Best Cleansing Balms for Removing Sunscreen and Makeup
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A cleansing balm — a solid-to-oil formula that emulsifies with water — is the most reliable way to fully remove mineral or chemical sunscreen and makeup without over-drying skin, and the best ones use plant oils or esters rather than heavy mineral oil so they rinse clean instead of leaving a greasy film.
Cleansing balms sit at the first step of a double cleanse: they dissolve oil-based buildup (SPF, sebum, makeup) so a gentler second cleanser can finish the job on skin, not on residue. Because balms rely on emulsifiers to turn milky when mixed with water, formula quality varies a lot — some rinse cleanly, others leave a tacky or greasy residue that can clog pores over time.
An emulsifying system (often PEG-based or polysorbate esters) that turns the balm milky and rinses fully clean with water, not one that needs a washcloth to remove
Plant oils or esters (like squalane, jojoba, or caprylic/capric triglyceride) rather than mineral oil alone, if you're prone to clogged pores or fungal acne
Fragrance-free or low-fragrance options if you have reactive, eczema-prone, or rosacea-prone skin, since some balms rely on essential oils for scent
A second-cleanse-ready texture — it should melt on dry skin from body heat alone, not require heavy rubbing to loosen makeup and SPF
No added exfoliating acids or physical scrubs in the balm itself, since combining exfoliation with makeup removal can over-strip skin when used nightly
Best overall
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
A long-standing dermatologist-office staple because it emulsifies fully and reliably removes waterproof mascara and SPF without leaving a film; it's fragrance-free, which makes it a safer starting point for reactive skin. Skip it if you specifically want a botanical-forward, oil-heavy formula — this one leans more cosmetic-emulsifier than plant-oil.
A K-beauty classic praised for melting through full-coverage makeup and stubborn sunscreen in one pass, with a lighter, less oily rinse-off than many Western balms. It does contain fragrance, so those with fragrance sensitivity or active rosacea may want to patch test first.
Formulated with camellia and evening primrose oils, this balm is built to nourish while it cleanses, making it a favorite for dry or barrier-compromised skin that still needs SPF removed nightly. It's a richer, slower-melting texture, so it's not the fastest option if you're cleansing in a hurry.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
A widely available drugstore-adjacent option that uses moringa and sunflower oils to break down makeup and SPF, with a fairly clean, non-greasy rinse for a balm in this price tier. It's a bit more fragranced than the Clinique option, so it's better suited to non-reactive skin.
Do I need a cleansing balm if I already use a foaming cleanser?
Yes, if you wear sunscreen or makeup daily — foaming cleansers alone often can't fully break down SPF filters and long-wear makeup, leaving residue that a balm dissolves in the first step of a double cleanse.
Can cleansing balms clog pores?
Some can, especially formulas heavy in mineral oil or coconut-derived oils that don't rinse cleanly; look for balms with lighter esters like squalane or caprylic/capric triglyceride if you're acne-prone, and always follow with a water-based second cleanser.
Is a cleansing balm the same as an oil cleanser?
They work similarly but differ in texture — an oil cleanser is liquid at room temperature, while a balm is solid or semi-solid and melts on contact with warm, dry skin, which some people find easier to control and less messy to apply.
How do I know a cleansing balm rinsed off completely?
Skin should feel clean and slightly soft, not tight or filmy; if your skin feels greasy or a washcloth comes away with residue after rinsing, the emulsifier isn't fully doing its job and you may need a stronger second cleanse.
Are cleansing balms safe for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin?
Fragrance-free, oil-based balms are generally well tolerated, but avoid balms with essential oils or added actives like acids, and always massage gently rather than scrubbing to avoid triggering redness.
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