Top-selling cleansing balms that remove makeup effortlessly 

In a world where we now live and breathe short form content such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts, we aspire for everything in all aspects of our lives to be chop-chop. A makeup tutorial that’s taking more than 45 minutes? Ditch. A 3 hour long movie? Cue 2x speed. Beauty is no exception these days. The dream of every skincare minimalist is a multitasking product, especially one that can remove all heavy makeup in a swipe after a long day. The ultimate solution to all who dread stepping into the bathroom only to start the tedious cleansing process is an invention you might already be familiar with - cleansing balms.

Ahead, we have rounded up some of the best cleansing balms you should stock up on for maximum cleanliness using minimum time and effort.

Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, $32.90, Dr. Althea from Watsons

This cleansing balm has been making its rounds on TikTok for good reason. Formulated with a potent blend of skin-loving ingredients, this cleansing balm is great for those with sensitive skin, as it removes impurities like sunscreen, makeup and waterproof products, without stripping your skin. The result? Skin feels soothed, with reduced redness and irritation, while staying hydrated and refreshed.

Hydro Enzyme Cleansing Balm, $54.50, Tirtir from Shopee

With its gentle formula, this cleansing balm effectively removes heavy, waterproof makeup, SPF and other pore-clogging impurities with ease in just one wash. It’s also formulated with a unique blend of probiotics that are targeted to strengthen your skin barrier, and contains rice bran oil and niacinamide to keep your skin firm and tighten pores.

Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm Original, $32.90, from Banila Co at Lazada

Just like its name suggests, the viral cleansing balm from Banila Co wipes your makeup off clean with zero residue and offers a refreshing start to unwind for the rest of the day. The Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm not only melts away a day’s worth of weariness, it also provides a soothing hydrating after-wash effect that replenishes moisture with none of that stripping feeling.

If that does not convince you, this sherbet-like texture also helps to exfoliate the skin to unveil a brighter, clearer complexion with a radiant glow that takes away all impurities from pores - all within a single step.

Available in 3 sizes, rest assured that it is able to fit your needs whether you’re planning to travel abroad, or if it’s your soon-to-be holy grail.

Radiance Cleansing Balm, $26.43, Beauty of Joseon from iHerb

Beauty of Joseon is best known for its sunscreen, but the Radiance Cleansing balm is fast making a name for itself amongst the beauty community. Highly praised for its high quality packaging and effectiveness, this sherbet-like balm melts into your skin, effortlessly dissolving sunscreen and makeup, including waterproof mascara.

Packed with rice bran oil, rice seed water and oatmeal extract, it deeply moisturises and brightens, leaving your skin clear and hydrated. Free from sulphates, artificial fragrances and essential oils, it’s also gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.

Deep Clear Cleansing Balm, $28.35, Ma:nyo from Olive Young

To say that the Pure Cleansing Oil formulated by Ma:nyo is amazing would be an understatement. Well, to me at least. However, if you are someone who prefers cleansing balms over oils, rest assured that the brand is here to deliver. With a creamy texture that melts upon massaging into your skin, the Deep Clear Cleansing Balm effortlessly removes waterproof makeup in a jiffy without tugging at the skin.

It also helps with purifying of pores by absorbing pollution as well as eradicating whiteheads and blackheads. Although double cleansing is often recommended, Ma:nyo boasts that their formula is thorough enough that another round of foam cleansing is not required. It is also formulated with no fragrance, which is ideal if you have sensitive skin.

Living Cleansing Balm, $63, Then I Met You from Sephora

Beauty lovers will be familiar with Charlotte Cho, the founder of Then I Met You, and the person widely credited for popularising the K-beauty 10-step routine in the US.

This sorbet-soft balm starts as a rich, nutrient-packed cleanser that melts into a sumptuous oil emulsion, dissolving makeup, excess sebum, and sunscreen effortlessly without stinging the eyes.

Key ingredients in this award-winning balm include sea buckthorn oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, softening and protecting the skin. Anti-ageing persimmon extract, nourishing olive oil, and vitamin E round out this luxurious formula, ensuring your skin is left soft, radiant and thoroughly cleansed.

Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, $65.21, Elemis from Amazon

Take a break from your hectic lifestyles and be greeted by a luxurious spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home with the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm from Elemis. Treat yourself to a tub of goodness that promises supple, well-nourished skin that strips away stubborn makeup and waterproof sunscreen with just a few swipes.

The balm melts seamlessly, akin to a milk bath that kisses your skin with its gentle yet powerful formula that washes away accumulated impurities, stress, and pollution with each rinse. Apart from being a cleansing balm, it also doubles as a facial mask as a well-deserved pamper after a long day to maintain that youthful appearance; indulge in its lavish scent at the same time as you unwind and gear up for the next day!

Moringa Cleansing Balm with Professional Cleansing Cloth, $94, Emma Hardie from Lookfantastic

If you’re in the mood to truly pamper yourself, finish your day off with Emma Hardie’s Moringa Cleansing Balm. This luxurious balm effortlessly melts away makeup and impurities while nourishing your skin with antioxidant-rich moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel and vitamin E.

Infused with grape seed and sweet almond oil, this balm firms and softens your skin, while the included micro-fibre cloth ensures a thorough cleanse, removing both eye and face makeup. Doubling as a hydrating treatment mask when left on for 10 minutes, it soothes your senses with a blend of orange, neroli, mandarin, jasmine, and rose essential oils.

Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm, $65.90 for 100ml, Farmacy from Lazada

This cleansing balm is Her World beauty editor Letty Seah’s ride-or-die cleanser, despite testing hundreds of cleansers.

Formulated with sunflower and ginger root oils, it removes even the boldest eye makeup and long-wear foundation without stripping or drying your skin. Papaya extract helps retexture your skin, revealing a youthful glow, while a refreshing blend of lime, bergamot and orange essential oils revitalises your senses.

Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, $55.51, Clinique from Amazon

Fragrance free and gentle on the skin even when working on removing waterproof makeup, the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm by Clinique is a must-have for many. It boasts a lightweight non-greasy formula that emulsifies into an oil, then into milk form to best slide makeup off while helping to unveil a dewy radiance underneath.

Formulated with Vitamin E, this smooth texture of the balm also aids in reducing texture, redness, and scars. It also dives deep into pores to clean out dirt and sebum, as well as leaves your skin feeling plump and well-hydrated to prep for your night routine - it is easy to see why this particular balm is a cult favourite!

Cleansing Balm Moist, $27.92, &Honey from Robinsons

The mention of &Honey might ring a bell for some, and that’s because this particular Japanese brand has had its fair share of fame with regards to its haircare, specifically the Honey Deep Moist Shampoo. However, their cleansing balms are also selling like hot cakes in the land of ramen and here’s why: great for sensitive and dry skin, this cleansing balm replenishes moisture with an astonishing 90% of hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, honey, and argan oil.

Unlike its honey-like appearance from the packaging, the balm is non-sticky and non-greasy, which takes off makeup and rinses off well while keeping your complexion plump and nourished.

Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm, $82, Sunday Riley from Sephora

The Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm by Sunday Riley is not to be missed. No matter the weather, the sugar-based cleanser is formulated with cocoa butter and blue tansy to help with repairing and protecting the skin and get it looking its best through summer or winter.

The nourishing ingredients also work in synergy to fight against irritation and soothe redness. Especially when your skin can get dry and flaky during extreme weather conditions, Blue Moon Tranquility, just like its name suggests, can assist with calming down inflamed skin and replenishes moisture while doubling as a makeup remover.

All the items are independently selected by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But we only recommend products we love. Promise.