Cleansing balms have become a favorite in modern skincare routines because they remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities without stripping the skin. The question many people ask is: what is the highest-rated cleansing balm? The answer depends on what you value most effectiveness, luxury, or budget.
While ratings vary across platforms and skin types, a few cleansing balms consistently stand out: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm, and Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. Let’s look closely at what makes them so well-loved, along with a few other top-rated contenders.
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Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Clinique’s cleansing balm has been around for years and is still one of the most recommended.
Why it’s loved
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Breaks down waterproof makeup and sunscreen quickly.
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Leaves the skin soft and hydrated without heavy residue.
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Fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Downside
Some users find they need a second cleanse to fully remove the oil layer.
Rating: 4.6 stars from over 41,000 reviews.
Dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, told Allure that Clinique’s balm “effectively dissolves makeup and sunscreen while leaving the skin soft and hydrated.” For many, this makes it the safest “default” choice.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Farmacy’s balm has become a cult favorite in recent years.
Why it’s loved
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Melts makeup quickly, even heavy or artistic looks.
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Rinses off clean, leaving skin refreshed.
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Available in both regular and fragrance-free versions, which makes it great for sensitive skin.
Downside
The scented version may feel too strong for those sensitive to fragrance.
Rating: 4.8 stars from over 13,000 reviews.
Many users online swear by Farmacy, especially for stubborn makeup. One user even said it’s the only balm that removes goth-style full face paint in one go.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
This is the luxury option and one of the most talked-about balms.
Why it’s loved
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Infused with padina pavonica (Mediterranean algae) and essential oils.
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Promises anti-aging benefits while cleansing.
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Hydrates and nourishes, leaving skin soft and glowing.
Downside
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Expensive compared to others.
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The rich, oily texture may not suit oily or acne-prone skin.
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Fragrance can be strong for some, though there is a fragrance-free Naked Cleansing Balm version.
Rating: 4.8 stars from over 23,000 reviews.
This balm is often described as a spa experience in a jar, making it popular among people who want skincare to feel indulgent.
Keys Soulcare Nourishing Cleansing Balm
Developed with dermatologist input and backed by Alicia Keys, this balm gained attention quickly.
Why it’s loved
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Scored 5/5 in Good Housekeeping’s testing for removing makeup residue.
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Smooth, non-greasy, velvety texture.
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Doubles as a makeup remover and nourishing cleanser.
Downside
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Some users dislike scooping with fingers.
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Does not lather, which might feel unusual to foam-cleanser lovers.
Rating: 4.8 stars from nearly 200 reviews.
Budget-Friendly Options
Not everyone wants to spend $70 on a cleansing balm. Thankfully, drugstore and mid-range brands have stepped up.
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CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm – Dermatologist-approved, affordable, gentle for sensitive skin. Rating: 4.0 stars.
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Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm – Affordable, lightweight, and effective. Rating: 4.1 stars.
Both are excellent choices for daily cleansing without overspending.
Which Cleansing Balm Is “The Best”?
There isn’t a single “highest rated” balm because personal preference, skin type, and budget play big roles. Still, based on reviews and expert recommendations:
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Best Overall Effectiveness: Clinique Take the Day Off
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Best for Sensitive Skin: Farmacy Green Clean (fragrance-free)
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Best Luxury Experience: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
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Best Drugstore Option: CeraVe Cleansing Balm
Why Cleansing Balms Are So Popular
Cleansing balms are more than just makeup removers. They have risen in popularity because:
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They dissolve sunscreen and heavy makeup better than gels or foams.
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They are gentle on the skin barrier.
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They leave skin feeling soft instead of tight.
Dermatologists often recommend them as the first step in a double cleanse routine: balm first, followed by a water-based cleanser.
If you want the highest-rated cleansing balm, you can’t go wrong with Clinique Take the Day Off for overall effectiveness or Farmacy Green Clean for sensitive skin. For a luxurious treat, Elemis Pro-Collagen offers spa-like benefits, while CeraVe provides a budget-friendly but effective solution.
Ultimately, the best cleansing balm is the one that fits your skin type, budget, and preferences.
