These 7 Cleansing Balms Put My Makeup Wipes to Shame

Same affordable price, less tugging and irritation.

best cleansing balms 2025
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

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

Marisa Petrarca using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm.

(Image credit: Future)

Marisa Petrarca using the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm.

(Image credit: Marisa Petrarca)

Marisa Petrarca using the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm.

(Image credit: Marisa Petrarca)

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.

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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
Dr. Nicole Ruth

Dr. Nicole Ruth is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist practicing at Weiser Skin MD, specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

dermatologist headshot
Dr. Karan Lal

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.

Marisa Petrarca
Freelance Beauty Writer

Marisa Petrarca is a writer and editor based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, specializing in beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle. She previously served as the Senior Beauty and Fashion Editor at Grazia USA and Beauty and Style Editor at Us Weekly. Her expertise spans breaking beauty news, shopping roundups, product reviews, and explainer articles on popular topics in skin, makeup, and aesthetics. Her work has been featured in PS, Cosmopolitan, Allure, NewBeauty, InStyle, and The Zoe Report, among others. Marisa holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Wagner College. Follow her on Instagram @Marisa Petrarca.