Double cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine, no matter your concern. If you wear makeup and sunscreen or are always out and about, it’s always suggested to double cleanse at night to properly clean your skin from dirt and debris.
This double cleansing method involves an oil-based cleanser, usually in a balm/oil form, and then you follow it up with a water-based cleanser. You cleanse twice at night to remove all makeup, dirt, sunscreen, and more.
A cleansing balm is an amazing product to have as the first step in your double cleansing routine. It’s heavy enough to break down the first layer of product, debris, sebum, and environmental pollutants. However, these balms can be pricey.
so, what are the best drugstore cleansing balms? The best drugstore cleansing balms are formulated with high-quality ingredients that cleanse the skin without leaving you feeling greasy or over-stripped. Also, the balm should instantly emulsify into an oil.
Thankfully, there are various drugstore cleansing balms on the market to choose from. Even if you can’t find them physically in a drugstore, these prices are affordable, and they will fit every budget. So now it’s time to step up your double cleansing game!
3 Tips To Help Choose A Cleansing Balm
1. Balm-To-Oil
Most cleansing balms have a thick or solid balm texture within their packaging. However, usually, when the balm comes in contact with the skin, it can transform into an oily consistency to help break down your first layer of dirt, makeup, or sunscreen.
Balms are great for traveling since they are solid until it’s time to apply to the skin. They also gently glide onto the face, so you don’t have to scrub your face to remove makeup unnecessarily.
2. Application
Cleansing balms can vary in how they are applied to the skin.
Some brands will advise you to use the product on dry skin with dry hands, while others will advise emulsifying the balm with a small amount of water before applying it to dampened skin.
This will depend on your personal preference and how you like to apply your cleansing balms.
3. Fragrance
Fragrance is still a widely debated topic. For some people, any fragrance will irritate, and for others, it will go unnoticed.
Most individuals don’t mind fragrance in wash-off formulas like cleansing balms and cleansers because the product should be immediately rinsed off the face with water, and then water-based cleanser. This is another factor that comes down to personal preference.
When it comes to skincare, there is no one-size-fits-all routine.
11 Best Drugstore Cleansing Balms
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm | Vitamin E, apply to dry skin, gentle |
| 2. | Physicians Formula Matcha Melting Cleansing Balm | Gentle, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic |
| 3. | I Dew Care Berry Melting Cleansing Balm | Jojoba oil, vitamins E & B, antioxidants |
| 4. | Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm | Vegan, cruelty-free, hyaluronic acid |
| 5. | Pond’s Cleansing Balm | Apply to dry skin, gentle |
| 6. | Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm | Vitamins E & C, active botanicals |
| 7. | KimTrue Meltaway Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm | Plant-based, moisturizing |
| 8. | DayMellow Light Clean Pink Balm Cleanser | Gentle exfoliation, beneficial ingredients |
| 9. | Heimish All Clean Balm | Melts waterproof makeup, gentle |
| 10. | JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm | Moisturizing, brightening |
| 11. | Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm | Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free |
1. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm
Neutrogena always comes to save the day with their affordable dupes to high-end products. From retinol to sunscreen, they always strive to provide accessible skincare for everyone. Neutrogena’s next superstar product is their Melting Balm.
The Makeup Remover Melting Balm is the ultimate cleansing balm you need in your routine for several reasons.
This product will be the first step in your double cleanse routine, which should be used daily, at night, for the best results.
If you go through a lot of skincare products quickly, having a melting balm that is affordable and from the drugstore is ideal to continually repurchase. This balm transforms from a balm texture into an oil to efficiently remove makeup or sunscreen.
This Melting Balm is formulated with Vitamin E to soothe and nourish the skin while removing uncomfortable makeup products. You will need to apply the product onto dry skin to break down your first layer of dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup.
Once you’ve easily distributed and massaged the balm-to-oil product, rinse with water or gently wipe your face with a damp cloth. Neutrogena’s balm won’t leave you feeling stripped or greasy, and you’ll be ready to complete the rest of your skincare routine.
The Melting Balm is gentle for your eyes, face, and lips, so you don’t need to worry about irritation. In addition, Neutrogena ensured that this product is travel-friendly, so that you can take it with you on the go.
This product will make you ditch the makeup wipes for good.
2. Physicians Formula Matcha Melting Cleansing Balm
Physicians Formula is known for their hyped makeup releases like their iconic Butter Bronzers.
However, now they are branching out into formulating skincare products. One product you need to check out is this Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm.
This product is formulated with sensitive skin types in mind, and it’s also dermatologist-approved. Physicians Formula also claims that all their products are cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free to avoid irritating the skin.
The Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm is powerful enough to melt away makeup, break down dirt and oil, and draw out other impurities. As a result, sunscreen and makeup will be washed away with ease without leaving the skin feeling stripped or greasy.
Physicians Formula also claims this product is formulated to fight free radicals. In addition, this melting cleansing balm contains matcha green tea, lotus extracts, and bamboo shoots for a dose of antioxidants that will also combat signs of aging.
