Looking for the best cleanser and don't know where to start? We hear you. The cleansing world is a nuanced place, boasting options for every single skin type, so whether you are oily, combination, dry or normal, there is something out there for you. But that's a simple way of looking at it. As one of the most important steps in your skincare routine – it removes all kinds of build up, dirt and make-up to leave behind a clean and balanced, primed for subsequent products – particular consideration should be made for the texture of your cleanser, too. There are all manners of milks, oils and foams out there, and picking the right one will depend on your skin's condition. But the one texture guaranteed to please everyone? Cleansing balms.
What is a cleansing balm?
Very similar to the best oil cleansers we know and love - this nourishing, deep working cleansing texture works as a two-in-one to remove every trace of make-up and daily build up while thoroughly cleansing the skin simultaneously. Starting off as solid formula, the balmy texture soon begins to break down with the warmth of your hands and, when emulsified with water, usually transforms into a silky oil or soft milk as the formula is activated.
They successfully remove dirt and impurities, dissolving every last trace of make-up - and in most instances, all without stripping the skin of good oils or good bacteria; instead, they actually nourish and protect the skin’s barrier. Plus, the luxurious, thick texture encourages you to take a bit of time out for yourself to indulge in a good facial massage which ultimately boosts blood flow and circulation to get that glow. While a balm cleanser may be the best cleanser for dry and sensitive skin types, this is a cleansing texture which really does work across the board and that comes down to a well formulated ingredient list.
You might be wondering if you have mature skin, acne-prone skin or oily skin if there is a balm cleanser offering for you. When shopping for the best cleansers for oily skin, a gentle cleansing foam or milk might suit your skin type better to help control any unwanted oiliness. Below, we answer all your burning cleansing balm questions and round up the best cleansing balms to try now including some of our favourite cheap cleansers to save you some money but upgrade your skincare routine.
How do I use a cleansing balm?
Scoop a generous amount of the balm onto your fingertips; gently massage into face, neck and décolletage, with a splash of water to loosen the oil; leave on for a couple of minutes (if you have the time); rinse off with either warm water or a warm muslin flannel.
The key is to use a splash of water during the massage stage. It loosens the texture, gives the product a good 'slip' around the face and means you can really break down stubborn make-up and grime.
Grazia's Best Cleansing Balms At A Glance:
Best overall cleansing balm: Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm, £48 on LookFantastic
Best affordable cleansing balm: Sali Hughes x Revolution Skincare Butterclean Makeup Meltdown Cleansing Balm, £15 on LookFantastic
Best fragrance-free cleansing balm: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £30 on LookFantastic
Best luxury cleansing balm: Eve Lom Cleanser, £65, on LookFantastic
SHOP: The Best Cleansing Balms
Best rose cleansing balm
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
A stunning floral-infused iteration on Elemis' cult classic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, this features delicate and soothing English Rose Oleo Extract (great for sensitive skin) while harnessing essential oils to create a sensorial cleansing experience that melts away dirt with real ease.
Customer review: "Got a sample of this and I’ve loved it. It doesn’t leave a greasy or oily feel behind. It’s not a strong smell of rose which is great if people don’t like scented products. The best thing I like about this cleansing balm is it doesn’t irritate your eyes if you open them."
Pros
- Product melts instantly
- Rich formula
Cons
- Slightly scented
Best affordable cleansing balm
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Beauty journalist Sali Hughes collaborated with Revolution Beauty to create a seriously savvy skincare range. One of the highlights is this Butterclean Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm: a solid oil that melts to a milk once you've emulsified it. It leaves skin comfortable, fresh and nicely clean (though not squeaky). This formula is made with a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalene and jojoba oil to instantly nourish and hydrate as it cleanses.
Customer review: "I’m trying to reduce my spend on a skincare routine. Having been addicted to Elemis Pro-Collagen cleansing balm I thought I’d give this a go as I’ve heard great things about Sali’s skincare range. It’s a marvel. Glides on like a dream and leaves my face feeling super-fresh. The subtle smell is like that of a traditional soap which I love as it reminds me of my lovely grandma’s bath products back in the day! Will definitely use from now on, and excited to try more of the range. Thanks Sali."
