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11 best cleansing balms to remove makeup and keep skin hydrated
The GHI's top-scoring pick may surprise you...
Tested by Nora MerikFormer Beauty and Grooming Tester
Cleansing may not be the most exciting part of your skincare routine, but when you consider the amount of pollution, sweat and dirt that can build up throughout the day, it's certainly one of the most crucial.
While we love a foam, cream or gel face wash for an extra-deep clean, the benefits of a good cleansing balm shouldn’t be overlooked.
“Cleansing balms use a similar formulation to an ointment,” explains consultant dermatologist, Dr Catriona Maybury. “They have a higher lipid-to-water ratio, which means they’re richer and thicker in consistency than your average cleanser.”
Often formulated with hydrating oils and waxes, cleansing balms are great for melting away stubborn makeup (SPF and mascara included), and deeply cleansing the skin of impurities without stripping it of its natural sebum. In other words, they’re super-hydrating and won’t create that notorious tightening effect — even on oily skin types.
Sold? The Good Housekeeping Institute put a range of market leaders to the test to find the best balms for your skin. Here are their top-rated products at a glance but scroll on for our detailed reviews and everything you need to know about the benefits of balms.
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What skin type is a cleansing balm best for?
A key selling point of cleansing balms is that they’re effective on all skin types — especially dry and dehydrated complexions.
“As cleansing balms are formulated with higher levels of nourishing ingredients (think fatty acids, oils and vitamins), they are brilliant at cleansing the skin without making it feel dry or stripped,” says Dr Maybury.
It’s not only dry-skin sufferers who can reap the benefits of a cleansing balm though, as they’re also great mollifiers for sensitive or reactive complexions. According to Dr Maybury, their formulas often contain skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which help with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
However, she advises caution when it comes to fragranced balms, as they can irritate sensitive skin. And if you're acne-prone, opt for something that contains non-comedogenic ingredients such as jojoba and squalane, which will help keep congestion at bay.
How should you use a cleansing balm?
No matter how tempting it may be to use a quick facial wipe at the end of the day (or, even worse, sleep in your makeup), a proper cleanse reduces the likelihood of breakouts and helps promote a more hydrated, balanced complexion.
Most cleansing balms start as a solid but emulsify into an oil on contact with water. If you’re a fan of double cleansing, Dr Maybury suggests opting for a balm first to remove oil-based impurities before following up with a non-drying cleanser to banish any leftover residue.
Cleansing balms can be massaged directly onto wet or dry skin, depending on preference. Dr Maybury advises using lukewarm water to remove the balm, as warmer temperatures can cause irritation and wash away the skin’s essential lipids (oils). And if you want a few extra minutes to yourself in the bathroom, a cleansing balm offers a lot of ‘slip’, so you can treat yourself to an at-home facial at the same time as removing impurities.
How we test cleansing balms
We put 17 cleansing balms to the test with the help of over 300 panel members. We asked them to assess the design, ease of use, instructions and performance of each product.
In the lab, we assessed how effectively each balm removed matte long-wear foundation, eyeliner and liquid lipstick, giving each one a rating out of four that we later took an average of.
These are the tried and tested cleansing balms that deserve a place in your skincare cabinet.
This article was updated in August to reflect latest price changes and stock levels.
Keys Soulcare Nourishing Cleansing Balm and Makeup Remover
Score: 97/100
This is one of the highest scores a skincare product has ever received in GHI testing — and for a celebrity skincare line, no less. Alicia Keys launched Keys Soulcare, along with dermatologist Dr. Renée Snyder, back in 2020. Since then, it’s become one of the most respected celebrity brands in the space.
Our testers were suitably impressed. They praised the balm’s luxe packaging and were left with clean, fresh skin after use, saying it felt like they’d had a facial. They also told us the formulation felt “smooth, soft, non-greasy and high end.”
As is typical with pot packaging, some people didn’t like having to dip their fingers in, and one mentioned the fact it didn’t lather, but fear not, balms aren’t meant to foam on application.
Overall, it scored an impressive 5/5 for removing makeup residue in the lab, and 5/5 for ease of use among our panel, while everyone loved the velvety texture.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Score: 94/100
This is a product name any busy woman can relate to, as there’s often nothing better than cleansing your face at the end of a long day and getting ready for a cosy night in. Not only has Clinique managed to bottle that feeling, but panellists also found the formulation highly effective.
All our testers said it left their skin feeling moisturised and soft and they didn’t experience any dryness or tightness, which can happen with other cleansers. “I could see my makeup melting away while I massaged my face,” said one satisfied tester.
Some didn’t like that it was fragrance free, as it lessened the spa-like experience, but the lack of scent does mean those with very dry and dehydrated skin can use it without worrying about irritation.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Score: 93/100
This multi-tasking cleanser comes with a bamboo booster that can be combined with the balm to create an exfoliator for the face and lips. Everyone said it was great at removing makeup and it didn’t irritate the eye area like some balms can. They also said their skin looked more radiant and felt nourished and hydrated after using the product regularly. Many praised the “sturdy, high-quality” packaging and liked that the spatula slots into the lid, so it won’t get lost.
