Looking for the best cleanser and don't know where to start? We hear you. We have the best cleansing balms right here. 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? Balms.
In fact, if you're yet to try one, now is the best time to get started. According to Dr Raj Arora, NHS GP doctor and medical educator, 'cleansing balms work best for dry and dehydrated skin, but during this time of year when the skin is changing, even oily skin types may want to add in a cleansing balm to help with any changes triggered by the climate and changes from cold to warm weather.'
What is a cleansing balm?
Dr Arora, says, 'Cleansing balms are a type of facial cleanser that typically come in a solid form and melt into an oil when massaged onto the skin. They are designed to dissolve make-up, dirt, and impurities on the skin, while also nourishing and hydrating the skin. They are often made with natural oils and butters, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, which help to break down make-up on the skin’s surface.' Cleansing balms can double as a first step in a double-cleanse routine, for deeper clean you can consider going in again with a foaming cleanser.
Do dermatologists recommend cleansing balms?
Generally speaking, Dr Arora explains cleansing balms work best on dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, as the oils and butters within the formulas nourish and hydrate while the ingredients are often gentle and natural, and therefore less likely to irritate the skin. However, 'for oily or acne-prone skin, cleansing balms can lead to clogged pores and breakouts if used regularly. Although if used as a part of a “double cleansing routine”, by using a balm followed by a gel cleanser, they can be beneficial in keeping the skin moisturised without stripping oils.'
Grazia's Best Cleansing Balms 2025, 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: The INKEY List Mini Oat Cleansing Balm, £12 on LookFantastic
Best cleansing balm for acne prone skin: Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm, £30.60 on John Lewis
Best exfoliating cleansing balm: Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, £36 on Boots
How we tested the best cleansing balms
Formula: As with all of our testing, considering the formula is a great place to start. We noted the texture - did it feel greasy or nourishing? Was it comfortable on the skin or did it feel tacky or sticky? What ingredients are present? Do any of these raise red flags for certain skin types?
Value for money: Our whole beauty team are big believers that a premium price tag needn't always equate to a premium product. For that reason we've sought to include balm cleansers suited to all budgets. Those we've included with higher price tags, we've deemed to be worth the money.
Results: The obvious one. Do these balm cleansers really leave our skin feeling clean? Do some work better on different skin tones, types or textures than others? Did our skin look better in the long run?
Other reviews: We also took other online reviews from independent buyers into consideration, too. This allowed us to fully consider potential pros and cons of each cleansing balm.
Alongside the criterion above we also gave each cleansing balm product scores out of 5, based on the following:
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Packaging
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Ease of use/application
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Scent/smell
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Performance (does it do what it says on the tin?)
Be rest assured that nothing under four stars made the list.
Shop: The Best Cleansing Balms 2025
What the brand says: ‘People have more than 20,000 visible facial pores. Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm helps purify skin, removing dirt and debris that can clog your pores.’
What we know: Clinique’s Take The Day Off has been formulated to break down natural oils in the skin dissolves hard-to-remove makeup. It’s rich in linoleic acid, which is a natural emollient that helps leave skin, lashes, and brows nourished.
What the Grazia beauty testers say: Faye Cantle is in her late 40s with perimenopausal skin.
She says, ‘As soon as the balm touched my skin it began to melt onto it. This went a really long way - I was able to spread a small amount all over my face and it stayed moist and moveable the whole time. I tentatively rubbed it around my eye area and when I felt confident enough, I decided to gently rub off my eyeliner and mascara, getting right down to the lash lines. I was pretty amazed that there was no stinging, or oily irritation of the eyes. The product came off so easily and without leaving any trace. I loved the feeling of it on my skin!. One and done - perfect! After a fortnight of daily use, on heavy and light makeup, I have to say that I’m very happy with the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. I'd absolutely recommend.'
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: '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.'
Pros
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Gently removes stubborn make-up
- It’s so quick and convenient, very effective
- Will also travel well and is easy to put in a little travel pot
Cons
- To get the best value for money you need to buy the largest pot
- Harder to use if you have long nails as it all gets stuck in them
| Key ingredients | Safflower seed oil |
| Size | 125ml |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
What the brand says: Beauty expert and journalist Sali Hughes has teamed up with Revolution Skincare to create ‘a simple, low maintenance but active routine for busy beauty lovers... great skincare, made easy. This cleansing balm will whip make-up away in an instant.
