In 2025, choosing the appropriate cleansing balm for makeup removal involves understanding your skin’s specific needs and the formula’s effectiveness. The top products offer a balance of melting power, hydration, and gentleness, ensuring thorough removal without irritation. Factors like skin type, ingredients, and the ease of use are key considerations. Exploring these options can considerably improve your skincare routine, but knowing which product best suits your individual needs requires careful assessment.
e.l.f. SKIN Hydrating Cleansing Balm, Face Makeup Remover & Hydrator
- NOURISHING CLEANSING BALM: Watch your makeup melt away! It’s solid cleansing balm that melts into a luxurious oil and turns into a nourishing milk...
- INFUSED WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides leaving your skin feeling silky smooth and plumped with...
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: The Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is perfectly compatible with all skin types.
The e.l.f. SKIN Hydrating Cleansing Balm helps you remove makeup and keeps your skin moisturized. It starts as a solid balm that melts into oil when you rub it on your skin. Once melted, it turns into a gentle milk that breaks down even stubborn makeup. It has ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. These ingredients help keep your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
This product is good for all skin types, including sensitive skin. You use it by applying it to dry skin. Then, you massage it in to melt away makeup and dirt. After that, rinse your face with water. For best results, follow with an e.l.f. cleanser to get your face extra clean. The balm makes your cleansing routine simple and effective.
People who want a makeup remover that also adds moisture like this product will enjoy it. It removes makeup quickly and leaves your skin feeling refreshed. The ingredients help nourish your skin and keep it soft. Because it’s gentle, it works well for sensitive skin too. It’s also cruelty-free, so it’s a kind choice for animals.
Sometimes, if you wear very tough makeup, you might need to do a second cleanse. The balm can feel a little greasy if you don’t rinse it well. Also, since it starts as a solid, it may take some time to fully melt during use.
If you want an easy and gentle way to remove makeup and keep your skin hydrated, this balm is a good choice. It’s simple to use, works on all skin types, and helps keep your skin healthy and moisturized.
BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm (100ml / 3.38 fl. oz.)
- Global No.1 Cleansing balm🥇 Loved by K-beauty fans worldwide, this award-winning balm is designed to melt away even waterproof makeup effortlessly,...
- Balm to Oil Type Cleanser🫧 Serbet-type cleansing balm blended with magnet oil formula melts to cleanse heavy makeup and impurities from pores and...
- Safe Ingredients🍒 Formula combines the antioxidant benefits of Acerola berry and Vitamin C to provide hydration & vitality to all skin types....
If you want a makeup remover that works well on waterproof makeup and heavy dirt, Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm is a good choice. It was the best-selling cleansing balm in 2023 and is loved by beauty fans around the world. It has a sherbet-like texture that turns into a smooth oil when you massage it into your skin. This helps break down stubborn makeup, SPF, and dirt easily. It keeps your skin hydrated and healthy with antioxidants from Acerola berries and Vitamin C. This cleanser is safe and gentle for all skin types, including sensitive, dry, oily, or combination skin. It cleans deeply without removing your skin’s natural moisture, making it a versatile product for your skincare routine.
Best For: People who want a gentle, effective balm that removes waterproof makeup, dirt, and SPF. Great for all skin types.
Pros:
- Quickly dissolves waterproof makeup and tough dirt in one step
- Hydrates and Nourishes with ingredients like Acerola berries and Vitamin C
- Works for every skin type, including sensitive and dry skin
Cons:
- Needs some water and massage to fully emulsify and clean
- May not work as well if you don’t use the included spatula or proper technique
- Some people find the sherbet texture less comfortable than traditional cleansers
This cleansing balm is easy to use and perfect if you want clean, fresh skin without harsh scrubbing. Just massage it on, add water, and rinse for a fresh face daily.
Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid, Replumping Facial Cleanser & Makeup Remover
- Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm: This cleansing balm has been formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to cleanse & gently remove all types of longwear...
- Cleanses With 24H Hydration: Thanks to its formula powered by Hyaluronic Acid, our cleansing balm makeup remover leaves skin looking plumper instantly...
