When the day comes to a close and you’re ready to reset for the night, cleansing is a step you can’t afford to miss. Removing a day’s worth of makeup, sunscreen and impurities from the skin is essential for preventing clogged pores and keeping breakouts under control.
What are cleansing balms?
One of the best ways to ensure a thorough cleanse is the famous K-Beauty double cleansing method. Double cleansing starts with an oil-based cleanser to melt off makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. Oil-based cleansers, like cleansing balms, cleanse impurities that usually cannot be fully removed by a water-based cleanser alone.
Like the name suggests, cleansing balms are oil-based cleansers with a solid, balm-like texture at room temperature. The balm melts into a silky oil when applied to skin, and emulsifies into a milky consistency when mixed with water.
Comparing different cleansing balms
Nowadays, most Korean cleansing balms aren’t just focused on removing makeup and sunscreen alone. Many of them are enriched with nourishing ingredients that address different skin concerns like dryness, sensitivity or excess sebum.
With so many options out there, how do you choose the right cleansing balm for you?
I’ve tested out four Korean cleansing balms, including some of YesStyle’s bestsellers. My reviews are based on three criteria:
– Effectiveness: How well does the formula remove makeup?
– Texture and Feel: How does the formula feel? Does it emulsify easily?
– Skin Reaction: How does my skin feel afterwards? Any irritation?
To keep things fair, I tested each cleansing balm on the same amount of makeup that I wear to work every day.
Read on to find out my thoughts!
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
What it is: This cult-favorite cleansing balm from Dr. Althea first made headlines for its innovative grinder dispenser that allows easy, mess-free access for every cleanse. Enriched with madecassoside and centella asiatica extracts, the formula soothes sensitive and acne-prone skin while cleansing thoroughly.
Key benefits:
- Moisturizes and soothes sensitive skin
- Hygienic, mess-free grinder design
- Fragrance-free formula
My take: This cleansing balm spread effortlessly on my skin and did a great job of removing makeup. I really loved the grinder that made using the product so hygienic. I didn’t need to worry about sticking my fingers in the container and contaminating the rest of the product with every use. I also like that the formula is fragrance-free, making it suitable for those with easily irritated, acne-prone skin.
However, after several uses, I found the formula a bit too heavy for me. It left a slightly oily residue, which may not be ideal for those with oily skin. With that said, I would easily recommend this cleansing balm for those with dry skin needing extra hydration.
MAMONDE Amazing Deep Mint Cleansing Balm
What it is: Formulated with MAMONDE’s Triple Mint Green Flora Complex (a blend of mint, heartleaf and centella asiatica), this cleansing balm not only removes makeup but also controls sebum, minimizes blackheads and gently exfoliates with AHA, PHA and BHA. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Key benefits:
- Controls sebum production
- Unclogs pores and minimizes their appearance
- Soothes and refreshes the skin with minty formula
My take: At first impression, I was intrigued by the delightful apple-like scent and light blue hue. The balm does an excellent job of removing makeup and cleansing my face without stripping away moisture or making it feel tight. The formula didn’t irritate my skin, and I loved how lightweight it felt. I really felt refreshed after each use!
haruharu wonder Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm
What it is: This cleansing balm from haruharu wonder features standout ingredients like centella asiatica and shea butter to moisturize, jojoba oil to keep sebum production under control, and sunflower seed oil to nourish the skin with essential vitamins like Vitamin E. The formula is suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
Key benefits:
- Gently removes makeup while nourishing the skin
- Lightweight, sorbet-like texture
- Fragrance-free formula
My take: If I had to pick a favorite, it would be this one! The sorbet-like texture felt incredibly light and refreshing on my skin, effortlessly melting away my makeup. It emulsified beautifully and left my skin feeling soft and refreshed after use. I also appreciated the fragrance-free formula, which smelled of natural oils.
GRAFEN Dermabiome Perfect Cleansing Balm
What it is: This cleansing balm from men’s grooming brand GRAFEN is formulated with rosa canina fruit oil, tart cherry extract and the brand’s patented microbiome ingredient Grafeniome to strengthen the skin barrier while controlling sebum production. The formula emulsifies in just ten seconds, removing makeup while moisturizing the skin.
Key benefits:
- Smooth, hydrating texture.
- Quick emulsification
- Brightens skin and controls sebum production
My take: I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly this balm melted into my skin. The texture was so smooth and hydrating, without feeling too heavy on the skin. It has no problem removing makeup, even waterproof mascara. The only reservation I have about the product is its scent, which is a little too strong for my liking.
Overall Rating
| Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm | MAMONDE Amazing Deep Mint Cleansing Balm | haruharu wonder Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm | GRAFEN Dermabiome Perfect Cleansing Balm | |
| Effectiveness |  | | | |
| Texture and Feel | | | | |
| Skin Reaction | | | | |
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