13 Cleansing Balms That Gently Remove Makeup (2024)

After a long day, the last thing we want to do is stand at the bathroom counter to carefully swipe every bit of foundation, concealer, and mascara off our face—but if we don't, the breakouts and irritation that can follow are less than ideal. We've found that a cleansing balm makes the makeup removal process much easier and faster. "Balm-to-oil formulas break down pigments very effectively," says celebrity makeup artist Keita Moore. Similar to cleansing oils, they work because oil attracts oil; the oily balm clings onto the pigments, sebum, dirt, and grime. Typically, cleansing balms come in sealed jars, making them easy to travel with. They also last a long time since a little goes a long way, and they're more environmentally friendly than wipes. Plus, they don't strip the skin, says Moore.

The best way to use a cleansing balm is to gently rub a pea-size amount onto your unwashed, dry face to break down the product. Next, wash your face with warm water or wipe with a clean cloth. "Follow with your favorite gel, cream, or foam cleanser, then apply moisturizer," Moore says. Ahead, shop some of our and Moore's favorite cleansing balms.

Moore loves this balm because it leaves the skin dewy and nourished, thanks to an elderberry-and-starflower-oil blend. It may also help restore elasticity, thanks to padina pavonica, a type of brown algae.

If you're new to cleansing balms, this is a great introductory product pick. It's affordable, available at the drugstore, and effective. Moore loves using it on clients because it's easy to apply and contains nourishing vitamin E.

Protect, nourish, and hydrate your skin with this hypoallergenic formula that's infused with vitamins C and E.

The OG of cleansing balms, this formula includes a woven muslin cloth to gently wipe skin clean.

This soft, buttery balm is gentle enough for reactive skin and yet strong enough to remove waterproof mascara. It's fragrance-free and vegan.

If you don't like the thickness of some cleansing balms, you'll appreciate how quickly this formula transforms into a silky oil when you rub it between your hands.

This rich cleansing balm effortlessly removes the most stubborn makeup without harsh scrubbing. It's also packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that leave your skin glowing and feeling nourished.

Made with eucalyptus, avocado, jojoba, and clove leaf oils, this cleansing balm is like a spa for your face. It's very moisturizing, so it's great for dry skin and it easily dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and waterproof formulas.

This fragrance-free cleansing balm is ideal for sensitive or stressed-out skin. Japanese indigo extract soothes and helps repair the skin barrier while cleansing lipids help break down makeup and dirt.

Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, this formula makes skin appear plump and smooth as the marula, argan, and macadamia oils wipe away makeup without leaving a greasy residue.

If you find that balms are too greasy or oily, try this lightweight formula. It starts off as a balm, melts into an oil as you rub, and then emulsifies into a milky gel cleanser with water. You'll effectively remove any dirt, makeup, and grime—no double cleansing necessary.

Shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and macadamaia seed oil offer softening benefits, while bamboo charcoal removes excess oil and dirt.

This formula is chockfull of good-for-your-skin ingredients like pre-and probiotics, sunflower seed oil, almond oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin. It's gentle, repairs the skin barrier, and is lightweight, making it great for oily and acne-prone skin types.