I’ve Tested Cleansing Balms for 3 Years—These Are the Picks I Recommend for Mature, Sensitive Skin
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Until about three years ago, I washed my face twice a day with a simple gel cleanser from the drugstore. And while there's nothing inherently wrong with that, it left my skin feeling dry, stripped, and—judging by the smudges of mascara still under my eyes—not very clean. I knew my acne-prone skin deserved better.
So I turned to the double-cleanse method (a two-step process that uses an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser) to get the deep-clean feeling my pores craved. An oil-based cleansing balm quickly became my favorite way to start my nightly routine, and over the past three years, I've tried several different brands.
Cleansing balms are exactly what they sound like: a soft, sorbet-like emollient that cleanses your skin. "It works by dissolving makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin," says Marisa Garshick , MD, FAAD board-certified dermatologist in New York. "Many cleansing balms emulsify when mixed with water, making them easy to rinse off while leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated."
According to Dr. Garshick, cleansing balms can be especially beneficial for those with mature, dry, or sensitive skin because they remove stubborn makeup and impurities without excessive rubbing or the tight feeling that can come with some traditional cleansers.
While I personally like to follow my cleansing balm with a foaming cleanser , it's important to note that double cleansing isn't necessary for everyone "Those with dry or sensitive skin should be careful not to over-cleanse, as this can contribute to irritation and dryness," says Dr. Garshick. "That said, for those who wear heavy makeup, water-resistant sunscreen, or prefer a deeper cleanse, it can be helpful to follow with a gentle water-based cleanser as part of a double cleansing routine.
Ahead, I curated a list of my favorite editor-tested cleansing balms that will start off your skincare routine on the right foot.
1) Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm
"Cleansing balms can be a great option for mature skin, as skin tends to become drier with age, and these formulas help cleanse while minimizing moisture loss and supporting the skin barrier," says Dr. Garshick.
Colleen Rothschild's Radiant Cleansing Balm helps smooth texture while supporting the skin's natural moisture balance. Moringa oil dissolves makeup and impurities, while loofah seed extract refines and flaxseed oil softens.
Personally, I've gone through two jars of this cleansing balm, and it's the one I come back to time and time again when I want a deeply satisfying clean. It takes away all the pollutants (and a full face of foundation) from the day and leaves behind glowy, hydrated skin.
- Quickly and gently removes makeup
- Rich formula, a little goes a long way
- Unscented
- Deeply hydrating
- Expensive
2) Elemis Pro-Collagen Original Cleansing Balm
Indulge in the aromatherapy of Elemis's Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm with a blend of essential oils, including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus. The nourishing formula transforms from a balm to a deep-cleansing oil, then washes away in a hydrating milk. In addition to the spa-like scent, the balm also comes in Black Cherry, Green Fig, Rose, and unscented versions that are perfect for sensitive skin. Plus, ingredients like starflower oil (rich in Omega-6) and padina pavonica (a macroalgae) help protect the skin barrier and soothe dry skin.
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Multiple scents
- Also great for mature skin
- Expensive
3) Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Banila's Clean It Zero was the first cleansing balm I ever tried, and I stand by the OG formula. If you're new to cleansing balms, this one is a great entry-level option and delivers a deep cleanse that removes makeup and impurities. The balm also contains antioxidant benefits from Acerola berry and vitamin C to help hydrate and support radiance.
- Melts away makeup
- Affordable price point
- Bestseller
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
4) The Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser
The upgraded version of this bestselling balm now contains 5 percent oat kernel oil (up from 3 percent), which helps hydrate and support the skin barrier. Great for sensitive, eczema-prone skin, it starts as a thick, buttery balm and then melts into a silky oil, leaving skin soft and balanced.
Associate Reviews Editor Hannah Jeon has used the Inkey List cleanser for about two months. "It melts really nicely into my skin and does a great job of removing my makeup and SPF (even my stubborn waterproof mascara!) without leaving my skin feeling dry or stripped," she says. "I love that it's so gentle and soothing with oat kernel oil in the formula—and that it also comes in an easy-squeeze tube."
- Oat calms irritation
- Can also be used as a face mask
- Fragrance-free
- Easy-squeeze tube
- Some reviews say the texture is inconsistent
5) EVE LOM The Original Facial Cleansing Balm with Muslin Cloth
"As an elder millennial, my skincare journey in my youth was divided into two eras: pre-Eve Lom and post-Eve Lom," says deputy editor Eunice Lucero-Lee . "It's one of the OG cleansing balms, and using it truly feels like a home spa experience."
Its proprietary botanical oil blend not only melts makeup and grime on contact for a clean, moisturized base, but also leaves your skin feeling unbelievably smooth and glowing. It's pricey for a cleansing agent, but loyalists swear by the radiance and hydration they get post-cleanse; plus, a little goes a long way. The muslin cloth provides an extra level of exfoliation, too.
- Premium formula is made of spa-grade vegan botanicals
- Offers 5-in-1 benefits: removes makeup, cleanses, exfoliates, tones, and moisturizes
- Safe for sensitive skin
- 12-hour hydration boost
- Expensive
- Process can be a bit fussy with use of the muslin cloth
6) Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
This popular K-Beauty pick from Then I Met You has a soft, sorbet texture that emulsifies with water and lightly hydrates, making it great for combination-oily skin. The formula is also packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients like vitamin E and persimmon to combat dullness. The brand recommends using the balm as the first step in your double-cleansing routine, followed by a water-based gel cleanser like its Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel . This helps remove impurities and clear pores that tend to secrete oil.
- Suitable for oily skin
- Vitamin E protects the skin barrier
- Soft texture and herbal scent
- Suggested to follow with a gel cleanser
7) True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm
This rich balm by True Botanicals melts away makeup and impurities while the turmeric and ginger root help calm and brighten the skin. The formula also includes lactic and azelaic acid (chemical exfoliants) to smooth texture, but note that it may be too harsh for sensitive skin.
Satisfied reviewers say the balm feels luxurious and removes stubborn eye makeup while leaving skin silky soft.
- Turmeric are ginger are rich in antioxidants
- Brightens dull skin
- All natural ingredients
- Azelaic acid may be too harsh for sensitive skin
8) Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
I picked up this cleansing balm in Korea last year and fell in love with its handy packaging. You just twist the top, and it dispenses the perfect amount of balm—mess-free, with no need to stick your fingers inside the jar. The fragrance-free formula is gentle on sensitive skin, and other happy reviewers say it didn't break them out.
The only downside is that you'll go through the jar quickly because it takes a lot of balm to fully remove your makeup.
- Mess-free packaging design
- Fragrance-free
- Good for sensitive skin
- Travel friendly
- Need to use a lot of product
9) Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil
While this pick isn't technically a balm, a cleansing oil can also work well for acne-prone skin because they help dissolve excess sebum, sunscreen, and makeup. "It is important to choose a non-comedogenic formula that won't clog the pores or leave behind a heavy residue," Dr. Garshick says.
Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Finigan says that most cleansing balms are too aggressive for her sensitive skin, so she opts for this oil instead. "I love the Burt's Bees cleansing oil. It's the only thing that doesn't break me out and still removes mineral sunscreen!" Finigan says.
It's formulated with 100 percent natural seed oils, coconut oil, and argan oil to hydrate skin instantly.
- Doesn't cause break outs
- Gentle on eczema-prone skin
- Hydrating
- Some reviewers say they dislike the smell
You Might Also Like
