Best Cleansing Balms from Skincare Reset Videos
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Skincare “reset” videos—those satisfying routines where creators melt away makeup and start fresh—have pushed cleansing balms back into the spotlight. If you’ve been curious about switching from a gel or foam cleanser to a soothing balm, this guide walks you through the top options that keep appearing in those videos and why they might deserve a spot on your bathroom shelf.
Before we dive in: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Below you’ll find clear product comparisons, practical use cases, and realistic expectations so you can pick the balm that best fits your skin type and routine—without gimmicks.
Buying Guide
What to look for in a face cleansing balm
Purpose and texture: Cleansing balms are designed to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while preserving the skin’s natural moisture barrier. They usually start as a solid or dense balm that melts into an oil with body heat and transform (in some formulas) into a milk when rinsed with water. Decide whether you want an oil-first experience (excellent for heavy makeup and waterproof mascara) or an oil-to-milk formula that leaves a lighter finish.
Key ingredients and skin concerns
– Hydrators: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin add moisture back into skin; they’re helpful if you’re prone to tightness after cleansing. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! includes hyaluronic acid for this reason.
– Enzymes and exfoliants: Papaya enzyme and PHA offer gentle exfoliation—good for uneven texture or mild congestion but should be avoided if you have highly inflamed acne or extremely fragile skin.
– Gentle oils: Non-comedogenic oils and butter (e.g., sunflower seed oil, shea) remove grime without clogging pores. Look for “non-comedogenic” if you’re breakout-prone.
What to expect from results
– Makeup removal: Most balms remove long-wear makeup when massaged for 30–60 seconds and emulsified with water.
– Texture and residue: Some leave a satin finish that requires a second water-based cleanse if you follow double-cleansing. Others rinse completely to an oil-to-milk.
Who should buy a cleansing balm
– You wear daily sunscreen or heavier makeup and want an effective first cleanse.
– You have dry, combo, or normal skin that benefits from oil-based removal.
Who might skip it
– If you have extremely oily skin and prefer water-based minimal routines, a foam or micellar water might be simpler. Also, those allergic to botanical oils should always check ingredient lists.
Practical tips
– Scoop with a spatula to avoid contamination.
– Warm between fingertips before applying.
– Massage for at least 30 seconds, then emulsify with lukewarm water before rinsing or following with a second cleanser if desired.
This guide highlights five balms with distinct strengths—from luxe hydrating formulas to minimalist 10-ingredient blends—so you can find one that matches your reset routine.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover, Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Oil Cleanser, Oil Makeup Remover, Deep Cleanse, 20g, Original New
Best For:
Best for normal to dry or combination skin users who want a luxurious, hydrating balm that removes sunscreen and medium makeup effectively.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a luxury-brand balm that frequently appears in curated skincare routines and reset video collections. Marketed as a hydrating oil cleanser and makeup remover, it’s formulated to melt into the skin and lift sunscreen, light-to-medium makeup, and daily grime. The texture starts as a dense balm that warms quickly between the fingertips and becomes silky on contact, which helps it glide over the face without tugging.
Main benefits and what it solves: This balm’s biggest strength is its combination of deep cleansing power with a hydrating finish—an appealing balance if you find many oil removers leave your skin stripped. It’s often recommended for individuals who use heavier makeup or chemical sunscreens and want a soothing first cleanse that feels indulgent yet effective. Customers who prefer a tried-and-true balm often cite its pleasant texture and reduced need for an immediate second cleanse.
Real-life usage examples: For a post-gym wash, scoop a pea-to-nickel-sized amount, warm it between palms, and massage onto dry skin to dissolve SPF and sweat without needing harsh scrubs. If you wear long-wear lipstick or waterproof mascara, focus gently on those areas for 30–60 seconds before emulsifying with water and rinsing. For nighttime double-cleansers, it serves as the oil-step, followed by a gentle gel or cream cleanser to remove any residual film.
