The Very Best Cleansing Balms That Leave Nothing Behind (2025)

For clean, never-stripped skin.

Danielle Fontana Dooley

Published: Apr 11, 2025

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YakobchukOlena / Getty Images

When it comes to removing every last trace of makeup—foundation, sunscreen, waterproof mascara included—cleansing balms are the gold standard. These rich, oil-based formulas break down buildup with ease, leaving skin soft, clean and never stripped. Shopping for a new favorite or have yet to find your skin-care bestie? We’ve rounded up the most effective cleansing balms out there to help cut through the cleanser clutter.

1 / 12

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm ($18)

Infused with vitamin E and eucalyptus oil, this lightly scented balm gently melts away makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. Reviewers say it works wonders across skin types—from dry, mature skin to oily, acne-prone teens—leaving complexions feeling “clean and hydrated” with every use.

2 / 12

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm ($81)

Housed in a luxe glass jar, this rich, emollient balm is formulated to nourish dry, stressed skin while effectively removing every trace of makeup. One user with “40-something dehydrated skin” says it’s her go-to first cleanse, especially after sun and wind exposure: “It’s moisturizing and really does lift all the makeup off my skin and lashes.”

3 / 12

BYOMA Melting Cleansing Balm ($16)

This alcohol- and fragrance-free balm blends grapeseed oil and olive fruit extract to break down makeup and sunscreen while supporting the skin barrier. One rosacea-prone reviewer raves it’s “so comforting and moisturizing,” making it a gentle go-to for sensitive skin.

4 / 12

Furtuna Skin Cielo Puro Cleansing Oil Balm ($85)

Formulated with olive squalane and antioxidant-rich organic olive leaf water, this lush Italian-made balm works for both dry and oily skin types. One reviewer calls it a staple for both her and her acne-prone husband: “It helps keep his skin clear and not dried out. We’ll keep using it.”

5 / 12

EADEM Dew Dream Hydrating Cleansing Balm ($34)

This mess-free balm comes in a tube and features healing tiger grass to calm and hydrate skin without leaving behind a filmy residue. One fan raves their skin feels “bouncy, soft and calm” after two weeks of use, and the scent? “Smells sooo good.”

Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm ($20)

This unscented, linoleic-rich balm uses purple ginseng and plant-based esters to gently melt away makeup and impurities without irritation. “It does melt your makeup away without scrubbing,” says one new devotee. “I don’t know how I managed this long without it.”

7 / 12

Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm ($15)

Packed with sea buckthorn oil, camellia oil and shea butter, this non-greasy balm cleanses while locking in moisture. One reviewer says it “cleans makeup off very easily” and helped eliminate dry patches: “Highly recommend.”

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8 / 12

Oak Essentials Cleansing Balm ($48)

Bring the spa experience home with this ultra-clean formula made with avocado and juniper oils, and without silicones, sulfates, parabens and more. One reviewer swears it’s “the ONLY makeup remover my skin can tolerate,” praising its soothing feel that doesn’t burn or dry out sensitive skin.

9 / 12

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($69)

A cult favorite for reason, this balm softens and nourishes while melting away makeup and grime. Just don’t skip the warm washcloth step—“Your makeup will simply melt off,” says one fan. “My face feels so soft afterwards.”

10 / 12

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($39)

This makeup “magic eraser” is available in a fragrance-free formula and melts away even the most stubborn waterproof products. A devoted user calls it a “total skin-care essential,” saying it leaves skin “super soft and clean—never greasy or dry.”

11 / 12

Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Hydrating Gel-Balm Cleanser ($48)

Powered by hyaluronic acid to hydrate while it cleanses, this gel transforms into a silky cleansing oil to remove every last bit of makeup and sunscreen. “I was blown away,” says one reviewer. “It leaves my skin hydrated and plump—she is a bathroom must-have.”

12 / 12

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover ($24)

Fans of the cult-favorite Jelly Cleanser will love this soft, rich balm. With a botanical oil blend and hydrating glycerin, one user calls it “the perfect clean but not stripped feeling,” noting how it “removed all of my makeup yet did not irritate my eyes.”

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