The Best Cleansing Balms To Get Your Skin Ready For Bedtime

Richer than your average cleanser, cleansing balms are indeed multitasking wonders! In addition to thoroughly removing all traces of heavy duty waterproof makeup, they also help to hydrate and deliver nutrients to your skin. They’re also incredibly easy to use and you don’t have to rinse them off with water. Hence, that’s what makes them so great for quick and easy makeup removal after a long and tiring day.

What are cleansing balms?

In essence, cleansing balms are solid cleansers enriched with emollients and a nourishing blend of oils. Additionally, they are thicker and richer in consistency compared to regular liquid and cream cleansers. Even though they start off in solid form, warming them up between your fingertips will melt and transform them into a creamy and oil-like texture. Because they are so rich and hydrating, they are especially good for those with dry and sensitive skin. At the same time, some dermatologists also recommend them for balancing oil and moisture levels in oily and acne-prone skin types.

What’s the difference between cleansing balms and cleansing oils you ask? Basically, it all boils down to the texture. While cleansing balms come in solid form, cleansing oils are liquid and are even heavier in consistency. Overall, those with oilier skin types may actually prefer cleansing balms since they are more lightweight than full-on oils.

How to use cleansing balms

Similar to how you would use a cleansing oil, we recommend working your cleansing balm into your skin using gentle circular motions. First, take about a 10 cent coin (dime-sized) amount and dot the balm onto your T-zone and cheeks. Then, use the warmth of your fingers to massage and work the balm into your skin. Using gentle upward and circular motions can help to prevent any unnecessary dragging of the skin. Also, the warmth of your hands will transform the balm into a soft and buttery consistency. Because they are so hydrating, you can also use cleansing balms to gently remove waterproof eye makeup as well. After massaging for about 2 minutes, take a soft muslin cloth or cotton pad and gently wipe off any residue. Although it is not necessary to rinse your face with water, you can certainly do so and follow up with your evening moisturizer.

Top 11 cleansing balms to prep your skin for bedtime

Here are some of our all-time favourite cleansing balms that remove all traces of the day’s grime without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

1. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

First up, let’s talk about one of the beauty community’s most raved about cleansing balm of all time! This iconic cleansing balm by Clinique certainly helps you take the day off in more ways than one. Besides its lightweight balm to oil to milk formula, it also helps to dissolve all traces of waterproof sunscreen and makeup. Although it is rich in consistency, it doesn’t feel greasy on the skin and is suitable even for oily and sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

• Suitable for all skin types
• 100% fragrance-free
• Allergy-tested and on-acnegenic
• Free of parabens and pthalates

Price: RM154. Available at Sephora.

2. SUHADA BATAKE Massage Cleansa Makeup Remover Massage Cleansing Balm

This triple functioning cleansing balm from Suhada Batake will remove makeup, massage, and gently exfoliate the skin as you unwind after a long day. As you massage this in, it also promotes blood circulation to help nourish the skin cells and keep it vitalized. It easily gets washed off with water once in contact, with no residue, before you move to your second cleanser!

Why we love it:

• Removes blackheads, whiteheads, dirt, and waterproof makeup
• Brightens the face
• Rose-scented
• For all skin types

Price: starts at RM75

3. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm

Now here’s a cleansing balm that’s extra decadent and indulgent! Housed in a luxurious glass and gold jar, the Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm by Estée Lauder melts into a silky cleansing oil texture. Then, it soon emulsifies into a milk upon contact with water. In addition to eliminating waterproof makeup and impurities, this micro cleansing balm is also able to expel pollution particles from the skin.

Why we love it:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Nourishing yet lightweight
• Fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier
• Anti-pollution

Price: RM205. Available at Sephora.

4. Drunk Elephant Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

Who hasn’t heard of Drunk Elephant’s game-changing skincare essentials? Like its namesake, their Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser melts into the skin just like butter. On top of antioxidant-rich fruit extracts, this balm also contains a potent blend of marula, kalahari melon, baobab, ximenia and mongongo oils to energize the skin.

Why we love it:

• Irritant-free
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• 100% free of fragrances, silicones and PEGs
• Comes with a free Drunk Elephant Bamboo Booster™ Exfoliant 3g

Price: RM148. Available at Sephora.

