We evaluated 18 cleansing balms over six months, testing on all skin types and makeup intensities to bring you honest, data-backed picks.
This fragrance-free balm melts away even stubborn waterproof makeup without tugging or leaving a greasy film. It rinses clean and suits all skin types, including sensitive.
A K-beauty favorite that quickly dissolves makeup and sunscreen with a sherbet-like texture. It emulsifies well and leaves skin soft, though the fragrance may bother very sensitive users.
This balm uses sunflower and ginger root oils to break down makeup while feeling lightweight. It has a subtle citrus scent and rinses without residue, but the jar packaging can be messy.
A luxurious balm infused with essential oils that feels like a spa treatment and removes makeup effectively. It's pricey and the strong scent may not suit everyone, but it leaves skin nourished.
This balm features a sorbet-like texture and a blend of oils that effectively removes makeup while soothing skin. It's slightly more expensive per ounce and has a strong natural scent.
This charcoal-infused version targets oily and congested skin while removing makeup effectively. It's slightly more drying than the original, so dry skin types should use with caution.
A butter-like balm that melts into an oil to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, with a bamboo booster for gentle exfoliation. It can leave a slight residue if not rinsed thoroughly, and the scent is divisive.
An affordable drugstore option that effectively removes makeup and includes ceramides to support the skin barrier. It's not as luxurious in texture and may require more product to remove heavy makeup.
A budget-friendly balm that melts away makeup and leaves skin feeling hydrated, thanks to hyaluronic acid and ceramides. The texture is slightly grainier than higher-end options, but it performs well for the price.
This affordable balm uses eucalyptus and clove leaf oils to dissolve makeup, but the strong scent may irritate sensitive skin. It emulsifies well and leaves skin soft, though not ideal for reactive skin types.
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