Cleansing balm is one of those skincare products I didn’t know I needed until I put it in action. Now, it’s as essential to my routine as a reliable sunscreen. Like SPF, it plays an important role in keeping my skin healthy. It melts away every trace of makeup (raccoon eyes, begone!), helps prevent clogged pores, and turns washing my face into a ritual I actually look forward to—especially when I’m using one of the seven standout formulas I’ll get to in just a minute.
But first, the basics: "Think of a cleansing balm as the ultimate makeup and grime remover," explains board-certified dermatologist Nicole Ruth, MD. "Unlike traditional gel or foaming cleansers, which can sometimes strip the skin, balms are oil-based and melt into the skin to dissolve even the most stubborn sunscreen and foundation. They’re especially helpful at the end of the day when your skin needs a deep, yet gentle, reset without compromising the moisture barrier."
The best cleansing balms are tailored to your skin type, fit your budget, and feel like a treat to use, whether you prefer fragrance-free or one infused with aromatic essential oils. Ahead, I rounded up the seven best cleansing balms of 2025 after testing countless formulas. I also tapped Dr. Ruth and board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, to answer your top cleansing balm questions. Keep scrolling to shop and learn more.
The Best Cleansing Balms
- Best Cleansing Balm Overall: Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
- Best Korean Cleansing Balm: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
- Best Cleansing Balm on Amazon: BANILA CO Clean it Zero Original Cleansing Balm
We can’t talk about cleansing balms without giving Elemis its flowers or, in this case, crowning it the best of the best. It’s the OG of luxe cleansing balms, launching in 2013 and quickly becoming a staple among celebrities, beauty editors, and skincare lovers. The balm-to-oil texture melts away makeup like it’s nothing, while the essential oil–infused formula delivers a spa-like scent that turns your bathroom into a sanctuary of your very own. It leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated, and never stripped. Plus, it comes in multiple sizes and a fragrance-free version for sensitive skin.
Size: 3.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil (nourishing); Shea butter (soothing); Oat kernel oil (calming); Padina pavonica thallus extract (firming)
What I Love: Indulgent, spa-like scent; Doubles as a nourishing face mask; Comes in multiple sizes, including a fragrance-free version for sensitive skin
What I Don't: Dipping into the jar isn’t the most hygienic experience
Review for MC: "I know it sounds like beauty-editor speak, but using the Elemis Cleansing Balm really is a one-of-a-kind experience. While plenty of balms blur together in terms of texture, this one stands out from the very first swipe. It starts as a thick, buttery balm, and melts into a silky oil as you massage it in, releasing a herbal, spa-like scent that instantly quiets my racing mind and makes me want to savor every second." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm.
The major difference between this Korean cleansing balm and others on our list is its innovative packaging: a twist-to-dispense, grinder-like design that releases product without the need to dip your fingers into a jar. It’s a more hygienic option, without sacrificing any of the makeup-melting, skin-soothing benefits. The formula uses non-comedogenic oils and calming ingredients such as centella asiatica to gently cleanse while supporting the skin barrier.
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Green tea seed oil (soothing); Grape seed oil (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial); Centella asiatica extract (soothing)
What I Love: Hygienic packaging; Sensitive skin-friendly; Brand is TikTok-viral
What I Don't: Hard to tell how much is left, and some say it runs out fast
Review for MC: "I've seen so many beauty lovers wax poetic about Dr. Althea's Relief Cream, and while that's high on my must-try list, it's the brand's cleansing balm that’s already one of my obsessions. It’s the one I always reach for when I travel, largely because of the packaging. As mentioned above, it has a grinder-style top, so it’s basically leak-proof in my luggage. I’m lucky I haven’t had any issues with twist-top lids spilling, but I’d rather not risk that kind of chaos." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm.
This Korean cleansing balm is basically famous on Amazon for its makeup-removing power, mild fruity scent, and wallet-friendly price tag. What really sets it apart is that it comes in multiple versions tailored to different skin types: Pore Clarifying for oily skin, Calming for sensitive, and Nourishing for dry. Still, the OG, pink-packaged formula remains the fan favorite.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (antioxidant); Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extract (anti-inflammatory and soothing); Bamboo stem extract (hydrating)
What I Love: Comes with a spatula to scoop it out; Affordably priced; Mild scent
What I Don't: It can leave your vision cloudy for a little while if it gets in your eyes
Review for MC: "This was one of the first cleansing balms I ever tried, and it made for the perfect introduction to the category. It’s the most affordable pick on my list, melts off makeup as easily as it promises, has a super mild scent, and lasts forever. IMO, if you’re unsure whether you’ll like the texture, this is a great entry point—it’s gentle on all skin types and loved by thousands (myself included)." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm.
If your skin runs dry, Augustinus Bader’s Cleansing Balm might be worth the splurge. It’s made with the brand’s TFC8® complex, which helps support your skin’s natural repair process, along with nourishing ingredients like avocado-olive fruit oil complex and squalane for skin that looks more youthful and feels deeply hydrated. Plus, there's no denying that celeb-loved Augustinus Bader's products are as luxe as they get.
