Recommended by both Shah and Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell’s Department of Dermatology, this formula works as a makeup remover and cleanser in one. “It’s really nice and light and contains antioxidants and papaya enzymes that give you some natural gentle exfoliation,” says Shah, who recommends it for normal to oily skin types. In addition to papaya enzymes, it also has turmeric extract to help soothe the skin, as well as glycerin for hydration. Although it doesn’t have added fragrances, it does smell like a blend of lime, bergamot and orange essential oils, according to Farmacy, so if you are prone to disliking fragrance in your products, you may want to consider other options.
It’s also a favorite of former NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg, and NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, who has rosacea. “I find it super gentle on my skin and it doesn’t leave a dry, tight feeling that’s so common after cleansing,” says Godio. “It also does a great job at removing any dirt and makeup from the day, even tough mascara and liquid eyeliner.”
Shah is a huge fan of this formula from E.l.f. because of how hydrating it is. “It has a lot of skin barrier strengthening ingredients, [which is] really good for dry and sensitive skin,” she says. On top of sunflower seed oil, it also has skin-strengthening ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to leave skin soft, hydrated, and plump, according to the brand.
This formula acts as a cleansing balm, oil, and milk, all in one, according to experts. As Garshick explains, this nourishing formula has a mix of oils and waxes that help to seamlessly break down makeup while leaving skin moisturized and smooth. The formula’s hero ingredients include elderberry oil, which is high in essential fatty acids that aid in oil regulation and optimal skin hydration; starflower oil, a rich natural source of gamma linolenic acid, which reduces water loss and inflammation; and padina pavonica, a type of Mediterranean brown algae known for supporting hydration, according to Garshick. “My makeup comes off instantly and I love that a little goes a long way,” says NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez who uses this formula when she wears makeup, once to three times a week.
You can apply this cleansing balm to dry skin first and then it will melt into a gentle cleanser to eliminate makeup and buildup, while also nourishing the skin, says Garshick. It has biodesigned collagen, which is a vegan form of collagen that helps plump and smooth skin, and hyaluronic acid to add hydration and leave the skin feeling moisturized and refreshed, she says. This formula also has coconut oil, which is comedogenic, so those with oily and acne-prone skin may want to steer clear.
While this formula from Clinique is suitable for all skin types, Shah says she especially likes it for those with acne-prone skin. “It’s not very abrasive and it doesn’t feel oily on the skin,” she says. In my experience, it breaks down stubborn makeup and sunscreen without leaving my skin feeling heavy or greasy.
“Whenever I use this, my makeup melts completely off my face,” says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider. The cleanser also helps brighten, moisturize, repair, control oil levels and prevent damage to the skin, according to the brand. The blend of oils (olive, grape seed and seaberry oil) and other ingredients also creates a naturally occurring scent. “It smells divine (like fresh mangos), but if you’re scent-averse, you won’t like it since it’s on the strong side,” she says.
This formula is a favorite of Shah’s because of its blend of ceramides (which help strengthen the skin barrier), antioxidants and vitamin C. The vitamin C and other antioxidants work to brighten dull skin and protect against free radical damage, according to the brand. You can use it one of three ways: as a makeup remover (just massage it into the skin without adding water), as a cleanser (add water) and as a face mask (leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing or wiping off), according to It Cosmetics.
NBC Select social media assistant Caitlin Cusack loves how gentle this cleansing balm is on her skin. “It has a waxy consistency, which was intimidating at first, but the product melts into my skin so easily and takes off my makeup (including stubborn mascara) really well,” she says. Not only does it remove buildup, but it also hydrates and nourishes the skin with its barrier lipid complex (including ceramides) and oils. In addition to that, it improves dull skin and evens out your complexion with the help of ingredients like niacinamide, according to the brand.
