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

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

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.”

“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.

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.

“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.

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.”

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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!