Size: 3.2 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil (nourishing); Squalane and avocado oil (hydrating); Bisabolol (calming and anti-inflammatory); Peptides (firming and repairing)
What I Love: Contains TFC8 (the brand's patented ingredient list for skin renewal); Uses skin-firming peptides; Luxe packaging
What I Don't: One of the priciest cleansing balms on my list
Customer Review: "I'm on my 6th pot of this stuff; it's the best cleansing balm I've ever used. I have dry skin and psoriasis and there's a noticeable difference in the texture/general happiness of my skin when I don't use it. I also like that it emulsifies perfectly; I don't even need the cloth to remove it." — Nordstrom
This fragrance-free cleansing balm is as dependable as the rest of Clinique’s tried-and-true skincare lineup. It starts as a solid and melts into a silky oil that’s gentle on sensitive skin, including the delicate eye area. You can find it just about anywhere, whether you’re placing an Amazon order or browsing the aisles at Ulta.
Size: 3.8 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Safflower seed oil (nourishing); Vitamin E (antioxidant)
What I Love: Fragrance and essential oil-free; A little goes a long way; Widely available
What I Don't: A small number of shoppers mentioned it stung their eyes
Customer Review: "I’ve been using this as my makeup remover for YEARS and it’s a staple for me. If Clinique ever discontinues or changes it I will be incredibly sad. Gets off the toughest makeup with no irritation and leaves my skin soft and smooth." — Sephora
This cleansing balm is as luxurious as it is effective. Its buttery texture melts into skin, powered by clove, eucalyptus, and chamomile oils that cleanse, calm, and decongest. To get the most out of it, the brand recommends a bit of a ritual: massage it onto dry skin, then press the included hot muslin cloth over your face to activate the formula. Gently sweep to lift away makeup and grime, then follow with a cool rinse for skin that feels fresh and smooth.
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Cocoa seed butter (moisturizing); German chamomile flower oil (soothing); eucalyptus essential oil (antimicrobial)
What I Love: A longtime beauty industry favorite; Free of pore-clogging ingredients; Comes with a muslin cloth
What I Don't: Some people don't like its herbal smell
Customer Review: "I’ve been using Eve Lom Cleanser for 20+ years. My mature skin still glows!" — Eve Lom
As Farmacy’s shared with us, one of these cleansing balms sells every six seconds, so if you decide to try it, you’ll be in good company. The formula and packaging recently got a refresh, but its cult-favorite status hasn’t budged. Updates include a switch from synthetic to plant-based waxes to better embody the “Green Clean” name, along with upcycled greens like moringa and arugula for antioxidant protection.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil (nourishing); Papaya fruit extract (gentle exfoliation); Moringa oleifera seed oil and holy basil leaf extract (anti-inflammatory); Arugula leaf extract (antioxidant and soothing)
What I Love: Meets Clean at Sephora standards; Recyclable via the brand's Empties Program; Pairs perfectly with Farmacy’s gel-based cleanser for a second cleanse
What I Don't: Contains dye, which may irritate reactive skin
Customer Review: "I didn’t think Green Clean could get any better, but it has! I’ve been using Green Clean for a long time; it is one product I always have on hand, and I use it every day. I was a little nervous when I saw that it’s been updated, but this works the same or better, in my opinion. It has the same great texture that melts down everything on my face. It doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes and leaves my skin feeling so clean. I love the great, light green, clean scent as well, which is still there!" — Sephora
What Is a Cleansing Balm?
Cleansing balms use emollient oils and waxes to bind to and lift away oil-based impurities. "The concept behind them is very similar to traditional oil cleansing, in which like dissolves like; oils help remove oils from the skin," explains Dr. Lal.
Once you add water, the formula emulsifies into a milky texture that rinses clean, leaving your skin feeling softer and more hydrated than before you washed. They're best used as the first step in a makeup-removal routine because they break down products that water-based cleansers alone can’t fully tackle. Ideally, you’ll want to follow with a water-based cleanser to "make sure you've gotten rid of all the buildup and residue on the skin," he adds.
Is Cleansing Balm Good for All Skin Types?
"Almost everyone can benefit from a cleansing balm unless you have acne-prone skin," says Dr. Ruth, who adds, "I wouldn’t recommend an oil-based cleanser or any occlusive topical." These types of formulas can sometimes clog pores and, in turn, worsen breakouts, especially for those with acne-prone skin. But that doesn't make them off-limits for reactive skin across the board; Dr. Lal notes they're often gentle enough for sensitive types since they're typically free of potent actives like exfoliating acids and retinoids.
Can I Use a Cleansing Balm Daily?
Yes, you can absolutely use a cleansing balm daily. The best time to reach for it is in the evening, when your skin needs a thorough cleanse after a day of makeup, SPF, and grime. These formulas are made to melt away even the most stubborn products—waterproof mascara, long-wear eyeliner, you name it—which is why it makes more sense to use them at night rather than in the morning, when makeup removal typically isn’t necessary.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Beauty writer Marisa Petrarca brings nearly a decade of expertise to this story and has researched and tested countless cleansing balms over the years. For this piece, she consulted two board-certified dermatologists for expert insight and personally tested select products. Each balm was evaluated for ingredient quality, ease of use, and how well it removed makeup.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Nicole Ruth is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist practicing at Weiser Skin MD, specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
Karan Lal, DO, is a double board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in pediatrics and adult dermatology, laser surgery, and soft tissue filler augmentation.