What we know: The cleansing balm has been enriched with ingredients your skin will thank you for; squalane, safflower seed oil, jojoba oil and the hero hydrator hyaluronic acid.
What the Grazia beauty testers say: Lauren Howe is 39 years old and has combination skin. She says, ‘The Sali Huges x Revolution Pro Cleansing Balm was super soft and really did turn from a balm to a milk. It was easy to massage into my skin and quickly dissolved all traces of my make-up with the notable exception of my mascara. Whilst this could potentially be used to remove mascara the online reviews, combined with the strong smell of the cleansing balm meant I didn’t want to risk a reaction. I did find myself having to use it alongside my standard waterproof eye-make up remover. The smell is the main downside of the product, and is what I found separated it from the more luxury cleansing balms. One benefit I found with this particular balm, over the others I’ve previously used, is that due to the lightness of the texture I was able to use it in the morning as well as at the end of the day. It doesn’t leave the usual film. I noticed a difference in my skin by the end of the 4 weeks I spent testing it. I loved that I could use this at any time of day, making it a much more versatile cleanser than I expected.’
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: '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.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Great price point
- Skin softening
- Perfect under make-up
Cons
- Cloth not included
- Strong smell
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, squalene, and jojoba oil |
| Size | 80ml |
| Fragrance-free | No |
What the brand says: ‘Our proven results are powered by Professor Bader's TFC8®, Trigger Factor Complex TFC™ - a proprietary blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and peptides - and inspired by over 30 years of research, innovation and clinical study.’
What we know: The brand place a huge emphasis on its TFC8 formula, which contains amino acids, vitamins and molecules found in the human body that trigger the skin’s natural repair and renewal process. In short, it uses science to combat signs of ageing. Augustinus Bader's A-list fans include Alexa Chung, Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie, and long-time enthusiast Victoria Beckham has even developed a range of products in partnership with the brand.
What the Grazia beauty testers say: Amber Connolly aged 30 says, ‘Confession: I’ve been using the same trusty cleanser on and off since my teens. However, having recently turning 30, I’m aware my beauty needs may change in this new decade - especially to combat the pollution of living in London – so elevating my skincare routine is high on my to-do list. Because of this, I was excited to get my hands on Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm. The design exudes luxury, and the accompaniment cotton muslin is neatly tied with a royal blue ribbon. The jar itself certainly wouldn’t look out of place at a high-end spa. For first use, I decided to really put it to the test and see how it fared removing a full face of make-up, complete with long-lasting liquid eyeliner. I used the balm as the first step in a double-cleanse routine and followed the instructions as directed, although I did need more product than the usual. After a few weeks of testing, my skin feels clear and nourished – a colleague even complimented my complexion during this time. However, I believe longer is needed to see if using the cleansing balm actually makes a visible difference – and to put the anti-ageing claims to the test. Watch this space.'
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: '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.'
Pros
- Formula repairs the skin as it cleanses
- Works for all skin types
- Luxurious feel and packaging
- Fully recyclable and formulated with sustainably sourced ingredients
Cons
- Packaging not ideal for travel
- More expensive than its competitors
| Key ingredients | TFC8 Complex, avocado-olive fruit oil complex, squalane, and vitamin E |
| Size | 90g |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
What the brand says: ‘Get ready for your new face cleansing addiction. Formulated in Japan, with natural aloe juice, niacin-rich rice bran oil and cold-pressed baobab sariché oil. Deeply purifying, emulsifying and softening, it’s one awesome multi-action hot oil double cleansing balm.’
What we know: Beauty Pie’s TikTok famous cleansing balm combines natural aloe juice, niacin-rich rice bran oil and cold-pressed baobab sariché oil. And bes rest assured, it's gone viral for a reason.
What the Grazia beauty testers say: Katie Banks is aged 43 and has fair, sensitive skin. She says, 'I used this product every night over the course of a month. The product promises to hydrate, soothe and protect the skin which is definitely important for users with mature skin. My skin didn’t react at all and it removed my makeup fully. It even removes mascara perfectly, without any sting. The product is fragrance free which I really liked as some products have quite a strong after smell – which you’re then stuck with the whole day! The only slight downside to the product I found was that it didn’t come with a spatula like some cleansing products or a cloth. I thought this product was very effective, good quality and came in at an excellent price. It’s quite thick for a cleanser but it breaks down the makeup so well. I have quite sensitive skin and I can sometimes have reactions when using products. My skin didn’t react at all and it removed my makeup fully. I also enjoyed the warming sensation I experienced on my skin – it felt dewy and soft.’
