10 of the best cleansing balms

Last Updated 28/03/2024

Cleansing balms are becoming more and more popular thanks to their wonderfully deep-cleansing yet hydrating properties. Discover our edit of the best cleansing balms below, as well as some top application tips.

What is a cleansing balm?

Cleansing balms tend to be much more hydrating and gentler on the skin than other cleansing formulations such as gels.

Made from a blend of oils, they transform upon application on the skin, helping to break down makeup, impurities and sunscreen without irritating the skin or making it feel uncomfortable.

They're perfect for sensitive, dry and dehydrated skin types as they are super luxurious and nourishing.

How do I use cleansing balms?

Cleansing balms need to be massaged into the skin for a minute or two, as this will help break down their oils so that all makeup and impurities are "grabbed".

They're best paired with a warm cloth as this helps to remove all of the balm so no residue is left behind.

What are the best cleansing balms?

10 of the best cleansing balms

2. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm 125ml

957

RRP: ~~£34.00~~Current price: £27.20

This silky cleansing balm is a solid balm that turns into oil upon contact with the skin. It works to melt makeup away gently, yet effectively without leaving the complexion feeling oily or heavy. This nourishing balm is ideal for easily irritated skin as it is lightweight and fragrance-free.

3. Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm 95ml

£36.00

Indulge in the velvety, whipped texture of the Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm, designed to help provide long-lasting nourishment and hydration to the skin. Infused with a blend of jojoba, sunflower and moringa oils that work to deeply condition the complexion whilst removing makeup and impurities.

4. Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

104

£36.00

Massage away dirt, waterproof makeup and sunscreen with the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, Plus, this cleanser even arrives with exfoliating bamboo spheres, which can be added into the formula to help exfoliate and refine with instant clarifying action giving you an option of adding exfoliating bamboo spheres into the balm for deeper clarifying action. Topped with fruit extracts and fatty acids that work to brighten the complexion and restore radiance.

5. The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm 150ml

1815

RRP: ~~£12.00~~Current price: £8.95

A skin-comforting cleansing balm that works to gently dissolve makeup and remove SPF, oil and impurities. This cleansing balm is designed to protect the skin’s moisture barrier and works to resist stripping or drying out the complexion. Packed with Colloidal Oatmeal to help soothe and comfort dry, tight or sensitive skin and reduce the appearance of redness.

6. Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Cleansing Balm 100g

£13.00

Reveal your inner radiance with the Glow Hub Nourish and Hydrate Cleansing Balm. Enriched with a blend of peach and coconut oils that work to moisturise the skin, the gentle formula leaves skin feeling hydrated and comfortable. Infused with hero skin ingredient, hyaluronic acid, to promote plumper-looking, dewy skin after the balm has been washed away – along with the day!

8. Eve Lom Cleanser 100ml

227

£65.00

This ultra-hydrating cleansing balm has a unique formula, which not only helps to remove makeup and impurities, but also works to detoxify the skin. It contains clove oil to help clarify, while chamomile, cocoa butter and hops help to soften, smoothen and promote a glowing complexion.

9. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Professional Cleansing Cloth 100g

309

£52.00

Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm is perfect to use if you have dull or dehydrated skin as it is enriched with a blend of brightening essential oils, including mandarin, jasmine, rose and orange. The balm also contains the brand's signature ingredient moringa, which helps to shield against environmental aggressors and skin damage. The balm comes complete with a professional cleansing cloth, making this the ultimate cleansing routine.

10. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 50ml

256

£8.30

This gentle cleanser works to effectively remove makeup without drying out the skin. The Squalane Cleanser from The Ordinary is gentle enough for daily use unlike other makeup removers, as this effective emollient hydrates the skin and helps to protect the natural moisture barrier to prevent drying and tightness.

Tara Stevenson-Smith Writer and expert

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been interested in all things beauty as I used to watch my mum do her makeup and hair all the time and then I would try and use her products! I now love finding the best beauty buys out there and then recommending them to my friends and family to find out there experience with using them. To me the beauty industry has no limits, you can use different products or even just one product to create a variety of looks and through using different tools it can be made into an experience tailored to you. For me, perfecting my base is my fave thing to do and play around with, as I like it to last me all day whilst still looking flawless! So a handful of high quality products that I can rely on to achieve my natural yet airbrushed effect daily look is an essential as it gives me the confidence to be bold. As I am always trying and testing out new foundations, concealers, powders, primers and setting sprays I feel like I have a handle on the best makeup products out there. I am an advocate in using products that make you feel FANTASTIC as well as LOOKING FANTASTIC! I am currently loving the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in the shade 'Orgasm' as it adds the perfect sheen of colour onto my lips whilst also moisturising them!

10 of the best cleansing balms

What is a cleansing balm?

How do I use cleansing balms?

What are the best cleansing balms?

10 of the best cleansing balms

2. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm 125ml

3. Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm 95ml

4. Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

5. The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm 150ml

6. Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Cleansing Balm 100g

8. Eve Lom Cleanser 100ml

9. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Professional Cleansing Cloth 100g

10. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 50ml

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