3 Amazing Cleansing Balms That Will Melt Makeup Away in a Snap

Over the last year or so, cleansing balms have become a pretty big must-have in the beauty world. Make-up removers had a big moment with micellar waters and then cleansing balms came on the scene to take off even the most stubborn and heavy-duty makeup.

I actually began using cleansing balms about 2 years ago when I discovered the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. Back then, I had no idea that this product would become one of the major makeup removing trends in the next few months/years to come – but here we are! 

In general, I like to use cleansing balms in conjunction with micellar waters to remove my makeup. I find that using the cleansing balm to remove my makeup and following up with micellar water (and a reusable cotton pad) to remove any last bits of makeup before cleansing my skin. I’ve found this is the best way to get super clean and fresh skin before applying serums, moisturizers, and night masks. 

Say Hello to the 3 BEST Cleansing Balms!

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Great for: Dry Skin, Removing Stubborn Makeup

First up, is the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. I mentioned this one earlier, so it only makes sense to start with it! 

This is one of the best cleansing balms because it really does just melt away your makeup so easily. I don’t often wear waterproof mascara, but when I do, I always use the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm to remove it at the end of the day. At first, this balm feels like a solid (and it has like a cloudy-translucent look to it) but as it’s in your hands it becomes more of an oil consistency that you can easily massage into your skin. 

On Sephora, I noticed that this product is described as non-greasy and I wouldn’t describe it like that. It’s definitely got a greasy feeling to it – I mean, it’s an oil. You’ll want to follow this up with a cleanser to remove any residue from the remover. 

This cleansing balm comes in a tub which has it’s pros and cons, in my opinion. On one hand, you’re dipping into the product which doesn’t seem to be the cleanest way to access the product. On the other hand, you won’t be missing out on any leftover product as you would in a tube since you can literally scrape the bottom of the tub to get all the product out. 

The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is vegan and formulated without any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrance, alcohol, SLS, talc, mineral oil, silicone, and gluten.

You get 3.8 oz / 125ml for $40.00 

FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

Great for: Dry Skin, Removing Stubborn Makeup

The FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm is another one of the best cleansing balms for those looking for a remover that will get rid of the most stubborn makeup. This cleansing balm has a beautiful buttery feeling to it, and it smells amazing which is a nice bonus. 

In the tub, this has that solid-oil sort of look to it that the Clinique balm has – but it’s light minty green in colour. Once you grab a bit of the balm though, it becomes clear and melts to be easily spread over your face and remove your makeup. 

Again, this cleansing balm is in a tub. This means that it’s not always the most cleanly looking/feeling but it also means you get access to ALL the product and will be able to scrape out every last bit. That may not be a big deal to some people – but not being able to access the end bits of a product drives me a bit nuts so it’s a big deal to me. 

While some people do use this as a cleanser, exfoliant (because the papaya enzymes naturally exfoliate the skin), and moisturizer – I personally just use this and all the other cleansing balms mentioned today as makeup removers. I always follow up with a cleanser and then move onto the moisturization part of my skincare routine. 

The FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm is vegan and formulated without any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and many more – see the full FARMACY Removing Cleansing Balm ingredient list here.

You get 3.4 oz / 100ml for $45.00 

Indeed Labs Watermelon Melting Balm

Most recently I’ve begun testing out the Indeed Labs Watermelon Melting Balm. It has a similar look to the Clinique Cleansing Balm when it comes out of the tube (it’s a clear gel-balm look and texture) but it feels much more watery when you begin to blend it out. It’s very lightweight and just like the other facial cleansing balms, a little goes a long way. 

I like the packaging of this balm because the squeeze-style of the packaging does just feel a bit more hygienic than the tub. However, it does mean that when you’re nearing the end of the product that it’s hard to access the remaining product. 

To use this product, you’re supposed to apply it to dry skin and then add water to emulsify it and massage it out over your face like a cleanser. Then you’ll use your makeup-removing cloth to remove the cleansing balm and your makeup. Since this oil is slightly lighter I would say the oiliness isn’t as intense as the other two cleansing balms once it’s wiped off with a cloth, however, I would still always follow up with a secondary cleanser to remove the oil and then proceed with the rest of your skincare routine. 

The Indeed Labs Watermelon Melting Balm is formulated with watermelon and hemp seed oil which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E, as well as fatty acids. These help the skin appear bright and glowy. In addition, the Indeed Labs Watermelon Melting Balm has bisabolol which is great for sensitive skin types. 

The Indeed Labs Watermelon Melting Balm is phthalate-free, SLS & SLES-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, colourant-free, free from denatured alcohol, mineral oil-free, not tested on animals, and it is vegan. 

You get 3.4 US fl.oz. / 100ml for $22.99.