What Is a Cleansing Balm and How Do You Use It?

Quick Answer: A cleansing balm is a solid oil-based cleanser that melts on contact with skin to remove makeup, SPF, and impurities. It transforms from balm to oil to milk when emulsified with water, then rinses clean without stripping skin.

A cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser that starts as a solid balm and transforms into a silky oil when massaged onto skin. Cleansing balms gently dissolve makeup, SPF and daily buildup without stripping your skin. Think of it as a one-step makeup remover and deep-cleanser in one.

Cleansing balms work because oil attracts oil. The nourishing oils in the balm bind to the oils in your makeup, sunscreen, and sebum — lifting them away from your skin. When you add water, the balm emulsifies into a milky rinse that washes clean without leaving a greasy residue. The result? Thoroughly cleansed skin that feels soft, smooth, and hydrated.

What Is a Cleansing Balm Used For?

Cleansing balms remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup while hydrating your skin. These oil-based cleansing balms handle impurities that cling to your skin throughout the day.

Makeup removal. Cleansing balms excel at breaking down long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara, and transfer-proof lipstick without harsh scrubbing. The oils melt away even the most stubborn makeup on contact, so there's no tugging or pulling at your skin. Looking for a cleansing balm that can handle full glam? Farmacy's Green Clean Cleansing Balm is a fan favorite. It's clinically proven to gently remove over 99% of long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara, and SPF, leaving skin soft, smooth, and hydrated after each cleanse.

Daily deep cleansing. Cleansing balms aren't just for makeup wearers. Cleansing balms can remove buildup from sunscreen, excess sebum, pollution, and environmental debris that accumulates on your skin throughout the day. They help lift away dead skin cells and impurities, leaving your skin fresh and thoroughly cleansed without the harsh scrubbing that traditional cleansers sometimes require.

Hydration support. Cleansing balms use nourishing oils to maintain your skin's moisture, so you're cleansing and conditioning at the same time. That dual benefit makes cleansing balms a gentler, more hydrating alternative to makeup wipes, which can dry out your skin and require harsh scrubbing.

TL;DR:

Cleansing balms remove makeup, SPF, and daily buildup while hydrating skin
Oil-based cleansing balms dissolve long-wear foundation and waterproof mascara without scrubbing or stripping
Cleansing balms are gentler, more hydrating, and more effective than makeup wipes.

How to Use a Cleansing Balm Step by Step

Using a cleansing balm is simple. Here's how to get the best results:

Start with dry skin. Apply the balm to dry skin, not damp. Use a spatula or clean fingers to scoop out a small amount, about the size of a quarter. The balm will melt almost instantly from your skin's warmth.
Massage gently. Work the balm across your entire face using circular motions. Spend extra time on areas with heavy makeup or SPF. For eye makeup, gently massage the balm over your closed eyelids.
Emulsify with water. Wet your hands with warm water and continue massaging your face. The balm will transform from oil into milk. This allows the balm to rinse away cleanly, taking all dissolved makeup and impurities with it.
Rinse thoroughly. Use warm water or a damp washcloth to remove the balm completely. Your skin should feel clean, soft, and smooth.
Follow with a second cleanse if desired. Many people use cleansing balms as the first step in a double cleanse routine.

If you have sensitive or reactive skin, try a fragrance-free option like Farmacy's Green Clean Fragrance-Free Cleansing Balm. It's NEA-accepted, meaning it's deemed suitable for people with eczema and sensitive skin. It works the same way as the original Green Clean Cleansing Balm — but without added fragrance, so you still get the same makeup-melting power without any potential irritation.

TL;DR:

Apply cleansing balm to dry skin and massage gently in circular motions
Add warm water to transform the balm from oil into milk
Rinse thoroughly with warm water or a damp washcloth
Follow with a second cleanser if you prefer a double cleanse routine

Do Cleansing Balms Remove Makeup?

The short answer? Yes. Cleansing balms are one of the most effective ways to remove makeup, including waterproof and long-wear formulas. The oil-based formula dissolves makeup on contact, so there's no rubbing or scrubbing required.

Here's how it works: makeup is oil-based, and oil dissolves oil. When you massage a cleansing balm onto your skin, the oils bind to the oils in your makeup and break them down. The emulsifying agents then allow everything to rinse away cleanly with water.

This makes cleansing balms particularly successful for removing stubborn eye makeup. Waterproof mascara and long-wear eyeliner can be tough to budge with traditional cleansers, but a cleansing balm melts them away without pulling at delicate skin. Remember Farmacy's Green Clean Cleansing Balm we mentioned earlier? It's clinically proven to remove over 99% of long-wear lipstick, foundation, waterproof mascara, and SPF after one cleanse, with 100% of participants reporting softer, smoother-feeling skin after just one use. It's also three times more gentle on skin than makeup wipes.

Speaking of makeup wipes, cleansing balms are a total upgrade. Unlike wipes that leave traces of product behind and require harsh rubbing (not great for your skin), cleansing balms remove more makeup in one step, while actually being gentler on your skin.

