I started using cleansing balms a few years ago and I wish I would’ve started sooner. On days I wear makeup, I now can’t imagine my skincare routine without it-I would feel like my face wasn’t completely clean. Even on days I don’t wear makeup, I most likely would have sweat during a workout, so I still like to use cleansing balms those days too. I use a cleansing balm as part of  double-cleansing, before my water-based cleanser. However, if you have very sensitive/dry skin or have a day you don’t wear SPF/makeup/ or sweat, you can just use a cleansing balm instead of a typical cleanser. Today I’m sharing the best cleansing balms depending on skin type and what you’re looking for in your cleansing balm.

At this point I’ve tried 6 different cleansing balms and have landed on three that I think all do a fairly equal job of cleansing, they just each feel a little different on skin with varying consistencies and scents. Because of this, each one brings something different to the table when it comes to skin types and sensitivities.

The Best Cleansing Balms

Prefacing the below by saying I have VERY sensitive skin. Many products irritate my skin or make me breakout and none of the below do that to me.

• Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
  • If you’re looking for a cleansing balm that is very thick, very moisturizing and has a scent that will invigorate you (think of a fancy Vick’s Vapor scent), you’ll like this one. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is extremely luscious and I can see this being a great first product in a cleansing routine for those with dry skin. It has the highest price tag out of the products that I’m sharing today, but it does feels like a mini spa experience when you use it. tip: a very little goes a long way with this.

• Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
  • The first cleansing balm I ever used and I still use it today. I used to use the one with scent, but recently switched to this unscented version.  The Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm makes skin feel soothed after using, without the formula being very thick. In fact, it’s the least thick of the three cleansing balms I’m sharing today. It turns aqueous almost immediately, keeping the cleanse feeling light on the skin. If you’re someone who is on the fence about using a cleansing balm or has very sensitive skin, this would be the one I’d recommend to try first as I find it the most gentle and least oily. tip: be sure to keep massaging the balm into skin even when it feels like the formula has gotten very thin-it’s still working, keep going as long as you should with any cleansing balm.

• MILK MAKEUP Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
  • This cleansing balm lands somewhere in between the two above. It has no scent and isn’t as thick as the Elemis balm, but it also stays emollient on skin longer than the Farmacy balm. This MILK MAKEUP Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm also turns into a great milky consistency once you add water to it. This is my pick for those that wear a lot of waterproof mascara. tip: buy a beauty spatula to use with this cleansing balm to make getting it out of the jar easier and cleanlier.

Cleansing Balm Tips

1. Use the cleansing balm on skin for at least 30 seconds. If you rinse it off before then, it’s not doing it’s best job of breaking down makeup/sweat/oils etc.
2. Once you’ve thoroughly used the balm on it’s own, be sure to add a little water to your skin to emulsify the balm so it can really pull away everything.
3. Use a water-based cleanser after. This creates the perfect balance for a double-cleansing routine. (don’t use an oil cleanser).
4. When cleansing your eyes with mascara on, don’t rub in circular motions and instead gently rub the lashes in an alternating downward and upward motion.