Last Updated on July 21, 2024 by Our Editors
Have you ever washed your party makeup and SPF beach face only to realize you still have dirt and makeup on? At one point in our life, we all ended up scrubbing off our face to remove that stubborn makeup or build-up, but not anymore!
Cleansing balm is the remedy we were all looking for but didn’t know existed! It is a buttery oil-infused formula suitable for all skin types, which removes even the toughest makeup gently, leaving your skin nourished and glowing. We have compiled a list of the best cleansing balms to help you choose the best product according to your requirements!
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What is a Cleansing Balm?
Cleansing balms and oils are among the best skin cleansing products available in the market. But what is a cleansing balm or cleansing oil? Cleansing balms are soft, semi-solid variants of an oil-based cleanser and are extremely effective makeup removers.
It is a rich and nourishing skin-cleansing formula that melts away every last bit of your waterproof makeup or impurities that build up throughout the day.
The only difference between a cleansing balm and a cleansing oil is their different consistencies. Balms have a semi-solid, soft consistency, while oils are liquid. However, they both work similarly and are oil-based formulas (the magic behind their effectiveness!).
The best cleansing oils and balms are moisturizing and buttery, and do not leave your skin dry or strip away essential oils. It is like having a luxurious spa-like massage at your disposal, in your home.
Why Use a Cleansing Balm?
Let’s make a case for cleansing balms: effective, moisturizing, easy to use, and reduces the use of single-use wipes. The last thing you want on your skin after a day of wearing makeup is confrontation with harsh chemicals. Cleansing balms are your best alternative! Here are some more reasons why:
Gentle and Effective Cleansing
If you are also one of the people who have scrubbed and scrubbed your skin, hoping that would remove your stubborn makeup, then you are not alone. But no more scrubbing as these magical makeup-removing balms are to the rescue.
Because of their oil-based formula, the best cleansing oils and balms are super gentle and effective. They remove excess oil, stubborn makeup, and SPF, leaving your skin soft, supple, bright, and thoroughly cleansed!
Hydration and Nourishment
Traditional cleaners on the market use a surfactant base, which gives them that foamy texture while cleansing. However, this base also strips essential oils and moisture from your skin while cleaning.
However, since cleansing balms are oil-based, they are gentle and moisturizing on your skin. The best cleansing oils and balms won’t compromise your natural skin moisture barrier or disrupt the pH.
The best part? It is suitable for all skin types! Regardless of which type of skin you have, cleansing balms are packed with nourishing ingredients and are suitable for everyone. They will leave your skin feeling soft and supple rather than dry and stretchy like conventional face cleansers.
Mess-free Cleansing
Unlike traditional face cleansers, which require lathering up using water and the products dripping all over the bathroom floor, cleansing balms are a mess-free option! Because cleansing balms have a semi-solid consistency, they offer a mess-free solution, unlike cleansing oils and cleansers, which require water.
Top Cleansing Balms of 2024
Pros: It is value for money.
Cons: If you wear heavy makeup, you must use it multiple times.
Skin type: Dry, oily and combination skin.
Talking about the best cleansing oils and balms and leaving out e.l.f. cleansing balm!? Yes, we didn’t think so either! If you are looking for a budget-friendly yet effective cleansing balm that removes makeup, then e.l.f. cleansing balm is the one for you! It is one of the best cleansing balms infused with sunflower seed oil and ceramides, leaving your skin smooth and supple.
Pros: The formula leaves your skin feeling velvety soft.
Cons: It is an expensive cleansing balm.
Skin type: All skin types.
Elemis is one of the best balm cleansers available on the market and has a touch of luxury. It is packed with all the right ingredients, including padina pavonica (a brown algae to support the feeling of hydration) and essential oils like starflower and elderberry oil. After rinsing, this balm will leave your skin nourished and bright.
Pros: It is one of the best makeup removing balms.
Cons: If you have oily skin, you will need to double cleanse.
Skin type: Suitable for all skin types.
Are you tired of scrubbing off stubborn makeup, SPF, and waterproof eyeliners?! Then this magical makeup removing balm, one of the best best balm cleansers and best cleansing balm for acne, will amaze you as it breaks down the toughest waterproof makeup without any scrubbing. This formula is packed with the goodness of soybean and sunflower oil (the first two ingredients on the list), which are well-known for their moisturizing properties, making it one of the best cleansing balm US for oily skin.
Pros: This is an amazing moisturizing skin cleansing balm.
Cons: It has a strong fragrance.
Skin type: Suitable for all skiing types (recommended for oily skin).
Recommended as the best cleansing balm US for oily skin, it has all the moisturizing ingredients, including circa and nourishing oils, Borago, watermelon, and moringa oil. Eadem’s lightweight cleansing balm infused with fatty acid moisturizers (the above-mentioned oils) effectively breaks down makeup, leaving your skin feeling plushy and hydrated. No wonder it’s among the best cleansing balm for oily skin!
Pros: It emulsifies quickly when you add a splash of water.
