We Tried Dozens of Cleansing Balms, These Got Off Every Speck of Sunscreen and Mascara (2025)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Safflower seed oil | Size: 1, 3.8, 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We had zero, zilch, no complaints about this beloved cleansing balm. The formula is rock hard and solid in the jar, but run your finger through it, and it melts into a beautiful, silky texture. It also glides across skin beautifully, dissolving makeup in seconds. Plus, there’s no greasy residue left behind; in fact, it actually left our tester's skin supremely soft and balanced, another one of our favorite attributes. And finally, the fact that it’s fragrance-free was another win, especially for our tester with sensitive skin, who noted that synthetic fragrances often trigger irritation.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor with sensitive skin: “From the moment I tried this cleansing balm for the first time, I was instantly hooked by its soft, luxurious feel and how it swiftly removes makeup without drying or irritating my skin. But perhaps the best testament to this product is the fact that I allowed each of my friends to try it one night while on a girls’ trip, and every single one of them purchased it the next morning because of how soft their skin still felt when they woke up hours later.”

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba seed oil | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For an affordable cleansing balm that really works, look no further than Garnier’s Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm. Our tester tested this formula several times over two weeks—including on eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, foundation, and matte lipstick—and found that every time, it removed almost all traces of even the most stubborn pigments with just one application. In particular, this balm’s texture and finish stood out. When she applied it to a dry face and rubbed it with her fingers in circular motions, it quickly melted into a creamy oil. When she removed it with a washcloth and warm water, her dry skin felt exceptionally clean and hydrated (thank its hyaluronic acid-rich formula for that!). While our tester didn't notice any greasy residue, it's worth noting that some online reviewers mentioned it. A bonus: It’s also fragrance-free, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin, and noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.

Lastly, its larger size—a 4.2-ounce jar—makes it an even better value for its less than $15 price point. Snap up this drugstore staple ASAP.

Avery, tester: “I was incredibly impressed with this formula’s performance and finish, especially for the price—it removed heavy eye makeup with one application and left my skin feeling moisturized and squeaky clean. I’d buy it again, no question.”

Key Ingredients: Olive fruit extract, sea buckthorn, grapeseed oil | Size: 2.1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yes, as a general rule of thumb, cleansing balms are typically recommended for those with normal to dry skin since they're rich in oils. But this one proved to be a solid choice, even for those with more oily skin. Case in point: Our oily-skinned tester, who typically shies away from cleansing balms, raved about how beautifully this one worked, leaving skin feeling moisturized but never greasy. The silky, buttery texture dissolved makeup extremely well, with minimal effort required,and also didn’t cause any irritation.

Dominique Hobdy, senior editor with oily skin: “My disheveled, post-pool makeup was completely wiped away without much effort. I struggle with really oily skin and sensitive eyes, so I tend to steer clear of cleansing balms. But, I used this one on smudged waterproof mascara close to my lash line and didn’t get irritated at all. My face felt moisturized but not oily.”

Key Ingredients: Sea buckthorn oil, olive oil, vitamin E | Size: 3.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sea buckthorn, olive oil, and vitamin E are only a few of the moisturizing ingredients in this winner. We were especially big fans of the creamy texture, which made the whole face washing experience feel that much more luxurious. The fruity scent was a nice bonus, too, and we couldn’t get over how well it dissolved a full face of makeup. However, you may want to follow this one up with a regular face wash; it left behind a bit of residue that we felt warranted a second cleanse to remove fully.

Shannon Stubbs, writer with dry skin: “This is a lot more nourishing than using a micellar water or liquid makeup remover and it feels healthier for my skin since I don’t have to do a lot of harsh rubbing.”

Key Ingredients: Elderberry and starflower oils | Size: 0.7, 1.7, 3.5, 7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We quickly joined the long list of devotees who can’t get enough of this luxe cleansing balm. Rich and thick, it stays put on your skin, making it easy to massage in and let it do its cleansing thing. To that point, this took off everything from stubborn makeup to even glitter, leaving skin feeling both totally clean and extremely moisturized, not at all stripped (no easy feat). We appreciate that the velvety texture spreads and cleanses effectively without tugging at the skin, making it a great option for those with mature skin. Plus, the nourishing formula gives mature skin, which can lack moisture, an extra boost of hydration.

Our one minor complaint: It’s definitely on the more expensive side, so it is a bit of an investment. That being said, you do get a good amount for the price (it also comes in four sizes), and using it is a luxurious experience, heightened even more by the elevated, herbal scent.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director with combination/sensitive skin: “I’m obsessed with the texture of this balm. It feels so smooth and comforting on the skin as you rub it in, truly like a mini facial”

Key Ingredients: Sunflower and ginger root oils, papaya enzymes | Size: 1.7, 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For those seeking a cleansing balm to remove everyday grime and minimal makeup, this is a great option. It did a nice job of removing SPF, oil, and complexion makeup, although we felt it could be a bit better at removing eye makeup. It has a softer consistency than some of our other winners; this is part of what makes it so easy to move across the skin, where it can break down dirt and grime. However, it also does skew a bit oily, so if you already have oily skin to begin with, just keep in mind that you may not love how this feels after the fact. Still, if your complexion is drier, it is extremely soothing. We also appreciate that it contains papaya enzymes to provide gentle exfoliation.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor with sensitive skin: “I’ve used plenty of cleansing balms and makeup removers over the years, but this is the one I keep going back to. It dissolves every trace of makeup and long-lasting SPF while softening my skin and preparing it for the rest of my skincare routine. It’s a product that I look forward to using each evening."

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, rose myrtle, squalene | Size: 3.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A cleansing balm can present some challenges when traveling. Most options on this list are jar formulas, which can be slightly imprecise (or even a bit messy!) to apply on the go. Enter Futurewise’s Face Melt Cleansing Balm, which comes in an exceptionally portable tube that’s a TSA-friendly 3.38 ounces. While this formula isn’t as solid or salve-like as others right out of the packaging—it’s thinner and milkier—it quickly melts into a true oil that feels light and refreshing on the skin.

When our tester tried this product on eye makeup, face makeup, and lipstick, she found that it was effective at removing the brunt of stubborn pigment but also required double cleansing with a water-based formula to target any remaining residue. However, its fragrance-free formula left her skin feeling clean and refreshed; we’d recommend it to anyone seeking a cleansing balm they can throw in their purse or carry-on bag.

Avery, tester: “This product is exceptionally easy to use on the go, thanks to its carry-on-friendly size and tube packaging. Though it required a double-cleanse to target some remaining makeup residue, it left my dry, reactive skin feeling clean, calm, and hydrated.”

FAQ

• How do cleansing balms work?

  Dr. Castilla says cleansing balms use oils and emollients to remove dirt and makeup from the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Plus, the oils in cleansing balms are better able to break down heavy makeup than traditional liquid makeup removers, making them great options if you’re wearing waterproof formulas, she adds.

• Are cleansing balms good for people with all skin types?

  Contrary to popular belief, they actually are—with one caveat. Cleansing balms are great makeup removal options, regardless of your skin type, says Dr. Castilla. However, if you have oily skin, she suggests implementing a double cleansing routine and following up with their regular cleanser after using a cleansing balm. If your skin is normal to dry, you should be able to get away with just using a cleansing balm as a standalone.