As cleansing balm-obsessed beauty editor, trust me, these are the best that money can buy

My cleansing balm hall of fame

line up of valeza's best cleansing balms, including the inkey list, elf, emma hardie and trinny london
(Image credit: Valeza Bakolli)

You know you take your skincare seriously when you actually look forward to washing your face in the evenings. And when you enjoy washing your face, the best cleansing balms should most definitely be on your radar. A mainstay in my skincare collection and in my opinion the best cleanser of choice for easily removing make-up and cleaning my face in my evening skincare routine. They are one of the best cleansers you can have in your skincare wardrobe.

Cleansing balms can be used on most skin types (so long as they are non-comedogenic) but arguably they work best if your skin is on the drier side as they're are super nourishing for the skin.

"Cleansing balms are great for dry skin types," says London-based Consultant Dermatologist and the author of The Skincare Bible, Dr Anjali Mahto. "Once massaged into the skin, they work to dislodge any make-up, pollution or sunscreen that is left on the skin."

Similar to cleansing oil, cleansing balms are great at removing tough eye make-up, and usually go on to dry skin, before emulsifying with water and rinsing away as a milky residue. It's these excellent make-up removing properties that make them a great first step in your double cleansing routine.

"Double cleansing involves using a cleansing oil, balm or micellar water to break down make-up, SPF and sebum on the surface of your skin first, then following it with a deeper water-based cleanse," explains Dr Anjali. "This removes sweat, bacteria and old skin cells. A second round of cleansing will clean much deeper into the pores to remove any impurities."

There are several reasons why I prefer a balm over other forms of cleanser. First, they are super easy to use, meaning dirt, grime and make-up from the day are a breeze to remove. Next, they feel incredibly luxurious to use; a good cleansing balm has a rich, buttery texture and usually smells like a spa, too. 

valeza using one of the best cleansing balms in this list

(Image credit: Valeza Bakolli)

How to use a cleansing balm

As mentioned, a cleansing balm does its best work at night-time, meaning you should reach for yours during your evening routine. As part of a double cleanse, this should act as your primary cleanse, removing make-up, pollution and dirt from the day.

Most cleansing balms work by being massaged into a dry face (including over closed eyes if you wear make-up there), before emulsifying with water. You then remove it with a wet flannel or muslin cloth. You're best off using warm water rather than boiling hot or freezing cold, as this will effectively tackle make-up, while still being gentle and soothing to skin. 

How we test the products we review

If you're new to the world of cleansing balms, I like to think I am something of an expert. Over my lifetime, I've tried literally dozens of balms – some good, some OK, and a few truly exceptional – and have now selected my ultimate hall of fame. To test the products for this article, I also enlisted the help of MC UK's Junior Shopping Editor Valeza - she's tested countless beauty products in the name of journalism, so is well-equipped to give her thoughts on the best cleansing balms.

Here at Marie Claire UK, we make sure to thoroughly test everything we review, and the best cleansing balms are no exception. So you can rest assured that we've tried each and every one of these at least a handful of times, have tested their efficacy and how enjoyable they are to use, and feel incredibly qualified to recommend the following for you to part your hard-earned cash with.

Our criteria for the best cleansing balms is as follows:

1. They're easy to use, removing make-up and dirt effectively

2. They're enjoyable to use, whether it's a buttery texture and/or a delicious smell

3. They're made from reputable, effective ingredients

4. They're worth their price point

Best cleansing balms 2024

1. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm in Green Fig

Elemis Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: Elemis)

Elemis Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm

The best overall

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Fig

Reasons to buy

+
It's suitable for all skin types 
+
Comes highly recommended by beauty experts
+
Smells great

Reasons to avoid

-
It's on the pricey side 

"An absolute classic, this cleansing balm is truly hard to beat. It's well-known for winning countless awards and sitting atop the shelves of the biggest celebrities and skincare experts (plus a truck load of beauty editors), and for good reason. 

