Best Cleansing Balms for Removing Makeup

There is a specific kind of tiredness that hits at 11pm when you are standing in front of the bathroom mirror, still in full face, and the thought of doing anything more strenuous than falling into bed feels like a personal attack. This is exactly the moment a good cleansing balm earns its keep. You scoop, you massage, you feel your waterproof mascara actually surrender, and you go to bed feeling like a functioning adult rather than someone who will wake up with yesterday's eyeliner smudged into their pillowcase.

I have tested a truly silly number of these things, and the gap between a mediocre balm and a brilliant one is enormous. The good ones melt makeup off without leaving your face feeling stripped or, worse, coated in a greasy film that no amount of rinsing shifts. Here are the ones worth your money.

The all-rounder that never lets me down

If you want one balm to do everything, this is the one I keep recommending to friends who don't want to think too hard about it.

Heimish have quietly become the balm everyone in the know reaches for, and this one is exactly why. It goes on as a firm sherbet-textured balm, melts into an oil the second it hits warm skin, and then emulsifies into a milk when you add water so it rinses clean with zero residue. It handles a full face of long-wear foundation and stubborn mascara without you having to scrub. For the price, it is frankly ridiculous value, and the tub lasts months. If you are new to balms and want a safe first buy, start here.

The Mandarin version is the same brilliant formula with a fresh citrus scent, if you like a bit of a morning-in-Sicily moment during your evening routine.

The gentle one for sensitive, reactive skin

Some of us have skin that takes offence at everything. If a new product makes you go blotchy just from looking at it, you want a balm that keeps things simple and soothing.

The Calming version of this cleansing balm is my pick for anyone whose face runs hot and reactive. It shifts makeup without any dragging, and it does not leave that tight, squeaky feeling that sends sensitive skin into a spiral. I would happily use this around the eyes, which is where a lot of balms fall down because they sting. If you want a bit more of a glow-boosting angle, the Brightening version in the same range is worth a look, but for pure comfort, Calming wins.

The one that feels properly luxurious

Sometimes you want your skincare to feel like a treat rather than a chore, and this is where I reach for something a little more special.

Twelve Beauty's Clementine balm is the sort of thing you buy when you have decided to take your evenings seriously. The texture is beautiful, genuinely cushiony rather than slippery, and it removes makeup with the kind of ease that makes you feel slightly smug. The clementine scent is bright without being sickly, and a little goes a long way, so the higher price stretches further than you'd expect. This is a gifting-quality balm, or a "treat yourself in January when everything is grim" balm. Either way, it delivers.

The multitasker that also loves your skin barrier

Weleda Skin Food has a cult following for the moisturiser, but the cleansing balm deserves just as much fuss.

This is the one I recommend for dry, dehydrated, winter-wrecked skin. It has that same rich, plant-oil comfort the brand is known for, so removing your makeup feels almost nourishing rather than a job to get through. It works particularly well if you double cleanse: this first to break everything down, then a gentle gel or foam after. If your skin feels tight and papery by February, this is a small kindness you can do for it every night. Worth noting the scent is herbal and honest rather than perfumey, which I personally love but it's a marmite thing.

The budget hero that punches well above its price

Not everyone wants to spend big on something they literally rinse down the sink, and I completely respect that.

UpCircle's cleansing balm is the one I point people towards when they want something affordable, effective and a bit more thoughtful about ingredients. It melts makeup nicely, it doesn't cost the earth, and it feels like a genuine upgrade from whatever wipes you may currently be clinging to. Please, if you take one thing from this guide, let it be: stop using makeup wipes as your only cleanse. Your skin and the planet will thank you, and this is a brilliant, low-commitment place to start.

How to actually use a cleansing balm properly

Most people who tell me balms "don't work" are using them wrong, so let me save you the frustration.

• Apply to dry skin, dry hands. Water at this stage stops the balm from grabbing onto your makeup. Scoop, warm it between your fingers, and massage onto a dry face.
• Take your time. Give it a proper 30 to 60 seconds of massaging. This is where the makeup breaks down, and honestly it feels lovely.
• Add water to emulsify. Wet your hands and keep massaging - a good balm turns milky. This is the bit that lets it rinse away cleanly.
• Follow with a second cleanse if you've worn heavy makeup or SPF. A balm plus a gentle water-based cleanser is the classic double cleanse, and it makes a real difference.

FAQ

What are the best cleansing balms for removing makeup if I wear heavy foundation?

Look for a richer, oil-heavy balm and give it a proper massage before rinsing. The Heimish All Clean and the Twelve Beauty Clementine both handle full-coverage foundation and waterproof mascara without a fight. Always follow with a second cleanse to make sure nothing's left behind.

Do cleansing balms clog pores or cause breakouts?

A well-formulated balm that fully emulsifies and rinses clean shouldn't clog pores, because you're removing it completely rather than leaving oil sitting on the skin. The trick is rinsing thoroughly and double cleansing when you've worn a lot. If you're acne-prone, a lighter formula like the Clean It Zero Calming is a safer bet than a very rich one.

Can I use a cleansing balm to remove eye makeup?

Yes, and most do a lovely job of dissolving mascara and eyeliner without harsh rubbing. Choose a gentle, low-scent formula for the eye area and keep your eyes closed while you massage. The Clean It Zero Calming and the Weleda balm are both comfortable enough for this.

How long does a cleansing balm last?

Most tubs last two to four months with nightly use, since you only need a small scoop each time. That makes even the pricier options better value than they first appear. Use a clean, dry spatula or dry fingers to keep water out and the balm fresh.

Ready to give your evening routine the upgrade it deserves? Have a browse through the rest of our skin care edit to build out the full lineup - a good balm is only the beginning.