Who it’s best for: Those with normal to dry or combination skin who want an elevated cleansing experience will appreciate ELEMIS’s blend of performance and texture. It’s also a strong choice for people who enjoy a spa-like routine and want a balm that doubles as a relaxing ritual.
Comparisons and buying considerations: Compared with simpler, budget-friendly balms, ELEMIS often leans pricier but provides a richer sensory experience and a formulation that many find less likely to sting the eye area. If you’re acne-prone, check the full ingredient list: while many users with breakouts tolerate it, anyone highly sensitive to rich butters or fragrances should patch test first.
Pros:["Silky texture that melts quickly","Effective on sunscreen and medium makeup","Hydrating finish that reduces tightness"] , Cons:["Higher price point compared with drugstore balms","May be richer than needed for very oily skin"], CTA:"Check the latest price on Amazon."
Pros
- Silky texture that melts quickly
- Effective on sunscreen and medium makeup
- Hydrating finish that reduces tightness
Cons
- Higher price point compared with drugstore balms
- May be richer than needed for very oily skin
Check the latest price on Amazon.
e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, Face Cleanser & Makeup Remover, Infused With Hyaluronic Acid To Hydrate Skin
Best For:
Best for budget-conscious users, skincare beginners, and those with normal to slightly dry skin who want hydrating removal without a heavy finish.
The e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm positions itself as an affordable, modern take on the cleansing balm with a hydration-forward ingredient—hyaluronic acid—built into the formula. Unlike balms that prioritize rich butters, this product focuses on lightweight hydration so skin feels plump rather than oily after use. It’s a solid entry point for people curious about balm-based cleansing without the premium price tag.
Main benefits and what it solves: This balm’s main draw is gentle but effective makeup removal paired with a hydrating boost. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture during the cleansing step, which can prevent the tight, post-cleanse feeling that puts some users off oil-based removers. The texture is easy to scoop and melts into an oil that effectively lifts makeup, sunscreen, and daily residue.
Real-life usage examples: For a quick morning refresh after sleeping—or to remove tinted moisturizer and light sunscreen—massage a small amount onto dry skin until the product dissolves impurities, then emulsify with water and rinse. If you double-cleanse in the evening, the e.l.f. balm is an economical first-step option that gets most everyday makeup off, saving your second cleanser from doing heavy lifting.
Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious shoppers and skincare beginners who want a reliable balm that includes a humectant ingredient like hyaluronic acid. It works well for normal, combination, and slightly dry skin that benefits from a moisture-first approach.
Comparisons and buying considerations: Compared with luxury balms, e.l.f. trades some sensory polish for value and functionality. Its formulation tends to be less rich than heritage balms, which is good if you don’t want a heavy finish. If you have very sensitive or acne-prone skin, check for any fragrance or essential oils in the full list—some users sensitive to additives prefer fragrance-free options.
Pros:["Affordable and accessible","Contains hyaluronic acid for added hydration","Good first-step remover for everyday makeup"], Cons:["May not remove heavy waterproof makeup as quickly as richer balms","Some formulations may include fragrance that sensitive users avoid"], CTA:"Check the latest price on Amazon."
Pros
- Affordable and accessible
- Contains hyaluronic acid for added hydration
- Good first-step remover for everyday makeup
Cons
- May not remove heavy waterproof makeup as quickly as richer balms
- Some formulations may include fragrance that sensitive users avoid
Check the latest price on Amazon.
JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm 10 Ingredients Makeup Remover 85g / 3.0oz
Best For:
Best for sensitive or reactive skin and minimalists who want a simple, effective makeup-removing balm with few ingredients.
JUNO & Co.’s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm markets itself on minimalism: a short ingredient list that focuses on removing makeup and impurities without unnecessary additives. The pared-back approach appeals to people who prefer straightforward routines and who want to avoid complex botanical blends that can irritate sensitive skin.
Main benefits and what it solves: The primary advantage is clarity—knowing what you’re putting on your face. A limited ingredient list can reduce the chance of irritation and simplifies evaluating potential triggers for breakouts or reactions. The balm melts into a light oil that dissolves daily sunscreen and light-to-medium makeup while leaving skin feeling conditioned rather than greasy.
