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There are plenty of face washes out there, but the best cleansing balms stand out for their impressive makeup-melting abilities and skin-softening effects. This type of oil-based face wash is meant to be the first step in your double-cleansing routine, serving as the clean-up crew for sunscreen and stubborn makeup—they’re basically the reason our white washcloths stay pristine. Solid and dense, cleansing balms tend to contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, grapeseed oil, glycerin, and vitamin E to leave skin feeling soft and bouncy once you rinse, whether you follow with a different water-based cleanser or not.
Below, we tapped board-certified dermatologists to learn more about how to find a cleansing balm you’ll look forward to using every night. Plus, shop our editors’ all-time favorites for washing makeup down the drain.
Our Top Cleansing Balms
- Best Overall: Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm, $39
- Best for Oily Skin: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, $39
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, $44
- Best Makeup Remover: Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm, $21
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How are cleansing balms different from traditional facial cleansers?
- How do I use a cleansing balm?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
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Farmacy
Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann using the Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Sarah Hoffmann
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen using the Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: Is it possible that washing your face could actually be fun? Farmacy's Green Clean Cleansing Balm, a 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner, certainly makes a case. The cleanser “has a really satisfying balm-to-oil texture that makes taking your makeup off feel so easy and luxurious,” says Morgana Colombo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reston, Virginia. As you massage it onto dry skin, “you're never tugging or scrubbing," she says.
And melting away every trace of makeup is just the beginning. Sunflower seed oil helps nourish and soften skin, while papaya extract helps loosen dead skin cells so they wash away more easily, leaving skin looking fresh and glowy. It also includes a blend of moringa and holy basil extracts for antioxidant support. Just keep in mind that this formula contains essential oils, so i your skin is easily irritated, try the fragrance-free version instead.
Hoffmann before using the Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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“Few products completely remove every trace of makeup quite like Farmacy's Green Clean Cleansing Balm. My skin is generally pretty clear, but when I'm not washing my face properly, my skin is quick to let me know that it's angry with me. This balm provides such a thorough, gentle cleanse that it's never made my skin unhappy.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“Waterproof mascara? No problem. Casty, mineral sunscreen? Easy, peasy! Summertime grime? You bet Farmacy's cleansing balm can remove it—and remove it quickly with ease. Trust me, as someone who has tried to smear off all of the above (and more!), there's nothing this buttery, melt-in-your-hands cleanser—made with sunflower and moringa oils and papaya extract—can't handle. I love it after a long day at the office where a full face beat is the norm, or after an incredibly stinky, sweaty workout. It removes everything in seconds, leaves skin with a smooth (not tacky) finish, and makes for the perfect first step in my double-cleansing routine.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, papaya extract, moringa seed oil, holy basil extract
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Redness: The Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser
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The Inkey List
Oat Balm Cleanser
Amazon
Shop
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the The Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser
Christa Joanna Lee
Kinonen using the The Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: If you've spent time evening out your skin tone with makeup, the last thing you want is to make your skin even more red trying to take it all off. The Inkey List’s Oat Cleansing Balm is especially gentle on sensitive skin, with a rich, milky texture that glides on easily and dissolves makeup without all the rubbing and tugging that can make redness worse. A big reason it's so soothing? The 2026 Best of Beauty Award-winning formula contains 5% oat kernel oil, which is rich in fatty acids that help calm irritation and reduce the appearance of redness. It's joined by sweet almond oil, sunflower seed wax, and jojoba esters, which soften and condition skin so it doesn't feel tight after rinsing. And because sensitive skin can also be more vulnerable to environmental stressors, the balm contains antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn oil to help protect against free-radical damage that can contribute to irritation.
