Best Balm Cleanser – Spend or Save?
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Introduction
Balm cleansers are rich, oil-based cleansers that start off solid or semi-solid and melt into an oil as you massage them onto dry skin. They’re designed to dissolve makeup, SPF, excess oil, and daily grime while leaving the skin comfortable and nourished rather than tight or stripped.
They’re most commonly used as a first cleanse in the evening, but can be used morning or night depending on preference. Balm cleansers feel indulgent, are generally very gentle, and are suitable for sensitive skin types. My rosacea-prone skin loves these and so far I have never had a flare up from using one, which is more than can be said for any foaming cleansers.
What Is a Balm Cleanser?
A balm cleanser melts with the warmth of your hands and when gently massaged into skin. They removes makeup (including most waterproof formulas), SPF, pollution, and excess sebum without relying on foaming surfactants that can aggravate dryness or sensitivity.
Balm cleansers are especially good for:
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
- Removing face and eye makeup and SPF in one step
- Anyone who finds foaming cleansers too stripping
- Those who enjoy a comforting, sensorial cleanse
If your skin tends to feel tight after cleansing or you struggle with redness, balms are often a much kinder option.
How and When to Use a Balm Cleanser
Balm cleansers work best as part of an evening routine, particularly if you wear makeup or SPF. They’re excellent at breaking down even stubborn or waterproof products.
Some people prefer to follow with a second, water-based cleanser if they feel balms leave a slight residue. Personally, I usually skip a second cleanse — my skin tolerates a little residue well and feels softer and more nourished afterwards.
Instructions for Use
- Take a small grape- to walnut-sized amount (depending on how much makeup you wear).
- Massage onto dry skin for 30–60 seconds, including over closed eyes if tolerated.
- Add a small amount of warm water to emulsify — it will turn milky.
- Rinse off, ideally using a soft, fluffy face cloth or flannel to gently lift away makeup and SPF.
A good face cloth makes a real difference: it improves removal, adds very gentle exfoliation, and keeps the process comfortable rather than harsh. I recommend this tried and tested pack of very affordable face cloths at around £5.00 for five – they retain their fluffy softness even after weekly washing in the machine. They are microfibre and much less abrasive on the skin than cotton flannels.
Are Balm Cleanser Formulations Really That Different?
After testing countless balms across different price points, I’ve found that basic cleansing performance is often very similar, whether a balm costs £5 or £40.
The main differences tend to be:
- Texture: Some are butter-soft and melt instantly; others are firmer and need more massaging.
- Finish: Some rinse completely clean; others leave a light residue.
- Fragrance: Options range from fragrance-free to heavily scented, spa-style blends.
None of these differences are inherently good or bad — it’s about what suits your skin, routine, and personal preferences.
Balm Cleanser Review (Tried & Tested)
Below is my summary rundown of balm cleansers I’ve personally tested, covering texture, scent, performance, value, and whether I’d repurchase. Each cleanser was used up so had a decent trial period.
At the end, I have listed an overview of the best buys at each price point and which ones I will continue to repurchase.
Geek & Gorgeous Mighty Melt Balm
Price: ~£12.00 for 98 ml
Scent: Fragrance-free
Texture: Soft, easy to scoop, melts quickly, minimal residue
This fits perfectly with the brand’s gentle, effective philosophy. It’s lightweight, non-irritating, and ideal for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. It removes everyday makeup and SPF thoroughly without stinging or leaving a heavy film. There are very few misses from this brand, and you can read my review of other products in the range here. I have bought directly from the website (but watch shipping fees to the UK), and more recently, I have stocked up from Amazon.
Verdict: Excellent value for money and one I would happily repurchase — especially if you prefer fragrance-free skincare.
Heimish All Clean Balm
Price: Around £11–12
Scent: Light and gentle
Texture: Firmer “sherbet” balm that melts into oil
This Korean favourite comes with a spatula for hygienic use and melts down nicely once on the skin. It removes makeup and SPF effectively and rinses away with minimal residue. I buy my Korean skincare from Stylevanna and will review my experience of this company in an upcoming post.