Real-life usage examples: For a traveler who wants an uncomplicated skincare kit, this balm takes up little room and performs reliably: use it as the first step to remove sunscreen and light makeup before a water-based cleanser. People who practice minimal routines will appreciate how quickly it removes the day’s grime without multiple products.
Who it’s best for: Ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types who prefer minimal ingredient exposure, and for anyone frustrated by long ingredient lists that are hard to parse. Also good for those who want a gentle, non-irritating first cleanse.
Comparisons and buying considerations: Compared to richer, multitasking balms, the Clean 10 errs on the side of simplicity. That means fewer bells and whistles—no targeted actives for exfoliation or intense hydration—so if your skin needs specific actives like enzymes or hyaluronic acid, you might pair this with targeted serums after cleansing. Customers who prioritize ingredient transparency frequently praise its performance, while those expecting a decadent, butter-heavy texture may find it lighter than anticipated.
Pros:["Short, transparent ingredient list","Light, non-greasy finish","Good for sensitive or reactive skin"], Cons:["Not as hydrating as richer balms","Lacks exfoliating or targeted active ingredients"], CTA:"Check the latest price on Amazon."
Pros
- Short, transparent ingredient list
- Light, non-greasy finish
- Good for sensitive or reactive skin
Cons
- Not as hydrating as richer balms
- Lacks exfoliating or targeted active ingredients
Check the latest price on Amazon.
EITHER& PAPHA One Shot Cleansing Balm, Korean 2-in-1 Melting Makeup Remover & Gentle Oil-to-Milk Cleanser with Papaya Enzyme & PHA, Hydrating & Smoothing (2.70 fl. oz.)
Best For:
Best for combination to normal skin types wanting gentle exfoliation with a cleansing balm and those who like oil-to-milk textures.
EITHER& PAPHA One Shot Cleansing Balm is a Korean-style 2-in-1 formula that markets itself as both a melting makeup remover and a gentle oil-to-milk cleanser. Its defining features are the inclusion of a papaya enzyme for surface exfoliation and PHA (polyhydroxy acid), a gentler alternative to AHA/BHA that supports mild resurfacing while retaining hydration.
Main benefits and what it solves: This balm solves two common needs at once: efficient makeup removal and gentle exfoliation. For those who want to keep texture and dullness in check without introducing a separate chemical exfoliant, a balm that delivers enzyme and PHA action during the cleanse is appealing. The oil-to-milk transition means it rinses more cleanly for those who dislike the heavier residue some oil-only balms can leave.
Real-life usage examples: Use as a weekend reset when you want to lift sunscreen, clear the day’s pollution, and get a small smoothing effect before toning and serum application. It’s particularly handy after long days in urban environments: massage onto dry skin to break down grime, then add water to watch it emulsify into a milky lotion that rinses away with minimal slickness. If you’re layering actives in an evening routine, this can gently prep skin by removing outer dead skin cells and improving absorption.
Who it’s best for: Best for people with combination, normal, or slightly congested skin who want a multi-tasking balm that includes mild exfoliation. Those who appreciate K-beauty textures and oil-to-milk finishes will find this formula convenient.
Comparisons and buying considerations: Compared with plain oil balms, the papaya enzyme and PHA offer a lightly polishing effect—helpful if you’re skipping daily chemical exfoliants. However, if you have actively inflamed cystic acne or extremely sensitive barrier issues, the enzymes and acids—even when mild—might be too stimulating. Patch testing is recommended if you’re unsure.
Pros:["2-in-1 oil-to-milk action","Contains papaya enzyme and gentle PHA exfoliant","Rinses clean with a light finish"], Cons:["Not ideal for highly inflamed acne-prone skin","Active ingredients may irritate very sensitive users"], CTA:"Check the latest price on Amazon."
