won’t feel heavy or greasy.
The brand also has four other formulas (Nourishing, Revitalizing, Purifying, and Pore Clarifying) for your specific skin type and concerns. And pro-tip: Because this is an Amazon favorite, you can find it on sale pretty often too.
THE REVIEWS: “One of the first oil cleansing products I've ever used,” writes one tester. “The original Clean It Zero has a very light, sweet scent that isn't very overpowering. The product is good at what it does: it cleanses off my sunscreen and does a pretty decent job of removing my heavy-duty waterproof products.”
Key ingredients | Vitamin E (antioxidant), bamboo leaf extract (moisturizing), ethylhexyl palmitate (emollient) |
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Fragrance free? | No |
Packaging | Jar |
Innisfree Pore Clearing Volcanic Cleansing Balm
![Innisfree Pore Clearing Volcanic Cleansing Balm Innisfree Pore Clearing Volcanic Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664294154-innisfree-pore-clearing-cleansing-balm-1664294091.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Innisfree Pore Clearing Volcanic Cleansing Balm
Pros
Washes off with zero residue
Cons
Not great at removing waterproof makeup
Oily-skin bbs, you have to try this cleansing balm. It’s formulated with mattifying volcanic ash to absorb excess sebum, along with lightweight emollients that won’t leave your skin greasy after rinsing. Just make sure to clean up any leftover waterproof mascara or eyeliner with micellar water and a Q-tip to avoid unnecessary rubbing around your eye area.
THE REVIEWS: “When I used this, my makeup came off so easily, and my skin felt so clean and smooth after,” writes one tester. “With other cleansing balms, my skin usually feels like it needs to be double cleansed, but not this!”
Key ingredients | Volcanic ash (mattifier); mineral oil and PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate (lightweight emollients) |
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Fragrance free? | No |
Packaging | Jar |
Comfort Zone Sacred Nature Cleansing Balm
![Comfort Zone Sacred Nature Cleansing Balm Comfort Zone Sacred Nature Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664293956-comfort-zone-sacred-nature-cleansing-balm-1664293943.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Comfort Zone Sacred Nature Cleansing Balm
Pros
Jelly texture is easy to spread across your skin
Cons
Can take a bit of time to emulsify and remove
If you've never been able to get past the thick, waxy feeling of cleansing balms, try this top-rated, gel-based formula instead. Its spreadable jelly texture leaves your skin feeling super-smooth and moisturized (hey, sweet almond oil and glycerin), even after you wipe it off with a warm washcloth. Fwiw, I honestly look forward to taking my makeup off when I use this gel, even when my bed is calling my name after an all-night Netflix binge.
THE REVIEWS: “It feels so good on my skin, I actually hate to wipe it off,” writes one reviewer. “But even after I wipe it off with a damp face cloth, my skin still feels wonderful.”
Key ingredients | Capric triglyceride, sweet almond oil, buriti oil (emollients) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Jar |
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
![Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664293815-clinique-take-the-day-off-cleansing-balm-1664293645.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Pros
Reviewers say it doesn’t irritate sensitive eyes
Cons
Can take some time to fully remove
This cleansing balm is a ~dream~ for those with sensitive eyes that get red and sting every time you put a product near them. It’s spiked with antioxidant-rich safflower seed oil and vitamin E that help soothe and moisturize the skin around your eyes. But it also shines in the ingredients it's formulated without, like fragrance, essential oils, and heavy emollients that could irritate eyes and skin.
THE REVIEWS: “I have very sensitive eyes, and this product doesn’t bother my eyes at all,” writes one reviewer. “Plus, it’s able to 100 percent remove all of your sunscreen and/or makeup from your face at night. That way, I don’t have to worry about possibly breaking out due to leftover sunscreen and/or makeup on my face that had not been thoroughly removed.”