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'If it's formulated in Japan, it's often a sure sign that you can expect great things. Case in point, this Beauty Pie cleansing balm made with natural aloe juice and cold-pressed baobab sariché oil to soften and soothe. Use a small amount for the perfect cleanse. I'm hooked.'
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance free
- Feels luxurious and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and soft
- Quick results – skin felt better after just a month
Cons
- Have to become a Beauty Pie member to purchase for £15.50 - but we do think it's a good membership!
| Key ingredients | Baobab sariché oil, rice bran oil, and aloe juice |
| Size | 100ml |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
What the brand says: A new take on Elemis’, ‘no.1 bestselling cleanser now features a fragrance blend of juicy black cherry and comforting almond and vanilla.’
What we know: Elemis is known for their cleansing balms. So, what sets this new version apart? Aside from its decadent new scent - a blend of black cherry with almond and vanilla - the product also features a trio of nourishing oils, including bee-friendly starflower oil to promote healthy skin, elderberry and optimega alongside marine algae, and padina pavonica to enhance hydration. It also features rose and mimosa waves to soften skin.
What the Grazia beauty testers say: Gemma Parkes is in her early 30s and has combination skin, with ‘an oily T-zone and the odd dry patch.’ She says, ‘I work from both home and the office, so I typically wear a full face of makeup when I’m in the office, evenings out, and on weekends. I tested the Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm over four weeks, primarily as part of my bedtime skincare routine on days I wore makeup. I also occasionally used it as a mask on makeup-free days to put the hydration claims further to the test. The texture certainly lives up to its claims. It really is thick and buttery, and it melted into my skin effortlessly. It felt so luxurious, especially as I kept getting wafts of its gorgeous scent. Unlike other cleansing oils that I’ve tried, I found this balm removed makeup impressively fast. Having used this cleansing balm for four weeks now, I’ve noticed that my skin feels noticeably softer and more hydrated, especially in the area around my cheeks. I never feel the need to immediately reach for my moisturiser after drying my face, thanks to the nourishing oils that it's packed with.’
Pros
- Has a delightful rich, fruity, long-lasting scent
- The texture is thick, buttery, and rich, and melts into the skin effortlessly
- Quickly dissolves stubborn makeup without irritation
- Skin feels softer, more hydrated and nourished after use thanks to ingredients
- A little goes a long way, so the product will last
Cons
- The product is expensive, so it’s more of a luxury splurge rather than an everyday essential
- Although it’s hydrating, it doesn’t actively target breakouts which may be an issue for oily skin
| Key ingredients | Padina pavonica, starflower oil, starflower plant and elderberry oil |
| Size | 100g |
| Fragrance-free | No |
Beloved by our beauty assistant
www.beautybay.com
What the brand says: ‘A non-drying, nourishing and hydrating balm to oil cleanser that conditions the skin while it cleanses. Ideal for the first step in your routine for a quick and simple cleanse in one swipe. This balm cleanses, refines pores and hydrates the skin without stripping moisture for nourished and plumper looking skin.’
What we know: It has been formulated with a gentle blend of hyaluronic hydrating complex, replenishing ceramide and nourishing coconut oil and shea butter, ingredients which are beneficial for scar healing, dry and sensitive skin.
Renee Washington, fashion and beauty writer says: 'After a long day with a full face of makeup, all I want is a clean, fresh face. Enter Skin Proud’s Face Melt Cleansing Balm – a game-changer in my skincare routine. The texture is luxurious, melting away every last trace of makeup. Yep - even the most stubborn mascara. I've got sensitive eyes and it doesn’t burn them in the process, either. My skin feels wonderfully hydrated afterwards, thanks to the magic blend of rice bran oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter- it's a soothing concoction. And for under £10 you can’t really go wrong.
