A cleansing balm or a makeup remover? It's both! A makeup remover that removes dirt and makeup effectively; Top 8 picks

A cleansing balm is an effective and gentle way to get rid of dirt and makeup, keeping your skin nourished. Here are our top 8 picks.

Best cleansing balms

By Shweta Pandey

Shweta Pandey is a Senior Content Writer at Hindustan Times, with over 12 years of experience in beauty and wellness journalism, specialising in makeup, skincare, and hair care.

She began her professional writing journey in 2011, entering the evolving world of digital lifestyle journalism as beauty and wellness content rapidly transformed in India. Over the years, she has worked with reputed digital media houses like India Today, the Times of India and Skymet Weather, steadily building credibility through well-researched features, product reviews, and trend analyses. Her career reflects consistent growth, moving from content contributor to senior writer. She now plays a key role in shaping editorial strategy, social media content, and ensuring high-quality, reader-focused content that aligns with evolving audience needs.

Shweta’s core expertise spans makeup, skincare, hair care, and holistic health and fitness. She specialises in in-depth beauty product reviews, ingredient analysis, skincare routines, and evidence-based wellness advice. Known for her analytical and data-driven approach, she relies on verified sources, dermatological insights, and expert consultations to ensure credibility. Her field experience includes interviewing Bollywood celebrities, beauty and makeup professionals, tracking consumer trends, and simplifying the top picks.

Shweta holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Advertising, and Journalism and has done Bachelor’s in Commerce from Delhi University. She believes in delivering reader-first insights that empower informed decisions while maintaining transparency, credibility, and trust.

Beyond her writing desk, Shweta enjoys exploring new destinations, experimenting in the kitchen with delightful recipes, and staying in tune with the latest beauty and wellness trends.

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If you have never heard of cleansing balms until now, you're missing out on one of the most essential and effective makeup essential. Rather, cleansing balms are one of the most effective ways to get rid of makeup and dirt. In simple words, a cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils on your skin.

When massaged in, a cleansing balm turns your skin into a silky oil, then emulsifies (turns milky) with water, lifting away impurities without stripping your skin's natural oil. So, ditch your regular makeup remover and bring home these cleansing balms for a soft, supple skin.

1. e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, Face Cleanser & Makeup Remover, Infused with Hyaluronic Acid to Hydrate Skin

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Watch as your makeup disappears in seconds with e.l.f. SKIN's Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm, no tugging, no residue, just silky softness. This cleansing balm is infused with hyaluronic acid and ceramides that hydrates your skin while cleansing, leaving it nourished and refreshed. Scoop, massage, rinse—and glow, be it your waterproof mascara or long-wear foundation, this balm tackles it all. Your skin will feel clean but never stripped. Ready for your skincare ritual to feel like a spa moment? Try this gentle, holy-grail balm today!

Specifications

Skin Type:

All skin types

Key Ingredients:

Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Sunflower seed oil

Texture:

Soft balm-to-oil formula

Usage:

Daily, AM or PM

Removes:

Waterproof and long-wear makeup

Packaging:

2 oz (56 g) twist-off jar

Cruelty-Free:

Yes

Vegan:

Yes

Fragrance:

Fragrance-free

Dermatologist Tested:

Yes

2. Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, 50ml

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Farmacy’s Clearly Clean Balm is your go-to option for a gentle but mighty cleanse. Watch your makeup melt away with this fragrance-free, sensitive-skin-friendly balm that turns from solid to silky oil upon contact. Infused with the goodness of sunflower and ginger root oil plus turmeric, this balm nourishes while dissolving dirt and grime. Say goodbye to clogged pores and hello to that fresh-faced feeling. Massage it in and rinse away impurities for clean, calm skin.