Lee before using the The Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after using the The Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“My skin is naturally prone to redness, but it's been even more reactive lately now that I've been using tretinoin more often. I was genuinely surprised by how well The Inkey List’s Oat Cleansing Balm removed my stubborn eye makeup, which usually takes a little extra effort to get off. It even passed my white towel test with flying colors—not a trace of makeup left behind. I almost felt like I could skip my second cleanse, but I still follow up with a gentle cleanser for a little extra TLC. The texture is definitely milkier than your typical cleansing balm. My only small complaint is the packaging: The oils tend to separate and settle toward the cap, so sometimes the product leaks out in storage. I've learned to store the tube on its side, and if you're using it for the first time, I'd recommend giving the tube a little massage to mix everything back together before squeezing it out.” —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer
Tester feedback from Kinonen
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"I remember when The Inkey List's Oat Balm Cleanser first came out in 2020. It defied the category with its tube packaging, $10 price tag, and ability to smear off a face full of makeup in seconds. I loved it! But after the brand reformulated its star earlier this year, I fear I love it even more! It's lighter—now with a touch more oil—for an easier bottle squeeze. It still removes everything (makeup, sunscreen, and New York City grime) in seconds, sits nicely on my shower shelf with ease, and is priced under $20 (now $17, thanks, inflation). It's the same…but better." —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 5% oat kernel oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower seed wax, jojoba esters, sea buckthorn oil
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Oily Skin: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
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Then I Met You
Living Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Shop
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Sarah Han
Less than a year after its launch in 2018, Then I Met You’s Living Cleansing Balm won an Allure Best of Beauty Award (meaning we loved it at first scoop). The brand, founded by Soko Glam cofounder and frequent Allure K-beauty expert Charlotte Cho, actually debuted with this very product as part of a two-step cleansing duo—but it does the trick on its own, too. The golden-yellow balm gets its sunny hue from sea buckthorn oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that soften skin.
Olive and grapeseed oils do much of the makeup-removing work, dissolving everything from waterproof mascara to sunscreen as the buttery balm melts into a silky oil. It also includes persimmon extract, which has antioxidant properties and brightens dull-looking skin, plus vitamin E to defend skin from free-radical damage. One thing to keep in mind if your skin is sensitive: The formula contains fragrant essential oils, including grapefruit, rosemary, and rosewood, so it's worth patch-testing first.
Han before applying the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“In the years since it launched (2018!), Then I Met You's Best of Beauty-winning Living Cleansing Balm has undoubtedly remained my ultimate. I always have at least one, maybe two, backups on hand—it's just that good. It breaks down my toughest makeup without irritating my eyes, leaves my skin feeling so nourished and soft post-rinse, and each sea buckthorn- and persimmon-infused scoop (the reason the balm is yellow!) smells divine—so much so, that other cleansing balms that smell waxy are an immediate turnoff.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sea buckthorn oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, persimmon extract, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dry Skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
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Elemis
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Lee using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: The best-selling Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a great pick for dry or mature skin, particularly if fine lines and wrinkles are a concern. That's largely thanks to its ability to replenish moisture, says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Newport Beach, California.“This balm combines elderberry and rose oils to effectively dissolve makeup and sunscreen while leaving the skin soft and hydrated,” she says. For added conditioning, this nourishing cleansing balm also contains antioxidant vitamin E and moisture-sealing shea butter, which is why Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas, also considers herself a fan of this cleanser. “If you want to splurge on an experience and use a product that does the job, too, then go for this,” she says.
Lee before using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I use the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm even on days I’m not wearing much makeup because the formula just makes my skin feel so soft and nourished. It has this gorgeous slip that makes it really satisfying to massage in—and when I am wearing a ton of SPF or waterproof makeup, it’s the perfect first step in my double cleanse.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: elderberry oil, rose oil, shea butter, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
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Clinique
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Clinique's Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm has been showing us how it's done for at least 20 years, proving that you don't need a laundry list of ingredients to get results. “It’s simple, yet incredibly effective,” says Sejal Shah MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.In fact, this 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner has just nine, including safflower seed oil, which helps dissolve stubborn makeup and sunscreen while leaving skin soft and comfortable. Caprylic/capric triglyceride (a lightweight, coconut-derived, oil-like ingredient) helps break down makeup, so you don't have to tug at your skin, and there's also vitamin E for an antioxidant boost. What you won't find are added fragrances or essential oils that can irritate sensitive skin. “It rinses away without leaving a heavy oily film, which is important if you're someone who doesn't like that residue from some cleansing balms,” says Dr. Shah. And because it's allergy-tested and ophthalmologist-tested, you can tackle stubborn eye makeup without worrying about a harsh cleansing formula.