Verdict: A solid, well-loved option. While the texture didn’t quite wow me enough to repurchase, however it gets consistently positive reviews online and suits many skin types.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Price: £39.00 for 100 ml
Scent: Spa-like essential oils (lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus)
Texture: Rich, silky, luxurious
This is the iconic balm cleanser — and for many, the gold standard. It feels indulgent, smells beautiful (if you enjoy essential oils), and leaves skin incredibly soft and nourished.
The downside is the price. As much as I adore it, it’s hard to justify when far cheaper balms cleanse just as effectively. The essential oils haven’t irritated my skin personally, but they may not suit everyone, and the rich texture can cause temporary blurring if it gets into the eyes. It comes in different fragrances, my favourite is the original, but you can also get rose, cherry, fig or unfragranced versions. Definitely worth shopping around for the best price or any offers with this one.
Verdict: My favourite for experience and quality, but not one I reach for regularly at this price point. Lovely as a special gift but not one I can really justify the price for as a regular repurchase.
Superdrug B. Rosehip Melting Cleanser
Price: ~£5.00 for 65 g
Scent: Light rose with a slightly synthetic edge
Texture: Firm but melts quickly
This was the most affordable balm I tried and removes makeup reasonably well for the price. However, the scent isn’t to my liking, and I experienced more breakouts while using it (possibly coincidental, but worth noting). Much as I love a bargain, this one is a clear pass for me.
Reviews are very polarised — some people love it, others dislike the smell or texture.
Verdict: My least favourite on this list and not one I plan to repurchase, though it may work well for others on a tight budget. I found it had the most artificial/chemical smell and did not provide the spa-like experience I look for in a balm.
M&S Pure Purifying Cleansing Balm
Price: ~£12.50 for 100 g
Scent: Gentle and soothing
Texture: Smooth, creamy, emulsifies easily
Often mentioned as an Elemis alternative, and the comparison makes sense. It melts beautifully, removes makeup and SPF effectively, and leaves skin soft rather than tight. The smell seems less strong than Elemis, but it certainly is along similar lines and feels relaxing.
Verdict: A brilliant high-street option with a premium feel at a much friendlier price.
Dr Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Price: ~£15.00 for 50 ml
Scent: None noticeable
Texture: Dispensed in delicate “ribbons” via twist-up packaging
The innovative hygienic dispenser looks chic and cleverly dispenses the right amount of product. Full marks for novel packaging. However, on the flip side, it felt heavy and seemed to run out more quickly than other balm cleansers I have used. The balm itself is very gentle, removes makeup well, and leaves skin soft, but the packaging feels like style over substance in my opinion and possibly unnecessary. When the dispenser was empty mine still weighed 138g which seems like lot of plastic packaging even if it does appear to be recyclable.
Verdict: Nice formula, but I wouldn’t repurchase due to value and packaging which feels gimicky to me.
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
Price: ~£7.00 for 50 ml
Scent: None noticeable
Texture: Squeezed out of a tube – oily, soft balm
This contains oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal which is soothing for sensitive skin. It is non-drying and does a decent job of removing most makeup. I like the concept of a squeezy tube dispenser from a hygiene perspective, however, the formation does seem to separate in the tube. As such, when you squeeze it, oil comes out first, leaving increasingly dry and difficult to dispense cleanser in the bottom of the tube. It needs a good mix but this is not easy to do by just shaking the tube as the balm is thick. I would repurchase this though as it does the job well at a good price.
Final Verdict: Spend or Save?
Balm cleansers are absolutely worth it — especially if you have dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin. They cleanse gently yet thoroughly and make even a simple routine feel more indulgent.
Do you need to spend £40?
No. Many affordable and mid-range balms perform just as well. What you’re often paying extra for is either fragrance, a more refined texture or fancy packaging.
My top picks by category
- Best budget option: Geek & Gorgeous Mighty Melt
- Best luxury experience: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
- Best high-street alternative: M&S Pure Cleansing Balm
- Best for sensitive / rosacea-prone skin: Geek & Gorgeous Mighty Melt or Heimish All Clean Balm