Specifications

Skin Type:

Sensitive, dry, normal, combination

Key Ingredients:

Sunflower oil, Turmeric, Ginger root oil

Texture:

Solid balm that transforms to oil

Usage:

Daily, first cleanse

Removes:

Long-wear makeup, sunscreen

Packaging:

3.4 oz (100 ml) jar

Cruelty-Free:

Yes

Fragrance:

Fragrance-free

Vegan:

No (contains beeswax)

Allergy Tested:

Yes

3. Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Double Cleansing Makeup Remover Oil Balm | Vegan | Blackheads Care| Non-comedogenic | Korean Makeup Cleanser | Korean Skin Care | Kbeauty | 3.04 fl.oz

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Experience the power of double cleansing in one luxurious step with Aprilskin’s Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Balm. Enriched with beta-carotene-rich carrot complex and antimicrobial IPMP, this balm glides on to dissolve stubborn makeup and impurities while helping calm troubled skin. Starts this as a balm and see it melting into a soothing oil—no greasy residue, just fresh, balanced skin. If you want clean, clarified pores without the harsh rub, this balm’s for you.

Specifications

Skin Type:

Oily, acne-prone, combination

Key Ingredients:

Carrot complex, IPMP (Isopropylmethylphenol), Tocopherol

Texture:

Balm-to-oil transformation

Usage:

Nightly cleansing routine

Removes:

Heavy makeup, excess sebum

Packaging:

3.38 oz (100 g) jar

Cruelty-Free:

Yes

Fragrance:

Mild natural scent

Non-Comedogenic:

Yes

Vegan:

Yes

4. THANKYOU FARMER Pollufree™ Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm (90 ml) | Gentle Makeup Remover For All Skin Types | k beauty, korean skincare products

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Say goodbye to pollution and impurities with THANKYOU FARMER Pollufree™ Balm. This powerful cleansing balm targets urban pollutants, SPF, and makeup in one smooth scoop. Packed with moringa and green tea, this cleansing balm detoxifies your skin while maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier. Ideal for sensitive skin types, it leaves your face refreshed—not tight or dry. Melt, massage, and marvel at the clean glow it brings.

Specifications

Skin Type:

All skin types, especially urban-stressed skin

Key Ingredients:

Moringa seed extract, Green tea, Centella Asiatica

Texture:

Rich balm-to-oil formula

Usage:

PM cleansing

Removes:

Makeup, sunscreen, pollution particles

Packaging:

3.5 oz (100 g) jar

Cruelty-Free:

Yes

Dermatologist Tested

Yes

Vegan:

Yes

Fragrance:

Subtle herbal scent

5. Doctor Altheeaa Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

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Want your skin to feel clean and cushioned at the same time? Let this balm be the start of your skin’s healing journey. Doctor Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm offers a spa-like cleanse that transforms with your skin. This luxurious balm gently exfoliates while melting away every trace of makeup and dirt. Made with plant-based oils and skin-calming botanicals, this balm nurtures as it cleanses, no dryness, just dewy softness. The buttery texture of this balm turns into a silky oil, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Specifications

Skin Type:

Sensitive, normal, dry

Key Ingredients:

Shea butter, Chamomile, Rice bran oil

Texture:

Soft balm with smooth exfoliating feel

Usage:

Evening routine

Removes:

Waterproof makeup, pollutants

Packaging:

3.38 oz (100 ml) tub

Cruelty-Free:

Yes

vegan:

Yes

Hypoallergenic:

Yes

Fragrance:

Light floral

6. Quench Dirt Dissolving Cleansing Balm with Salicylic acid & Cherry Blossom, Gentle Makeup Remover Balm-Oil-Milk Texture, Removes Long-Wear Makeup & Sunscreen, Made in Korea 50ml

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Tired of harsh cleansers? Time to switch to a gentler, glow-giving solution. Let your skin breathe again with Quench’s Dirt Dissolving Cleansing Balm. This K-beauty wonder melts makeup and grime in seconds while infusing your skin with nourishing botanicals. Formulated with cherry blossom and sea buckthorn, this balm not only deep cleanse but also boosts radiance and hydration. The balm-to-oil texture feels dreamy, leaving no residue, just soft, supple skin.