Pros
- Gentle
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Can't be teamed with lash extensions - wave goodbye if so!
| Key ingredients | Ceramide, hyaluronic acid, argan oil, coconut oil and rosehip oil |
| Size | 70g |
| Fragrance-free | No |
Best cleansing balm for acne prone skin
www.sephora.co.uk
What the brand says: ‘Lightweight, charcoal cleansing makeup remover quickly dissolves tenacious eye and face makeup and sunscreen. Detoxifies and unclogs pores, helping clear dirt, oil, pollution, and other impurities. Transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil upon application. Cleans thoroughly, rinses off completely without leaving an oily or greasy residue behind.’
What we know: The tinn has japanese charcoal, linoleic acid, safflower seed oil which works efficiently to help break up natural oil found on skin, as well as dissolve hard-to-remove makeup which helps leave skin feeling soft and nourished, very similar to the original Clinique Take The Day Off.
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'You know it's good when it's made the list twice - this is the charcoal infused iteration of Clinique's iconic Take The Day Off cleansing balm. Known for it's ability to draw out impurities, this charcoal balm is particularly good for those who suffer with blocked pores and sensitive, blemish prone skin.'
Pros
- Oil-free
- Allergy-tested
- Non-drying
Cons
- Packaging feels clunky
| Key ingredients | Safflower seed oil, Japanese charcoal and vitamin E |
| Size | 125ml |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
Beloved by our beauty writer
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What the brand says: ‘An award-winner and bestseller, The INKEY List Mini Oat Cleansing Balm gently dissolves makeup, SPF, oil and impurities from the skin to reveal a soft and supple complexion. The rich cleansing balm is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, nourishing the natural protective barrier as it melts away the day.’
What we know: The INKEY list offer affordable skincare, on the basis to allow you to ‘test and play with ingredients, to build your perfect skincare recipe.’ This tube has a conncoction of powerful ingredients - oat kernel oil which hydrates the skin whilst removing stubborn products like SPF, and colloidal oatmeal which soothes redness.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: 'Its hard to believe there are seriously good products out there that won't cost you a fortune. Case in point, The INKEY List's Oat Cleansing Balm. Synonymous with efficacious, affordable skincare, the brand's take on a balm is both viral and award-winning thanks to a blend of oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal as well as sweet almond and sunflower oils. The rich buttery formula is gentle, yet hard-working meaning it will wash away all traces of the day without leaving you feeling stripped, tight or dry. I love how my skin feels immediately clean, soothed and generally non-irritated after use – team sensitive skin, rejoice.'
Pros
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Can be used as a face mask
Cons
- Can leave a residue if not teamed with a second cleanse
| Key ingredients | Colloidal oatmeal, oat kernel oil, and sweet almond oil |
| Size | 150ml |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
Best exfoliating cleansing balm
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What the brand says: ‘An innovative cleansing balm that melts all traces of dirt, makeup and sunscreen. Gentle enough to be used around the eye area, it quickly transforms from oil to milk upon contact with water.’
What we know: Drunk Elephant are big in beauty and their offerings are always guaranteed to go viral. This cleanser is filled with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and oils to help calm, plus a nourishing African oil blend of marula, baobab, kalahari melon, mongongo, and ximenia.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: '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.'
Pros
- Multiuse product
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Bulky packaging
| Key ingredients | Virgin marula oil, baobab seed oil, blueberry, kiwi, and strawberry |
| Size | 110g |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
Best evening cleansing balm
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What the brand says: ‘In a self-assessment of 45 subjects, after immediate use:
98% immediately felt skin was calm and refreshed, 93% immediately felt skin was soft and smooth
and 80% immediately felt skin was balanced and restored.’
What we know: Built on the art and ingredients of Ayurveda by South Asian scientist turned entrepreneur Michelle Ranavat, harnesses Lotus flower extract as the star player in this formula. This balm is also laced with a cocktail of oils (sunflower, sesame and blue tansy).
****Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: '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.'
Pros
- Luxurious formula
- Great for an evening skincare routine
Cons
- Bulky packaging
| Key ingredients | Sunflower, sesame, and blue tansy oils |
| Size | 86g |
| Fragrance-free | Yes, free from synthetic fragrance |
Best cleansing balm for barrier repair
www.spacenk.com
What the brand says: ‘When we stop stripping our skin and start boosting our barrier, we find the key to balanced, brighter skin. Driven by science. Powered by actives. Byoma is the ultimate skin-compatible solution.’