Key ingredients | Vitamin E (antioxidant); ethylhexyl palmitate and safflower seed oil (emollients) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Jar |
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
![The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664293288-the-inkey-list-oat-cleansing-balm-1664293265.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
Pros
Reviewers like its fragrance-free smell
Cons
Formula can separate in the tube
This is the only cleansing balm that doesn’t make my skin burn when I have an eczema flare-up, thanks to the fact that it’s loaded with soothing oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal. It gently removes all of my makeup without stinging or irritating my face even further, and I often don’t even follow up with my regular face wash because it’s filled with such gentle, good-for-skin ingredients.
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “Love this balm! I have sensitive skin and redness. It has kept redness at bay, and my skin feels great after cleansing."
Key ingredients | Oat kernel oil (soothing); sweet almond oil, vitamin E (moisturizing) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Tube |
Peace Out Blemish Balm Cleanser
![Peace Out Blemish Balm Cleanser Peace Out Blemish Balm Cleanser](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664293151-peace-out-blemish-balm-1664293128.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Peace Out Blemish Balm Cleanser
Pros
Lightly exfoliates skin with salicylic acid
Cons
Some reviewers say it’s hard to emulsify
Can a cleansing balm alone clear your acne? Unfortunately, no, not on its own. But this one from Peace Out is still a great addition to your anti-acne skincare routine because it contains salicylic acid to help exfoliate clogged pores, as well as niacinamide to calm down inflammation. Plus, it’s filled with acne-safe, lightweight oils like jojoba oil and grapeseed oil that are less likely to lead to breakouts than heavy oils and butters.
THE REVIEWS: “I was having some mild breakouts around my jawline, and my skin seemed to be oilier than usual,” writes one tester. “After using this for three weeks, my skin has completely cleared up, and it even got rid of the occasional blackheads I get on my nose. My skin is so incredibly soft now too.”
Key ingredients | Salicylic acid (exfoliant), niacinamide (calming), palmitic acid (emollient) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Jar with spatula |
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
![Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664290369-then-i-met-you-living-cleansing-balm-1664290343.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Pros
Easy to remove
Cons
Can be irritating for sensitive skin (contains essential oils)
Confession time: I miiight have bought this cleansing balm because of the pretty packaging (don’t judge), but after only one use, it’s become the main character in my P.M. routine. It quickly emulsifies into a milky cleanser that completely washes away so you don’t have to follow with another face wash. It’s filled with emollients that both break down and remove makeup and leave your skin soft, like olive oil, grapeseed oil, and sea buckthorn oil.
THE REVIEWS: “I love the texture and how soft it is on my skin,” writes one tester in a review. “I rinse it off with a water-based cleanser, and I'm good to go. Also, it lasts a long time since I only use like two dollops to fully remove makeup off my face.”
Key ingredients | Olive oil, grapeseed oil, sea buckthorn oil (emollients and moisturizers) |
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Fragrance free? | *Yes, but contains essential oils |
Packaging | Jar |
Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm
![Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664290491-paula-s-choice-omega-cleansing-balm-1664290469.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm
Pros
Has a thin consistency that’s easy to spread
Cons
Some testers say it didn’t remove waterproof makeup easily
If every cleansing balm leaves your vision cloudy and gives your contact lenses hell, try this cleansing balm from Paula’s Choice. It has a minimal ingredients list of light emollients and emulsifiers that aren’t likely to get stuck in your lashes or eyes after rinsing—especially if you double cleanse (my preferred choice). Plus, it’s totally free of fragrance and essential oils, so no worries about irritating side effects, even on sensitive skin.
THE REVIEWS: “This is the first time I've actually been able to fully remove my waterproof mascara without having to rub so hard I lose an eyelash or two,” one review reads. “It's very gentle and doesn't irritate my eyes. I truly felt I removed all of my makeup at this step.”
Key ingredients | Vitamin E (antioxidant); meadowfoam seed oil, jojoba oil (emollients) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Tube |
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
![Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1664290596-glow-recipe-papaya-cleansing-balm-1664290580.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
Pros
Contains papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate skin
Cons
Have to massage between your hands to fully melt into an oil
This cleansing balm won’t (and shouldn’t) take the place of a chemical exfoliant, but it calls on papaya enzymes to help smooth your skin a bit if it’s looking dull and dehydrated. So while you wash away the day’s makeup, excess oil, and grime, you’re also getting a little exfoliation, plus moisturizing camellia and apricot kernel oil for softer skin. Even better, it smells so freakin’ delicious (like, I’m tempted to eat mine).