Specifications

Skin Type:

Dry, normal, dull

Key Ingredients:

Cherry blossom extract, Sea buckthorn oil, Vitamin E

Texture:

Smooth balm-to-oil

Usage:

Daily PM cleanser

Removes:

Heavy makeup, SPF

Packaging:

3.38 oz (100 g) jar

Cruelty-Free:

Yes

Fragrance:

Mild fruity floral

Vegan:

Yes

Free From:

Parabens, sulfates, mineral oil

7. Solved Labs CalmBalm Silken Cleansing Balm | Ectoin, Cica, and Ceramides | Removes Long-Wear Makeup & Sunscreen | Gently purifies pores with its deep-cleansing | Non Comedogenic | 50g | Blue

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Want a calm cleanse that works and comforts? This one’s got you covered. If your skin craves calm, meet Solved Labs CalmBalm. This ultra-silky cleansing balm is designed for sensitive, reactive skin, removing makeup and stress in one soothing swipe. Packed with centella, chamomile, and jojoba oil, this balm hydrates as it purifies, leaving your face balanced and serene. No tugging, no sting—just soft, clean skin ready for rest. This balm is more than a cleanser—it’s a moment of zen.

Specifications

Skin Type:

Sensitive, reactive, normal

Key Ingredients:

Centella Asiatica, Chamomile, Jojoba oil

Texture:

Silky balm-to-oil formula

Usage:

Evening skincare routine

Removes:

All makeup types, excess oil

Packaging:

3.3 oz (95 g) jar

Cruelty-Free:

Yes

Fragrance:

Fragrance-free

Vegan:

Yes

pH-balanced:

Yes

8. The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm, Removes Makeup and Cleanse Sensitive Skin 150ml

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Sensitive skin? The INKEY List’s Oat Cleansing Balm is your gentle warrior. Rich and comforting, this cleansing balm breaks down makeup, SPF, and dirt while soothing with oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal. It’s thick, nourishing, and perfect for dry or irritated skin days. Massage it on, rinse or remove with a warm cloth, and enjoy a calm, clean complexion. It’s the hug your skin didn’t know it needed.

Specifications

Skin Type:

Sensitive, dry, irritated

Key Ingredients:

Oat kernel oil, Colloidal oatmeal

Texture:

Thick balm, melts into oil

Usage:

Daily cleansing

Removes:

Makeup, SPF, impurities

Packaging:

5 oz (150 ml) tube

Cruelty-Free:

Yes

Fragrance:

Fragrance-free

Vegan:

Yes

Dermatologist Recommended:

Yes

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Top three features of cleansing balms:

Best Cleansing Balms	Texture	Usage	Best For
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm	Silky balm that melts into oil	Removes makeup & hydrates; rinse-off	Budget-friendly, daily use, all skin types
Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm	Lightweight sorbet-like balm	Gently massages into skin to remove makeup & SPF	Sensitive skin, fragrance-free seekers
Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm	Soft oil-balm hybrid	Double cleansing formula; rinses clean	Acne-prone skin, reducing excess sebum
THANKYOU FARMER Pollufree™ Cleansing Balm	Creamy balm-to-oil	Targets pollutants and makeup; rinse with water	Urban dwellers, anti-pollution skincare
Doctor Altheeaa Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm	Balm with fine exfoliating grains	Massage + mild physical exfoliation; rinse off	Dull skin, gentle exfoliation needed
Quench Dirt Dissolving Cleansing Balm	Luxurious buttery balm	Melts dirt, makeup, sunscreen; gentle wipe or rinse	Dry, sensitive skin; deep but non-stripping cleanse
Solved Labs CalmBalm Silken Cleansing Balm	Silky-smooth, non-greasy balm	Massage & rinse; calming effect	Red, irritated or reactive skin
The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm	Thick balm that melts with warmth	Massage and remove with warm water	Dry, irritated skin; barrier-supportive cleansing

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FAQ for cleansing balm

What is a cleansing balm?

A cleansing balm is a solid-to-oil cleanser that melts upon contact with the skin. It's designed to gently remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils.

Who should use a cleansing balm?

Cleansing balms are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, dry, oily, and acne-prone skin. They're especially great for those who wear makeup or sunscreen daily.

Do I need to double cleanse after using a cleansing balm?

If you’re wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, following up with a gentle water-based cleanser is recommended. For light cleansing, the balm alone may be enough.

Will a cleansing balm clog my pores?

Most high-quality cleansing balms are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. Look for ingredients that suit your skin type, and always patch-test if you’re unsure.

Can I use a cleansing balm every day?

Yes! Cleansing balms are gentle enough for daily use, especially in your evening skincare routine.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.