Get Unready With These 5 Beauty-Editor Approved Cleansing Balms
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
If there's one skincare product that has truly changed the game for me, it’s cleansing balms.
You see, these unassuming little tubs have this unique ability to effortlessly wash away the day along with SPF, dirt and all those impurities that accumulate on the skin. And they do so all while still caring for our precious skin barrier.
The Goldilocks of cleansers, if you will–not too harsh, not too gentle, but just right.
Exactly what my dry skin routine was missing.
But, confession time: prior to working at Adore Beauty, I’d never tried one. In fact, I hadn’t even heard of them.
Which is how I know they’ve made such a big impact on my skincare routine.
When I got my hands on my first face cleansing balm, it was love at first sight.
Being a textural girlie, I was immediately captivated by its magical transformation from a solid balm to a silky oil in the palms of my hands.
I couldn't help but wonder, "Could such a gentle formula really remove long-wearing makeup in a single go?"
Even my trusted micellar water cleanser usually takes a couple of rounds to do that.
Seemed impossible, but boy, was I wrong. So, so wrong.
Suffice it to say, I'm hooked. Hence my mission to try as many as my bank account permits.
Now, before I introduce you to five of my current favourites, a quick word on cleansing balms and how to apply them.
What Is a Cleansing Balm & How Do I Apply It?
While cleansing balms are a welcomed addition to a dry skin routine, their benefits extend to literally anyone with a face, especially those who wear makeup or have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
In addition to breaking down makeup, excess oil and impurities, many are packed with a treasure trove of vitamins, antioxidants, and other skin-loving ingredients that continue to work wonders long after they've been wiped away; tackling dullness, pigmentation, irritation and a variety of other skin concerns.
For those with dry, sensitive, or sensitised skin, particularly during winter, cleansing balms are a great standalone cleanser. You can even use them twice in a double cleanse routine.
If your skin leans more toward the oily side, I'd recommend incorporating them as the initial step in your double cleanse, followed by a cleanser tailored to your specific skin concerns.
In terms of application, here's the drill:
- Start by washing your hands, then scoop a dollop of balm into your palms, warming until it emulsifies.
- Gently massage it into your skin in circular motions for about a minute, focusing on the eye area to remove stubborn makeup.
- You may find you need a second cleanse for thorough removal, otherwise remove using a warm, damp cloth or Face Halo before completing your skincare routine.
Like all skincare products, no two cleansing balms are made the same. That said, let's dive into the deets.
1. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.
Ideal for: all skin types, including sensitive.
Fast facts:
- Transforms from a solid balm to a silky oil cleanser.
- Non-drying formula keeps the skin's moisture intact.
- Effortlessly tackles all makeup types, even the heavy-duty and waterproof.
- Suitable for all skin types and use on the entire face, including the delicate eye area.
My Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm review:
If there’s one cleansing balm you’ve likely seen or heard of, it’s Clinique Take The Day Off.
It's been a firm beauty editor favourite for years. Our resident makeup artist also gave us a full rundown and review in a previous Beauty IQ article here.
What sets the Clinique cleansing balm apart? For starters, its formula is free from parabens, phthalates and fragrances, making it a top choice for those with sensitive skin.
It’s also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free-radical damage.
Vitamin E also acts as both a humectant and emollient, drawing water toward the skin and locking it in for long-lasting hydration.
And as if this hard-working vitamin doesn’t do enough already, it ALSO doubles as an anti-inflammatory that can help soothe irritation and repair the skin.
2. Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm.
Ideal for: all skin types, but potentially not the fragrance-adverse.
Fast facts:
- Provides antioxidant protection against free radicals.
- Washes away impurities, makeup and dirt without depriving the skin of its natural moisture.
- Native Wild Orange Leaf Extract gently helps clear impurities while safeguarding against free radicals.
My Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm review:
Another holy grail product that needs no introduction, The Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm is considered the GOAT of cleansing balms at Adore HQ.
We’ve already covered it in a Beauty IQ here, so I’ll cut to the chase: I’m about to hit pan on my second tub, and that, my friends, says it all.
Unlike the Clinique balm, this one has a refreshing natural citrus scent from Australian botanicals and is enriched with nourishing natural actives.