Some said the exfoliating powder felt a little rough on their skin, so they preferred using it solely as a lip scrub. Again, some would have preferred it to have a fragrance, but that will come down to individual preference. This is a savvy buy if you’re looking for a cleansing balm and exfoliator in one.
Score: 92/100
Like our winner, this balm scored full marks in our lab tests for makeup removal, melting away matte long-wear foundation, eyeliner and liquid lipstick effortlessly, and our panel of testers were in full agreement. “It removed every trace of makeup I had on,” said one. “Even when I used micellar water afterwards, there was no sign of residue on the cotton pad.”
Some preferred using it without the accompanying cloth, which they found a little abrasive. However, everyone said it washed off easily and loved how hydrating and nourishing it felt on the skin. Some even reported that their complexions felt firmer and plumper after consistent use.
Score: 91/100
The hero in Elemis’ range, this product put balm cleansers on everyone’s radar. Its rich blend of nine essential oils, including lavender, eucalyptus and camomile, as well as rose and mimosa waxes, will not only fill your bathroom with a relaxing scent, but will help purify your skin of makeup and excess dirt — leaving a glowing, more hydrated complexion in its wake.
And it seems it’s an icon for good reason. Our panellists said it did an amazing job of melting off all makeup including foundation, mascara, blusher. They found the texture “buttery and soft, but not slimy” and it didn’t leave any sticky residue.
Testers also said the scent reminded them of “being at a spa”, adding to its luxury feel. Some would have preferred the balm to come with a spatula to avoid messy fingers, but they liked the accompanying soft cleansing cloth.
Score: 90/100
Farmacy Beauty is known for its gentle, naturally derived formulations, and this bestselling balm is no exception. Green in colour and by nature, the brand uses “responsibly sourced, conflict-free” ingredients from its network of small farms. The result, it claims, is “farm-to-face” skincare that’s potent and enduring.
Our panellists loved the smell and texture of this feel-good formula, telling us they couldn’t get enough of the “fresh, subtle citrus aroma”. “It melts effortlessly into an oil once applied and removes every last bit of makeup, without stripping skin,” one tester told us.
“I’ll be permanently switching to this product – it’s my new favourite skincare step!” added another satisfied customer.
Score: 88/100
e.l.f. cosmetics — standing for eyes, lips and face — is a brand dedicated to making makeup and skincare accessible to everyone, and this budget balm is no exception. With a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid for a hit of hydration, ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and peptides to stimulate collagen production, this formulation has the ideal recipe for skin-softening results.
But did it perform? Our panellists praised how effective it was at removing makeup and how quickly it melted from a solid balm to a lovely oil texture. A few said it didn’t feel as nourishing when they washed it off as others they’d tried, and the lasting effects weren’t as impressive. However, for just over £12, it’s a great value option for a cost-effective skincare routine.
L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cleansing Balm
Score: 88/100
L’Occitane is the chic, natural French skincare brand known for its organic cosmetics and the sensory experiences it creates with its products.
Buttery, light and oh-so-smooth, this cleansing balm appeared as divine as its name claims. Almost all the feedback we received mentioned its luxurious texture and nourishing formulation, which left our testers’ faces feeling moisturised, hydrated, and (crucially) super clean.
Our panel also told us their skin was surprisingly soft after the trial period, without any dryness or stripping, which they’d experienced from foam cleansers. It’s a skincare tour de force, if you will.
Score: 87/100
Claiming to dissolve makeup in under 30 seconds, this cleansing butter is a strong choice if you love to wear a full face on a regular basis. The calming camomile helps care for sensitive skin and soothe complexions, while the butter-balm deals with any caked makeup or claggy lashes.
Our panel said it felt silky, buttery (no surprises there) and premium, despite costing less than £20. People loved that it didn’t irritate eyes or cause any stinging, working gently and effectively to cleanse the day away. Despite being scented, it was a big hit for those with sensitive skin too. A rare win-win for those who enjoy a relaxing fragrance but often experience rashes or redness. Some did say the pot was bulky and tricky to open, so it’s perhaps not for using on the go.
Score: 87/100
Dreamed up in the spa capital of Europe, Budapest, Omorovicza is a brand that sees sumptuous textures and creating moments of calm as paramount for a good skincare product. Formulated with Hungarian ‘Moor Mud’ to detoxify and cleanse, the clay draws out impurities while orange blossom aromas and warming sensation make this an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Testers said it felt “rich and luxurious”, gently removing SPF and makeup – including waterproof mascara — without leaving that squeaky clean, tight feeling in its wake. They also said a little goes a long way, which may help justify the price tag.
Some did find the dark, charcoal-enriched pigment alarming at first, and let’s just say there were a few mucky flannels along the way. Others said the warming feeling on the skin felt a little weird at first, but if it’s a whole relaxing moment you’re after, this could be just the soothing balm for you.
Score: 82/100
We love a cleansing balm that comes with pump packaging. Call us sad, but being able to enjoy the sumptuous consistency without digging our hands through a pot is a luxury not to be scoffed at.
Our testers were also fans. “This feels super premium thanks to the nice ceramic packaging, and the product pulls dirt off the skin without feeling too heavy or chemical-rich,” said one. They, like us, loved the pump dispenser, and said the scent was subtle, which makes it a good option for those with a sensitive nose.
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