Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (2024)

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. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm was another universal crowd-pleaser, while the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is a winning, wallet-friendly pick.

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 dryer skin.“Cleansing balms are cleansers that use oils and emollients to remove dirt, makeup, and buildup from the day without harsh scrubbing,” says 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 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 and how well they worked in general. Ultimately, these 10 washed away (get it?) the competition.

Our Top Picks

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Best for Stubborn Makeup Removal:

Banila Co Original Cleansing Balm at Amazon$29

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What We Like

  • Removes makeup and SPF in seconds

  • Leaves skin extremely soft

  • No greasy residue

What to Consider

  • Nothing

Key Ingredients: Safflower seed oil | Size: 1, 3.8, 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We had zero, zilch, no complaints about 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 actually left our skin supremely soft, 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 Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (2)

Caitlyn Martyn, associate commerce editor with sensitive skin: “This melted makeup, SPF, and oil beautifully. I loved how soft my skin felt after, as opposed to dry.”

What We Like

  • Velvety texture

  • Extremely effective at cleansing and leaves skin nice and moisturized

  • Pleasant scent

What to Consider

  • On the pricier side

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 cleansing thing. To that point, this took off everything from stubborn makeup to even glitter, leaving our complexion feeling both totally clean and extremely moisturized, not at all stripped (no easy feat). Our one minor complaint: It’s definitely on the more expensive side, so it is a bit of an investment. That being said, you do get a good amount for the price (it also comes in four sizes), and using it is a luxurious experience, heightened even more by the elevated, herbal scent.

Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (4)

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”

What We Like

  • Glides beautifully across the skin

  • Soothing on skin

  • Contains papaya enzymes for gentle exfoliation

What to Consider

  • Those with oilier skin may find it a bit oily

  • 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 Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (6)

Ally Hirschlag, combination/sensitive skin: “I love the texture and how easy it is to move across the skin to break down grime.

What We Like

  • Offers additional skincare benefits

  • Spa-like, lavender and eucalyptus scent

  • Easy to apply and wash off

What to Consider

  • Grainy texture may be off-putting to some

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, rosehip oil, ceramides | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This cleansing balm did in fact live up to its name. It does more than just cleanse your skin (and yes, remove makeup too), which was one of our favorite attributes. More specifically, we noted that it left our complexion nourished, brighter, and generally more youthful-looking. Yes, please. And, per the cleansing part of things, it did both go on nicely and rinse off cleanly, without leaving behind any residue. We did, however, call out that the texture is slightly grainy, which some people may not love, and that it does contain synthetic fragrance.

Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (8)

Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor with combination/dry skin: “I’d recommend this for anyone who wants added benefits from their cleansing balm. It felt nourishing and brightening, making for a more youthful appearance.”

What We Like

  • Cleanses and gently exfoliates

  • Removes even stubborn mascara

  • Transforms into a milky texture that’s easy to remove

What to Consider

  • Can feel a bit greasy until it’s washed away

Key Ingredients: Papaya enzymes and seed oil | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Here’s another cleansing balm that goes above and beyond its standard call of duty. As the name suggests, this one boasts papaya enzymes to deliver effective yet gentle exfoliation. We were quick to note that it left our skin soft and smooth, but wasn’t rough or scratchy, the way some other exfoliants can be. Still, it’s amazing for cleansing and removing makeup; it took off even super stubborn mascara. Keep in mind that it does tend to feel a bit greasy as you’re working it across your skin, although that quickly dissipates as it transforms into a milky texture that’s easily washed away.

Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (10)

Kayla Friedman, former commerce intern with balanced skin: “I like how soft and smooth it made my skin feel, even the next morning. And it melts away makeup and sunscreen so easily, even stubborn mascara.”

