The top cleansing balms to nourish and clean your complexion

Taryn Davies
Published: May 1, 2018

Dermatologists say that getting the cleansing step right in your skincare routine is the key to younger, clearer and brighter skin. And cleansing balms are not only great for removing makeup but leaving your skin feeling fresh, sumptuous and most importantly clean.

Here’s our pick of the best cleansing balms that are perfect for numerous skin types, will help remove all traces of makeup and leave your skin feeling plump, moisturised and soothed.

Pixi Nourishing Cleansing BalmPixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm

Our love affair with Pixi as a whole is pretty much deepening with every product they bring out, and this Nourishing Cleansing Balm is no different.

It melts makeup effortlessly, transforming from a balm to oil, that dissolves pore-clogging dirt and oils without leaving your skin feeling stripped.

It’s rich in sweet almond oil, shea butter and antioxidant vitamin E to fortify the skin and protect against free radicals.

Caroline Hirons is a big fan of the product and has been for years, it's something she reaches for regularly because she knows it's going to work. Tackling makeup and SPF with ease in the evenings and providing some nourishment in the mornings.

Sanctuary Spa Warming Cleansing ButterSanctuary Spa Warming Cleansing Butter

The Sanctuary Spa Cleansing Butter is another product packed with skin-loving ingredients lke, vitamin D, argan oil, rosehip oil and more, together they leave your skin feeling nourished and soothed. Plus, it smells divine too.

It’s perfect for the colder winter months when skin is left a little drier and it makes the perfect indulgence to clean your face in the morning or remove your makeup in the evening.

Pixi + Caroline Hirons Double CleansePixi and Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse

Caroline Hirons teamed up with one of her favourite beauty brands to create a product that is synonomous with her, the Double Cleanse. The product is ingenious, Caroline has long lauded the benefits of cleansing twice in the evening to ensure skin is properly cleaned, and this product ensures you do it regularly.

The double cleanse is spilt with two cleansing products inside, a solid oil and a gentle cream, you're supposed to start with the oil to melt away makeup, SPF and dirt and then use the cream second to help replenish the skin.

Handy and smart, this is a product you're going to love using, and it's perfect for when you're travelling too.

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing ButterThe Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter

We’ve shared how much we love the Camomile Cleansing Oil from The Body Shop and the butter/balm is a firm favourite of ours too.

It has a super thick texture that gently and efficiently melts away makeup and impurities.

Clinique Take The Day OffClinique Take the Day Off

This cult-favorite lightweight makeup remover quickly dissolves even the most tenacious eye makeup and sunscreens. It goes on as a solid balm, then transforms into a silky oil you can rinse right off with warm water.

Botanics Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing BalmBotanics Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

An excellent budget option, the Botanics Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm is really easy to work into the skin, leaves your complexion feeling clean, soft and supple. The formula is really gentle and is made with nourishing ingredients for hte skin, including Organic Rosehip and omegas too.

Emma Hardie Amazing FaceEmma Hardie Amazing Face

The Emma Hardie Amazing Face cleansing balm is hailed by many as the best of the lot, melting makeup, SPF, dirt and impurities away with ease. And leaving your skin soft and supple. The balm is incredibly luxurious, which you'd expect for the price, but you're guaranteed a facial-like feeling when you use this product.

Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing BalmElemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Feel like you've instantly been transported into a spa setting when you unscrew the lid on this Elemis Cleansing Balm. Incredibly rich and nourishing, this feels like a decadent treat for the skin. The balm is made with a collagen boosting formula to help leave your skin looking more plumped over time too.

No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Cleansing BalmNo7 Radiant Results Nourishing Cleansing Balm

No7 have another great option when it comes to cleansing balms too, their Radiant Results is nourishing and works quickly to help dissolve dirt, grime and pollutants that attack our skin every day. There's no residue left behind when you wash this balm away and your skin feels hydrated and soft too.

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm

One of the first cleansing balms we tried, and this Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm still doesn’t disappoint. This spreads beautifully over the face, melting so your fingers glide easily to remove dirt and grime. It turns into a light milk once you add water and you can remove all traces with just water, but a facial cloth always feels a little better.

It’s made with sweet almond oil, echium seed oil, mangosteen extract and the Merumaya Signature Essence Blend.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm

The Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood not only smells delightful but feels sumptuous on the skin.

With Marula Oil, Sage, Ylang Ylang and Rosewood Essential Oils your skin will be left feeling refreshed and nourished. It’s formulated without parabens and dermatologist tested too.

Alpha H Essential Cleansing BalmAlpha H Essential Cleansing Balm

Alpha H continue to bring out products that we instantly fall in love with, and this Essential Cleansing Balm is no different. Enriched with rose this balm leaves your skin feeling velvety soft and looking radiant. The balm is packed with conditioning botanicals to leave skin feeling incredibly hydrated, so it's the perfect option for those with dry skin types. The four-in-one product is billed as a cleanser, toner, makeup remove and soothing balm, and can even be used as a moisturising mask or an overnight balm.