Like most cleansing balms, this one is easy to use. First, scoop out a tiny amount, and on dry skin, slowly massage the skin in circular motions, and you should see the magic happen. The balm should break down the first layer of makeup or sunscreen.
Once the balm is evenly distributed, rinse with warm water and follow up with the rest of your routine. Your skin will be cleansed and nourished.
3. I Dew Care Berry Melting Cleansing Balm
I Dew Care is taking a sweet twist on skincare. Their products are inspired by fruit, glitters, and plants, so you never have a dull moment in your routine. So, if you need something refreshing for your nighttime skincare, check out this Berry Melting Balm.
We know blueberries are packed with antioxidants to protect the skin against harsh environmental factors, so it only makes sense to toss it in your cleansing balm. However, if you are sensitive to fragrance, this can be overwhelming to use.
Fragrance can be sensitizing, but if you have a wash-off product like a cleansing balm, the risk of irritation is minimized. In addition to blueberry fruit extract, this cleansing balm is formulated with jojoba oil, vitamin E & B, and glacier water.
I Dew Care is a great brand for kids and preteens to slowly introduce them into skincare due to their quirky take on products. This product is easy to use; I Dew Care states to scoop out a blueberry size amount, massage on the skin, and rinse.
The Berry Melting Cleansing Balm will suit dry, combination, and normal skin types. If you want a K-Beauty brand that is more vibrant and less serious, I Dew Care is the way to go!
4. Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Elf Cosmetics has been around for years and they are known for their affordable cosmetics for your eyes, lips, and face.
Skincare should be accessible to everyone, no matter the budget. So if you want a bougie cleansing balm without spending extra money, the Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Balm will be your perfect match. So say hello to hydration and fresh skin!
This cleansing balm is filled with beneficial and powerful skin-saving ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
As a result, your skin will be left rejuvenated, hydrated, plump, and ready for the rest of your skincare routine.
The Holy Hydration Melting Balm will instantly break down makeup, sunscreen, dirt, oil and draw out impurities. Like most cleansing balms, this one also transforms from a balm into an oil while you massage the product into the skin.
For a drugstore product, this is a no-brainer purchase just due to its high-performing ingredients. Hyaluronic acid will hydrate and plump the skin, ceramides will protect the skin’s moisture barrier, and peptides will improve your skin’s elasticity.
Elf Cosmetics is vegan and cruelty-free, so you can rest assured all animals are safe. In addition, there aren’t any potentially sensitizing ingredients like phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and more.
5. Pond’s Cleansing Balm
Pond’s has been around for decades; it’s a household name for a reason. Most of us can remember a family member always having Pond’s on hand. Now, they have an updated look with some fresh products!
Their Cleansing Balm will melt makeup away in a flash. Its solid balm texture will instantly turn into an oil to dissolve all traces of makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and sebum. This is the ultimate balm without the extra frills or thrills; it gets the job done.
Pond’s will also leave your skin feeling nourished. The cleansing balm is formulated to give your skin a boost of moisture while also breaking down makeup. It’s a classic makeup melting balm, and you can’t go wrong with adding it into your routine.
A little goes a long way with this balm, so Pond’s recommends only scooping a small amount for every use. They also recommend applying the product onto dry skin until the balm turns into an oil. Then, you will slowly see the makeup melt away.
Gone are the days where you needed to use harsh makeup wipes or vigorous scrubbing to remove makeup or sunscreen. Instead, this product will gently glide on the skin, rinse quickly, and you’ll be left with soft and supple skin.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with Pond’s!
6. Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
If you are keeping up with the latest beauty trends on Instagram or TikTok, then there is a huge possibility this particular cleansing balm has graced your feed.
Banila Co’s Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm has gone viral for a reason.
Banila Co produces multiple versions of this cleansing balm for pores, purifying, nourishing, and revitalizing, but for now, let’s stick to the original. The Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm also transforms from balm to oil to melt away makeup and dirt.
This balm will ensure that your skin gets a daily dose of nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and C. In addition, Banila Co formulated this balm with hot springs water and active botanicals to leave your skin hydrated, fresh, and nourished.
The Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is simple and easy to use. First, scoop a small amount of product into clean hands and then rub your hands together to emulsify the balm. It will slowly transform into an oil that is ready to break down makeup and dirt.
Once the product is massaged in, rinse, and you’ll be ready for the rest of your routine. This blam is suitable for all skin types, but its other balms can cater to various skincare concerns. The packaging is also fresh, vibrant, and quirky.
7. KimTrue Meltaway Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
KimTrue is a skincare brand that’s redefining the beauty world. They are creating innovative formulas and non-traditional products while still using a minimalistic approach. The Meltaway Cleansing Balm is the perfect introduction to their brand.
KimTrue claims that this cleansing balm removes makeup, cleans out pores, and restores the skin without needing a second cleanse. However, it’s a superstar product to have in your double cleanse routine. You’ll reach clean skin within seconds.
In addition, their cleansing balm is packed with plant-based ingredients such as marigold flower extracts, vaccinium myrtillus seed oil, ruscus aculeatus root oil, among other skin-soothing components like panthenol to moisturize the skin.
