“Cleansing balms are creamy, rich cleansers that do double duty by removing dirt and impurities on the skin while also protecting the skin’s moisture balance. These balms are super effective because of the natural oils in their formulas, which latch onto dirt and grime and break down makeup particles, making it easy to lift all of the impurities off your face. In addition, the oils in the balm grab excess sebum on the skin (remember from chemistry class, “like attracts like”), whisking away extra oil that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, the same way facial cleansing oils work” – Information via YouBeauty.comI am always looking for beauty shortcuts, and a cleansing balm is just that. Not only does a cleansing balm remove makeup and stubborn mascara in one swoop, this type of cleanser leaves my skin soft and hydrated – ready for the next step in my skincare routine. I’ve read that after you gently massage the balm onto your skin with your fingertips, the most effective way to remove a cleansing balm, is to gently wipe it away with a muslin cloth soaked in warm water. However, I’ve read that you can simply rinse your face well with warm water and pat dry. Ready to check a few out? I’ve rounded up 5 cleansing balms; 3 of which have been tried by me, the other 2 are ones I want to try. Prices range from $10.00 – $70.00 Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. All of today’s featured products were selected and purchased by me. Furthermore, I am not a beauty expert. All product reviews are simply my opinions after trying these products at my own home. Readers will need to do their own research to determine if a product is right for them. Read more in Disclosures and Privacy (HERE). More of my no authentic, honest, no B.S Beauty Reviews can be found by linking (HERE).
1. Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse (Nordstrom | HERE)
Why it’s different: It leaves skin with a smooth, cushiony finish and feeling instantly refreshed thanks to its bright citrus scent. The secret to this cleanser’s moisturizing power lies in its blend of glycerin and olive oil to remove makeup, dirt, and debris while attracting and bonding moisture to skin. Orange oil leaves skin refreshed and lightly scented while sunflower glycerides smooth and condition skin. Not recommended for oily skin – Nordstrom.com Why I Like It: This is a LUXE balm. Not only is it super effective, it smells amazing. I’d buy it for the scent alone, it’s that good! Pick up a sample the next time you are in the Beauty Department at Nordstrom and try it for yourself!2. Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha Green Tea Cleansing Balm (TARGET | HERE)
Highlights: Ultra-gentle 3-in-1 cleansing balm that melts away makeup, deeply cleans away impurities and leaves the skin fully supple and hydrated.Antioxidant-packed and enriched with Matcha Green Tea, Bamboo Shoot, and Lotus Extract.
Why I Like It: At $13.00, this product is a big bang for your beauty buck. I never picked up my eye makeup/mascara remover while using this product. It has a wonderful non-perfume smell, which is a bonus for me!

Hi Suzanne,
I bought the Physicians Formula and love it, thanks!
That is my favorite economical option right now. Good stuff…effective, no bad smell and price great! xx Suzanne
Ok I confess I am totally confused by what I should use. How does this work with the micelar water you reviewed a few weeks back? And what about toner? do I use that too? I have no idea any more! Don’t get me started on serum/moisturizer/eye cream/retin A! We need to do a post on the order of what and when to use these! What ever happened to wash your face and then just moisturize. Apparently this is my hot button issue! 😉
So the micelar water is different. This is a cleanser. I don’t use it with the miceller water – I don’t think you would need both. I use a cleansing balm as an alternative to eye makeup remover and a cleanser – it is less drying on my face. I use a witch Hazel toner after cleansing to balance out my skin (Thames from the drugstore, nothing fancy). Once my face is clean and toned, I use a serum (I like the rodan and fields serum for dry skin) then I layer on my day or night cream (using Boots 07 currently) then sunscreen for daytime.
I need more product because I have dry skin. If you already have a cleanser you love, this would double as that. Some women like the miceller water as a quick swipe to remove dirt and makeup.
Here is a good article from last month explaining miceller water, https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/what-is-micellar-water
Happy Saturday!
Suzanne
Pixi has a nice cleansing Balm, as does It Cosmetics. After my working through the options, I found that most inexpeisive american Miclear waters have a toxic ingredient banned in the EU and I didn’t find them to be as effective as the other options I tried. (Balms, oils and rinsable oils). I found I prefer rincable oils—Im using Boscia right now and I’ve been liking it. But I did like Pixi’s make up remover Balm next best. Hated the strait up oils, most were ransid and left a residue.
I have not tried the Pixi balm , but I do like their products. I have not used miceller water in awhile as I found i didn’t need it on top of a cleansing balm. I have not heard of a rinseable oil, so I will check that out – thanks for sharing, I love to hear what other women are using and what works for them!
Happy Weekend Nina!
xx
Suzanne