What we know: Byoma took the beauty world by storm when the brand launched in 2020. The cleanser uses Byoma’s Barrier Lipid Complex, olive fruit, sea buckthorn and grapeseed oils to nourish and the hydrate skin. Alongside this, the balm is enriched with niacinamide to help even out your skin tone.
****Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: '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. When this first landed in our beauty cupboard we were all eager to give it a go - and, after a few weeks of testing we were all sold - impressive stuff when when we all have different skin types.'
Pros
- Great price point
- Repairs the skin's barrier
Cons
- Packaging not ideal for travel
| Key ingredients | Barrier Lipid Complex, grapeseed oil, sea buckthorn, and olive fruit extracts |
| Size | 60g |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
Best soothing cleansing balm
www.quantumbotanika.com
What the brand says: ‘This non-foaming, lipid-based cleansing balm easily wipes away daily grime and makeup, whilst leaving a thin veil of antioxidant protection. It was designed to nourish your skin and provide it with gentle yet effective cleansing without breaking the skin barrier. This cleanser is a must-have and the cornerstone of your facial skincare regime’
What we know: This cleansing balm is made with glow givers like sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, soy bean oil, tocopherol, aloe leaf extract and chamomile flower oil.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer says: 'It's not a surprise that brand founder Nataliya Robinson is also dubbed "The Skin Whisperer", look to this balm as the reason why. With its rich botanical scent, it calms the senses instantly to help you enter reset mode. The balm itself is transparent and looks like a an upgraded version of Vaseline, but on the skin it is anything but. It glides over into a thin, comforting veil which is packed with sweet almond oil, aloe leaf extract, and chamomile oil, to nourish and protect the skin while thoroughly cleansing it. My skin is always left plump and glowy.'
Pros
- Anchored in holistic wellness
- Spa-like aroma
Cons
- High price point
| Key ingredients | Lipid-based, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, aloe leaf extract, and chamomile flower oil |
| Size | 100ml |
| Fragrance-free | No |
The best cleansing balms FAQs
What is a cleansing balm?
Very similar to the best oil cleansers we know and love, cleansing balms 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 acne-prone skin if there is a balm cleanser offering for you. We suggest using one of the best cleansers for oily skin, after using a balm. A gentle cleansing foam or milk might suit your skin type better to help control any unwanted oiliness.
How do I use a cleansing balm?
Follow Dr Arora's expert guide to using a cleansing balm effectively:
Start with dry hands and a dry face.
Take a small amount of the cleansing balm and warm it up between your fingertips
Massage the balm onto your dry skin in circular motions. This will help to melt the balm into an oil and dissolve makeup, dirt, and impurities on the skin. Spend a few minutes massaging the balm into your skin - water will help emulsify the balm and turn it into a milky texture.
Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, making sure to remove all traces of the balm.
Oily skin types can follow up with gel cleanser (double cleanse).
Complete skincare routine with your regular serums (vitamin C serums, hyaluronic acids are among some of our favourites for their protective properties), as well as moisturiser and any targeted treatments (like eye creams and retinol).
Are cleansing balms worth it?
Yes they’re very effective for removing makeup, heavy butters, and other impurities.
What cleansing balm does Molly Mae use?
Molly Mae uses the best-selling ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm.
Is cleansing balm better than micellar water?
Cleansing balms are typically more efficient at removing heavy makeup, creams, and the very best moisturisers SPF. Micellar water can be a gentler option for light cleansing or a first step, but balms offer a deeper clean and are often more nourishing (great for dry skin).
Are cleansing balms good for older skin?
Yes, cleansing balms are good for mature skin, they have hydrating formulas which are great for supporting the skin barrier.
Do you wash or wipe off cleansing balm?
Both! Some people prefer rinsing with water, while others use a damp cloth to gently remove the balm.
Do cleansing balms clog pores?
A lot of cleansing balms on the market, are formulated to be non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. To fully remove the balm, you can follow up with a second cleanse if needed, a foam cleanser and cleansing brush is great for this.
Do dermatologists recommend cleansing balms?
Generally speaking, yes dermatologists often recommend cleansing balms. Balms are particularly beneficial for removing makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils, making them suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.
What is the best cleansing balm in the UK?
The answer to this is dependent on your skincare needs, above we have included some of the best cleansing balms for 2025.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia UK's beauty writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..