- For Best Use: To remove makeup & cleanse skin, massage a generous amount of cleansing balm into dry skin using circular motions. Add water to create a...
If you want a makeup remover that works well and keeps your skin hydrated, try Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid. This 4.2 oz balm removes all kinds of longwear makeup. It takes off eye makeup, lip color, face makeup, and sunscreen easily.
The balm contains hyaluronic acid. This ingredient helps your skin stay plump and moist. It gives you 24 hours of hydration, so your skin doesn’t feel dry after cleaning. To use, apply the balm to dry skin. Massage it in circles, then add water. It turns into a milky lather. Rinse well to wash away the makeup and balm. It leaves your skin soft and not greasy. Plus, it doesn’t have fragrance, sulfates, or silicones. That makes it good for sensitive skin.
This balm is best for people who want a gentle but effective way to clean their face and keep their skin hydrated. It works on all skin types.
Some things to remember: you need dry hands and dry skin to use it properly. This might be less convenient for some people. If you like foam or liquid cleansers, you may prefer a different kind of cleaner. Also, because it is a balm, it might take a little longer to rinse off compared to regular cleansers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cleansing Balms for Makeup Removal
When selecting a cleansing balm for makeup removal, it’s important to consider how well it suits your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination. You should also evaluate its ingredients to align with your preferences and any skin concerns, such as avoiding fragrances or harsh chemicals. Additionally, think about the types of makeup you wear, the balm’s texture and melting power for effective removal, and whether it provides hydration benefits to maintain healthy skin.
Skin Type Compatibility
Choosing the right cleansing balm depends on your skin type. Different formulas help with specific skin needs and prevent reactions.
If you have dry skin, look for a balm with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. It adds moisture and cleans gently without removing too much natural oil.
For oily skin, pick oil-free or balancing balms. These can control excess oil and effectively remove makeup without making your skin feel greasy.
If you have sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options. These reduce the chance of irritation and keep your skin calm.
People with combination skin need a versatile balm. It should clean well but not dry out dry patches or make oily areas shinier.
If you get acne easily, pick a non-comedogenic balm. These won’t clog your pores and can help prevent breakouts.
Matching your balm to your skin type helps it clean well. It also keeps your skin balanced and prevents irritation or pimples.
Ingredient Preferences
Choosing the right ingredients in a cleansing balm makes a big difference. It helps remove makeup well and keeps your skin healthy. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin. These keep your skin moist while you wash.
You can also pick ingredients rich in antioxidants, like Vitamin C or acerola berry. These protect your skin from damage caused by the environment. It’s a good idea to choose a gentle formula if you have sensitive skin. Avoid ingredients like alcohol or fake fragrances that can irritate your skin.
If you care about animals and the environment, look for cruelty-free and vegan products. Check the label for ingredients that won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Picking your ingredients carefully helps you remove makeup effectively. It also keeps your skin clean and happy.
Makeup Types Removed
Different types of makeup need different kinds of cleansing balms. Heavy, waterproof, or long-lasting makeup is tougher to remove. For these, pick a balm with oils and emulsifiers. These ingredients break down stubborn makeup easily. Some balms are specially made to remove waterproof products, like mascara and liquid eyeliner. They clean your skin well without bothering your eyes or skin.
Light powders and creams are usually easier to remove. They don’t need strong formulas. The key is to choose a balm that matches your makeup type. If you pick the right one, you won’t have to scrub too hard. Scrubbing too much can irritate or dry out your skin. When you use a good match, your makeup comes off smoothly. This keeps your skin healthy and clean.
Texture and Melting Power
The texture and melting power of a cleansing balm matter a lot. These things tell us how well the balm can remove makeup. If you wear waterproof or long-lasting makeup, you need a balm that melts well.
Balm textures can be solid, sherbet-like, or soft gel. These different textures melt when you start rubbing them on your skin. A balm with high melting power changes quickly from a firm state to an oily or milky form. This helps the balm break down tough makeup easily.
Melting power depends on the ingredients. Emollients in the formula help the balm glide smoothly over your skin. They also make sure it cleans well. When a balm melts easily, you don’t need to rub hard. Rubbing less reduces skin irritation and makes the clean-up gentle and effective.