Another pick from Garshick, this formula has antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E. The papaya enzymes gently exfoliate and cleanse the skin, while also removing residue and buildup, says Garshick. Made with three forms of papaya — including the oil, extract, and enzymes — the vitamin-rich formula works to simultaneously smooth, brighten, moisturize, and soothe the skin. Despite having exfoliating properties, it’s safe for daily use because of its other soothing ingredients, plus it’s been tested for sensitive skin, according to the brand.
Garshick recommends this formula, which has purple ginseng, linoleic oils, and plant-based esters, for all skin types as it does a great job at dissolving makeup, oil, and hard-to-remove sunscreen. She also says it’s lightweight, noncomedogenic (so it won’t clog pores), and feels utterly luxurious to use. Reviewers say it’s gentle, fast-acting, and soothing.
“After trying multiple cleansing balms, this one stands out because it’s incredibly gentle on my dry, sensitive skin, is effective at removing grime and product buildup and my skin feels extremely moisturized and soft after using it,” says Alvarez. This is because the formula relies on honey, probiotics and peptides to draw in moisture and retain it while also improving and smoothing the skin, according to the brand. “I only need a pea-sized amount, and it’s incredible to see all that comes off with just a little bit of the product,” she says. “Because you only need a little at a time, one tub can last you months so it’s worth the splurge, in my opinion.”
This Versed balm transforms from an oil-based formula to a gentle milk texture that won’t leave behind an oily residue, according to Garshick. “Especially at night, I love massaging it into my skin because it feels so rich and moisturizing, and it leaves my skin feeling supple and clean,” says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. “It doesn’t irritate my dry, sensitive skin either. It feels much more luxurious compared to using a gel or foamy face wash.” Like other formulas on this list, to activate it, you should use a dime-sized amount on dry skin and massage it into your face (including your hairline and jawline) with wet fingers and rinse and pat dry for best results, according to Versed.
“I’m not the biggest fan of digging my hands into cleansing balm jars, so I was super excited to find this one that comes in a tube,” says Cusack. “It does a great job at removing makeup, even mascara — which I’ve always found to be a struggle.” However, because of its thick and oily consistency, she worries that it may exacerbate her oily skin, so she recommends double cleaning with a foam option after using the balm.
Not only does this buttery formula help remove makeup, but it has antioxidants and oils that give your skin extra moisture so it won’t feel dry after use, says Garshick. When you add water, it activates the formula and transitions it to a milky texture that leaves skin soft, hydrated, and radiant, according to the brand. “I love the texture of this cleanser — it feels luxurious and moisturizing when you massage it into your skin,” says Ginsberg. “The result feels almost like a face oil, but then when you add water and massage, it turns into a milky cleanser that’s easy to rinse off. It does a good job of cleansing off my sunblock, foundation, blush, etc. The only thing I really don’t like is its scent, but luckily it doesn’t linger once you wash it off.”
“Unlike your classic face washes that either foam or lather, cleansing balms have a more solid base formula when at room temperature,” says Dr. Pooja Sodha, board-certified dermatologist and director of the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at George Washington University (GW) Medical Faculty Associates. “Because it’s an oil and emulsifier mixture [in one], it goes on smooth and removes dirt, grime, and makeup while hydrating skin and not stripping it or disrupting the pH.”
Cleansing balms are also usually thicker in consistency than lotion or foam formulations and, unlike traditional cleansers, are usually oil-based instead of water-based, according to Dr. Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City.
Cleansing balms are highly effective at breaking down makeup and buildup without leaving the skin feeling dry or stripped. “There’s this idea that two things that are more similar are going to be attracted to each other, so when we think of makeup, a lot of formulas are oil-based, so that’s why using an oil-based cleanser can be beneficial because like attracts like,” says Shah. “It’s going to be more effective at removing makeup products.”
Cleansing balms are also very nourishing and soothing, making them a great option for those with sensitive, dry and reactive skin. “Unlike some of the other more traditional cleansers, especially those that foam up, a cleansing balm is going to be really nonirritating and won’t dry the skin out or compromise the skin barrier,” says Shah. “It’s really good for all skin types but especially dry sensitive skin types.”
