The Cleansing Balms To Try For Every Skin Type
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
Farmacy Green Clean, £24
Best For: Oily Skin
Farmacy uses clean, locally grown ingredients to create ‘farm to face’ skincare. Though this fresh, scented balm is infused with lime, bergamot and orange essential oils, it never feels thick or sticky on the skin, and transforms into a creamy lather on contact with water. As you massage it in, it gently sweeps away make-up, dirt and excess oiliness, leaving your skin feeling smooth and mattified afterwards. It also contains ‘echinacea green envy’ which is proven to improve skin texture and tone without stripping your complexion. Great for those prone to oiliness, this one’s free from parabens.
Available at Boots.com
Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, £32.65
Best For: Combination Skin
Say goodbye to surface dirt and make-up with this cult favourite from Elemis. Its formula feels like a ‘spa in a jar’ thanks to a fragrant blend of nine essential oils. In leaving your skin soft and supple, it won’t leave behind any oiliness or residue – just the right amount of hydration and moisture. We recommend taking a pea-sized amount and massaging it into day-old make-up, then either wiping clean with a warm, wet flannel or reusable make-up wipes. Alternatively, add water and watch this oil-like consistency turn into a hydrating cleansing milk which can simply be rinsed off as you shower. A firm favourite among the SL team.
Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.com
Clinique Take The Day Off, £28
Best For: Sensitive Skin
Effective, but incredibly gentle, this balm from Clinique is a reliable choice for those prone to sensitivities. It dissolves all traces of make-up seamlessly, while ingredients like safflower seed oil lock moisture in as you go. The result? Skin that feels hydrated long after you’ve rinsed the formula away. Post-cleanse, your complexion will feel supple, hydrated and it will look visibly more luminous, too. Extra points go to its ability to draw out dirt from enlarged pores, giving skin an instantly smoother texture. Even the most stubborn, waterproof formulas don’t stand a chance against this.
Available at Clinique.co.uk
Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, £10
Best For: Dry Skin
Elf’s Melting formula starts off as a balm, but quickly turns to a luxurious oil, then finally melts into a soft and soothing milk. It’s suitable for all skin types, but especially those on the drier side. Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin and keeps it looking and feeling plump. We recommend warming this one up in your hands first, then massaging it all over for a quick cleanse. It’s rich, satisfying texture feels seriously luxe, but never irritating or cloying. At just £10, it’s perfect for anyone on a budget.
Available at Boots.com
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm, £13.20
Best For: Dull Skin
Brimming with vitamin E, this popular cleansing balm strengthens skin and boosts brightness. With an oil-to-milk texture, it’s incredibly nourishing, removing dull, dry patches and giving skin a quick, luminous overhaul. It works fast to remove make-up, while ingredients like jojoba oil soak up dry patches for a more even, softer complexion. Extra points go to the spa-like scent, with notes of eucalyptus and clove leaf oil. Use it in the shower and let the steam supercharge the benefits – the warmth of the water will help the formula better penetrate your skin.
Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.com
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm, £29
Best For: Uneven Skin
Korean beauty brand Glow Recipe always gets it right. Known for its ‘fruit-filled’ skincare, its products use natural ingredients to promote better glow and smoother tone. Cue this Enzyme Balm, which gently exfoliates as it removes make-up. Incredibly lightweight, it feels weightless as you massage it in, as fruit exfoliators get to work unclogging blocked pores. Papaya extract is the key player here – rich in vitamin C, it sweeps away dirt, while removing dead skin cells for better tone and texture. Finally, vitamin A boosts elasticity and bounce.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Beauty Pie Hot Oil Double Cleansing Balm, £13.96
Best For: Inflamed Skin
Just the name of this one piqued our interest. Packed full of healthy oils and hydrating ingredients, it coats the skin in a layer of moisture that stays there long after you’ve cleansed. Baobab sarichee and rice bran oil work together to soften and soothe, while aloe juice keeps inflammation at bay – ideal if your skin is rosacea prone. Instantly the cooling benefits provide relief to problematic skin, while the silky texture feels nourishing, but never overbearing. Massage it in circular motions to remove all traces of make-up. It’s thick, so remember a little goes a long way.
Available at BeautyPie.com
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