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The best cleansing balms for every skin type — editor-tested and dermatologist-approved
The first step of your double cleanse
If I had to pick one product that has changed my skincare routine for good, it would be a cleansing balm. And in 2026, with double cleansing officially having its moment and K-beauty barrier care all over our For You pages, the best cleansing balm is no longer just about removing mascara — it is about prepping your skin for everything that comes next.
The best cleansing balms for 2026, at a glance
I have tested pretty much every cleansing balm that has landed on my desk, from cult Korean picks and £14 pharmacy steals to the Elemis classic that earned its place on every beauty editor's shelf. Whether you are dealing with a compromised skin barrier, persistent spots or just want a really thorough cleanse, there is a balm below that will do the job.
Keep reading for 14 of the best cleansing balms I have tried over the past five years, with expert input from consultant dermatologist Dr Catherine Borysiewicz of The Galen Clinic.
Beautypie Youthbomb Quillaja Melting Cleanser
Beautypie Youthbomb Quillaja Melting Cleanser
I will be the first to admit I came for the name and stayed for the results.
The Youthbomb Quillaja Melting Cleanser has one trick most cleansing balms can't pull off: it cuts through a full face of SPF and foundation without leaving the kind of oily film that blocks pores the moment you think you've finished cleansing.
The quillaja bark extract does the heavy lifting on congestion – this is the one I reach for after a hot, sweaty day when my pores feel like they need an actual deep clean. Spots, who?
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Oily and acne-prone skin, post-gym cleanse, congested pores |
|---|---|
| Texture | Melting balm — emulsifies to milky rinse |
| Scent | Chestnut |
| Mascara removal | ★★★★★ — removes a full waterproof mascara in one pass |
Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
If you have spent any time on the K-beauty corner of TikTok, you already know about the double cleanse – and this is the balm that makes the first step genuinely feel like a ritual rather than a chore.
The exceptionally hygienic grinding mechanism dispenses a smooth, perfectly-portioned amount of product with zero double-dipping – genius!
On skin, it dissolves sunscreen and makeup without any drag, then rinses completely clean – no residue, which makes it a brilliantly tidy first step before your water-based cleanser.
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Double cleansing first step, K-beauty fans, all skin types |
|---|---|
| Texture | Firm balm that warms to oil on contact — rinses clean |
| Scent | Subtle herbal / green tea |
| Mascara removal | ★★★★☆ — thorough on most formulas; do a second pass on waterproof liner |
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
In the world of cleansing balms, this is the one that started a thousand skincare routines — and my own. Packed with ultra-nourishing essential oils including starflower and elderberry, it is the balm I recommend to anyone whose skin skews dry or mature: the results are genuinely glossy in the best way.
It emulsifies beautifully with water into a milky rinse, so there is none of the gummy residue you get from lesser formulas. Worth noting: if your skin is on the oilier side or you are acne-prone, this richness might tip into congestion territory — in which case, look further down the list.
I have the Black Cherry edition, but it also comes in Original, Rose, Green Fig, Natural, and in a travel size.
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Dry, mature and normal skin — the classic gateway balm |
|---|---|
| Texture | Rich, luxurious — emulsifies to a silky milk on contact with water |
| Scent | Black cherry; rose; green fig; lavender and chamomile; herbal |
| Mascara removal | ★★★★★ — dispatches waterproof mascara without a second pass |
The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm
The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm
The INKEY List's most-talked-about product earns its reputation every time I pack it. The calming colloidal oatmeal is there to soothe rather than strip — so if your skin tends to feel tight and reactive after cleansing, this will immediately become your best friend.
What sets it apart from most of the list is the format: a streamlined tube rather than a weighty tub, which means it sails through airport security and takes up approximately no space in a washbag. At £15, it is also the most cost-effective entry point to a proper balm cleansing.
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Sensitive skin, frequent travellers, cleansing balm beginners |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft balm in tube — lighter feel than a tub balm |
| Scent | Fragrance-free |
| Mascara removal | ★★★★☆ — excellent on everyday makeup; a second pass helps with heavy mascara |
Allies of Skin Vitamin C & Omegas Cleansing Balm
Allies of Skin Vitamin C & Omegas Cleansing Balm
A cleansing balm that also delivers actives? Yes, please. The Allies of Skin formula is built around stabilised vitamin C and omega fatty acids, so while it is doing the obvious job of dissolving your SPF and makeup, it is also working on brightness and barrier support.
The texture is richer than most — it takes a proper moment to melt down on skin, which I have started treating as an excuse for a 60-second facial massage. For anyone whose skin looks dull by Thursday, this is the double-duty move.
