Heimish All Clean Balm Cleansing Balm
The first thing you notice about Heimish All Clean Balm Cleansing Balm is the packaging. It has a flip-top lid so you can store the plastic spatula inside on top of the inner lid. Those pesky spatulas can be very bothersome, but necessary if you dont want to stick your fingers in the cleansing balm jars.
The ingredients are the real stars in this Korean cleansing balm. Ingredients include: shea butter, coconut fruit extract, lime fruit extract, jasmine extract, daffodil flower extract, rose extract, orange peel oil, lavender oil, grapefruit peel oil, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, tea tree leaf oil, and bergamot fruit oil.
With such a long list of fragrant essential oils, this could go one way or the other. For me, it works. The scent is relaxing and herbal, like a day at the spa.
The balm turns from a solid to oil to milk with the addition of water. It melts similar to other Korean sherbet cleansers and leaves no trace of oiliness on the skin and easily removes stubborn makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities. It is my favorite of all the cleansing balms Ive tried, both drugstore and high-end. Perfection.
Palmers Coconut Monoi Cleansing Balm
Palmers Coconut Monoi Cleansing Balm removes dirt and makeup with coconut, monoi, and sweet almond oils. It also contains shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E. It is formulated with ethically and sustainably sourced Fair Trade Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Coconut oil balances the skins moisture levels, monoi oil hydrates the skin and sweet almond oil soothes the skin.
This cleansing balm is formulated to remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities while keeping the skin hydrated. Due to the coconut oil-based formula, removing stubborn eye makeup even is a breeze. This balm cleanser is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates, and dyes.
This balm cleanser removes makeup easily. Makeup really does melt right off your face thanks to the rich coconut-based cleansing balm. With so many natural ingredients it is somewhat surprising to see that there is added fragrance. The scent is a pleasant mix between floral monoi and coconut oil.
The one drawback for me is the size. Its only 2.25 oz, so if you use this on a daily basis to remove your makeup, it wont last long. The price makes up for it though, as it is one of the least expensive cleansing balms that I tried. If you are on a budget, this balm cleanser may be worth a try.
What Are The Top Ingredients To Look For
Many cleansing balms are filled with beautiful oils but contain no actual cleansing ingredients. These cleansing ingredients are called “surfactants” and are an important part of an effective cleansing balm. Without surfactants, the oils in the balm won’t rinse from the skin which can cause clogged pores, excess oil and breakouts. It is important to look for balms that contain plant-derived surfactants alongside nourishing oils, butters and extracts for a soothing and effective product such as InstaNaturals Rose Makeup Cleansing Balm. Some of our favorite ingredients in cleansing balms are Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil. All these amazing ingredients provide nourishment to the skin and are rich in antioxidants.
Don’t Miss: Magnesium Citrate Cleanse Weight Loss
Burts Bees Cleansing Oil Balm
Burts Bees Cleansing Oil Balm contains antioxidant green tea and is formulated with 100% natural origin ingredients. It transforms from an oil to a balm to remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and other impurities from the skin without stripping the skin.
The first two things that I noticed about this cleansing balm is the color and the scent. It is a green color and has a pleasant herbal scent, perhaps reminiscent of green tea. It is a solid balm but is soft and not difficult to scoop from the tub.
This Burts Bees cleansing balm melts onto the skin and removes makeup easily leaving skin feeling clean and hydrated. I find myself reaching for this due to the fresh green scent. After finishing the entire jar, I wish it would rinse more cleanly, as I feel a slight residual layer of the balm on my skin after cleansing.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm

Neutrogena Maker Remover Melting Balm is a fragrance-free cleansing balm that transforms from a solid balm to oil. It is formulated with vitamin E to dissolve makeup. Like other cleansing balms, it is removed with a damp washcloth to reveal clean nourished skin.
This makeup remover balm easily transforms into oil when applied to your face. It removes makeup well and doesnt leave much of a residue like other cleansing balms, but leaves
your face clean and fresh.
The issue that I have with this makeup remover balm is the size. It is only 2 oz, so compared to some of the other balms that I tested, it is nearly half the size. I think this is the ideal size for travel, but for daily use, it would go quickly.
Also Check: Cleansing Balm For Dry Sensitive Skin
How To Choose The Right Cleansing Balm For You
You can choose the right cleansing balm for your skin depending on your skin type. The next step is to figure out the benefits you want and how you want to improve your skins look and feel.
- You can choose a cleansing balm with anti-inflammatory properties that will hydrate your dry skin and exfoliate the dead skin cells.
- You can look for a cleansing balm with an organic formula.
- Some cleansing balms are infused with antioxidants from various fruits and vegetables that nourish your skin and protect it from damage.