In short, a balm that melts fast cleans better and feels gentle on the skin. It makes removing tough makeup easier and quicker.
Hydration Benefits
Have you thought about how a hydrating cleansing balm can help your skin after you remove makeup? These balms contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps keep your skin moisturized and prevents dryness. When you use a hydrating balm, it provides quick plumping that can make fine lines less noticeable. It also helps your skin stay elastic and soft because it replaces moisture lost during cleaning.
Ingredients like ceramides and peptides lock in moisture so your skin doesn’t feel tight or dry afterward. Using a hydrating cleansing balm can make your skin healthier. It fights dryness, keeps your skin balanced, and adds nourishment during your regular skincare routine. This way, your skin feels comfortable and looks smooth and soft after every clean.
Formula Cruelty-Free Status
When you pick a cleansing balm to remove makeup, check if it is cruelty-free. Cruelty-free means the product is made without testing on animals. These products do not cause animal suffering during their production. Some cruelty-free products have labels from groups like Leaping Bunny or PETA. These labels show the product follows ethical rules. Choosing cruelty-free balms helps protect animals and matches a caring, kind lifestyle. Many of these balms also use vegan ingredients, which means they do not include animal parts. When you choose a cruelty-free cleansing balm, you make a choice that is kind to animals and good for the planet. It’s a way to care for your skin and be compassionate at the same time.
Ease of Use
Choosing a cleansing balm that is simple to use can make taking off your makeup much easier. Look for a balm that has a smooth texture. It should be scoopable and melt easily when you apply it. This way, you won’t need to rub too hard, which can bother your skin. A good cleansing balm dissolves makeup with gentle massage. When you apply it, it should feel like an oil or milk. This makes it easy to spread across your face evenly.
If possible, pick a product that comes with a spatula or an applicator. This helps keep things clean and makes it easier to use just the right amount. The best balms rinse off well without leaving a greasy feel on your skin. This helps keep your skin fresh and balanced.
In the end, choose a cleansing balm that is easy to use and cleans your skin gently. This makes your skincare routine quicker and more comfortable.
Price and Value
Price is an important thing to think about when choosing a cleansing balm. Some are cheap, around $10, and others are luxury formulas that can cost over $40. Usually, more expensive balms have nicer ingredients or special textures. But, that doesn’t always mean they work better.
Look at the size of the jar. Bigger jars usually give more product for your money, especially if you clean your face often. Check the ingredients and how the balm is made. Sometimes, a higher price is worth it if the balm has extra skin benefits or a unique feel.
Some cleansing balms do more than one job. They can remove makeup and also hydrate your skin. This can save you money on other products. Discounts or subscription deals can also make those pricier options cheaper over time.
In the end, think about what you need and how much use you’ll get. A more expensive balm can be a good choice if it offers extra benefits, big size, and a good deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cleansing Balms Suitable for All Skin Types?
Cleansing balms are generally suitable for all skin types because they effectively remove makeup and impurities. However, if you have sensitive skin, look for gentle ingredients and patch test first to make certain they won’t cause irritation.
Can Cleansing Balms Be Used Around the Eyes?
Yes, you can use cleansing balms around your eyes, but choose gentle, fragrance-free formulas. Gently massage the balm, avoiding harsh rubbing, and rinse thoroughly to prevent irritation while effectively removing makeup and impurities.
How Long Should I Leave a Cleansing Balm on My Face?
You should leave a cleansing balm on your face for about one to two minutes. Gently massage it in to break down makeup and dirt, then rinse thoroughly with warm water to reveal clean, refreshed skin.
Are Cleansing Balms Effective at Removing Waterproof Makeup?
Yes, cleansing balms are highly effective at removing waterproof makeup. You just need to massage the balm onto dry skin, allowing it to dissolve the makeup, then rinse thoroughly with water for a clean, makeup-free face.
Do Cleansing Balms Clog Pores or Cause Breakouts?
Cleansing balms rarely clog pores or cause breakouts if you choose non-comedogenic formulas. You should regularly cleanse your skin, avoid leaving residue, and pick a balm suited for your skin type to prevent breakouts.
Last update on 2026-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API