This post is all about finding the best drugstore makeup remover balm for you and your needs!
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If you’re anything like me, the end of the day can sometimes feel like a battle removing your waterproof mascara and long-lasting foundation. But fear not, because I’ve hunted down the best drugstore cleansing balms that are here to make your life a whole lot easier.
Let’s face it, not all cleansing balms are created the same. While some can leave you with a film on your skin while others won’t remove all your makeup, it can be frustrating to find the right one. However, you are in the right place! From nourishing formulas to those that melt away even the most stubborn makeup in seconds, this list is your go-to arsenal for a clean canvas.
So, whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or just want a hassle-free way to bid adieu to your daily glam, toss out the makeup wipes and swap them out for one of these cleansing balms. Below, we will uncover the best affordable makeup removal balms for your double cleanse.
What Are Cleansing Balms And How Do They Work?
A cleansing balm is a balm that is designed to gently and effectively dissolve makeup, impurities, and excess oil from the skin’s surface. Unlike traditional makeup removers, cleansing balms boast a lush, velvety texture that, upon application, transforms into a silky emulsion upon contact with the skin’s warmth.
This emulsification process allows the balm to meticulously break down even stubborn, long-wearing makeup, including waterproof makeup. As it delicately removes the day’s buildup, the cleansing balm nurtures the skin, leaving it cleansed, nourished, and prepped for the subsequent steps in your skincare routine.
Best Drugstore Cleansing Balms
1. E.L.F – Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
This solid balm not only dissolves your makeup away fast, but it doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils in the process. It does the opposite and a little goes a long way.
Instead of being left with tight dry skin, your skin will feel hydrated due to the hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides included in the formula.
2. CeraVe – Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
If you are in the sensitive skin types club, this may be the cleansing balm you are looking for. Developed with dermatologists, it effectively cleans your skin with nourishing jojoba oil and essential ceramides to keep your skin barrier healthy.
Without that greasy feeling left behind it makes it a great first step before your second cleanse.
3. Beauty Of Joseon – Radiance Cleansing Balm
With the amount of praise this dreamy emulsifying cleansing balm gets, it will probably work for most people. It’s one of K-beauty’s best cleansing balms that melt away makeup and impurities in one shot.
It also comes with a spatula inside the lid making it easy to apply without spreading bacteria. While you’re cleansing, you also get the benefits of rice bran water and grain extract that brighten dark spots and moisturize your skin.
4. JunoSkin – Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
As soon as you rub this cleansing balm onto your skin, it turns into an oil that quickly and effectively purges away the day’s residue.
With only 10 ingredients your pores will look and feel squeaky clean but balanced, while your skin’s melanin production is regulated by the key ingredient of fermented Japanese pearl barley.
5. Good Molecules – Instant Cleansing Balm
This sherbet-feeling balm cleanser is a no-fuss simple product that is perfect for daily use. Because of the shea butter, seabuckthorn oil, and camelia oil, it melts quickly upon skin contact allowing even waterproof makeup to wash away completely.
The best part is that it also comes in a travel size making it the perfect companion for your next getaway.
6. Heimish – All Clean Balm
A beautiful cleansing balm you need to remove stubborn makeup and that is gentle on the eyes. It turns into a cleansing oil when applied to the skin and when water is added, it turns into a luxurious milky texture to wash off grime and impurities with no film left behind.
The flip top also separates this balm from the rest because you don’t have to worry about unscrewing the cap and possibly dropping it, or misplacing it.
7. Physicians Formula – The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm
The perfect matcha balm will cleanse your skin and remove a full face of makeup effortlessly after a long day. It’s ultra-gentle and even those with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin can feel confident to use it.
Containing matcha green tea, bamboo shoot, and lotus extract, these powerful ingredients let your skin feel plump, clean, and clear.
8. Peach Slices – Peach Pudding Makeup Cleanser
With the low price point of this makeup cleanser, it should be available at drugstores! Different from your standard cleansing balm, this formula has a delectable pudding-like consistency that surprisingly removes every last bit of your makeup.
From removing glam eye makeup to water-resistant formulations, it’s one of the best makeup removers you need to get your hands on.
9. Banila Co- Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm
The highly popular Clean It Zero cleansing balm is a long time favorite of many. It was formulated with the intention of swiftly dissolving all traces of makeup.
Crafted to cater to diverse skin types, it provides a thorough cleanse while providing hydration and clean skin to prep your skin prior to applying your favorite skincare products.
10. Byoma – Melting Balm Cleanser
The Byoma melting balm cleanser offers a velvety and nourishing cleansing experience, effortlessly removing makeup while also fortifying your skin barrier.
Various oils like sea buckthorn and grapeseed oil work together to cleanse skin without clogging your pores and leaving an oily residue. It’s a thick balm that will surely become a favorite in your beauty cabinet.
11. Milani – Green Goddess Cleansing Balm
Elevate your skincare routine with this formula that ensures your skin is not just deeply cleansed, but also enriched. This cleansing balm has quickly earned its place as your new essential.
It effortlessly dissolves even the most resilient waterproof mascara, stubborn sunscreen, and environmental pollutants. Powered by a dual-oil complex, it seamlessly shifts from balm to oil upon application, ensuring makeup removal is efficient without leaving behind any greasy residue.
FAQ’s
1. Is makeup removing balm better than wipes?
Cleansing balms are typically formulated to dissolve makeup, dirt, and impurities without leaving residue. Good-quality cleansing balms often don’t clog pores due to their non-comedogenic nature and ability to emulsify and rinse off cleanly. However, individual skin reactions can vary, so patch testing a new product is advisable to ensure it suits your skin type.
2. Does cleansing balm clog pores?
If formulated well, cleansing balms often don’t clog pores as they’re designed to dissolve impurities without leaving residue. However, individual skin reactions vary, so patch testing a new product is wise to ensure it suits your skin type. Opt for non-comedogenic formulas to minimize the risk of pore-clogging.
3. Do you use cleansing balm before or after face wash?
It’s typically used before face wash as a first step in a double cleansing routine to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Following with a water-based cleanser removes any remaining residue and deeply cleanses the skin. The cleansing balm helps prepare the skin for a thorough cleanse without stripping it of natural oils.
4. Do you apply cleansing balm to wet or dry skin?
Cleansing balms are typically applied to dry skin without moisture. Massaging the balm onto dry skin allows it to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities effectively. Once massaged in, water is added to emulsify the balm, and then it can be rinsed away.
Final Thoughts
These carefully curated balms, infused with the goodness of vitamin E, the efficacy of micellar water, and the indulgence of essential oils, make them the perfect drugstore cleansing balm to take home with you. Whether you have oily skin, acne, prone skin, or dry skin, one of these cleansing balms will work for you and be a perfect half to your double cleansing routine.
As you embark on your skincare ritual, remember that cleansing isn’t just about wiping away makeup – it’s about unveiling your skin’s innate radiance and embracing its unique beauty.
From the luxurious texture to the efficient performance, these balms serve as a reminder that self-care is a holistic experience, one that celebrates the art of removing the day’s facade to uncover the true essence of you.