Cleansing Balms Vs Cleansing Oils Which Is Better
Double cleansing is probably one of the most defining steps of any Korean skincare routine. It involves cleansing your skin in two steps: first with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser. Using an oil cleanser in addition to a water-based cleanser ensures that you remove oil-based impurities including sunscreen, makeup and excess sebum to help prevent clogged pores and acne.
There are so many Korean oil cleansers to choose from . These come in two forms: solid cleansing balms and liquid cleansing oils. If youre just starting a Korean skincare routine, you might be wondering what the difference is between a cleansing balm and a cleansing oil and which one is better for you skin. To help you create the perfect skincare routine for your skin, Im going to answer this question for you today.
Dont have time to read this entire article, and just want some product recommendations?
Don’t Miss: Best Exfoliating Cleanser For Milia
Glamglow Galacticleanse Hydrating Jelly Balm Cleanser
This is another take on balm cleansers that are super fun and unique to use. It actually comes as a jelly, but the formula is rich in nourishing and skin-cleansing oils like other balms. Its dark color comes from meteorite powder that lightly exfoliates the skin. All makeup will be gone, and itll rinse away like a dream. This cleanser is available for sale at .
Beauty Pie Plantastic Apricot Butter Cleansing Balm 100ml
Best for: Combination skin
This pastel yellow balm is a joy to use, rich, luxurious and quick to emulsify into a milk when massaged into skin and removed with a warm flannel. Its so comfortable on the skin, we almost didnt want to take it off.
It smells like fresh apricots but isnt overpowering and packed with a fragrant blend of cold-pressed rosehip seed oil, vitamin E and apricot butter that leaves skin feeling refreshed and clean in seconds. It made quick work of our full coverage, matte foundation and a smokey eye without leaving us looking like a panda or staining lids. Plus if youre a Beauty Pie member it costs just £16.07.
Don’t Miss: Best Facial Cleanser With Hyaluronic Acid
How To Use Your Diy Oil Cleansing Balm
Pevonia Botanica Timeless Myoxy
While advertized primarily for mature skin, Im pretty sure that this balm to lather formula will work for all skin types, including oily. Its a formula with a lot of surfactants that is a great choice for newbies to balm cleansers that might be a little nervous. It does contain a touch of antioxidants to protect the skin from premature aging. Order it online through Dermstore!
Read Also: 5 Day Belly Fat Cleanse
Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm
This is a take on balm cleansers that have a lighter texture than many others, thanks to astringent mango butter, so while it is good for all skin types, those with oily and combination skin are likely to be the most appreciative of its effects. It includes vitamin C to help brighten the skin get the best of that effect by letting it sit on the skin for a few minutes before removing. Speaking of, this balm cleanser can be removed with warm water, but its best to use a face cloth. You can get it at Bloomingdales.
Oil Cleansers That Are Actually Great For Acne

- EMAILSHARE
If your acne isn’t responding to the lotions and potions you’re slathering on, you might want to take a good look at your cleanser. “Cleansers that leave your skin feeling ‘squeaky clean’ are actually creating an acid mantle that is too acidic,” says esthetician Athena Ellen. When the acid mantle is unbalanced, your skin may be more prone to increased sebum production and acne. And while it’s possible for this to be the case, keep in mind that, according to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, “pH imbalance is not a science-supported, known etiology of acne.”
Meet the Expert
Athena Ellen is an esthetician and founder of the natural skincare line Monastery. With over fourteen years of experience, Ellen has an overall approach to skin health through the mind, body, and soul connection.
But this is avoidable. “Oil cleansers don’t change the acid mantle at all,” notes Ellen. “Cleansing oil suspends dirt and makeup, so that it can be easily wiped away while leaving a hydrating layer of oil behind. Oil cleansers are so gentle that they usually don’t need to be followed by a moisturizer. Many people see an improvement in their skin texture after a couple of weeks of oil cleansing.” However, Ellen warns, “If you are a double-cleanser, be careful that your second cleanse isn’t stripping the skin. It would be a shame to undo the good of the oil cleanser by following up with an acidic one.”
Recommended Reading: How To Apply Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
The Approved Cleansing Oils
Before we part ways and you’re sent into the cleanser shopping abyss, our experts have a few helpful tips they think you should know. As follows!
First, cleansing oils are different than treatment oils: “It is important to note that cleansing oils are different from treatment oils,” clarifies Moursi. “Unlike treatment oils, cleansing oils should not stay on the skin and need to be thoroughly removed, while facial treatment oils should remain on the skin for nourishment and anti-aging benefits. “
Second, your timing is everything: “Start applying your skincare products immediately after washing your face or getting out of the shower,” says Rouleau. “After wetting your face, you have a 60-second window to get your toner or serum on before moisture evaporation starts to occur. To avoid this, perform your routine as quickly as possible to seal everything in.”
Some Great Cleansing Oils To Try:
As Ive mentioned, Ive recently made the switch to cleansing oils and although I do miss my cleansing balm sometimes, Im really happy with the oil Im using so far. If you think youd prefer a cleansing oil over a cleansing balm, then youre in luck because there are so many great oils to choose from. Ill list some of my favorites below :
- iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil. I love iUNIK so much that I recently wrote a guide to their range of serums! This is the cleansing oil Im currently using and Im so happy with it. Just like all iUNIK products, it has a clean, minimal ingredients list. This cleansing oil contains a mix of 6 different plant oils as well as calendula extract. Its available at Yesstyle, Jolse and .
- DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. This Japanese cleansing oil is a cult favorite. Its olive oil-based formula works so well at lifting makeup and sunscreen off your face without leaving a greasy residue . It also has a very minimal ingredients list and leaves the skin feeling very moisturized. Its available at Yesstyle and .
- Hada Labo Gokujyun CleansingOil. Another awesome )and cult favorite) Japanese cleansing oil. Some call this one a cheaper version of the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil as its formula is also olive oil-based, although it has a thinner consistency. However, it also contains jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid. This oil cleanser also does well at washing off makeup and it rinses off very cleanly too. Its available at Yesstyle and .
You May Like: Goop G Tox Glacial Marine Clay Body Cleanser
Sunday Riley Blue Moon Clean
Blue Moon Cleansing Balm does ensure a clean rinse, this powder blue-tinted formula uses sugar-based cleansers to maintain moisture levels as it expels makeup, dirt, and sunscreen.
This balm-to-milk wash prioritizes other moisturizing ingredients, like cocoa butter, moringa butter, blue tansy, and German chamomile the latter of which are known for their anti-inflammatory and redness-calming properties.
Why Cant I Just Use Pure Olive Oil To Cleanse My Skin
Some of the best oil cleansers on the market contain olive oil as a main ingredient so why cant you just use pure olive oil to cleanse your face?
Although olive oil is beneficial for our health and our skin, using pure olive oil as a cleanser would likely lead to clogged pores and acne as it will leave residue on the skin. This is because the oil cleansers that contain olive oil also contain surfactants, which help to lift the oil off your skin.
So its better to stick to olive oil-based cleansers
Read Also: Elta Md Foaming Face Cleanser
Why Its The Best Makeup Remover
Cleansing balms are the best makeup remover because most makeup products are oil-based and are designed for extended wear. While water-based cleansers and removers can remove makeup, the oils in cleansing balms are attracted to the oils in the makeup. This allows for the balm to gently break down makeup without causing dryness or stripping the skin of its natural oils. With cleansing balms there is no need for excessive scrubbing or soaking, which means you can effectively remove your makeup without irritating the skin. Smoother and softer skin is revealed after just one cleanse. Cleansing balms are the perfect first step to a double cleanse routine. The balm removes all the makeup so that the second cleanser can address your specific skin type and concerns. Our favorite cleanser to use for a double cleanse is InstaNaturals Vitamin C Cleanser. This cleanser refines the tone and texture of your complexion making it the perfect follow up cleanser.
My Investigation For Possible Ingredients:
Choosing the clay for my natural cleansing balm:
I adore my shades of pink, yellow, orange and green! But for this challenge, I want to even take it a step further, and maybe even create a small wow/shock-effect. Activated charcoal perfectly ticks all my boxes! It has that earthy zzzzzing, the blackness is perfect for my scheme, and it is deep cleansing. Also charcoal is one of those hot must-have ingredients at the moment. At this percentage, charcoal wont stain the skin and it will be easy to wash off.
Choosing the butters for my natural cleansing balm:
Cupuaçu butter belongs to the same family as cocoa butter, but it is more like a soft butter, like shea. It contains a balanced combination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Cupuaçu butter has a nice and soft skin feel, and some might even say it is the perfect plant based substitute for lanolin. It has moisturizing and barrier repair properties. The scent is woody-nutty. Cocoa butter is a hard butter known for its excellent skin feel and it adds richness to the texture. It has a typical chocolatey scent.
Choosing the wax for my natural cleansing balm:
Myrica wax is a vegan wax, derived from the peels of the myrica berry. It improves the overall product on feel and texture. Here is a great post if you want some inspiration for your choice of wax: 6 Vegan Waxes for Organic Skincare.
Choosing the oils for my natural cleansing balm:
Choosing the essential oils for my natural cleansing balm:
Also Check: Gentle Skin Cleanser For Oily Skin
Best Overall Cleansing Balm
This hero product takes the trophy for being the best cleansing balm about. The mineral-free formula is a total joy to use, it’s easy to massage in, a little goes a long way and it excels at removing every last trace of make-up and dirt, whilst leaving skin soft and radiant.
Ingredient-wise, there are rose and mimosa waxes with elderberry, starflower and optimega oils. Plus, the blend of 9 essential oils including Lavender, Chamomile and Eucalyptus smell like heaven in a tub.