Like Grapeseed oil, which helps reduce excess sebum production and increase circulation. Or bisabolol which is extracted from chamomile to aid in calming the skin and reduce inflammation.
So, if you're an advocate for locally-made skincare or on the hunt for a vegan-friendly option, this cleansing balm could very well become your new best friend.
3. AB LAB Dewy-C Enzymatic Cleansing Balm.
Ideal for: normal to dry skin types.
Fast facts:
- Australian-made, vegan and cruelty-free.
- Skin-softening cleanser that emulsifies into a nourishing oil.
- Enriched with antioxidant-rich ingredients and enzymatic fruits.
- Sea buckthorn oil and lactic acid hydrate, even skin tone and improve texture.
- Melts away makeup, dirt, oil, and impurities while brightening the complexion.
My AB LAB Dewy-C Enzymatic Cleansing Balm review:
A cleansing balm made by our very own in-house skincare brand, AB LAB.
If you caught its launch, you may already be aware of my love affair with this balm.
In a nutshell, it has a luxuriously fluffy texture that feels like a treat for the skin and leaves it looking glowy as heck thanks to its inclusion of Kakadu plum oil, aka the world’s richest source of vitamin C.
So if dull, lacklustre skin is a concern of yours, I’d recommend giving this one a go.
Unbox a fresh AB LAB Dewy-C Cleansing Balm with us below...
4. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original.
Ideal for: all skin types, particularly sensitive as it's hypoallergenic.
Fast facts:
- Transforms into a velvety oil upon contact with the skin.
- Hypoallergenic formula ensures a soothing cleanse that caters to all skin types.
- Natural ingredients gently exfoliate for smoother, brighter and more evenly toned skin.
- Effortlessly lifts away resistant makeup, ensuring no harsh stripping of the skin's natural moisture.
My Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm review:
This Banila Clean It Zero cleansing balm is a cult favourite amidst K-beauty lovers.
According to the brand, they sell one every three seconds. Yep, three.
Like the aforementioned cleansing balms, the Banila Co rendition is formulated with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and brightening vitamin C, so you’re getting more value out of each cleanse.
It also lands on the more affordable end of the cleansing balm spectrum, making it a viable choice for those mindful of their budget.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Cleansing Balm.
Ideal for: all skin types, particularly oily as it’s non-comedogenic.
Fast facts:
- Formulated with a blend of nourishing oils, including 25% safflower seed oil.
- Dissolves even the most stubborn long-wear and waterproof makeup with ease.
- 3-in-1: transforms from a rich buttery balm to lightweight cleansing oil between the palms and cushioning milk under water.
My Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Cleansing Balm review:
Last but not least, something for those with a… bigger… budget.
If you’re an Estée Lauder loyalist, you’ll likely already be familiar with the brand’s anti-ageing Advanced Night Repair collection. Or at the very least, *the* serum.
Recently, they added a cleansing balm to the range formulated with a lipid-rich oil infusion to nourish and replenish the skin, keeping it soft and supple.
I’ve been road-testing this balm for the last fortnight and loving its silky texture that feels heavenly on the skin and subtle scent that can only be described as expensive.
Its gorg gold packaging with logo embossed lid isn’t too bad on the eye, either.
So if your budget permits, this balm is worth a closer look.
Want some affordable cleansing balm options for dry skin? These are also worth having on your radar:
- BEAUTY OF JOSEON Radiance Cleansing Balm - The Beauty of Joseon cleansing balm is only $40 and is perfect for sensitive skins thanks to its inclusion of rice (rich in amino acids, minerals and vitamin E to keep the skin moist and healthy) and grain complex extracts.
- TIRTIR Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Balm - This K-beauty cleansing balm from TIRTIR is only $30 that gently but effectively melts off makeup and SPF and is powered by active enzymes, probiotics and Goami extracts.
- Esmi Skin Minerals Cleansing Butter Balm - This luxurious balm-to-oil cleanser is only $30 which is worth every penny when you think about all the nourishing, softening and strengthening ingredients in the formula such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
After more tips and recommendations for dry skin? Check out these Beauty IQs:
