Melts long-wear makeup and sunscreen—massage on dry skin, then add water to emulsify into a non-greasy, easy rinse.
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You want makeup and sunscreen gone without scrubbing, stinging, or a greasy film that lingers. These drugstore cleansing balms are the ones that actually melt it down and make your night routine easier.
In-depth Reviews
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
- Melts makeup with minimal rubbing
- Emulsifies evenly for a cleaner rinse
- Does not leave skin feeling stripped
- Waterproof eye makeup may need extra patience
- Jar format is less travel-friendly than a tube
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
- Rinses cleaner than many balms
- Quick spread and easy massage
- Good at loosening sunscreen buildup
- Not ideal if you avoid scented formulas
- May sting if it gets into eyes
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm
- Strong breakdown for long-wear makeup
- Good slip for removing base makeup fast
- Emulsifies better than many balm-style removers
- Can leave a slight film if not emulsified well
- May feel heavy for very oily skin types
Milani Green Goddess Transforming Cleansing Balm
- Comfortable slip with low tugging
- Lifts base makeup efficiently
- Emulsifies well when you add enough water
- May require extra rinsing for a squeaky-clean finish
- Jar can feel firm if stored in a cool spot
Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser
- Excellent slip for gentle makeup removal
- Breaks down heavy base makeup effectively
- Great value for frequent use
- Not a true rinse-clean balm, needs wiping
- Can feel greasy if you skip a second cleanse
Buying Guide
Pro Technique: Make Any Cleansing Balm Work Better
Start dry, then emulsify like you mean it. Balm works best on dry skin with dry hands because water makes it skip around instead of grabbing makeup. Massage until your foundation and sunscreen feel fully broken up, then add water in stages. Keep adding water and massaging until the balm turns evenly milky, because that is what helps it rinse instead of hanging on as a film.
For eye makeup, press first, wipe second. The fastest way to remove mascara without tugging is to gently press balm-coated fingers over closed lashes, hold briefly, then sweep down and away. Save eye removal for the end so the balm spends less time near your eyes and is less likely to migrate. If you wear contacts, remove them before cleansing to reduce the chance of residue clinging to lenses.
Jar hygiene matters more than people think. If your balm lives in the shower or next to a wet sink, water can get into the jar and make the texture gritty over time. Scoop with clean, dry fingers or a spatula, then close the lid tightly. If you are acne-prone, consider keeping a small separate “weekly” jar (or decanting a portion) so the main container stays cleaner for longer.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is the top pick because it melts makeup quickly, emulsifies predictably, and leaves the least “did I rinse enough?” feeling for the price. If you prioritize the cleanest rinse, go with Versed; if you want the most old-school, ultra-budget makeup removal, Albolene is the value play.
See also
Hunting for the closest feel to pricier formulas? Start with drugstore dupes for luxury cleansing balms, then sanity-check whether double cleansing makes sense for your skin.
- How to choose between oil, balm, milk, and gel cleansers
- Pond’s Cold Cream cleanser review (classic makeup removal, tested)
- Face washes for clogged pores to pair with your balm cleanser
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Do cleansing balms clog pores?
They can if you leave a heavy residue behind, use too much, or skip rinsing and emulsifying thoroughly. The most reliable way to reduce that risk is to massage on dry skin, add water until it turns milky, then rinse well and follow with a gentle second cleanse. If you are acne-prone, keep balm time short and avoid repeatedly going back in with extra scoops.
Is a cleansing balm enough on its own, or do you need a second cleanser?
On light makeup days, some people can stop after a balm if it emulsifies cleanly and their skin feels truly residue-free. If you wear sunscreen, long-wear base makeup, or multiple layers of eye makeup, a second cleanser is usually the difference between “pretty clean” and actually clean. The second cleanse does not need to be harsh, just something that rinses away what the balm loosened.
Can a drugstore cleansing balm remove waterproof mascara and mineral sunscreen?
Most can, but the experience varies a lot. A stronger balm will break down stubborn mascara and sunscreen faster, yet it is also more likely to sting if it migrates into the eyes. For tough mascara, press and hold the balm over lashes for a moment before gently sweeping down, then emulsify with water and rinse instead of rubbing back and forth.
Why do some cleansing balms make my eyes cloudy or irritated?
Cloudy vision usually happens when oils coat the surface of the eye, especially if you rinse before fully emulsifying with water. Try using a smaller amount near the lash line, keep eyes closed while emulsifying, and rinse with more water than you think you need. If irritation is the bigger issue, avoid balms with noticeable fragrance or essential oils and remove eye makeup last so the balm spends less time near your eyes.
How much cleansing balm should you use?
Most people use more than necessary, which can leave a film and make rinsing harder. Start with a small amount, warm it between fingers, and add more only if your makeup is not breaking down evenly. If you regularly need a lot, it may be a sign your balm is not emulsifying well or your routine needs a longer water-emulsify step before rinsing.
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