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Dull, uneven skin tone — extra credit for antioxidant fans |
|---|---|
| Texture | Rich, dense balm — takes a moment to warm and melt |
| Scent | Clean, slightly citrus-adjacent |
| Mascara removal | ★★★★☆ — thorough on pigmented makeup, slight residue on very stubborn liner |
Origins Youthtopia Apple Butter Cleansing Balm
Origins Youthtopia Apple Butter Cleansing Balm
If your skincare routine needs to feel like self-care to actually happen, this is your balm. The Origins Youthtopia smells exactly as the name promises — warm, buttery apple with a softness that makes the whole thing feel a bit indulgent, even on a Tuesday evening.
Beyond the scent hit, it does everything a solid balm should: melts on contact, picks up every trace of makeup and SPF, and leaves skin noticeably soft. The apple extract adds a gentle brightening note over time. Bear in mind the fragrance makes this less suited to reactive skin — for those, scroll to The INKEY List.
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Normal to dry skin — especially for anyone who loves a sensory cleanse |
|---|---|
| Texture | Silky balm — melts down fast |
| Scent | Warm apple butter — the best-smelling balm on this list |
| Mascara removal | ★★★★★ — mascara gone before you've even started massaging |
KOBA Safou Sorbet Face Cleansing Balm
KOBA Safou Sorbet Face Cleansing Balm
Safou oil – extracted from the African plum and rich in omega-3, 6 and 9 – is having a moment in skincare, and KOBA has built their entire ethos around it.
This cleansing balm is the entry point to the range, and it is a genuinely good one: the sorbet texture melts on contact and deposits an almost imperceptible layer of nourishment as it lifts away makeup.
I tested it during a particularly brutal run of cold, windy days when my skin barrier was very much complaining, and I noticed a difference in how smooth and settled my skin felt in the morning. It is also one of the most interesting indie brands to cross my desk this year.
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Compromised, dry or barrier-damaged skin — a purposeful first cleanse |
|---|---|
| Texture | Sorbet / soft mousse — melts quickly, feels lightweight |
| Scent | Subtle, clean — slight natural nuttiness |
| Mascara removal | ★★★★☆ — solid on everyday makeup; use a dedicated eye makeup remover first for heavy mascara |
BYOMA Melting Balm Cleanser
The BYOMA Melting Balm is the under-£15 option that perfectly balances being nourishing enough to cut through mascara without leaving your skin feeling greasy afterwards.
Zero post-cleanse oiliness — it is the balm I point oily-skin sceptics towards first. The barrier lipid complex works to strengthen skin's defences, and rapeseed oil plus antioxidant sea buckthorn mean it is aimed at sensitive skin without compromising on thoroughness.
| Best for | Oily and combination skin — a non-greasy balm that actually works |
|---|---|
| Texture | Velvety, lightweight — emulsifies cleanly |
| Scent | Fragrance-free |
| Mascara removal | ★★★★☆ — excellent on everyday formulas |
e.l.f skin Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
e.l.f skin Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
A cleansing balm for *almost* £10? We're sold. This is not only friendly to your bank account, but it will also win your skin over too.It contains a trifecta of our favourite skin BFFs: ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid. When worked into the skin, this creates a milky texture that will tackle even a smoky eye with ease, without leaving a greasy residue behind. Our one complaint? Make it bigger, e.l.f.
Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm
If you struggle with blocked pores and blackheads and the thought of putting an oily balm on your face makes you shiver, Augustinus Bader is here for you.
This balm is non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog up your precious pores) and fragrance-free too. It includes a nourishing blend of avocado oil, squalane and vitamin E, so your skin is seriously reaping some benefits, as well as removing makeup at the same time, obvs.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
This jar contains no artificial fragrances and is both vegan and cruelty-free. Elle Woods would be proud.
This balm-to-milk cleanser is a pro for breaking down cakey foundation and budge-proof eye makeup, thanks to its blend of aloe leaf oil and eucalyptus. It didn't irritate my eyes and left my skin feeling fresh. What's not to love?
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Dry skin peeps, you need this in your life. This Korean beauty baby is super silky in texture, down to being filled with fatty acids, olive oil and antioxidant sea buckthorn oil.
This removed my mascara without any fuss, whilst feeling super gentle. Even better? Skin is left with some serious hydration and glow afterwards.
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
Usually, me and exfoliating cleansers do not vibe but this one is so gentle I'll make an exception to the rule.