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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“The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is chef’s kiss for melting away every trace of makeup—even the stubborn stuff, like waterproof mascara. It transforms from a silky balm to a gentle oil, leaving your skin clean, but never stripped.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: safflower oil, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid
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Garnier
Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Don't let the playful turquoise color of Garnier's Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid fool you: This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner takes makeup removal seriously. Massage it onto dry skin, and you can practically watch stubborn eyeliner and mascara disappear. Ethylhexyl palmitate, an oil-like ingredient, instantly dissolves makeup, so if washing your face isn't exactly your favorite part of the day (same), you won't have to spend forever at the sink. And while some cleansers leave you reaching for moisturizer the second you rinse them off, this one contains shea butter and jojoba oil to keep skin soft and comfortable. There's also sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid that draws in moisture to keep skin hydrated even after you've washed everything away.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“Cleansing your face should be simple. This balm is exactly that: A no-frills formula that breaks down makeup as it slides across my face. It dissolves my waterproof makeup and sunscreen in seconds, leaving my skin clean and soft (without that filmy residue that some balms can leave behind)." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ethylhexyl palmitate, shea butter, jojoba oil, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Makeup Removal: Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
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Banila Co.
Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Calming
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Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Back in 2018, we reported that one tub of Banila Co's Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm was sold every three seconds. Fast-forward to 2025, which became the year the K-beauty favorite surpassed 90 million units sold worldwide. Clearly, people are still scooping it up. While the brand has since expanded its lineup to address different skin concerns, we're partial to the Original. The soft, sherbet-like balm seamlessly melts into a silky oil that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. “It has such a soft, milky texture that leaves skin smoother and more hydrated,” Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. Beyond its makeup-removing abilities, the formula contains bamboo extract to soothe skin, plus antioxidant-rich acerola cherry extract and vitamin E to defend against environmental stressors that can contribute to premature signs of aging.
Tester feedback from Han
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“Banila Co Clean It Zero is the blueprint for cleansing balms. It melts upon contact with my skin, and I can massage it—even around my eyes, which need the most attention when I'm wearing liquid eye shadow—without tugging my skin at all. (No premature wrinkles, please!) ”It has vitamin C-rich acerola extract for a little brightening boost, but don't expect much from any cleanser. (That's what serums are for!) I will note: If you're sensitive to added fragrance, check out one of the SEVEN other variations of Clean It Zero—such as Cica-Relief Calming." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from Lee
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“Some cleansing balms, you just know from the second they hit your skin that they’re going to be a good fit, and Banila Co’s Clean It Zero (the original pink one!) is one of them for me. The solid balm gets sooo melty almost immediately, transforming into such a silky oil that it’s hard to believe it started solid in the first place. I’m already on my third tub even with a shelf of cleansing balms to choose from, which says plenty. I get very irked if my face cleansers leave my skin too squeaky after cleansing, but this does none of that. And, importantly, it passes my white-towel test—there’s hardly any makeup residue left behind, save for the little bit my second cleanse takes care of.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: bamboo extract, acerola cherry extract, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
How are cleansing balms different from traditional facial cleansers?
Cleansing balms are oil-based formulas that can break down stubborn makeup, SPF, and excess oil more easily than your usual gel face wash alone. They’re "a great first step for removing makeup [and sunscreen] before using a traditional cleanser to clean the pores out effectively," explains board-certified dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Due to their gentler, moisturizing nature, these balmy cleansers are ideal makeup remover options for those with dry skin and eczema, Dr. Akhavan says. (Just make sure you opt for a fragrance-free option if you have sensitive skin.)
How do I use a cleansing balm?
Application-wise, Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, previously recommended massaging cleansing balms "three times around the face with gentle pressure." After a thorough massage, splash on some warm or cool (never hot) water to emulsify before washing it all off. Or, you can use a clean, wet washcloth to gently wipe away the product. Complete your double-cleansing routine with a water-based face wash, and you'll notice how clean your skin looks and feels.
Meet the experts
- Arash Akhavan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at the Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Newport Beach, California
- Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Smarter Skin Dermatology based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best cleansing balms, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
