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Cleansing balms are simple. This is why I like them. With the oversaturation of do-it-all products out there, understanding the essentials can be overwhelming. But the modest cleansing balm has a straightforward function: remove dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities without stripping skin of its moisture. Some offer gentle exfoliation, others are exceptionally soothing. That’s the deal.
As someone with dry-to-combination skin, I find balms especially handy in the cool-weather months. My favorite finds provided a lovely, sensory experience that felt downright decadent, left my skin feeling clean and super soft, and never stripped of moisture. You’d be unsurprised to know, however, that not all cleansing balms are created equal. Dr. Carmen Castilla MD, Board Certified Dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City, weighs in.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CLEANSING BALM?
Dr. Castilla points to four key factors: A good cleansing balm removes makeup effectively with minimal effort, it cleanses and leaves the skin feeling moisturized without imparting a heavy or greasy residue, it doesn't clog pores or cause acne breakouts, and it has a pleasant texture. This last one, of course, is a matter of preference. I like a lighter weight, more buttery texture vs. a thick, tightly packed balm, but each to his own. Almost all cleansing balms contain an oil base, the most common being jojoba, grapeseed, argan, and coconut oil for their non-comedogenic properties.
Dr. Castilla also notes that a good balm has hydrating ingredients or skin barrier–repair ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, as well as calming ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, or chamomile. Sea buckthorn is also popular due to its soothing and hydrating topical benefits.
WHO NEEDS A CLEANSING BALM?
“People who use makeup on a routine basis are good candidates for cleansing balms,” says Dr. Castilla. “Some may find [balms] feel too heavy in the hot summer months, however, they can definitely be used year round.”
For those with sensitive or eczema prone skin, she recommends avoiding a balm with essential oils. “These are very common irritants. Those with oily or acne prone skin should try to stick to lightweight oils such as grapeseed or argan which are less likely to clog pores and lead to breakouts.” It’s also important to note that most balms will come with a spatula to avoid contaminating your cleanser by constantly dipping your fingers into the product. The dispensing system is a personal preference, but may be something to consider for those with especially sensitive skin.
DO I HAVE TO DOUBLE CLEANSE WITH A BALM?
This was one of my biggest questions when I began this cleansing balm experiment. I almost always double cleanse at night because I wear sunscreen daily. I especially double cleanse on the days I wear makeup. But what about in the morning? Can a balm be used on its own?
Dr. Castilla says it depends on the balm. “You are likely to leave some residue behind when only using a damp cloth to wipe away a cleansing balm. It's best to use a water-based cleanser afterwards to ensure your skin is properly cleansed. However, some balms are formulated to be a single step product rinsed away with water. iIf that is the case you do not need to double cleanse.”
Of the nearly 20 cleansing balms I tried, based on texture, effectiveness, and overall experience, these are the standout cleansers worth considering this winter.
BEST OVERALL
There is a reason Then I Met You is a leader in the cleansing balm category. Antioxidant-rich seaberry oil, olive oil, and sea buckthorn oil nourish and support the skin barrier, while vitamin E moisturizes and protects and persimmon offers natural skin brightening and sebum control. But even the experience of using the balm is nice. The double cleanse has always been part of the Then I Met You regimen––and while I did follow up with a water-based cleanser most of the time––I loved that this balm didn’t leave any oily or sticky residue like some balms that require a double cleanse.
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I’ll be honest: I had low expectations. When anything is touted as “going viral on TikTok,” as intriguing as that may be to some, I usually roll my eyes in the fashion of Elder Millennial. I have little interest in what goes viral. All I care about is: Does it work? Is it good? Is it better than something else? And yes, Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm is all of that. My doubts, dismissed. It’s relatively no frills––no golden hue or alluring aromatics. Just sea buckthorn oil, camellia oil, and shea butter working together to dissolve makeup, dirt, environmental pollutants, and other impurities like a good cleansing balm should. It’s extremely hydrating, leaves no residue or sticky-feeling film, and my skin was soft and refreshed after rinsing. Plus, it’s a great price point.
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In addition to removing dirt, makeup, and SPF while hydrating or soothing skin, this balm has antibacterial properties to assist in a deep clean, decongesting pores, and smoothing skin’s texture. It has nourishing and anti-inflammatory ingredients to hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce redness. I also adore the texture. It’s this buttery yet featherweight consistency that leaves no residue. My skin felt fresh and never stripped of moisture. I found it effective enough on its own, but when I double cleansed, it paired well with the SumaNurica Amino Acid Gentle Cleanser, which is super creamy and hydrating.
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This light-as-air, balm-to-milk formula was one of my favorites for its super-creamy application and easy rinse-off. It has a hygienic twist-up top that lets you dispense as much or as little as you like while ensuring you’re never contaminating the balm. It contains five plant-derived oils, including green tea seed and jojoba oil, which is great for those who struggle with clogged pores. It also contains AHA and natural BHA to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, which will also help reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and smooth skin texture.
