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Best Balm Face Washes of 2026

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell

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Balm face washes are a popular type of facial cleanser that use a combination of natural oils and emulsifiers to gently remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Unlike traditional foaming cleansers, balm face washes are designed to be massaged onto dry skin, breaking down impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. They are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin, and can leave the skin feeling soft, hydrated, and refreshed. With a variety of formulations and scents available, balm face washes are a great addition to any skincare routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 4 Balm Face Washes

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for Glowing Skin

  • Elemis
  • 23025
  • Original
  • 100 g (Pack of 1)
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for Glowing Skin Cover

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, 3in1 Melting Facial Cleanser for Deep Cleansing Wash, Infused with 9 Nourishing Essential Oils, Daily Moisturising Makeup Remover for Clean, Glowing Skin

The ELEMIS Cleansing Balm is the perfect addition to your skincare routine. This best-selling product is designed to gently melt away makeup, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. It cleanses deeply without stripping your skin's natural moisture, leaving you feeling fresh and radiant. You can use it daily to cleanse or weekly as a nourishing facial mask. Simply massage it over your face, neck, and décolleté, and follow with the soothing apricot toner for optimal results.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Gentle on sensitive skin
  • Deep cleansing without dryness
  • Dual use as cleanser and mask
  • Infused with nourishing oils

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 50g

  • Elemis
  • 60689
  • White
  • 50 g (Pack of 1)
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 50g Cover

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, 3in1 Melting Facial Cleanser for Deep Cleansing Wash, Infused with 9 Nourishing Essential Oils, Daily Moisturising Makeup Remover for Clean, Glowing Skin, 50gr

The ELEMIS Cleansing Balm is a versatile 3-in-1 melting cleanser that effectively removes makeup and daily impurities from your skin. This balm not only cleanses but also provides deep hydration, leaving your complexion soft and glowing. Infused with nine nourishing essential oils, it enhances the cleansing experience by moisturising your skin as you wash. By incorporating this product into your daily routine, you can enjoy a refreshed and radiant look every day.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Removes makeup effortlessly
  • Deeply cleanses skin
  • Nourishing essential oils
  • Moisturises while cleansing
  • Promotes glowing complexion
#TOP 3

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen 3in1 Melting Cleansing Balm

  • Elemis
  • Cleansing balm
  • 50 g (Pack of 1)
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen 3in1 Melting Cleansing Balm Cover

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, 3in1 Melting Facial Cleanser for Deep Cleansing Wash, Infused with 9 Nourishing Essential Oils, Daily Moisturising Makeup Remover for Clean, Glowing Skin

The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Balm features a gentle English Rose Oleo Extract that soothes your skin while cleansing. This balm melts into a rich cleansing oil, easily dissolving makeup and impurities, making your skincare routine simple and effective. When you add water, it transforms into a hydrating milk that rinses off effortlessly, leaving your skin feeling fresh. Its mineral oil-free formula includes nourishing ingredients like Rose and Mimosa waxes along with Elderberry, Starflower, and Optimega Oils, helping to keep your skin moisturised and glowing.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Soothes skin with rose extract
  • Melts makeup and impurities
  • Emulsifies into hydrating milk
  • Mineral oil-free formula
  • Includes nourishing essential oils
#TOP 4

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm Set

  • Emma Hardie
  • EH100MBCFG18
  • multicoloured
  • 100 g (Pack of 1)
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm Set Cover

Emma Hardie 100ml Moringa Cleansing Balm with Cleansing Cloth Set, No-Rinse Formula Removes Face & Eye Make Up, Moisturizes & Hydrates the Skin, Natural & Cruelty Free, For All Skin Types

The Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm is a luxurious “Spa in a Jar” designed to deeply cleanse and hydrate your skin. Formulated with Moringa Seed Oil, this balm brings essential vitamins and antioxidants to rejuvenate your complexion. It effectively removes all traces of face and eye make-up, including waterproof mascara, ensuring your skin feels fresh and clean. With the added benefit of natural essential oils, it conditions your skin, leaving it radiant and youthful. You can enjoy the convenience of a no-rinse formula that is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Natural and cruelty-free ingredients
  • Effective make-up removal
  • Hydrates and moisturises skin
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Includes exfoliating cleansing cloth

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are balm cleansers good?

“Cleansing balms are very effective at dissolving heavy eye and face makeup as well as all traces of dirt that has built up throughout the day or night.

2. What does a balm cleanser do?

Unlike regular cleansers, which can leave your skin feeling dry, cleansing balms have much creamier formulas and usually contain some sort of oil. This lets them cleanse your skin while also trapping any moisture below the surface without leaving any greasy residue behind.

3. What is the difference between balm and cleanser?

Simply put, cleansing oils and balms are oil-based cleansers that attract dirt and makeup like a magnet. The primary difference between a cleansing oil and a balm is the texture. Oils are liquid and tend to be a little heavier while balms are solids and are generally more lightweight.

Editor's Notes

During our balm face wash research, we found 135 balm face wash products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 148,173 customer reviews through our big data system to write the balm face washes list. We found that most customers choose balm face washes with an average price of £20.81.

The balm face washes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of balm face washes, including Elemis, Emma Hardie.

Written by

Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.