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.
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 dryness triggered by the climate and changes from warm to cold weather.'
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 2024, 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
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.'
Very similar to the best oil cleansers we know and love, 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 We Tested For 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.
SHOP: The Best Cleansing Balms 2024
Best cleansing balm
www.lookfantastic.com
Grazia's Beauty Editor Rachael Martin says: '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. I'm a double cleanser, but my first cleanse is always with an Elemis Cleansing Balm. The texture is buttery without feeling greasy plus it whips away make-up like a treat. As for the scent? It's deliciously subtle without being OTT. I'll always revert back to it.'
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
| Key ingredients | Elderberry, optimega and starflower oils, algae padina pavonic, and English rose oleo extract |
| Size | 100g |
| Fragrance | Yes |
Best affordable cleansing balm
www.boots.com
Grazia's Beauty Editor Rachael Martin 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.'
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
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, squalene, and jojoba oil |
| Size | 80ml |
| Fragrance-free | No |
Beloved by our beauty assistant
www.beautybay.com
Grazia's Fashion & Beauty Assistant Renee Washington 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 rosehip oil - it's a soothing concoction. And for under £10 you can’t really go wrong.'
Customer review: 'Makes make up melt off. So quick and easy. Love it and gentle on the skin.'
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 fragrance free cleansing balm
www.lookfantastic.com
Grazia's Beauty Editor Rachael Martin 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.'
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 and non-comedogenic
- Gently removes stubborn make-up
Cons
- Bulky packaging
| Key ingredients | Safflower seed oil |
| Size | 125ml |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
Best cleansing balm for acne prone skin
www.sephora.co.uk
Grazia's Beauty Editor Rachael Martin 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.'
Customer review: 'Started using this as the oil free micellar cleanser was discontinued. It is easy to use and melts on your skin, all makeup and SPF removed, and it is not drying at all. I use with the little Clinique cloths which wash clean. Considering I have rosacea and am sensitive there is no reaction at all. Just nice smooth 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
Grazia's Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh 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.'
Customer review: 'I have oily skin so I use this before using a water based cleaner. It’s a really good cleaner especially for the nose, forehead and chin (where I had been breaking out the most). It’s gentle and hasn’t got a fragrance to it!'
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
Grazia's Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh 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.'
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
| Key ingredients | Virgin marula oil, baobab seed oil, blueberry, kiwi, and strawberry |
| Size | 110g |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
Best luxurious cleansing balm
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Grazia's Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh 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.'
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
| Key ingredients | TFC8 Complex, avocado-olive fruit oil complex, squalane, and vitamin E |
| Size | 90g |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
Best softening cleansing balm
www.spacenk.com
Grazia's Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh says: '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
| Key ingredients | Clove, eucalyptus, hops, and Egyptian chamomile oils |
| Size | 100ml |
| Fragrance-free | Yes, free from synthetic fragrance |
Best evening cleansing balm
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Grazia's Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh 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.'
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
| 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
Grazia's Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh 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.'
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
| Key ingredients | Barrier Lipid Complex, grapeseed oil, sea buckthorn, and olive fruit extracts |
| Size | 60g |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
Cheaper Elemis alternative
www.beautypie.com
Grazia's Beauty Editor Rachael Martin 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.'
Customer review: 'I’m using this as an alternative to a high end similar product. I adore this beauty pie version and it’s a third of the price that I used to pay for something similar. I enjoy the warming sensation when I’ve used this and it clears all of my make up away and leaves my skin fresh and hydrated.'
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance free
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 |
Best soothing cleansing balm
www.quantumbotanika.com
Grazia's Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh 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.'
Customer review: 'I have never tried a cleaning balm with such unique texture, leaves my skin feeling like skin. Does not strip away and make it dry. I feel my skin is looking a lot healthier and youthful. ( I use this as a second cleanse). It also comes really nicely packaged.'
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 |
How do I use a cleansing balm?
Follow Dr Arora's expert guide to using a cleansing balm effectively:
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Start with dry hands and a dry face. Take a small amount of the cleansing balm and warm it up between your fingertips
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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.
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Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, making sure to remove all traces of the balm.
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Oily skin types can follow up with gel cleanser (double cleanse).
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Complete skincare routine with your regular serums (vitamin C serums are among some of our favourites for their protective properties), as well as moisturiser and any targeted treatments (like eye creams and retinol)
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).