Additionally, cleansing balms can help get rid of excess oil in those with oily and acne-prone skin. “Some people with oily skin think they shouldn’t use cleansing balms because they’re oil-based, but the truth is that oil actually helps remove some of the excess oil on the skin that can clog pores, without stripping the skin,” says Shah. “Oil attracts oil.”
While all cleansing balms aim to break down makeup and grime without stripping the skin, they often vary in texture/consistency, ingredients and cost. Case in point: Some formulas have active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in addition to just oils and butters, and are lighter in consistency with prices ranging from under $15 to over $60. When shopping for a cleansing balm, our experts recommend keeping your skin type and certain ingredients in mind, as well as your budget. Below, I dive deeper into how to find the best cleansing balm for you.
Cleansing balms are different from traditional cleansers because they’re not made with water, but rather a variety of oils and butters that help break down hard-to-budge substances like makeup and sunscreen. They’re also much thicker in consistency and don’t foam up like many water-based cleansers do. They usually feel buttery or oily on the skin and don’t contain any harsh surfactants that can strip the skin of its essential oils, according to Garshick.
“Cleansing balms can be massaged into the skin to help break down makeup and remove buildup, oils, and residue while also being gentle on the skin barrier and nourishing the skin,” says Garshick. “ Cleansing balms can effectively clean the face, but for those who prefer to double cleanse, such as those who wear heavy makeup or are particularly oily, following up with a traditional water-based cleanser can help to ensure all the residue is eliminated.”
Begin by massaging the balm onto dry skin to break down makeup, sunscreen, and any other grime. You may or may not need to add water to the formula in order to activate it, so be sure to read the directions. If you’re going the double cleansing route, follow up with a water-based cleanser to ensure everything is thoroughly removed. Rinse with tepid water and you’re all set.
“Generally a second cleanser is a gentle water-based cleanser that will effectively eliminate any excess buildup or residue without leaving the skin feeling dry or stripped,” says Garshick. “For those who are dry, a cream cleanser works best, while those who are oily, a gel or foaming cleanser may be preferred.”
Garshick says that you can use a cleansing balm up to twice a day, however, it’s especially helpful to use in the evening in order to eliminate makeup, sunscreen, and any other buildup that accumulates from the day.
If your skin is dry and sensitive, Shah warns that a double cleanse may be too much for you. “You can probably get away with just using a balm as your standalone cleanser,” she says. “Listen to your skin and what it tells you.”
All of our experts agree that cleansing balms are ideal for all skin types, but especially for those with dry, sensitive skin who wear sunscreen, foundation, powder, and other hard-to-remove cosmetics.“ Anyone who uses makeup or anyone with dry, sensitive, or irritation-prone skin are all great candidates for a cleansing balm,” says Sodha. “Oily or acne-prone skin types should just be conscientious about the formula they choose as there are certain products that can be comedogenic,” she adds. Nevertheless, regardless of your skin type, you can’t go wrong with a cleansing balm so long as you review the ingredient list first and make sure you’re choosing a formula that’s right for you.
Yes, you can. “Certain oils may be more likely to clog the pores, but in general cleansing balms can still be used by those with oily skin providing the product says it’s noncomedogenic,” says Garshick. “In fact, when it comes to cleansing, some oil-based cleansers can actually help to remove excess oil since oil likes oil, so it can help to eliminate buildup.” For this reason, those with oily skin may opt to use a cleansing balm as part of a double cleanse to help eliminate excess oil.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am a beauty and wellness writer with over a decade of experience contributing to digital media outlets. For this piece, I interviewed multiple board-certified dermatologists and researched cleansing balms on the market. I also included highly rated products, NBC Select staff-favorites as well as balms that dermatologists specifically recommended to us.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