What We Like

  • Very hyrdrating

  • No greasy residue

  • Skin feels soft after using

What to Consider

  • Can be a bit challenging to wash off

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, ceramides | Size: 1.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

CeraVe is well-known for its various products geared toward those with dry and sensitive skin, and this cleansing balm is no exception. Indeed, we couldn’t get over how soft, moisturized, and generally nourished our skin felt after using it—not in the least bit stripped, despite how well it took off makeup and sunscreen. (Although, incidentally, we loved using it so much that we reached for it even on days when we weren’t wearing makeup.) Credit the moisturizing jojoba oil and skin-strengthening ceramides in the formula. It’s also fragrance-free, which is great for those who are prone to irritation and sensitivity. That being said, the thick texture can be a bit more challenging to thoroughly wash off, which was our one minor critique.

Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (12)

Cher Checchio, copy editor with dry/sensitive skin: “I love the way it makes my skin feel afterward. I don’t feel squeaky clean, just nourished.”

What We Like

  • Great price point

  • Good for removing oil, makeup, and SPF

  • Hydrating

What to Consider

  • Included applicator spatula has to be stored spatula

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Don’t want to spend a ton of money on a cleansing balm? Look no further. We were truly impressed with how well this worked, both in general and even more so given the wallet-friendly price tag. While it’s very thick in the jar, it melts nicely into skin as you massage it in. (It did get a little runnier than some others when mixed with water, though.) The aptly-named pick was very hydrating thanks in part to hyaluronic acid in the mix. Our one and only gripe had more to do with the packaging than the formula; there’s an included spatula to help you scoop the balm out of the jar, but the spatula itself is too big to be housed inside the jar.

Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (14)

Caitlyn Martyn, sensitive skin: “I like the price point and the efficacy; I often dread having to restock my usual cleansing balm because it feels so expensive for the tiny bit you get, but this one makes it more justifiable.”

What We Like

  • Leaves skin moisturized, not oily

  • Soft and silky texture

  • Won’t irritate eyes when used to remove eye makeup

What to Consider

  • Nothing

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. 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.

Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (16)

Dominique Hobdy, senior commerce 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.”

What We Like

  • Removes any and all makeup

  • Doesn't leave behind residue

  • Creamy and soft consistency

What to Consider

  • Can crust over on eyelashes if not fully removed

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C | Size: 6.1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Cleansing balms are meant for makeup removal by definition, but this one really took the cake when it came to completely taking it all off. Our tester, a self-proclaimed full-on makeup devotee, raved about how beautifully it dissolved everything from glitter to full-coverage foundation with its creamy consistency. Still, despite that thicker texture, it doesn’t leave behind any unwanted residue.

Worth noting: While it does work well to take off waterproof mascara and the like, we found that it was imperative to make sure it was completely rinsed out of lashes so that it didn’t end up creating crusties in lashes.

Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (18)

Shannon Bauer, associate editorial director with combination/oily skin: “As a member of the ‘full glam makeup on a Tuesday’ club, I’ve tried it all when it comes to cleansing balms and this is one of the best. It takes off everything—waterproof mascara, glitter, full spackle foundation.”

What We Like

  • Creamy, luxurious consistency

  • Packed with moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and olive oil

  • Removed all makeup

What to Consider

  • 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 Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (20)

Shannon Stubbs, commerce 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.”

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 out 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 liquidy 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 Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (21)

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).

FAQ

  • How do cleansing balms work?

    Dr. Castilla says cleansing balms use oils and emollients to remove dirt and makeup from the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Plus, the oils in cleansing balms are better able to break down heavy makeup than traditional liquid makeup removers, making them great options if you’re wearing waterproof formulas, she adds.

  • Are cleansing balms good for people with all skin types?

    Contrary to popular belief, they actually are—with one caveat. Cleansing balms are great makeup removal options, regardless of your skin type, says Dr. Castilla. However, if you have oily skin, she suggests implementing a double cleansing routine and following up with their regular cleanser after using a cleansing balm. If your skin is normal to dry, you should be able to get away with just using a cleansing balm as a standalone.

Meet the Experts

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

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has many cleansing balms, including several on this list. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over fifteen 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.

Byrdie Editors Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (2024)
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