I have a thing for cleansing balms. There’s something about massaging my favorite balm into dry skin at the end of a long day that feels genuinely luxurious. It’s like a little ritual rather than a chore. But after trying what feels like every formula on the market, I can tell you: not all cleansing balms are created equal.
Some are rich and creamy and actually hydrating. Some feel like a dream to apply and rinse clean without leaving a greasy residue behind. And some, despite the hype and the pretty packaging, are just… fine. Then some are just genuinely disappointing.
Quickly, let’s talk about what a cleansing balm is. Then, I’ll tell you my favorites.
What Even Is a Cleansing Balm?
A cleansing balm is a solid or semi-solid cleanser, usually made with natural oils, shea butter, or waxes, that melts into the skin upon contact. You massage it in dry, it emulsifies with water, and it rinses away, taking makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s grime with it. It’s typically your nighttime routine starter, especially if you deal with dryness or a sensitive skin barrier.
The key thing that sets a great cleansing balm apart from a mediocre one is texture and what it leaves behind. The good ones dissolve eye makeup (including stubborn eye makeup) and don’t feel tight or stripped. The not-so-great ones can feel watery, leave a greasy residue, or irritate sensitive skin. Ingredients matter a lot here.
Whether you’re looking for something non-toxic, budget-friendly, or just the best cleansing balm that actually works for dry skin, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my honest breakdown after testing a whole lot of formulas.
The Best Cleansing Balms (and the Most Overrated Ones, Too)
Best Overall: Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm
This is the one I come back to again and again, and if I’m being honest, it’s not even close. The Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm has the most satisfying texture of anything I’ve tried. It’s luxuriously rich and creamy. It melts the moment it hits your skin, and the way it removes makeup is almost meditative. You massage it in, and it rinses clean.
It’s especially great for dry skin and aging skin because it’s so hydrating. After rinsing, your skin doesn’t feel tight or stripped; it actually feels soft. I’ll note that I wear tubing mascara, which basically comes off with just water, so I can’t speak to how it handles every waterproof mascara. It didn’t remove waterproof formulas as easily as I’d like, so if that’s a concern for you, you may want to use a dedicated eye makeup remover first.
The one caveat: it’s not non-toxic. If that’s a priority for you, keep reading. But if you just want the best cleansing balm for pure performance, this is it, and here’s more on why.
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.Best Non-Toxic: Counter (Formerly Beautycounter) Cleansing Balm
If clean ingredients are non-negotiable for you, the Counter (formerly Beautycounter) Lotus Cleansing Balm is the one I’d go with. This cleansing balm hits most of the marks: it’s a solid non-toxic formula, melts down nicely, and it does a good job dissolving makeup, including eye makeup.
The reason it doesn’t take the top spot is purely a texture and sensitivity thing. It’s not quite as creamy or luxurious as Colleen Rothschild, and it tends to sting my eyes during use. If your eyes are sensitive, that’s worth knowing. It’s also not as deeply hydrating, which might matter more for dry skin types.
One more thing to mention: the brand has a bit of a complicated history. Beautycounter rebranded to Counter and has had some operational instability (it shut down once and came back under new ownership). If you love it, you might love it a lot, but I’d hate for you to get hooked and then have the rug pulled out if they close again. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.
Best Budget: Juno & Co. Cleansing Balm
If you want to try cleansing balms without spending a lot, the Juno & Co. cleansing balm is the one I’d point you toward. It gets the job done, removing makeup and rinsing cleanly. It also won’t leave a greasy residue behind, so for what it is, it’s solid.
That said, the texture and scent experience just isn’t there the same way it is with Colleen Rothschild or Counter. It’s not going to feel as luxurious in your nighttime routine; it’s more functional than indulgent. But for the price point, it’s genuinely a great introduction to a cleansing balm, especially if you have normal or combination skin types that don’t need a ton of extra hydration from your cleanser.
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.Most Overrated: Elemis & Versed
Okay, I’m going there. These two get a lot of love online, and I just… don’t get it.
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is easily one of the most hyped cleansing balms in skincare, and I genuinely wished I loved it. But the texture wasn’t what I was expecting. It wasn’t particularly creamy, and it left my skin feeling dry rather than hydrated. For a product at this price point that’s marketed so heavily toward aging skin and skin barrier support, that was a letdown. It’s also not clean, which is just worth knowing if that’s on your radar.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm was a similar story, except somehow worse. The formula felt almost watery. It wasn’t the rich, balm-y texture I’m after at all. It just felt cheap, and there are way better options at a similar or even lower price point.
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.Other Cleansing Balms I’ve Tried (That Were Just… Fine)
A few more that didn’t make the top list but are worth a mention:
Dime Beauty Cleansing Balm: Non-toxic, which I appreciate, but the formula isn’t as creamy or hydrating as my top two picks. If clean formulas are a priority and you want something more affordable than Counter, this is a decent middle ground.
True Botanicals Cleansing Balm: Non-toxic and genuinely luxurious. The texture is perfect. My only issue is the scent. Fragrance is a personal thing, and some people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity may want to check the ingredients before committing.
Crunchi Cleansing Balm: Points for being the cleanest formula of the bunch. If ingredient transparency is everything to you, this one wins. But the texture lives up to the name (no shade, but also… kind of shade), and it doesn’t have much scent or that luxurious feel I personally look for in a cleansing balm.
FAQs About Cleansing Balms
How do you use a cleansing balm?
The key is to start on dry skin. Scoop out a small amount (most formulas come with a little spatula, which is great for hygiene), warm it between your fingers, and then massage it all over your dry face in circular motions. Pay extra attention to areas with eye makeup or heavy coverage. After about 30–60 seconds of massaging, wet your hands and continue working the balm in (it will emulsify and turn milky). Then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Some people prefer to remove it with a damp cloth, which can feel more satisfying.
Do you need to double cleanse with a cleansing balm?
This is probably the most common question I get about cleansing balms, and the answer is: it depends on your skin and routine. Double cleansing helps fully remove makeup, SPF, and oil, so it’s great if you wear those daily. But if your skin is dry and you keep your routine minimal, one thorough cleanse is often enough. The goal is clean, balanced skin. So, if it feels good without a second cleanse, you’re fine.
Are cleansing balms good for acne-prone skin?
Counterintuitively, yes. Many cleansing balms are totally fine for acne-prone skin, and some people find that oil cleansing actually helps regulate the skin’s natural oil production over time. The thing to watch for is formulas that leave a heavy, greasy residue, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. The best cleansing balms for acne-prone skin are ones that rinse completely clean. If you’re nervous about it, follow up with a lightweight water-based cleanser as part of your double cleanse.
What’s the difference between a cleansing balm and a cleansing oil?
They work on the same principle, which is using natural oils to dissolve makeup and impurities. However, the main difference is texture. Cleansing balms start as a solid and melt on contact with skin. Cleansing oils start as a liquid. Both are great for most skin types, but cleansing balms tend to feel richer and more spa-like, which is personally why I love them. If you have dry skin, a balm with shea butter or similar ingredients may also give you an extra boost of moisture during your nighttime routine.
Other Posts You Might Like:
- My Skincare Routine
- My Makeup Routine
- Colleen Rothschild Skincare Review
- The Best Clean Skincare Brands
- Best Moisturizers for Dry, Aging Skin
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