The Best Cleansing Balms for a Deep Yet Gentle Makeup Removal
We curated this edit of cleansing balms to spotlight formulas that go beyond basic makeup removal — each one chosen for its unique texture, skin benefits, and ability to turn a simple cleanse into a sensorial ritual.
If there’s one step in skincare that deserves a little luxury, it’s cleansing. Removing makeup at the end of the day should feel less like a chore and more like a ritual — a moment to reset. That’s where cleansing balms come in. These silky, transformative textures melt away everything from mascara to SPF without stripping your skin or leaving it feeling tight. Instead, the best formulas nourish as they clean, leaving your face soft, supple, and ready to soak up your nighttime routine.
We tested and researched six cleansing balms — from spa-level indulgences to minimalist hero products — and these are the ones worth reaching for when it’s time to take it all off.
One that feels especially transformative is the Metamorph Cleansing Balm by AYOND. Designed with desert botanicals like prickly pear and chaparral, it starts as a rich solid balm and melts into a silky oil that gently dissolves all traces of makeup. It’s more than just a cleanser — it’s skincare. Your skin feels balanced, not bare, and the sensorial shift in texture makes the act of cleansing feel grounding and intentional.
Then there’s the House of Dohwa Cleansing Balm, which feels like scooping up a little bit of skincare sorbet. Its sherbet-like texture melts instantly on contact with the skin and gets to work lifting away makeup and buildup. Formulated with rice bran water — a time-honored ingredient in Korean beauty traditions — it brightens and softens without disrupting your moisture barrier. The finish is fresh and hydrated, like you just rinsed with a hydrating essence.
f you lean toward a cooling, gel-like texture, Valmont’s Icy Falls is an experience in itself. The formula starts off as a luscious gel-balm, but when massaged into the skin, it transforms into a weightless milky cleanser. Infused with glacial spring water and botanical extracts, it leaves the skin feeling pristine, balanced, and just a little bit radiant. There’s a crispness to the texture — as if your skin just came in from fresh mountain air.
Those who love their cleansing rituals scented and sensorial will appreciate ESPA’s Yuzu & Ginger Cleansing Sorbet. The texture is soft and buttery, but it’s the vibrant scent — bright citrus with a zing of ginger — that turns cleansing into a mood-lifting moment. The balm gently dissolves even waterproof makeup while essential oils nourish and cushion the skin. It's an ideal pick-me-up, especially on sluggish mornings or after a long day.
If your skin’s in need of both cleansing and refining, Oskia’s Micro Exfoliating Balm is a multitasking hero. This rich balm is packed with MSM and natural enzymes to gently buff away dead skin cells while lifting away dirt and makeup. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet effective enough to give you that post-facial glow. Use it once or twice a week to brighten your complexion without disrupting your skin’s natural harmony.
Finally, for a classic, comforting cleanse, Bobbi Brown’s Extra Cleansing Balm does exactly what its name suggests — and more. Rich in texture and infused with olive and orange oils, it melts into the skin to effortlessly remove makeup while leaving behind a soft, nourished finish. The subtle, warm citrus scent makes each use feel like a hug for your face, and its conditioning formula is especially good for dry or winter-worn skin.