Cons: Irritates the eye if it gets in.
Skin type: Suitable for all skin types.
This emulsifying cleansing balm by Pharmacy is a mess-free option for removing makeup while gently exfoliating your skin with papaya extract. This is one of the best balm cleansers that also contains essential oils, lime oil, bergamot, and turmeric root extract for a soothing fragrance and gentle cleaning. For people with sensitive eyes, avoid massaging it into your lashes as it causes irritation.
Pros: It is fragrance free and soothing.
Cons: People with oily skin might not like the afterward greasy feel.
Skin type: Suitable for all skin type (recommended for sensitive and very dry skin).
This lightweight cleansing balm is one of the best skin cleansing products available on the market. It is loaded with oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal, so it does not cause irritation or burning for people with extremely sensitive and eczema-prone skin. This fragrance-free option gently removes all the impurities and makeup, leaving the skin feeling well-soothed and not parched or stripped, and thus making it one of the best cleansing balm US for dry skin.
Pros: The papaya enzyme gently exfoliates the skin.
Cons: Needs proper massaging to fully melt into an oily emulsion.
Skin type: Suitable for all skin types.
Yes, we cannot miss out on Koren beauty when discussing skin care. This Korean cleansing balm is a powerhouse makeup remover with the goodness of papaya extract, which gently exfoliates and brightens while giving you that nourishing glow. Also, this lightweight cleansing balm contains camellia japonica and apricot oil for a well-hydrated and nourished feel, making it one of the best balm cleansers.
How to Use a Cleansing Balm?
Whether you are a frequent face washer or someone like me who prefers to cleanse only once during the day due to extremely dry skin, there’s a proper way to use cleansing balms like Korean cleansing balms and oils to reap the maximum benefits.
With traditional cleansers and face washes, we would often use water, but cleansing balms and oils do not require water. You should directly apply them to dry skin. This is one of the simplest ways to leave your skin looking nourished and bright.
Still need help with how to use cleansing balms and oils on your skin? We have you sorted with step-by-step directions to get you started!
Step-by-Step Guide on Using Cleansing Balms
- Scoop out a small amount of cleansing balm in clean hands and warm it between your hands.
- Once you feel it has melted properly, apply it directly to your dry skin and massage it in circular motions for 30 seconds to two minutes.
- Add slaps of water to emulsify and soften the balm and continue massaging the balm.
- Once you are done, gently wipe away the balm with a wet towel soaked in warm water.
- You can repeat the wiping several times until your face is squeaky clean as you like it!
Double Cleansing
Some people prefer to double cleanse, which means they like rewashing their face after using cleansing balm and oils, or even the best skin cleansing products. Depending on your skin type, you can clean your face a second time using micellar water, gel, or foam cleanser after using balms like Korean cleansing balms.
Double cleansing is especially beneficial for people with sensitive, acne-prone, blemish-prone, or oily skin who like to remove any residual moisturizing oils. Once your skin is clean and dry, you can follow up with your favorite moisturizer!
Good for You, Good for The Planet
Due to their oil-based formulas, cleansing balms and oils, including makeup removing balms, are inherently nourishing. They are a great option not just for people with dry skin but also oily skin, and all other skin types. Experiment with different cleansing balms and oils from the above list to find the best fit for your skin and pocket!
Using a cleansing balm to remove makeup is better for the environment because it reduces waste with reusable applicators, features eco-friendly and biodegradable ingredients, lasts longer than single-use wipes, and often comes in minimal packaging that lowers the carbon footprint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cleansing balm?
A cleansing balm is a skincare product designed to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. The best cleansing balm us reddit typically has a solid, balm-like texture that transforms into an oil or milk upon application, providing a deep cleanse without stripping the skin, much like the Cerave cleansing balm.
How do I use cleansing balms or makeup removing balms?
To use cleansing balms or Korean cleansing balms, take a small amount and warm it between your fingers. Apply it to your dry face, gently massaging in circular motions to break down makeup and impurities. Add a little water to emulsify the balm, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or use a damp cloth to remove.
Are cleansing balms suitable for dry skin?
Yes, cleansing balms are generally suitable for all skin types. The best skin cleansing products and the best cleansing balm US for dry skin are particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin due to their hydrating properties. However, there are specific formulations for oily and acne-prone skin as well such as the best cleansing balm for acne.
Can I use a cleansing balm if I have oily skin?
Absolutely. The best cleansing balm us reddit are formulated to balance oil production and cleanse the skin without causing breakouts. Look for the best cleansing balm for oily skin that is lightweight, and non-comedogenic, specifically designed for oily skin.
Can cleansing balms or makeup removing balms cause breakouts?
While cleansing balms and makeup removing balms are generally safe, it’s important to choose a product that suits your skin type. Non-comedogenic and lightweight formulas, including Korean cleansing balms or the Cerave cleansing balm, are less likely to cause breakouts. Always patch-test new products to ensure they don’t irritate your skin.
