Cleansing Balms Are Our New Favorite Makeup Remover
Removing makeup will never be the same!
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We'll be the first to tell you that we love the convenience of makeup-remover wipes, but the truth is that they're not actually all that great for your skin. Between foundation, dirt, and pollution, it's tough to remove every layer with just one sweep of a wipe. But who wants to spend all night hunched over the bathroom sink washing their face?
Enter cleansing balms! This style of cleanser usually features a solid formula that turns into a liquid upon contact with fingertips and skin. It's weird at first, but you'll soon love how easy it is to apply, and you'll really love how quickly makeup dissolves and rinses off. It's best to still follow up with a cleanser to remove every trace of debris from the day, but cleansing balms are an amazing alternative to face wipes that work just as quickly.
For us, they've made it realistic to keep up with a double-cleansing routine ... and our skin is so thankful! Here are some of the best options worth giving a try.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Of all the cleansing balms we've tried, this is hands-down our favorite. Refinery 29 and Allure love it, too! It's made with naturally derived ingredients, like sunflower and gingerroot oils, that melt away makeup without drying out skin. Trust us when we say your face will feel sparkling clean. And while not cheap, the jar does last forever.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Even waterproof mascara washes right off with this cleansing balm! Along with removing makeup, it acts as a deep cleanser and exfoliator that's packed with complexion-improving ingredients, like active botanicals, hot-spring water, vitamin C, and vitamin E. According to Glamour, one sells every 3.1 seconds!
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm falls on the pricier end, but if you've ever tried Elemis products, you know the luxurious experience is worth every penny. The key ingredients — almond oil, elderberry oil, starflower oil, and mediterranean algae — leave skin feeling moisturized and sparkling clean. Each jar also comes with a cleansing cloth.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
From Clinique's popular Take the Day Off line, there's this cleansing balm that's designed to clear away seriously stubborn products — like eye makeup and even sunscreen. It's also fragrance-free and nonacnegenic, making it a good choice for those who have sensitive skin.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser and Bamboo Booster
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser and Bamboo Booster
Who doesn't love two products for the price of one? Drunk Elephant's cleansing balm washes away makeup, while also treating skin to antioxidant-rich kiwi and strawberry seed extracts.
As a bonus, you'll also get the Bamboo Booster, which is an exfoliator made with bamboo and charcoal powder that can be used up to twice a week. Our favorite part? The spatula is magnetic, and clings to the lid for easy storage!
Pond's Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm
Pond's Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm
Consider this the solid version of Pond's popular cold cream. Like the OG, it dissolves makeup with little effort, and it works as both a cleanser and a moisturizer at the same time. You'll love the budget-conscious price tag, too.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
The best part about this cleansing balm is that unlike a makeup-remover wipe or basic face wash, it infuses skin with collagen, peptides, and antioxidants while rinsing off foundation at the end of the day. The balm also contains an anti-aging serum. We love a multitasking product!
Ashley is the beauty and style editor at BestProducts.com, and her work has been featured on Cosmopolitan and Town and Country. She has an obsession with designer handbags, Liberty prints, 1960s fashion, and owns more shoes than she’s willing to admit. She's been using her learnings from owning a boutique and her shopping addiction for good since 2015. She’ll never accept that black isn’t a color. Away from the computer, you’ll likely find the Texas native binging on a British period drama or theorizing over Game of Thrones. She has yet to find a real cup of queso in NYC.
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