This balm has a super smooth, rich texture that feels beautiful on skin and glides on effortlessly. A little goes a long way, meaning just one tub will last you months. The product tackles makeup removal with ease, and skin is left feeling super soft to the touch and never stripped. My absolute favourite is the newest Green Fig iteration, which smells incredible." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor

2. The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: The Inkey List)

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

Most travel-friendly cleansing balm

Specifications

Packaging: Tube
Scent: Fragrance-free

Reasons to buy

+
Works well, even on sensitive skin
+
Comes in a hygienic and travel-friendly tube
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be tricky to squeeze out of the tube when it's cold

"Perhaps my favourite affordable cleansing balm, this is super convenient to use thanks to its tube packaging. A cleansing balm in a tub feels only natural, but one like this is actually far more hygienic as fingers are not being dipped into the product every night. 

Despite being less than a tenner, Inkey's bestselling cleanser seems far more luxurious than its price point suggests, meaning you can feel like you're in a spa for less. It takes off make-up and leaves skin feeling nourished, and features ingredients like 3% oat kernel oil and 1% colloidal oatmeal to soothe any redness or irritation, and prevent moisture loss from the essential skin barrier." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor

3. Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: Sephora)

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm

Best cleansing balm for glowing skin

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Orange blossom and jasmine

Reasons to buy

+
Makes the skin glow
+
Chic packaging
+
Smells great
+
Good for sensitive skin

Reasons to avoid

-
The essential oils might irritate sensitive eyes

"Whenever my skin is acting up, this is the first cleansing balm I reach for. There’s something magic in the formula (a blend of wild sea fennel, vitamin E and rose oils to be precise) that immediately soothes irritation and makes my skin genuinely glow. Some cleansing balms can be quite heavy and rich, irritating my acne-prone skin, but I’ve never had a breakout after using this velvety balm.

It smells divine (like orange blossom and jasmine) and I’m also a fan of the cloth that comes in the box, which has a softer microfibre side for removing your melted-down make-up and an exfoliating muslin cloth side to give your skin a good scrub afterwards. If I’m ever too busy for a double cleanse, this set does the job perfectly." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

4. Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: Augustinus Bader)

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm

Best luxury cleansing balm

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Fragrance-free

Reasons to buy

+
Contains the brand's iconic and patented Trigger Factor Complex that heals the skin
+
Luxurious packaging
+
Melts away make-up with ease

Reasons to avoid

-
It's very expensive

"My favourite luxe buy, this is a new addition to my hall of fame. Not only does it look luxurious with its blue and gold packaging, it also feels rich on skin, meaning it's worth the investment. 

Augustinus Bader's balm is packed full of skin-loving ingredients like its Avocado-Olive Fruit Oil Complex, as well as the brand's patented TFC8® technology for keeping skin looking healthy and youthful. Make-up is truly no match for the formula; I recently tried it with one of my toughest waterproof mascaras, and it was absolute child's play." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor

5. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter

(Image credit: The Body Shop)

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter

Best affordable cleansing balm

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Camomile

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Melts away make-up with ease
+
Suitable for all skin types - including sensitive skin

Reasons to avoid

-
The tin packaging might not be the easiest to travel with - but it does come in a smaller travel size

"Our Executive Beauty Editor Shannon adores this cleansing butter (along with countless others - it’s a cult product, after all) so I had to give it a try for myself, and was not disappointed. It feels far more luxurious than its price tag suggests (only £12!) and dissolves even my heaviest make-up in a matter of seconds. The gentle camomile scent doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, and it genuinely leaves my skin glowing - I can’t really fault it. Oh, and if you're a fan of rose scents, be sure to check out the Rose de Mai iteration, a rose-tinted balm with a beautifully floral fragrance." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

6. Beauty Pie Plantastic Apricot Butter Cleansing Balm

Beauty Pie Plantastic Apricot Butter Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: Beauty Pie)

Beauty Pie Plantastic Apricot Butter Cleansing Balm

Best texture

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Apricot

Reasons to buy

+
Sensational scent
+
Gorgeously rich texture
+
Contains skin-loving ingredients

Reasons to avoid

-
You have to be a member to reap the lower price

"If I had to pick a favourite, I may just lean in the direction of Beauty Pie's EPIC apricot balm. There are so many things to love about this, and if you are a member of Beauty Pie and haven't tried it yet (or are looking for a reason to sign up), you must order it ASAP. 

