These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (2024)

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (1)

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Sure, you may rely on your favorite face wash to wash away the stress of the day, but are you really removing every trace of makeup, dirt, and grime? Chances are you’re not, which is why the best cleansing balms are necessary additions to your skincare routine.

“A cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser that can be used alone to remove makeup and dirt or as part of a double cleansing routine,” says Sheilagh Maguiness, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of the Stryke Club based in Minnesota. “Cleansing balms are good for most skin types, but in particular, they are great for dry skin. They are also extremely effective at removing makeup,” Dr. Maguiness adds.

Experts also recommend using cleansing balms for their natural and hydrating ingredients. “This type of face wash is formulated with natural oils and attracts dirt and makeup like a magnet. Other traditional cleansers and makeup removers can be made from oils in combination with liquid and many are completely oil-free (which can leave the skin feeling stripped of oils and dry),” explains Liia Ramachandra, Ph.D., founder and ceo of EpiLynx, gluten-free skincare and cosmetics brand.

But before we dive into the best cleansing balms for a deep clean, it's important to note that those with oilier skin types can still use a cleansing balm, just followed by a regular surfactant-based oil-free cleanser, advises Dr. Maguiness. “Oil-free products are good for larger pores or acne-prone skin since oils tend to clog your skin and trap dirt and impurities in your pores,” explains Ramachandra.

How we chose the best cleansing balms

We consulted Dr. Maguiness, Ramachandra, Mamina Turegano, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Louisiana, the Good Housekeeping Institute who tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item, and tons of customer reviews to find the best cleansing balms for glowing skin.

Our top cleansing balms

  • Best Cleansing Balm Overall

    CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

    Read more

  • Best Value Cleansing Balm

    The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

    Read more

  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (6)

    Best Cleansing Balm for Dry Skin

    JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

    Read more

Best Cleansing Balm Overall

CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (9)Dissolves Long-Wearing Makeup
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (10)Great for All Skin Types
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (11)Some Users Note It Does Not Remove Eye Makeup Well

All of our skincare experts love this pick, landing it our best overall for a reason. “Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a great choice. It’s rich in safflower oil (to hydrate), fragrance, and essential oil-free,” says Dr. Maguiness. “This one is a bit more expensive but still a wonderful option, particularly for those with dry and sensitive skin.”

Best Value Cleansing Balm

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

Now 40% Off

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (13)Award-Winning
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (14)Ingredients List
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (15)Some Users Say It’s Hard to Wash off the Face

“This inexpensive balm is rich in almond oil (to nourish), oat kernel (to retain moisture), and sunflower oil (to moisturize). It’s gentle and very moisturizing but unlikely to cause irritant reactions,” says Dr. Maguiness.

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Best Cleansing Balm for Dry Skin

JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (16)

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (17)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (18)Brightening
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (19)Doesn’t Feel Greasy on the Skin
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (20)May Cause Irritations Around the Eye Area

With a 4.6-star rating and over 6,000 rave reviews, this cleansing balm is a customer favorite on Amazon. Its formula includes many skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E (an antioxidant to fight mature skin concerns) and Japanese pearl barley, an ingredient that works to brighten your complexion.

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (23)Formulated With Vitamin E
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (24)Makes Skin Feel Softer
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (25) Some Users Note It Requires a Lot of Scrubbing to Remove Eye Makeup

“For those with sensitive skin, I recommend opting for a balm that is fragrance and essential oil-free. The extra fragrance and essential oils can irritate the skin and around the eyes,” says Dr. Maguiness. And this derm-tested pick will help remove all traces of makeup while conditioning the skin with its vitamin E ingredient.

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Best Drugstore Cleansing Balm

Pond's Cleansing Balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (26)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (27)Affordable
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (28)Hydrating
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (29)May Be Too Rich for Oily Skin

The Good Housekeeping Institute dubbed this cleansing balm the best drugstore pick for a reason—and it’s a GH Beauty Award winner. It changes into an oil when applied to skin, and helps remove makeup. It left one tester’s complexion feeling “supple, as if I’d applied moisturizer.”

Best Versatile Cleansing Balm

Beautycounter Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (30)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (31)Soothes the Skin
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (32)Can Be Used as an Overnight Facial Mask
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (33)Some Users Note Skin Feels Greasy After Application

“I love this one since it’s chemically clean and filled with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients such as shea butter (to moisturize), jojoba oil (to nourish), and tocopherol (to strengthen the skin barrier). It uses ingredients that are unlikely to cause dry skin over time,” says Ramachandra.

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ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (35)Mineral Oil-Free Formula
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (36)Lavender-Infused
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (37)Strong Fragrance

“I would also recommend the Elemis cleansing balm. It’s rich in sweet almond oil, coconut oil (to moisturize), and wheat germ oil (to soften),” says Dr. Maguiness. “It would be a great choice if you're looking for something luxurious that is still less likely to leave you with irritation,” she adds. The brand also notes that it transforms into three unique textures through different stages (balm to oil to milk) for the ultimate cleansing experience.

Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (38)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (39)Hydrating
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (40)Fragrance-Free
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (41)Heavy Texture

“This is rich in jojoba oil and gentle but softening for the skin. It will not impair the skin barrier and is unlikely to lead to irritant reactions,” says Dr. Maguiness. The formula also has a barrier-repairing blend of fatty acids (which are coconut-derived) that works to condition the skin while preventing moisture loss. After rinsing, your skin will feel hydrated and soft to the touch.

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Best Cleansing Balm for Oily Skin

Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (42)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (43)Formula Works Quickly
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (44)Great for Oily Skin
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (45)May Not Remove All Makeup

“This cleansing balm has interesting and unique ingredients: an oil blend of moringa, jojoba, sunflower seed oils, acai, and goji berry. It’s also 100% vegan, doesn’t test on animals, and uses clean ingredients,” says Ramachandra.

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (46)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (47)Alcohol-Free
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (48)Has Vitamin C
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (49)Strong Scent

Made out of papaya, vitamin C-rich acerola (cherry), and herbal extracts, this cleansing balm effectively removes makeup, dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells without stripping your skin of moisture. And it smells delicious thanks to its cherry ingredient. It’s also a favorite among Amazon shoppers, with a 4.7-star rating and thousands of stellar reviews.

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EpiLynx Intense Hydration Shea Butter Moisturizer

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (50)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (51)Leaves the Skin Looking Dewy
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (52)Reduces Inflammation
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (53)Some Users Say Not Enough Product for Price

“This ultra-rich cream-to-balm is versatile since it can be used as a moisturizing balm for your face and body but also as a cleansing butter. It’s filled with nourishing skincare ingredients like sea buckthorn (to moisturize), neem oil (to nourish with fatty acids), cocoa butter (to hydrate), and various plant-based oils known for their anti-inflammatory properties,” says Ramachandra.

SheaMoisture Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, 3.5 oz

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (54)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (55)Hydrating
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (56)Removes Heavy Makeup
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (57)Might Be Too Oily for Oily Skin Types

The Good Housekeeping Institute says that this cleansing balm can remove heavy makeup while helping hydrate and nourish skin. “This easily removes longwear 24 hour makeup,” a Walmart reviewer reported.

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Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (59)Lightweight Cream
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (60)Helps the Skin Glow
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (61)Some Users Say It Does Not Remove All Types of Makeup

If you’re looking to achieve radiant skin, go for this exfoliating pick! It’s formulated with a unique papaya sorbet enzyme that gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin. It starts off as a balm and then transforms into a milky texture when combined with water. It’s also safe for sensitive eyes and those who wear contact lenses, according to the brand.

Best Cleansing Balm for All Skin Types

CervaVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (62)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (63)Velvety Texture
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (64)Suitable for All Skin Types
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (65)Some Users Say Formula May Not Fully Remove Eye Makeup

“This cleansing balm is awesome to use in the evenings, especially after a long day of wearing layers of makeup, SPF, and various skincare products,” says Dr. Turegano. “It has jojoba oil which is very nourishing to the skin. Oil is better at dissolving oil, so if you have excess oily skin, this balm will work to remove it without stripping and nourishing the skin,” she adds.

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Jeffree Star Cosmetics Make Me Melt Makeup Removing Balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (66)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (67)Safe for the Eyes
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (68)No Residue
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (69)Light Makeup Removal

“This is a fun one. It’s pink, has a magnetic spatula, and is filled with jojoba seed oil and apple and raspberry fruit extracts,” says Ramachandra. “It also only uses necessary ingredients that each serve a purpose,” she adds. The brand notes that you apply the product directly onto your hands and rub it in until it breaks down into the oil phase, before applying it to your face.

I Dew Care Berry Melting Makeup Remover Balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (70)

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (71)

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (72)Formulated With Antioxidants
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (73)Melts Away Waterproof Makeup and Sunscreen
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (74)Some Users Say It Leaves Behind Residue

Formulated with antioxidants to help protect the skin from environmental stressors (like the sun), this cleansing balm is a must-have for your skincare collection. The ingredients list includes blueberry fruit extract (rich in antioxidants), jojoba oil (to condition), and glacier water (to hydrate). We also love the sherbert-like formula and yummy blueberry scent!

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How to choose the best cleansing balm

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (75)

✔️ Look for natural oils. “Always look for ‘natural’ oils and for balms with the least possible ingredients. Fewer ingredients means it’s healthier for the skin,” says Ramachandra.

✔️ Be cautious of irritants. “As a dermatologist, I always tell patients with sensitive skin that simple is better. For me, it’s all about what IS NOT in the formulation,” says Dr. Maguiness. “Most cleansing balms on the market have a lot of botanical ingredients and/or essential oils in their formulas. The essential oils can lead to irritation on sensitive skin and around the eyes where many individuals apply the balms directly to the eyelid to help remove makeup.”

✔️ Look for hydrators: Lots of ingredients offer a dose of moisture while soothing the skin. It may take some trial and error to find the ones your skin responds to the most, but some to look for include: jojoba seed, shea butter, glycerin, and various plant oils.

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (76)

Shauna Beni

Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.

These Derm-Approved Cleansing Balms Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt for Glowing Skin (2024)
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