Pros
- 2-in-1 oil-to-milk action
- Contains papaya enzyme and gentle PHA exfoliant
- Rinses clean with a light finish
Cons
- Not ideal for highly inflamed acne-prone skin
- Active ingredients may irritate very sensitive users
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm Makeup, Sunscreen, Pore Cleanser for Sensitive Acne Skin. Korean Skincare for Men and Women 100ml, 3.38 fl.oz
Best For:
Best for sensitive and acne-prone skin that needs effective makeup and sunscreen removal without aggravating breakouts.
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is a Korean cleansing balm formulated with sensitivity and skin clarity in mind. It’s often described by customers as a gentler, pore-friendly option suitable for people dealing with mild acne and irritation. The formula aims to remove makeup and sunscreen without stripping or worsening redness, making it a go-to for those seeking a calmer reset.
Main benefits and what it solves: The key promise here is effective makeup removal while maintaining barrier comfort. Many users report that this balm removes sunscreen and everyday makeup without leaving a greasy residue or triggering extra breakouts. Its texture melts readily and rinses clean for a balanced finish—especially important for those monitoring both breakouts and dryness.
Real-life usage examples: If your day involved heavy sunscreen and a commute through polluted air, use this balm as your first step—massage it into dry skin to dissolve SPF and trapped pollutants, then emulsify with water to rinse. For evenings when you want to follow up with acne-friendly actives like niacinamide or salicylic acid, this balm leaves a clean canvas without occluding pores.
Who it’s best for: Tailored for sensitive and acne-prone skin types that still need reliable makeup and sunscreen removal. Men and women who want K-beauty sensibilities—lightweight textures, gentle formulations, and attention to barrier health—will appreciate this product.
Comparisons and buying considerations: Compared to heavier, oil-dense balms, Beauty of Joseon leans toward a lighter, more skin-friendly profile that prioritizes non-irritating ingredients. If you have extremely dry skin, you may find it less emollient than richer cleansing butters, so plan to follow with a hydrating moisturizer. Always patch test if you’re dealing with active acne spots or a compromised barrier.
Pros:["Gentle and pore-friendly","Designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin","Lightweight texture that rinses clean"], Cons:["May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin","Active acne sufferers should patch test first"], CTA:"Check the latest price on Amazon."
Pros
- Gentle and pore-friendly
- Designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Lightweight texture that rinses clean
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin
- Active acne sufferers should patch test first
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Final Verdict
Cleansing balms have earned their place in modern reset routines because they solve a fundamental problem: how to remove stubborn sunscreen, pollution, and makeup without stripping the skin. From luxury, hydration-forward picks to minimalist, sensitive-skin-friendly options and K-beauty hybrids that combine enzyme exfoliation with oil-to-milk performance, there’s a balm for most skin goals.
If you value a spa-like texture and deep hydration, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen offers a rich experience that doubles as a comforting ritual. For those who want excellent value and hyaluronic acid benefits, e.l.f.’s Holy Hydration! makes the balm format approachable. Minimalists and sensitive skin-lovers will appreciate JUNO & Co.’s Clean 10 for its short ingredient list, while the EITHER& PAPHA One Shot is a clever multi-tasker for mild exfoliation during cleansing. Finally, Beauty of Joseon’s Radiance Balm balances gentle removal with a focus on blemish-prone or irritated skin.
Buying a cleansing balm doesn’t have to be daunting: identify whether you need hydration, exfoliation, or a lightweight, pore-friendly option, then match that need to one of the five balms here. And remember practical tips—use a spatula, warm the product, massage thoroughly, and emulsify with water for best results. Pair the balm with a compatible follow-up cleanser and your chosen serums to build a reset routine that actually improves skin tone and texture over time.
If you’re ready to try one, check the product details and reviews linked above to find the best fit for your skin. Check the latest price on Amazon.
Conclusion
These Face cleansing balms trending in skincare reset videos picks are trending now and offer great value and variety. Check the links above for latest prices and reviews.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tags:
cleansing balm, makeup remover, oil-to-milk cleanser, K-beauty cleansing balm, hydrating cleanser, sensitive skin balm, double cleansing