Filled to the brim with papaya enzyme extracts to gently slough away dead skin cells as you cleanse, this left my skin feeling baby-soft and as bouncy as a trampoline (well, almost). Not to mention it smells lush.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser
Another oil-to-milk number, this offering from Drunk Elephant is TikTok famous for a reason. It features DE's signature marula oil, as well as fruit extracts, which all get to work to remove everything from SPF to foundation. It leaves your skin feeling clean and renewed, without leaving it as dry as toast.
What are the benefits of a cleansing balm?
"Cleansing balms will gently cleanse the skin removing makeup effectively without rubbing which can be damaging to the skin surface," says Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, Consultant Dermatologist at The Galen Clinic.
"They have the ability to deeply cleanse and remove impurities including excess oil and the pollutants that will accumulate throughout the day. These products also tend to moisturise and keep skin feeling soft and hydrated, helping to support a healthy skin barrier."
In 2026, the conversation around cleansing balms has expanded well beyond makeup removal. As double cleansing — the Korean skincare practice of using an oil-based cleanser first, then a water-based one — goes mainstream, a well-chosen balm is now the cornerstone of the whole routine.
Are cleansing balms better than cleansing oils?
Both a cleansing balm and a cleansing oil will do an excellent first-step job of dissolving oil-based impurities like SPF, foundation and waterproof mascara. The difference is in feel and finish. A balm starts solid and warms to oil on contact with your skin — it gives you more control and tends to stay put during a massage, which is a plus for anyone who likes working the product in properly. A cleansing oil, by contrast, is immediately fluid and can feel slightly harder to control. For those with drier skin, a balm typically deposits more nourishment; for very oily skin, an oil can feel lighter. The short answer: they are the same step in the double cleanse — pick whichever texture you will actually use every night.
Dr Borysiewicz adds: "Cleansing balms are very effective at deep cleansing and removing makeup without the need to rub or scrub at the skin — making them much gentler on your skin barrier. They also often contain nourishing oils and have secondary skincare benefits, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated."
On sensitivity: "The rich ointment texture of balms — the lack of water — means that there are often fewer preservative agents required, making them less likely to cause irritation and more suitable for people with sensitive skin," she says.
What skin types will benefit from a cleansing balm?
We've already touched upon the benefits cleansing balms can have for those with sensitive skin, but they're pretty much a crowd-pleaser for everyone.
"They can be very effective at preventing breakouts due to the deep cleanse that you’re able to achieve," says Dr Borysiewicz.
However, she has one quick caveat: "If you have very sensitive skin, as with all products, you need to look for potential irritants within cleansing balms such as aromatic oils. For congested skin, it's best to avoid coconut oil-based products as these could cause blackhead formation in the skin for some."
Instead, try Youthbomb's melting cleanser and BYOMA's cleansing balm, which are both formulated specifically for acne-prone and congested skin.
Do you need to double cleanse after a cleansing balm?
The honest answer: it depends on your skin and your evening routine. If you wear SPF daily (which, if you don't, please do), a second cleanse after your balm is worthwhile — a water-based cleanser will remove any remaining residue and means your serums and moisturiser can actually absorb. If your skin is very dry, very sensitive, or you only wear light makeup, a single balm cleanse done thoroughly may be all you need.
Double cleansing is the standard first step in the Korean skincare routine — and for skin that tends to break out, it is the move. Properly cleansed skin absorbs active ingredients more effectively, so the time investment usually pays off.
How to double cleanse
Step 1: Apply your cleansing balm to dry skin — never wet. Use your fingertips to massage it in circular motions for at least 60 seconds, paying attention to your T-zone, around the nose and along the lash line where mascara sits.
Step 2: Dampen your hands and continue massaging — this emulsifies the balm into a milky lotion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Step 3: Follow immediately with a water-based cleanser suited to your skin type. Your skin should feel clean but not stripped. If it feels tight, your second cleanser may be too harsh — try something more gentle.
Kara Kia is the Ecommerce Editor for Women's Lifestyle at Hearst UK, leading Cosmopolitan UK's digital shopping strategy across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and editor, Kara specialises in skincare, makeup, haircare and helping women find their personal style — trying and testing every product she recommends. A trusted voice in fashion and beauty ecommerce, Kara's most-read guides include the best wedding dresses under £1000, the best affordable jewellery brands, the best Korean skincare products, and the best products for curly hair. She also covers major shopping events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day for Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. Kara previously held the role of contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar UK; before joining Hearst, she was Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER's Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and wrote for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine. An experienced interviewer, she has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles and Tyla about life, work and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and formerly based in Toronto, Kara now lives in London. Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