First up, it smells absolutely incredible; the juicy apricot is fresh, but not overpowering. Next, the texture is incomparable, feeling more like a gorgeously rich gel-moisturiser than a cleanser. This results in skin feeling incredibly soft and nourished after use, meaning a secondary cleanse almost seems redundant (I said almost - please don't skip the next step). 

The ingredients list features hard hitters like cold-pressed Rosehip Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil and vitamin E, all skin loving ingredients. A jar of this will last you an age, as you really don't need to use much." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor

7. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: e.l.f.)

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Best lightweight cleansing balm

Specifications

Packaging: Tub

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight yet effective
+
affordable
+
Compact packaging

Reasons to avoid

-
The tub packaging isn't as hygienic as a tube - but it does come with a spatula

"If you’re after a cleansing balm with a more lightweight feel that still packs a punch when it comes to hydration, look no further than e.l.f.’s Holy Hydration cleansing balm. At £11, it’s super affordable, but IMO it truly holds its own against some of the more pricey options out there. It has a slightly harder consistency than other balms I’ve tried - a bit like coconut oil - but has an almost milky consistency when actually rubbed into the skin. It’s super hydrating thanks to the hyaluronic acid and peptide-rich formula." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

8. FaceGym Wonder Cleansing Balm

FaceGym Wonder Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: Face Gym)

FaceGym Wonder Cleansing Balm

Best cleansing balm for mature skin

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Ylang ylang

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent ingredient list
+
Rich formula is great for dry and mature skin types

Reasons to avoid

-
Thicker texture might not suit oily and blemish-prone skin types

"This is another recent addition to the list, and I couldn't leave it out largely due to its texture. It's so wondrously thick and rich, feeling decadent on skin and making it a no-brainer for dry complexions.  

Its ingredients list is focused around its clever collagen complex, which the brand says is years in the making thanks to revolutionary science. This means that as well as doing its job well as a cleanser, it also works to improve the skin's overall health and appearance to maintain youth." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor

9. Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Chia Cleansing Balm 

Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Chia Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Chia Cleansing Balm

Best nourishing cleansing balm

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Botanical essential oils

Reasons to buy

+
Nourishing
+
Doesn't irritate sensitive skin or eyes
+
Chic packaging

Reasons to avoid

-
The tub is quite large, making it hard to travel with

"I’m a huge fan of the botanical smell and luxurious feel of this cleansing balm. It melts my make-up away with ease and comes in the most beautifully chic tub. The tub is a little large, which might make it difficult to travel with, but that’s nothing a temporary travel container won't fix.

This balm doesn’t irritate my skin or eyes and is powered by omega-rich chia seed oil so is great for nourishing and softening the skin." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

10. Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Balm

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: Dr. Hauschka)

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Balm

Best vegan cleansing balm

Specifications

Packaging: Tube
Scent: Botanical

Reasons to buy

+
Natural ingredients
+
Vegan formula
+
convenient tube packaging

Reasons to avoid

-
It's on the pricey side - but a small amount goes a long way

"Another brilliant buy that's available in a tube, I love Dr. Hauschka's Cleansing Balm for many reasons. The vegan formulation is ultra-gentle and made from natural ingredients such as apricot kernel oil, birch and chalk, meaning it's suitable for all skin types. 

A small amount really goes a long way, even spreading across to remove eye make-up. The texture is also incredibly pleasant to use, starting as a balmy gel and ending as an emulsified milk." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor

11. Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser

Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser

(Image credit: Byoma)

Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser

Best for sensitive skin

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Sweet, not overpowering

Reasons to buy

+
Barrier-boosting
+
Affordable
+
Contains natural ingredients

Reasons to avoid

-
The container makes it difficult to know how much you have left

"Byoma's goal to create skin barrier-boosting products continued when it launched its first cleansing balm. Housed in a fun-looking yellow cube, this product is a must, particularly for those on a budget. 

