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9 Best Cleansing Balms Worth a Look
Published 08/29/2026
Cleansing balms are supposed to melt makeup and sunscreen without the squeaky tightness of a foaming wash. Plenty still leave a film, sting eyes, or refuse to emulsify in hard water. We looked for balms that actually dissolve longwear makeup and rinse clean enough for a second cleanse. Below, nine cleansing balms that earn a spot in a double-cleanse routine.
Our top picks
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Side-by-side tradeoffs for this shortlist, best for, format, skin fit, Edyt score, and notes. Same picks; swipe sideways to compare.
Our picks, explained
Best overall
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Original Cleansing Balm
K-beauty cleansing balm benchmark for a soft first cleanse.
The K-beauty balm default, a melt-away first cleanse when sunscreen and light makeup need a soft start.
Why it makes the list
- K-beauty cleansing balm benchmark for a soft first cleanse.
- K-beauty option with a different texture and acid blend than drugstore defaults.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
Best prestige classic
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Prestige balm for face and eye makeup melt without fragrance drama.
The prestige classic balm, dissolving face and eye makeup when you want a familiar department-store melt.
Why it makes the list
- Prestige balm for face and eye makeup melt without fragrance drama.
- The prestige classic balm, dissolving face and eye makeup when you want a familiar department-store melt.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
Best waterproof melt
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Cult waterproof makeup remover balm with strong melt power.
The waterproof melt balm, strong enough for stubborn makeup when lighter balms leave mascara behind.
Why it makes the list
- Cult waterproof makeup remover balm with strong melt power.
- The waterproof melt balm, strong enough for stubborn makeup when lighter balms leave mascara behind.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
Best spa balm
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Richer 3-in-1 facial cleanser balm with a spa-leaning feel.
The spa-leaning balm, a richer melt when you want cleanse and a treated-skin feel in one step.
Why it makes the list
- Richer 3-in-1 facial cleanser balm with a spa-leaning feel.
- The spa-leaning balm, a richer melt when you want cleanse and a treated-skin feel in one step.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
Best K-beauty value
HEIMISH All Clean Balm
K-beauty value balm that handles waterproof eye makeup.
The K-beauty value melt, reliable on eye makeup when you want Banila-adjacent performance.
Why it makes the list
- K-beauty value balm that handles waterproof eye makeup.
- K-beauty option with a different texture and acid blend than drugstore defaults.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
Best drugstore
e.l.f. Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Budget melting balm for drugstore makeup melt.
The drugstore melt, hydrating-leaning cleanse when prestige balms feel too spendy for nightly use.
Why it makes the list
- Budget melting balm for drugstore makeup melt.
- Easy drugstore find when you want something simple to repurchase.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
Best butter cleanser
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
Gentle camomile cleansing butter for soft makeup dissolve.
The butter-cleanser classic, a soft melt when you want camomile-leaning gentle removal.
Why it makes the list
- Gentle camomile cleansing butter for soft makeup dissolve.
- The butter-cleanser classic, a soft melt when you want camomile-leaning gentle removal.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
Best cult original
EVE LOM Original Balm Cleanser
Cult original balm cleanser for the classic muslin-cloth ritual.
The cult original, a dense balm cleanse when you want the classic cloth-and-balm routine.
Why it makes the list
- Cult original balm cleanser for the classic muslin-cloth ritual.
- Cult classic people still repurchase for a reason.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
Best pharmacy melt
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm
Fragrance-free pharmacy melting balm for aisle makeup removal.
The pharmacy melt, fragrance-free when you want balm removal next to the face wipes aisle.
Why it makes the list
- Fragrance-free pharmacy melting balm for aisle makeup removal.
- The pharmacy melt, fragrance-free when you want balm removal next to the face wipes aisle.
What to keep in mind
- Melts makeup; most still need a second water-based cleanse for a fully clean face.
How we made this list
We shortlisted 9 picks for cleansing balms. Each one had to clear the same bar: a clear job fit, an Edyt Score from our editorial breakdown, and enough brand diversity that the list isn’t one house repeated seven times.
- Define the job. Cleansing balms are supposed to melt makeup and sunscreen without the squeaky tightness of a foaming wash.
- Diversify brands. One hero SKU per brand unless a second lane clearly earns its spot.
- Score the formula. Rankings use Edyt’s editorial breakdown (ingredients, target fit, finish, and use case).
- Cut near-clones. When two SKUs told the same story, we kept the stronger score or clearer use case.
FAQ
Who are cleansing balms for?
Anyone removing sunscreen, mascara, or longwear makeup who wants an oil-leaning first cleanse. Very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a lighter balm or gel oil and a thorough second cleanse.
How did Edyt Beauty score these picks?
We weighted melt power on makeup and SPF, rinse clarity, fragrance load, jar size value, and whether the formula is a true balm vs a butter-cleanser hybrid.
How do the top picks compare?
Banila Co and Heimish lead K-beauty balms; Clinique and Elemis cover prestige melt; Farmacy Green Clean is the cult waterproof remover; e.l.f. and Neutrogena handle drugstore; Eve Lom and Body Shop round out classic butter balms.
Is this medical advice?
Edyt Beauty ranks over-the-counter products for comfort and formula fit only. This is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. see a clinician for flares, infection, or anything that does not improve.
Where should I buy them?
Use the Buy buttons on this page when a product is in stock. Prices and availability can change. Check the ingredient list before you buy (formulas change).
This is general beauty guidance, not medical advice. Patch-test new products if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from links on this page. Prices and availability change.