TL;DR:

Cleansing balms effectively remove long-wear and waterproof makeup in one step
Oil-based formulas dissolve makeup on contact without harsh scrubbing or tugging
Cleansing balms are more effective and gentler than makeup wipes

Who Should Use a Cleansing Balm?

Cleansing balms work for all skin types, but here's who tends to love them most.

If you wear makeup daily. Cleansing balms remove long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara, and transfer-proof lip color with ease. No harsh rubbing, no leftover traces, just clean skin.

If you use SPF every day. Sunscreen can be surprisingly stubborn to remove. Cleansing balms lift away SPF completely, keeping your pores clear and your skin ready for the rest of your routine.

If you have dry or sensitive skin. Cleansing balms use a non-stripping, hydrating formula that cleanses without disrupting your skin barrier. You won't get that tight, uncomfortable feeling some cleansers leave behind. And if your skin is particularly reactive or easily irritated, the fragrance-free version of Green Clean is a great option.

If you double cleanse. Cleansing balms are the perfect first step to remove heavy-duty buildup before your second cleanser tackles the rest.

If you're tired of makeup wipes. Let's be real: makeup wipes can be harsh, leave residue, and don't really get the job done. Cleansing balms are gentler and way more effective at removing makeup. Time to make the switch.

TL;DR:

Cleansing balms work for all skin types, especially makeup wearers and daily SPF users
The hydrating, non-stripping cleansing balm formula is ideal for dry or sensitive skin
Cleansing balms are the perfect first step in a double cleanse routine and a major upgrade from makeup wipes

Why Farmacy's Green Clean Cleansing Balm Stands Out

If you're ready to try a cleansing balm, Green Clean is a great place to start. Here's what makes it different.

Farm-grown, clean ingredients. Green Clean is formulated with a super greens blend of upcycled moringa, holy basil, and arugula, all rich in antioxidants to promote healthier-looking skin. Sunflower oil melts away makeup and SPF without stripping, and papaya extract lifts impurities. It's skincare that's as clean as it is effective.

Sustainability you can see. The Green Clean Cleansing Balm formula is housed in a jar made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Better for your skin, better for the planet.

Clinically proven results. In clinical testing, 96% of users agreed Green Clean made their skin feel smoother, softer, and more hydrated after just one cleanse. It's gentle enough for daily use and successful at removing 99% of long-wear makeup. That's the kind of performance you want from a cleansing balm.

Two versions, same power. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, the fragrance-free version delivers the same makeup-melting cleanse without added fragrance. It's NEA-accepted and formulated to be gentle on even the most reactive skin.

Ready to Upgrade Your Cleanse?

Cleansing balms offer a gentle, thorough way to remove makeup, SPF, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. They transform from solid to oil to milk, melting away even the most stubborn waterproof formulas while leaving your skin soft, hydrated, and thoroughly cleansed. Whether you wear a full face of makeup every day or just want a gentler way to remove sunscreen, cleansing balms deliver the deep clean your skin deserves.

If you're ready to ditch the makeup wipes and try a cleansing balm that's as effective as it is clean, Farmacy's Green Clean Cleansing Balm is a great place to start. With clinically proven results, farm-grown ingredients, and a commitment to sustainability, it's skincare that works for you and the planet.

A better cleanse is just a routine away at Farmacy Beauty.

FAQs: Cleansing Balms

Cleansing balms should be applied to dry skin, not wet skin. Applying to dry skin allows the oils to properly bind with makeup, SPF, and impurities. Once you've massaged the balm across your face, add water to emulsify it and rinse away cleanly.

You use a cleansing balm before face wash as the first step in a double cleanse routine. The cleansing balm removes makeup, SPF, and oil-based impurities, and then you follow with a water-based face wash. If you wear minimal makeup or have dry skin, you can use a cleansing balm on its own.

Yes, you can use a cleansing balm every day. Cleansing balms are gentle enough for daily use and won't disrupt your skin barrier. They're particularly beneficial if you wear makeup or SPF daily.

Yes, cleansing balms are excellent for dry skin. Cleansing balms feature nourishing oils that cleanse without stripping your skin's natural moisture, unlike some foaming cleansers that can leave dry skin feeling tight.

Yes, cleansing balms are good for oily skin. While it might seem counterintuitive, cleansing balms help balance oil production by removing excess sebum without stripping your skin. Many people with oily skin use a cleansing balm as the first step in a double cleanse routine.

Yes, a cleansing balm is better than makeup wipes. Cleansing balms remove more makeup, are gentler on your skin, and don't require harsh rubbing. Makeup wipes often leave traces behind, can irritate skin, and contribute to landfill waste.

No, cleansing oils and balms are not the same, but they work similarly. Cleansing balms start as a solid and melt into oil when applied, while cleansing oils are already liquid. The main difference is texture: balms are easier to control and more travel-friendly.

Yes, cleansing balms are TSA-approved for carry-on luggage because they're considered a solid, not a liquid. Unlike liquid cleansers, cleansing balms don't count toward your 3.4-ounce liquid limit, making them travel-friendly at all sizes.