THE REVIEWS: “I have been using this religiously as a makeup remover and have felt a nearly instant difference in the texture of my skin,” writes one tester. “My skin is so smooth!”
Key ingredients | Papaya fruit extract (exfoliating); camellia oil, apricot kernel oil (emollients) |
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Fragrance free? | Yes |
Packaging | Jar |
What does a cleansing balm do?
![line break line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/line-break-1664295033.jpeg?crop=0.934xw:0.532xh;0.0340xw,0.309xh&resize=980:*)
A cleansing balm is a thick, solid makeup remover or face wash that is “comprised of oils to help emulsify and break up sunscreen, makeup, and dirt on your skin,” says Dr. Fahs. Even though they're often filled with oils, cleansing balms emulsify in water so you can easily rinse them off or wipe them off with a wet washcloth. “Cleansing balms also can be used if you’re worried about over-drying your skin in the cleansing process,” says Dr. Gohara, “because they remove dirt while hydrating your skin.”
Because of their formulation, cleansing balms are often and preferably used as the first step in a double-cleansing routine (in which you use a cleansing balm or cleansing oil to remove makeup, followed by your face wash to cleanse skin). It’s not always necessary, but because their emollients (see: butters and oils) can leave behind some trace residue, anyone with acne-prone skin should follow with their regular face wash just to be safe.
How to choose the best cleansing balm:
![line break line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/line-break-1664294527.jpeg?crop=0.929xw:0.532xh;0.0357xw,0.351xh&resize=980:*)
Consider your skin type
Though cleansing balms are inherently more moisturizing than, say, gel cleansers, they can still be a great option for all skin—not just dry types. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for cleansing balms with lightweight oils, like jojoba oil and safflower oil, as well as gentle exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, says Dr. Fahs, to help keep pores clear.
On the other hand, if you have dry skin, opt for cleansing balms that contain humectants, like glycerin, “which draws water onto the surface of your skin,” says Dr. Lal. You can also choose heavier oils and butters, like shea butter and avocado oil, and skip the double-cleanse to leave behind an occlusive layer to lock in hydration before moisturizing.
Avoid fragrance if you have sensitive skin or eyes
“Cleansing balms and oils are infamous for their scents,” says Dr. Lal. If you have sensitive skin or eyes, eczema, keratosis pilaris, or rosacea, look for a cleansing balm that doesn’t contain fragrance or essential oils, which can cause irritation, burning, and itching.
Prioritize packaging
If you know having to dig your hands into a tub of cleansing balm will deter you from taking off your makeup, look for a cleansing balm in a tube, which will have a thinner consistency that you can squeeze into your palm. It’s ideal if your cleansing balm comes with a spatula (bonus points if it’s magnetic or stays put inside the lid). Or you can just buy your own reusable skincare spatula like the sanitary, sustainable queen you are.
Meet the experts:
![line break line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/line-break-1664294359.jpeg?crop=0.929xw:0.532xh;0.0374xw,0.266xh&resize=980:*)
- Fatima Fahs, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hamzavi Dermatology in Canton, MI. She is also the founder of the Dermy Doc Box, a quarterly subscription beauty box filled with dermatologist-approved skincare favorites.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, CT. Dr. Gohara is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and treating skin of color.
- Karan Lal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Hackensack, NJ, and Hillsborough, NJ. Dr. Lal specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and treating skin of color.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Venezia Moorer is Cosmopolitan’s production manager for the brand's Snapchat Discover channel. When she’s not being a CMS qween and keeping Cosmo’s loyal subscribers in the loop about America’s royal family (the Kardashians), she’s a guinea pig for your fave beauty products. The glam enthusiast in her made her do it.
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