5. Wishful Clean Genie Cleansing Butter Makeup Remover

Created by beauty mogul Huda Kattan, cruelty-free skincare brand Wishful features a Clean Genie Cleaning Butter that banishes all traces of waterproof makeup – just like magic! On top of antioxidants like malachite stone and green tea extract, this butter balm also contains brightening cherry blossom extract to give the skin a healthy and radiant glow.

Why we love it:

• Cruelty-free
• Suitable for all skin types
• Formulated by skin specialists
• Free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates

Price: RM160. Available at Sephora.

6. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balms

With a near 5 star rating and over thousands of reviews online, this Green Clean one by Farmacy Green is all you could ever want in a cleansing balm. Thanks to it’s rich formulation of sunflower and ginger root oil, it is able to melt all traces of makeup away without drying out your skin. Furthermore, it also contains moringa tree and papaya extract to gently exfoliate and energize the skin.

Why we love it:

• Features Farmacy’s signature patented antioxidant known as GreenEnvy™ – a unique variant of Echinacea Purpurea
• Removes waterproof makeup
• Evens out the skin tone
• Anti-pollution

Price: RM158. Available at Sephora.

7. Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying

Next on the list, we have the Purifying version of Banila Co.’s bestselling Clean It Zero Cleaning Balm. This version comes in a pretty lavender jar and contains 7 botanical herbs to nourish, soothe and cleanse the skin. Because it’s so gentle, it’s particularly suitable for sensitive skin types. Additionally, it is able to eliminate all traces of waterproof makeup and leave the skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

Why we love it:

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Thoroughly removes waterproof makeup
• Soothes and calms inflammation

Price: RM99. Currently available for RM84.15 at Hermo.

8. Caolion Magic Black Powder Cleansing Balm

Here’s another cleansing balm that works like a charm! The Magic Black Powder Cleansing Balm by Caolion cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizes the skin all at once. At the same time, it draws out impurities and detoxifies the pores to eliminate any excess buildup of sebum accumulated throuhgout the day.

Why we love it:

• Non-irritating
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier

Price: RM128. Available at Sephora.

9. Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original

Earlier, we mentioned Korean skincare brand Banila Co.’s amazing Purifying Cleansing Balm for sensitive skin. So it only makes sense that we should feature their bestselling original Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm too! This one has been a favourite amongst beauty lovers for years and still remains a top choice today. Its signature sherbet texture instantly soothes the skin and removes all traces of waterproof makeup in no time! While the Purifying version is more suitable for sensitive skin, the original version is great for normal and combination skin.

Why we love it:

• Lightweight sherbet texture
• Exfoliates the skin and tightens pores
• Functions as an all-in-one double cleansing balm
• Contains Vitamin C to brighten the skin

Price: RM109. Currently available for RM92.65 at Hermo.

10. Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Intensive Cleansing Balms

Known for their life-changing cleansing oils, the Ultime8 Cleansing Balm by Shu Uemura is also a winner in our book. It’s name Ultime8 stems from its incorporation 8 precious botanical oils. Additionally, it also contains mother-of-pearl protein and revitalizing algae extract to visibly brighten and plump up the skin.

Why we love it:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Gives the skin a healthy and pearlescent glow
• Plumps up the skin with moisture

Price: RM297. Available at Shu Uemura stores nationwide.

11. Heimish All Clean Balm

Now here’s a cleansing balm that you can easily find in local drugstores! Aside from its pretty minimalist packaging, this cleansing balm is dermatologist-tested and is suitable for everyday use. Moreover, it also contains healing plant extracts as well as the soothing scent of natural essential oils for a luxurious home spa experience.

Why we love it:

• Doubles up as aromatherapy
• Dermatologist-tested
• Effectively removes waterproof makeup

Price: RM75. Available at Watsons.

12. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

Last but not least, our list would not be complete without The Body Shop’s signature Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter for sensitive skin. Since it’s so incredibly popular, a tin of this balm is sold every 22 seconds! Plus, it contains 100% community trade camomile from England which is excellent for alleviating inflammation and relieving redness and a variety of skin irritations.

Why we love it:

• Soothes redness and relieves inflammation
• Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
• Contains 100% community trade camomile to support local farmers in England

Price: RM81. Available at The Body Shop stores nationwide.