KimTrue also states that their cleansing balm doesn’t need to be emulsified. Instead, you can instantly apply the product to your face and watch the magic happen as the balm slowly breaks down sunscreen, makeup, dirt, sebum, and impurities.
You won’t need to scrub your skin vigorously; the balm will gently glide onto the face and melt away dirt and residue. In addition, this cleansing balm is suitable for all skin types, even including acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
You can apply this product just like any other cleansing balm by starting with a small scoop of the balm, apply it to dry skin, gently massage your face, and rinse with warm water. So say hello to bright, clean, and rejuvenated skin.
8. DayMellow Light Clean Pink Balm Cleanser
If you are interested in branching out into K-Beauty, you can start with DayMellow. Korean beauty is making a massive name for itself here in the West, and surprisingly enough, there are tons of affordable options for various skincare products.
DayMellow’s Light Clean Pink Balm Cleanser is all that you will need to break down the first layer of your cosmetics, skincare, or dirt from the day. It’s also a balm-to-oil formulation that is deep cleansing and it even has PHA for gentle exfoliation.
The ingredients in this cleansing balm are to die for. This product is formulated without PEG ingredients and is EWG verified. You can rest assured knowing that this cleansing balm also passed and completed the Skin Irritation Test.
You’ll find that this cleansing balm is formulated with rosehip oil and damask rose petals for moisture, avocado and camellia oils for nutrition, and hibiscus flower and papaya fruit extracts for cell care. All beneficial ingredients your skin will love!
In addition, the papaya fruit extract along with PHA will work together to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and sebum from the face, leaving you with a smooth complexion. It’s important to note this product will need a cleanser to follow it.
You will need to add water to emulsify the balm, but once it’s massaged into the skin, you’ll notice your makeup and sunscreen melting away instantaneously.
9. Heimish All Clean Balm
If you love nourishing ingredients and botanical components formulated into your skincare, one brand that you must check out is Heimish. More specifically, the Heimish All Clean Balm for your first step cleanse to melt away makeup.
The All Clean Balm gently dissolves into an oil like most other cleansing balms to quickly and efficiently break down the first layer of makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and more. Even waterproof makeup will melt away in a flash with this cleansing balm.
Heimish formulated this cleansing balm with skin-soothing ingredients like shea butter, citrus herb oil, coconut extract, and white flower complex. The coconut extract and shea butter will help the balm melt upon contact and provide deep cleansing.
Like the DayMellow balm, this one should also be emulsified with water to allow the balm to transform into an oil texture. This oily texture will then easily break down and draw out dirt, sebum, debris, makeup, sunscreen, and more.
In addition, this balm will suit all skin types but sensitive skin especially. Finally, the All Clean Balm will leave your skin feeling clean, and it won’t leave you with an uncomfortable residue.
Now you can finally say goodbye to clogged pores and blackheads. Heimish makes the All Clean Balm simple and hygienic to use by offering a mini spoon to help you scoop out the right amount of the balm everytime.
10. JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
Another product going viral on TikTok and Instagram is this cleansing balm from JUNO & Co. So what makes this cleansing balm so different from the rest? For starters, there are only ten ingredients, and it transforms into an oil immediately.
Because it’s formulated with only ten ingredients, the risk of irritating the skin is minimized.
In addition, JUNO & Co. ensured that this balm contains high-powered components to cleanse the skin, brighten your complexion, and leave you moisturized.
The key ingredient of this balm is the Japanese Pearl Barley Magic+ that works to brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, in addition to improving your skin’s texture while also leaving you hydrated.
Also, this balm is formulated with vitamin E, an antioxidant to help combat signs of aging. JUNO & Co. ensured that this product leaves you moisturized even after stripping away makeup and sunscreen. Plus, there is no yucky residue.
The Clean 10 Cleansing Balm will make you want to ditch the makeup wipes forever. To get the max benefits, all you need to do is scoop a tiny amount of product, emulsify it between your hands, and apply it to dry skin. It will turn into an oil right before your eyes.
Rinse with warm water, and you’re ready to continue with the rest of your skincare routine.
11. Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm
Good Molecules is one of the most underrated skincare companies on the market. It’s very comparable to The Ordinary and The Inkey List regarding price and formulations. The Instant Cleansing Balm is a must-have product in any routine.
Not only will you receive an affordable price point and high-quality formulation, but Good Molecules also has bright, vibrant, and exciting packaging that will excite you every time you reach for their products.
The Instant Cleansing Balm is formulated with skin-soothing ingredients like sea buckthorn oil, camellia oil, and shea butter. In addition, unlike most cleansing balms, this one is fragrance-free and ideal for those who aren’t keen on smells.
The balm will immediately dissolve when it comes into contact with skin, and it will cleanse away makeup, environmental pollutants, dirt, sunscreen, and more. You can quickly rinse it off with water, and your skin won’t feel stripped, tight, or dehydrated.
No animals were tested on to create this cleansing balm, and the formula is also vegan. Like most balms, you can massage a scoop of the product onto dry skin and watch the magic take place. Then, follow up with the rest of your routine.
The Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm is suitable for all skin types.
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