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The best cleansing balms to remove makeup effortlessly and keep skin hydrated
The top-scoring pick, according to our 300 panellists, may surprise you...
Tested by Juliet HeatonBeauty Innovation 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.
And while we love a foam, cream or gel face wash for an extra-deep clean, the benefits of the best cleansing balms 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.”
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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 with the help of our reader panel to find the best balms for your skin. You'll find a full breakdown of how we test under our reviews, along with what to consider before you buy.
These are the tried and tested cleansing balms that deserve a place in your skincare cabinet.
Keys Soulcare Nourishing Cleansing Balm and Makeup Remover
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 full marks for removing makeup residue in the lab, and for ease of use among our panel, while everyone loved the velvety texture.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
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. 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.
Gatineau Collagene ExpertTM Melting Cleansing Balm
Gatineau Collagene ExpertTM Melting Cleansing Balm
Score: 93/100
This balm transforms into an oil and then a delicate light milk for the ultimate cleansing journey. The texture was a hit with our testers, who said it felt really luxurious to apply. “My skin felt clean and firm after using, and I didn’t experience any dryness that often comes with harsh soap, either,” said one panel member.
This is down to the inclusion of a mix of 10 nourishing oil extracts and butters, as well as hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid, along with ceramides, which lock all the moisture in behind a strong skin barrier.
The balm effortlessly lifts makeup, and a little goes a long way. “Just a bit on the fingertips covered my whole face,” said one tester. In the lab, it scored highly for how well it lifted product and residue from testers’ skin. It’s not designed to remove eye makeup, though, so keep some micellar water on hand for this area.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
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 thought 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.
Eve Lom Cleansing Balm
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.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (50g)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (50g)
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.
Q+A Collagen Cleansing Balm
Score: 91/100
Q+A focuses on simple, fuss-free ingredient lists, with a clear description of what the product is and how to use it on the front. This balm-to-oil squeezy cleanser contains vegetable protein, which helps to bolster natural collagen levels in the skin for firming results, as well as squalene, a hydrating emollient that helps to keep skin hydrated all day. “After a few days my skin feels less tight and much softer,” said one tester, which proved its powers.
It scored full marks for removing makeup in the lab, although some panellists told us it took a couple of additional cleanses with water to avoid any greasy feeling left behind. It claims to be suitable for all skin types, and none of our panel members experienced any redness or stinging. “I have very sensitive skin, and it didn’t irritate it at all,” said one tester.
The panel also loved how easy it was to dispense from the tube, along with the smooth, buttery texture. Plus, at under £10 it’s one of the more affordable products on our list – one tester even said they preferred it to their Elemis cleansing balm, which costs nearly five times as much!
Farmacy Natural Makeup Remover
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 £14, it’s a great value option for a cost-effective skincare routine.
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
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.
Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm
Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm
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.
Cultured Biome One Cleansing Balm
Cultured Biome One Cleansing Balm
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.
How we test cleansing balms
We put 18 cleansing balms to the test with the help of over 320 panel members. We asked them to assess the texture on application, and whether it left behind any residue after rinsing with water. We also asked them to note the scent, if present, and whether it enhanced the overall experience. Packaging design was considered too, and whether it made the product easy to dispense from. Most importantly, they evaluated performance of each product, and how effectively it removed makeup and debris.
In the lab, we used a UV camera to assess how well each balm removed stubborn SPF. We also evaluated by eye its ability to lift matte long-wear foundation, eyeliner and liquid lipstick. Each was given a score out of four for each category, before an overall average was calculated.
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.
Can cleansing balms remove whiteheads?
While they don’t specifically target whiteheads, cleansing balms work to remove a build-up of excess oil and sebum in the pores, which can lead to whiteheads.
Are cleansing balms worth it?
If you’re looking for a cleanser that won’t strip your skin, and will leave it feeling hydrated and deeply cleansed, then it’s worth considering a balm. Unlike foaming or gel cleansers, cleansing balms use oils to lift makeup and dirt and avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils.
Who should not use a cleansing balm?
As with all skincare products, it’s important to keep your skin type in mind when choosing your cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, opt for balm that doesn't contain any irritants (such as sulphates, soaps or fragrance) that might cause flare ups.
As cleansing balms are rich in oils and fatty acids, they may not be suitable for people with acne or blemish-prone skin, as these rich ingredients can sometimes clog pores and lead to further breakouts if not washed off properly.
The verdict on cleansing balms
As one of the highest scoring skincare products we've ever tested (yes, ever), it's hard to find fault with our winning Keys Soulcare Balm. It's velvety texture easily lifted makeup and residue off tester's skin.
Elemis Collagen Cleansing balm is a classic, and lines the shelves of many spa's and bathroom cabinets alike. It's the perfect pamper-from-home moment that leaves your skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
Scoring the same 91/100 as the Elemis, but costing nearly five times less, is Q+A's squeezy tube cleansing balm, which impressed our testers for how soft it left their skin.
Juliet has masters degrees in both chemistry and cosmetic science, and has worked in formulation development for both Dove and The Body Shop. She has an in-depth knowledge of ingredients and tests used in the beauty industry, as a result of working in research and development for five years.
She uses this all this experience and learning to test products against their claims in the GHI beauty lab. She loves working with our reader panel directly to hear about their experiences with the many products we test.