Despite being made from a blend of lightweight oils, it never leaves residue or an oily feeling to the skin, instead removing everything from make-up to SPF before being washed away. There are Barrier Lipids, restorative olive fruit extract and Grapeseed Oil in there for barrier protection, and the overwhelmingly positive online reviews of this one speak for themselves." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor

12. Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm

Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm

(Image credit: Weleda)

Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm

Best for dry skin

Specifications

Packaging: Tube
Scent: Floral

Reasons to buy

+
Super nourishing
+
Natural ingredients used
+
Tube packaging

Reasons to avoid

-
Some won't enjoy the scent

"If you're a fan of Weleda's Skin Food moisturiser, you'll want to give this cleansing balm from the same line a good go. 

Smelling the same and containing a similar line-up of ingredients (think sunflower seed oil, chamomile and pansy extracts), this is excellent for skin that's feeling dry or dehydrated and needs a shot of moisture. 

And if you need any more reasons to invest, consider this: for skin that needs some extra TLC, you can apply this as a mask for ten minutes before massaging in to cleanse." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor

13. Eve Lom Cleanser 

Eve Lom Cleanser

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Eve Lom Cleanser

Best smelling cleansing balm

Specifications

Packaging: Tub
Scent: Lavender, camomile and eucalyptus

Reasons to buy

+
Great slip
+
Removes make-up effectively
+
Smells amazing

Reasons to avoid

-
It's a bit pricey - but currently on sale

"Like Cher and Madonna, this is a product so iconic it only needs one word to describe it. I've used the Eve Lom cleanser for years, and IMO nothing beats it for efficacy and luxurious feel. It melts my make-up off in seconds, lasts me ages and smells incredible - like being transported to an expensive spa.

This balm has just the right amount of slip to give my skin a facial massage, which I like to indulge in at the end of make-up-free days. Oh, and it's currently reduced in price at Lookfantastic, so if you're keen to try it for yourself, now is a great time." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

14. Trinny London Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser

Trinny London Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser

(Image credit: Trinny London)

Trinny London Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser

Best cleansing balm for stubborn make-up

Specifications

Packaging: Tube
Scent: Jojoba

Reasons to buy

+
Exfoliates, nourishes and feeds the skin's microbiome
+
Travel-friendly, refillable packaging

Reasons to avoid

-
It's tricky to see when the product is about to run out

"This cleansing balm has a thick, gel-like consistency when first pumped out. I use two pumps on my face and neck to melt away my face and waterproof eye make-up with ease. This balm requires quite a bit of rubbing in till the formula loosens, then water is added to activate deeper cleansing. This cleansing balm feels the most like a treatment thanks to the longer process, but the results are worth it. It gently exfoliates, nourishes and even feeds the skin’s microbiome." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

15. iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser

iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser

(Image credit: Face the Future)

iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser

Best warming cleansing balm

Specifications

Packaging: Tube
Scent: Honey

Reasons to buy

+
Lovely warming sensation
+
Raw honey is super nourishing
+
Convenient packaging

Reasons to avoid

-
The thick formula takes a while to work in - but is a nice sensorial experience

"This cleanser literally feels like a warm hug. Probably the thickest of the cleanser formulas, it has an almost ointment-like consistency which allows you to really take your time breaking down your make-up (but does still melt down pretty easily with water added).

I use it when I want to give my skin a real treat - with nourishing raw honey and royal jelly to boost hydration and gently exfoliate. This is another cleansing balm which comes in a handy tube, making it far more travel-friendly than some of the larger tubs in this list." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

Rebecca Fearn

Rebecca is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor to Marie Claire. She has written for titles including Refinery29, The Independent, Grazia, Coveteur, Dazed, Stylist, and Glamour. She is also a brand consultant and has worked with the likes of The Inkey List on campaign messaging and branded copy. She’s obsessed with skincare, nail art and fragrance, and outside of beauty, Rebecca likes to travel, watch true crime docs, pet sausage dogs and drink coffee. Rebecca is also passionate about American politics and mental health awareness.

With contributions from