13. Mizon Cicaluronic Cleansing Balm

Meet Mizon Cicaluronic Cleansing Balm, the dignified diplomat of skincare. It knows how to negotiate with waterproof makeup, ensuring a swift and peaceful removal. With Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid on its resume, it not only evicts impurities but also keeps the peace by hydrating your skin. And guess what? It’s dermatologist-approved for even the most sensitive among us.

Why we love it:

• Tackles waterproof makeup effortlessly
• Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
• Safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin types

Price: RM55. Available at Shopee

14. Elemis Pro-collagen Cleansing Balm

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm isn’t just a balm; it’s basically a skincare symphony. With nine essential oils composing its formula, it’s like each application is an orchestrated event for your face. Ingredients like Elderberry and Starflower Oils don’t just sit there; they actively nourish your skin while Padina Pavonica keeps it hydrated.

Why we love it:

• Rich blend of nine essential oils for deep cleansing
• Elderberry oil maintains skin’s health
• Padina Pavonica helps in skin hydration

Price: RM280. Available at Shopee.

15. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is your go-to for nights when you just can’t even. Packed with rice bran and assorted grain extracts, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill cleansing balm. It cleanses with a side of glow, making you wonder how you ever did bedtime without it.

Why we love it:

• Rice bran and grain extracts for moisture
• Efficient makeup and sebum removal
• Easy-to-use and rinse-off formula

Price: RM48.00 – RM79.90 Available at Shopee.

16. Obsess Cosmetics Skin Cleansing Balm

Who says you can’t ball on a budget? Obsess Cosmetics Skin Cleansing Balm might be wallet-friendly, but it takes its job seriously. It rounds up makeup and blackheads like a seasoned sheriff, and it’s got the backup of argan, geranium, frankincense, chamomile, and orange peel oils for some real skin TLC.

Why we love it:

• Effective deep cleansing at a budget-friendly price
• Five-oil blend for nourishment
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin

Price: RM20. Available at Shopee

17. Duo the Cleansing Balm Black Repair

If cleansing balms had a hall of fame, Duo The Cleansing Balm Black Repair would be a first-ballot inductee. It’s Asia’s top pick, and for good reason. This multitasker works in five fab ways — it cleanses, washes, pampers pores, massages, and treats your skin. Plus, it comes loaded with two types of charcoal to zap blackheads and keratin plugs. And oh, it smells like a citrus grove.

Why we love it:

• Multi-purpose with 5-in-1 functionality
• Uses two types of charcoal for effective cleaning
• Calming citrus scent for a sensory experience

Price: RM160. Available at Shopee

18. Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm

Ever felt like your waterproof mascara is almost too good at its job? Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm to the rescue! Crafted with the goodness of sea buckthorn oil, camellia oil, and shea butter, it’s a makeup remover that doesn’t play games. This balm not only dissolves stubborn makeup but also transforms into silky milk when it meets water.

Why we love it:

• Removes even waterproof mascara
• Enriched with nourishing oils and shea butter
• Transforms into a milky texture for easy rinsing

Price: RM55-RM88. Available at Shopee

19. Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

This is the cleansing balm you’ll tell stories about. An award-winner, Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm isn’t just effective; it’s an experience. The star of the show is fatty acid-rich seaberry oil, which works like a charm in melting away all the grime and glamour from your face without causing dryness.

Why we love it:

• Award-winning formula for proven effectiveness
• Seaberry oil keeps skin moisturised while cleaning
• Originates from Korea, a skincare mecca

Price: RM120. Available at Shopee

20. Tatagaltier Cherrywood Cleansing Balm

Made in Malaysia and crafted with love, Tatagaltier Cherrywood Cleansing Balm is a symphony of natural ingredients. With sweet cherry to fight flakiness, calendula flower oil to bring down inflammation, and papaya enzymes for gentle exfoliation, this balm is a bedtime ritual waiting to happen. Don’t overlook the honey extract; it’s the comfort food your skin craves.

Why we love it:

• Cherry and calendula oils for skin benefits
• Papaya enzymes for gentle yet effective exfoliation
• Honey extract to soothe the skin

Price: RM59. Available at Shopee.

Looking for a good gentle cleanser for sensitive skin? Check out some of our favourites here!

Author: Clara Siew | Date: 7th Jan 2020