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Great price point
Cons
- Cloth not included
Best fragrance-free cleansing balm
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
While plenty of cleansing balms are packed with fragrant essential oils, Clinique's is fragrance (and fuss!) free. This lightweight Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm quickly dissolves makeup, including stubborn mascara. It transforms from a solid balm to a milky, fluid oil upon application with water and rinses away the day.
Customer review: "I wear quite heavy make up, double wear foundation, liquid eyeliner and a tonne of mascara…this literally gets it all off instantly, plus it leaves your skin feeling soft. Doesn’t dry your skin either and lasts for ages as you only need a tiny amount, so works out good value."
Pros
- Fragrance free
- Gently removes stubborn make-up
Cons
- Bulky packaging
Best exfoliating cleansing balm
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
Dubbed a cleansing butter, this clever Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser uses antioxidant rich fruit extracts and oils, alongside an African oil blend of marula, baobab, and Kalahari melon, to intensely nourish, restore elasticity and boost your skin's glow. Use the accompanying exfoliating Bamboo Booster (made of fine bamboo and charcoal spheres) to buff away build up.
Customer review: "I always liked the idea of cleansing balms/butters, but they always ended up breaking me out. This looked promising, based on the ingredients and the brand, so I took a chance. Oh man! It’s so nice. My skin always feels so, so soft after I use it. In full disclosure I do use this as a part of a double cleanse or before an exfoliating mask."
Pros
- Multiuse product
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Bulky packaging
Best luxurious cleansing balm
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
If you're on the hunt for something luxurious, The Cleansing Balm From Augustinus Bader is worth its salt. The hefty price tag hasn't put off the cult following of this biohacking brand which seeks to repair skin at a cellular level. To that end, the brand's patented signature TFC8 Complex works to support skin renewal, while an avocado-olive fruit oil complex, squalane and vitamin E, calms, purifies and decongests skin.
Customer review: "This really takes the whole day off, brilliant cleansing balm, a firm favourite of mine from Augustinus Bader."
Pros
- Formula repairs the skin as it cleanses
- Works for all skin types
Cons
- Packaging not ideal for travel
Best softening cleansing balm
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
A true delight to use. The holistic brand's iconic Eve Lom Cleanser works to dislodge make-up and dirt, while deeply cleaning pores, toning, gently exfoliating, all at once. Having held undisputed status in the skincare world over the last 35 years, it's no surprise one sells every 30 seconds.
Customer review: "Gorgeous cleanser. Bought a bigger size after getting it in the beauty box. Skin feels great and it doesn’t irritate my eyes. Love the smell too."
Pros
- Deeply cleanses pores
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- Quite a strong scent
Best evening cleansing balm
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
The eponymous Ayurvedic skincare line founded by South Asian scientist turned entrepreneur Michelle Ranavat, brings you one of its most decadent offerings yet. The Lotus Cleansing Balm will clear and purify skin while fortifying its resilience thanks to a cocktail of nourishing mango butter, and sunflower, sesame and blue tansy oils. This is for that post-facial glow in a jar.
Customer review: "Luxury facial cleansing balm with high quality skin soothing ingredients. Lovely subtle unique fragrance. Gorgeous packaging too."
Pros
- Luxurious formula
- Great for an evening skincare routine
Cons
- Bulky packaging
Best cleansing balm for barrier repair
www.spacenk.com
Description
Infused with Byoma’s Barrier Lipid Complex, this lightweight blend of grapeseed oil, sea buckthorn and olive fruit extracts in the Melting Balm Cleanser work to hydrate, nourish and restore the skin barrier, leaving behind a clear and balanced complexion.
Customer review: "I just wanted to share my excitement about the Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser. It has truly exceeded my expectations. I've experimented with various balm cleansers in the past, but this one stands out as my favourite by far. Not only does it work wonders for my skin, but it also comes at a very reasonable price, making it an absolute treat for my skincare routine. If you decide to give it a try, I'm sure you won't be disappointed."
Pros
- Great price point
- Repairs the skin's barrier
Cons
- Packaging not ideal for travel