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BEST FOR DOUBLE CLEANSING
This balm focuses on restoring and optimizing the skin barrier with a proprietary complex of ceramides and lipids, as well as hydrating jojoba oil and squalane. It’s all about skin health, which is the foundation for sustaining bright, clear skin. I used the balm on its own a few times, but felt the experience was amplified by using the Rationale #4 The Cleanser, which is a creamy, lotion-like cleanser. Together, the routine is perfect for those with dry skin, especially in winter.
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I like this balm because it’s really, truly a balm. It almost looks like a clear lip balm upon dispensing, but it’s not sticky and it goes on skin seamlessly. Because it’s dispensed via tube (vs. a pot), it has a similar hygienic benefit as the twist-up tops. It’s jam-packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients like vitamin C- and antioxidant-rich plums and acerola fruit to help enhance radiance and reduce visible signs of aging, as well as Abyssinian and Meadowfoam seed oils to soften, smooth, and nourish skin. While the experience was lovely, I felt a double cleanse was absolutely necessary, as the balm left my skin with a bit of an oily finish. I used the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser, but any water-based option will do.
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This sugar-based cleanser is a tightly packed formula of organic, barrier-supporting moringa butter and antioxidant-rich cocoa butter, with blue tansy and German chamomile to calm skin. It also contains sweet orange and tangerine essential oils to help tone and clarify the skin. It’s gentle on skin and rinses clean, and while it may be good for sensitive skin due to being free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, soy, phthalates, and fragrances, it’s important to note that some skin types don’t tolerate essential oils. I followed this balm with my favorite La Roche Posay water-based cream cleanser, and found the combo just perfect for refreshed, hydrated skin.
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BEST SCENTED
I had never heard of Farmhouse Fresh before, and regardless of how much I love a Chip and Joanna Gaines moment, “farmhouse chic” isn’t really my style. But holy hell, this cleanser is incredible. It’s somehow creamy, pillowy, and substantial all at once. Once scooped out, it melts into skin, and when water is added, it turns milky and rinses off leaving no residue. My skin felt soft and moisturized thanks to omega fatty acid-rich seaberry fruit oil, brightening Vitamin C, nourishing sunflower seed oil, and antioxidant-rich Farmhouse Fresh–grown lemon balm extract. Orange and vanilla notes make it reminiscent of a creamsicle. What impressed me most, however, is that it actually took off all of my makeup and left my skin feeling bouncy and hydrated––no double cleanse needed.
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Dr. Castilla notes this balm as one of her favorites, and it’s easy to see why. It’s made with plant oils like elderberry, Optimega™, and starflower oil, as well as padina pavonica, which is an antioxidant-rich, super-hydrating type of algae. The balm quickly transforms to oil on contact, and comes off in a milky rinse. It doesn’t feel too heavy, either, giving it year-round staying power. It does contain essential oils like eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender, but it’s a subtle fragrance, and a relaxing one, at that.
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BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
This super-gentle, tightly packed balm is full of Japanese botanicals like calming indigo extract, cleansing lipids, and hadasei-3 to support the skin barrier. It’s also free of fragrances, mineral oil, sulfates, detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA, and phthalates. I love this balm for those with sensitive skin because, so often, reactive skin types are forced to trade luxury for the unglamorous, clinical options to ensure a drama-free experience. But this balm provides the best of both worlds. Sensi-skin types deserve decadence, too!
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The best way to describe this melt-away sorbet is “invigorating.” After each use, my skin felt refreshed, hydrated, and clean, but never tight or dry. It contains antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E. It helps strengthen and soothe skin, while gently exfoliating to reveal brighter skin. It’s also great for sensitive skin, as it's free of mineral oil, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and silicones. I love its super-soft, almost airy texture.
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Similar to Blithe, this balm comes with a hygienic twist-top dispenser. What I like about this formula, however, is that it’s straightforward, pared down to 14 ingredients, all of which are suitable for sensitive skin. It’s free of fragrances, parabens, and artificial coloring and contains rejuvenating, soothing ingredients that not only cleanse and hydrate skin, but also help reduce redness and irritation. It has a soft, lightweight texture, yet I found it effective enough to remove all my makeup without a double cleanse.
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THE BEST BALMS ARE THE ONES THAT WORK FOR YOUR SKIN
No matter which balm you choose, just remember: Hydrated skin is happy skin. If your skin feels tight, dry, or itchy, then try another balm or a soothing cream cleanser. A good balm should be pleasant to use and make your skin feel soft, hydrated, and soothed. This is where healthy skin begins.
