10 Best Cleansing Balms That Melt Away Makeup, According to Dermatologists & Testers

What our experts say: In Korean skin care, double cleansing isn’t just a step—it’s a foundational ritual rooted in care and intention. Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm was created with that spirit in mind, inspired by the Korean concept of jeong, which celebrates deep, meaningful connections—including the one you have with your skin. “It’s not just about cleansing—it’s about treating your skin with intention, setting the stage for that coveted glass skin glow,” says Charlotte Cho, esthetician and cofounder of Then I Met You and onlin K-beauty shop Soko Glam. This cult-favorite balm (and one of our all-time favorite Korean cleansers) has a sorbet-soft texture that melts into a silky oil, effortlessly breaking down sunscreen, makeup, and buildup without stripping your skin. “Packed with sea buckthorn oil, this balm is rich in antioxidants and perfect for dry, dull skin. It has a luxurious texture and rinses off beautifully,” says Dr. Collins. With ingredients like persimmon extract, olive oil, and vitamin E, it nourishes as it cleanses, leaving your skin soft, balanced, and ready for the rest of your routine.

What our reviewers say: “I’m lucky I snapped a tester photo before I emptied the jar—it’s that good,” says Lee. “Like most Korean skin care products, it comes with a convenient spatula so you’re not dipping your fingers in and mixing dirt or oil into the formula. The experience of using it is really elegant—it melts so easily into your skin and feels incredibly luxe. The bright orange hue comes from the sea buckthorn oil, which is naturally rich in lycopene and carotenoids, packed with omegas and fatty acids that help plump and nourish the skin. It brightens and even helps keep my oily T-zone in check.”

• Highlights: Nourishing on skin, yet powerful at melting away makeup
• Key ingredients: Seaberry oil, olive oil, vitamin E, persimmon extract
• Fragrance: Yes

What our experts say: If your dream cleanser feels like a spa treatment in a jar, Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is it. The buttery texture melts into a silky oil and transforms into a milky cleanser as you rinse, sweeping away every trace of makeup, sunscreen, and grime, without leaving your skin feeling tight or greasy. “I love this cleanser because it is deeply nourishing, removes all traces of makeup and sunscreen, and leaves the skin feeling soft but not greasy,” says Dr. Collins, who calls it an all-time favorite. “It not only removes makeup effectively but also nourishes the skin with its unique formula that contains brown algae extract, camellia, elderberry, and jojoba,” says Samantha Susca, a lead esthetician at The Spa at Casa Cipriani in NYC. “It’s a great option for acne-prone skin or anyone new to balm cleansers—and especially helpful if your skin’s affected by pollution.” With a blend of skin-loving ingredients and calming essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender, your nightly cleanse becomes a luxe ritual.

What our reviewers say: “The first thing I noticed was the scent—it smells so spa-like and calming, it instantly makes washing my face feel like a treat,” says Lee. “The texture is bouncier than your average cleansing balm—not totally solid—which makes it feel extra luxurious. It melts into the skin beautifully and quickly breaks down makeup and sunscreen. That said, I’d still recommend a proper eye makeup remover if you’re wearing something heavy-duty like waterproof mascara.”

• Highlights: Spa-like scent and buttery, bouncy texture that leaves skin hydrated
• Key ingredients: Elderberry oil, starflower oil, padina pavonica
• Fragrance: Yes

What our experts say: If your skin’s in need of a glow boost, try Natura Bissé’s Diamond Luminous Rich Luxury Cleanse. “My absolute favorite cleansing balm is the Diamond Luminous Rich Luxury Cleanse by Natura Bissé,” says Susca. “It’s a tri-texture balm—gel to oil to water—that cleanses and replenishes while brightening and evening skin tone with pomegranate extract.” She loves it especially for heavy makeup and SPF: “It has a thicker texture that melts into an easily workable oil and very effectively breaks down even the strongest sunscreen and heaviest makeup.” Glycerin gives it extra soothing power and humectant benefits, making it ideal for mature or dry skin, especially in colder months when the barrier needs more support. It still holds up beautifully in warmer weather, though Susca recommends following with a second cleanse or toner to sweep away anything you may have missed.

What our reviewers say: “If you’re debating the price, keep in mind that this jar is massive—seven ounces! It’ll last you forever. The texture is way more gel-like in the jar than most balms. It’s kind of bouncy, almost like glass skin in cleanser form. Once you rub it in and add water, it turns into this light, foamy lather that makes your skin feel squeaky clean and supersoft. I will note that waterproof eye makeup needed a little backup, but I’m still sold. I followed the recommendation on the box and left it on for five minutes as a mask. Boom: instant glow,” says Lee.

• Highlights: A bouncy, gel-to-foam balm that brightens skin and boosts glow
• Key ingredients: Glycerin oil, vitamins E and F, pomegranate extract
• Fragrance: Yes