Like any other effective cleanser, cleansing balms really help dissolve dirt, moisturising, purify, and unclog pores (yes, balms are fantastic for pore unclogging, as oil dissolves oil way better than water)
From blemish-prone to the unquenchably parched skin, they all need moisture, and a cleansing balm does this job beautifully, leaving the skin clean, smooth and soft. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, but most skin types respond well to this gentle approach, even oily and combination skin.
How to use cleansing balms?
Massage time – The routine is simple and truly worth it:
- Warm the product into the palms and then massage over the face, neck, and décolleté with light circular massage movements.
- Gently wipe away with a damp cotton cleansing cloth.
- For maximum absorption and deep cleansing, enjoy whilst in a warm bath.
then I met you cleansing balm
Whether you are looking for an affordable pick and save some $$ or you are looking to splurge on your skin, we laid out all the options for you. Here’s a list of the best cleansing balms and cleansing oils you should consider trying now.
14 Best Cleansing Balms You Can Find In Australia
Eve Lom Cleanser
A cult favourite for a reason, a rich blend of clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and Egyptian chamomile oil gently removes every last bit of dirt and grime without stripping skin, leaving it moisturised and supple. The aromatic blend is genuinely worth the hype, especially if you have dry skin.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
The nourishing and luxurious balm formula melts away makeup, daily impurities and stress in one sensorial step. It’s packed with nine essential oils and without any artificial colours, parabens, and mineral oil. I love how it transforms from balm to oil to milk, leaving skin feeling prepped for the skincare.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
With a texture that feels almost whipped, it melts away a full face of makeup (yes, even long-wear formulas) without leaving your skin feeling tight or stripped. You only need a small amount, and after rinsing with just water, your skin feels clean, calm, and deeply hydrated. It’s especially brilliant if your skin tends to react to harsher removers or micellar formulas. Think of it as your gentle-but-mighty cleansing companion for everyday use.
Amly Deep Reveal Nourishing Cleansing Balm
Packed with soothing, aromatic organic ingredients, this ultra-luxurious balm is a niche favourite. It melts into the skin, sweeping away impurities while leaving the complexion baby-soft and nourished. What’s usually a routine step becomes an indulgent ritual and when used daily, the difference is noticeable. The price tag might raise an eyebrow, but trust us: in this case, you absolutely get what you pay for.
100% Pure Blood Orange Cleansing Balm
This silky balm is formulated to gently cleanse while leaving skin soft, supple, and glowy. Suitable for all skin types, yes, even acne-prone. It’s powered by antibacterial oils that dive deep to purify pores and target breakout-causing bacteria. Packed with antioxidants for a boost of radiance and hydration, it’s skincare that does the most. Bonus points? The brand is all-natural and certified cruelty-free, which is a big yes from us.
Emma Hardie Moringa Balm
If you’re after a balanced daily cleanser that goes deep into the pores, hydrates, and soothes all skin types, this award-winning balm ticks every box. Formulated with Grape Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil, both rich in essential fatty acids, it helps to plump, soften, and nourish the skin with every use. It effortlessly melts away all traces of makeup, including waterproof formulas, making it the ultimate one-step wonder for clean, calm, and happy skin.
Cleanser 27 Bio-Vitalising Cell Cleansing Balm
If you’re looking for a cleanser that does more than just clean, Cleanser 27 might be your go-to. This bio-vitalising balm delivers a double hit of cleansing and gentle exfoliation in one luxurious step. Infused with micronised bamboo, it sweeps away impurities and dead skin cells to reveal a complexion that feels fresh, radiant, and perfectly balanced. Think: healthy skin, but better.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser
The feeling of washing your face with (vegan) luxe butter is the best way to describe this cleanser. The super-rich formula is made from a blend of five oils that transforms from a silky balm into a soothing milky texture as you massage it in. Unlike other balms that smear eye makeup around, this one makes brow liner, liquid liner, and even waterproof mascara vanish in a sec.
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
An affordable cleansing balm that does what it prays — it gently dissolves makeup and excess oil without stripping sensitive, irritated skin of the moisture it needs thanks to the combo of Oat Kernel Oil and Colloidal Oatmeal.
Mukti Calming Cleansing Balm
This gentle fragrance free cleansing balm is formulated for sensitive skin. Loaded with certified organic ingredients the formula quickly transforms into an oil, whisking away all kinds of makeup.
Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm
Gentle, effective, and seriously luxurious. Tatcha’s Indigo Cleansing Balm is a standout for anyone with sensitive eyes. It melts away waterproof mascara without a hint of irritation, making it a dream for delicate skin types. A little goes a long way, so one tub will last ages, and the formula feels just as calming as it is cleansing. If you’ve struggled to find a balm that balances performance with comfort, this one hits the sweet spot.
Juno Skin Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
An exquisite sustainable oil-based cleanser packed with clean niche ingredients such as pearl barley (Sourced from Japan) that helps with external damage of the skin by moisturising and gently cleansing the surface. We love its citrusy smell – A real pleasure for the skin and the senses –
Mecca Morphosis Purifying Cleansing Balm
We love when Mecca drops a newbie on their Mecca Cosmetica range, and this balm, as its name suggests, will transform your beauty routine into something more conscious, sensual but also affordable. Designed to purify and gently exfoliate the skin, the balm emulsifies with water and gently dissolves any traces of dirt, makeup and SPF, leaving the skin really soft and slightly dewy -Without any oily residue –
Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquillity Cleansing Balm
For dry skin lovers, Sunday Riley’s Blue Moon Tranquillity Cleansing Balm is a gorgeous in a jar. The moment you apply it, the balm’s soothing, velvety texture feels like a mini moment of zen, calming, relaxing. It melts makeup away while deeply nourishing your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed, soft, and pampered. Honestly, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for this one.
General FAQS
Does cleansing balm clog pores?
Many people have fallen in love with the popularity of cleansing oils and cleansing balms due to the luxurious feel to the skin. But the problem is that some cleansing balms leave oil residue behind that clog-prone pores and cause inflammation, so always make sure to read the ingredient labels and ensure that the product you’re using is non-comedogenic. They shouldn’t contain either mineral oils, as this ingredient clogs your pores.
Can you use a cleansing balm in the morning?
Yes, you can indeed use your cleansing balm in the morning to get rid of any impurities from the night before.
Is better cleansing balm or cleansing oil?
Cleansing oils emulsify easier than cleansing balms, so you might prefer a cleansing oil if you’re time-poor and tired by the end of the day and want an easy skincare routine.
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