Most of us dread that time of day when we need to take our makeup off.
The elaborate steps, the endless products, the waterproof mascara that just won’t come off – it can be a lot for even the most patient skincare enthusiasts.
Enter the cleansing balm. A handy two-in-one solution that aims to remove all traces of the day’s goings-on (yes, that includes waterproof formulations!) and cleanse your skin at the same time.
Most cleansing balms begin as a solid formula but, when warmed up in your fingers, a silky oil is activated and transforms into a soft milky substance that, when rinsed with water, leaves skin feeling clear, clean and cleansed.
Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist, says they’re great for quickly dissolving makeup and gently cleansing the skin, but does warn that those with oily skin should take be careful: “Oils on the skin can promote the formation of blackheads, leading to spots. I would advise caution to those who have oily skin”.
Cleansing balms are, however, ideal for most skin types, especially those with drier skin, and Dr Mahto says the best way to use one is to “apply to dry skin and massage in, then remove with a warm flannel”. She also recommends “following up with a cream or foam cleanser to ensure any residual oil is removed swiftly from the skin”.
So it’s time to ditch those make-up wipes (they’re not good for the planet anyway) and swap in one of the finest cleansing balms we’ve rounded up for you below.
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Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm oozes luxury and, to be honest, we wouldn’t expect anything less from Estee Lauder and the cult Advanced Night collection.
From the gold ringed lid to the lavender-scented formula, the Micro Cleansing Balm is top notch skincare that will give you the clean conditioned feel you’re looking for - and for quite some time. Its silky texture glides across the skin with ease and the moisturising effects are next to none. Though it’s branded as a night time treatment, don’t be afraid to use this lightweight product any time of day for maximum impact.
Buy now £42.00, Selfridges
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Another budget-friendly product comes in the form of the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm which does exactly what it says on the tin – albeit, a small tin – and fairs well against some of its more expensive counterparts.
The vegan formula contains a subtle scent, which is far from overpowering, and makes for an excellent hydration boost in your skincare routine. It also leaves little residue and it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides to leave skin balanced and healthy. A little goes a long way with this one, so you won’t regret the purchase.
Buy now £10.00, Beauty Bay
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
A favourite among dermatologists and skincare influencers alike and it doesn’t take long to see why. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm promises to offer three unique benefits - it’s nourishing, easily removes makeup as a cleansing oil and hydrates as a cleansing milk.
Back by popular demand (for a limited time only), this unscented product can be used safely around the eyes and claims to work for all skin types. You can also use it as a 10 minute mask if you want to indulge yourself in the full spa experience that Elemis is so famous for. And with a hefty sized jar, you won’t be needing to replace it any time soon.
Buy now £36.80, lookfantastic
Soap & Glory Glow Your Mind Nourishing Cleansing Balm
We can’t resist the packaging of Soap & Glory products with its 1950s pastel aesthetic, but its cleansing balm packs a punch too.
Formulated with vitamin C, which is always great for boosting collagen, and with four-enriching oils, you can be safe in the knowledge that you are giving your skin all the goodness it deserves. There is a decent amount to go around as well – though you’ll need a fair bit to dissolve pesky makeup. This one’s on the slightly creamier end of cleansing balms but that only makes for a softer and more moisturised result.
Buy now £9.99, Boots
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
The Ordinary skincare have been making waves since they first rose to fame a few years ago and that’s, in part, thanks to its Squalane cleanser.
This bestselling product is known for its key ingredient, squalane (a lipid derived from animals and plants) that aims to tackle redness and swelling. This is a particularly oily product which makes it ideal for those with dry skin but, heeding Dr Mahto’s advice, anyone with oily skin should be wary. We recommend getting the 150ml version (50ml also available) to make the cleanser really last, but with such a friendly price tag, you won’t be complaining.
Buy now £5.50, Deciem
Farmacy Beauty GREEN CLEAN Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
With a dreamy blend of papaya, moringa, sunflower and ginger root oils, Farmacy’s Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm is incredibly gentle on the skin, making it ideal for the more sensitive among us. It doesn’t irritate the eyes at all and there’s even an unscented version available.
Makeup is dissolved efficiently and effectively, even on those full face days, and there’s a eco-friendly nod too as the green formula is organic-friendly and the packaging is 50 per cent recyclable. The best part? You get a little spoon in the lid (ice cream at the theatre style) to help you obtain the perfect amount for your skincare routine.
Buy now £25.50, Sephora
Keys Soulcare Nourishing Cleansing Balm
Alicia Keys is one of many celebrities to dare that tricky transition into beauty products but her Keys Soulcare range – that aims to bring comfort clarity and balance – does not disappoint.
Presented in an elegant purple jar and with some self-care motivation escribed on the back, it’s a luxurious experience from start to finish. Don’t be put off by the darker appearance of the nourishing cleaning balm, shea butter and sunflower seed oil formula work to leave skin feeling particularly soft and revitalised. Complemented with a sage and oat milk scent, it’s wonderfully soothing and gentle.
Buy now £30.00, Harrods
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
This is a limited-edition version of the Camomile Cleansing Balm in which one sells every 17 seconds. The hugely popular creamy cleanser will ignite the senses and brings the freshness of spring with every use. The reformulation adds Japanese camellia oil to the ingredient line-up that enhances the light aroma, while still packing a punch dissolving makeup and impurities as you massage it into the skin.
Buy now £12.00, The Body Shop
Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm
If you’re anything like us Clinique’s charcoal mask played a recurring role in our younger self’s skincare rituals not in the least for the satisfying hardening effect but also for its detoxifying properties. The latter is why the ingredient has been included in this latest launch from the label, a cleansing balm that will become a much-welcomed antidote to the indulgences of the festive period. A reset for the complexion, it contains Japanese charcooal for a deep cleanse and to remove excess oil, makeup and grime from the day.
Buy now £30.00, lookfantastic
Noble Panacea The Elemental Cleansing Balm and Exfoliating Refiner
Begin this two-step treatment with the Cleansing Balm that turns into an oil texture as it is massaged into the face and then a milky emulsion when combined with water. Then comes the Exfoliating Refiner that preps and primes the complexion to encourage a better absorption of the rest of your skincare routine. Together they’re a heavy-hitting duo that removes dirt and grime, improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation and leaves a healthy glow in their wake.
Buy now £172.00, Noble Panacea
