Cleansing Balm Benefits: The Softest Way to Remove Makeup SPF and Grime

Cleansing balm benefits are the reason so many of us have swapped harsh cleansers for a melt-and-rinse first step that feels nourishing, rather than stripping. Especially if you have sensitive skin. 

Because let’s be honest, modern skin life is a lot. Daily SPF. Tinted moisturiser. Mascara that means business. Sweat from hot girl walks. City air. Harsh Aussie sun. A full day of touching your face while replying to emails. By 8pm, your skin needs a reset.

Enter the cleansing balm. It starts as a buttery solid, melts into an oil, then emulsifies into a milky rinse that lifts away the day without that tight squeaky feeling. Done right, it is the easiest way to cleanse thoroughly while keeping your barrier calm and happy.

In this guide we’re breaking down exactly what a cleansing balm does, when to use a cleansing balm, and cleansing balm how to use so your skin feels clean, soft, and balanced whether you’re dry, oily, sensitive, or acne prone.

What are the cleansing balm benefits?

Cleansing balm benefits include dissolving makeup and sunscreen, lifting excess oil and grime, and cleansing without stripping the skin barrier. A balm is especially helpful as the first step of a double cleanse because oil breaks down oil based products like SPF and long wear makeup more effectively than water based cleansers.

Why cleansing balms are having a moment

The current vibe is skin that looks like skin. Comfortable, hydrated, not over scrubbed. Cleansing balms fit perfectly into that shift because they are gentle by design, and they make removing SPF and makeup feel effortless.

They’re also the ultimate grown up hack for consistency. When cleansing feels good, you actually do it properly, for long enough, every night. That’s where results live.

Cleansing balm vs face wash, what’s the difference

A traditional face wash is usually water based. It’s great for sweat, light oil, and daily surface cleansing. But it can struggle to fully break down water resistant sunscreen, heavy concealer, or long wear makeup, which can lead to over cleansing and extra rubbing.

A cleansing balm is oil based, so it bonds with oil based debris like SPF, sebum, and makeup, then rinses away once it emulsifies. That makes it an ideal first cleanse, followed by a gentle gel or cream cleanser.

Want a deeper dive on the double cleanse magic, check out our article on How Does Double Cleansing Benefit Your Skin?.

When to use a cleansing balm?

When to use a cleansing balm is simple. Use it at night as your first cleanse whenever you have worn sunscreen, makeup, or you want a deeper clean after a long day. 

Cleansing balm benefits by skin type

If you have sensitive skin

Sensitive skin usually hates friction, harsh surfactants, and that stripped feeling. A balm gives slip, so you can cleanse without tugging. It can also help reduce the temptation to scrub at mascara or sunscreen, which is basically a fast track to redness.

Look for balms that feel nourishing, rinse clean, and avoid common irritants. Bonus points if the formula is fragrance free.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin

Dry skin often feels tight after cleansing, even when you use “gentle” washes. A balm is a comfort cleanse. It removes buildup while leaving your skin feeling soft, not squeaky. That means your serums and moisturiser go on like a dream, not like you’re patching up a desert.

If you have oily or combination skin

Oily skin still needs gentle cleansing. Over stripping can trigger more oil production and that shiny by lunchtime situation. A balm can actually help oily skin feel more balanced because it dissolves excess sebum and sunscreen properly, without harshness.

If you are acne prone

Yes, you can absolutely use a cleansing balm if you’re acne prone. The key is choosing a formula that emulsifies and rinses clean, and following with a second cleanse if you love that extra clean feel. Think of it as removing the stuff that can sit on the surface and contribute to congestion, like leftover SPF, makeup, and grime.

We also have a handy cleansing routine in 5 Steps to a Perfect Cleansing Routine

How to use a cleansing balm properly

• Start with dry hands and a dry face
• Scoop a small amount and warm it between your fingers
• Massage over face for 30 to 60 seconds, including around the nose and jaw
• For eye makeup, gently press and glide rather than rub
• Add a little warm water to emulsify into a milky texture
• Rinse well, then follow with a gentle second cleanser if desired

Gentle second cleanser we love:

Shop here: Gunk Off Hydrating Gel Cleanser 150ml

Cleansing Balm Benefits: Our Favourite Options at VAMS Beauty

If you want your cleansing step to feel like a mini facial, these two are crowd favourites for a reason. Both are easy, versatile, and friendly across sensitive, dry, oily, and acne prone skin types.

Gunk Off Melting Balm Cleanser

Gunk Off Melting Balm Cleanser is the makeup dissolving, SPF busting first step that turns cleansing into something you actually look forward to. It starts as a silky balm, melts into an oil as you massage, then rinses away cleanly so your skin feels soft and comfortable.

It’s powered by safflower oil and camellia seed oil, helping give you that thorough cleanse without disrupting the barrier. It has even won Best Cleansing Balm at the Prevention Beauty Awards 2024, praised for how effectively it removes makeup while still feeling nourishing and non stripping.

It’s also fragrance free and formulated without unnecessary irritants, making it ideal for sensitive and reactive skin.

Enbacci Skincare Calm Reset Cleansing Balm

Enbacci Skincare Calm Reset Cleansing Balm is the one you reach for when your skin is in a mood. It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily build up without stripping.

The hero ingredient is Blue Tansy Oil, known for its calming and soothing properties. The oil to milk texture rinses clean without leaving heavy residue, making it great for sensitive, dry, combination, and even acne prone skin.

Shop here: Enbacci Skincare Calm Reset Cleansing Balm

Do you need to double cleanse with a balm?

• If you wore sunscreen or makeup, balm first, then a gentle second cleanse
• If you wore no makeup and only light SPF, you can often do balm only if it rinses very clean
• If your skin is very dry or sensitive, you may prefer balm only on low makeup days

FAQ you might have...

Is a cleansing balm good for oily skin?

Yes. A balm can help dissolve excess oil and sunscreen without stripping, which can support a more balanced feel over time.

Can a cleansing balm cause breakouts?

Most people do well with a balm that emulsifies and rinses clean. If you are very acne prone, double cleanse and avoid heavy rubbing. Patch test if your skin is reactive.

Do you use cleansing balm before or after face wash?

Before. Balm is the first cleanse, face wash is the second cleanse.

When to use a cleansing balm in a routine?

At night, as step one, especially after sunscreen or makeup. Follow with a second cleanser if you like a fresh finish.