The Best Cleansing Oils and Balms to Remove Impurities and Nourish Skin

[Photo by Susan Wilkinson]

Whether you suffer from dry, sensitive skin or you wear makeup regularly, you can benefit from incorporating a cleansing oil or balm into your skincare regimen. Many people with oily skin tend to shy away from using cleansing oils and balms, but they are very effective as cleansers because oil attracts oils, which helps to remove excess sebum, dirt and impurities from skin.

The Best Face Mists and Toners for Gorgeous Skin

If you are experiencing dry, parched skin due to climate or seasonal changes, cleansing oils and balms also help hydrate and nourish skin while balancing one’s complexion. They effectively remove makeup, sunscreen and pollutants while leaving skin feeling soft, hydrated and supple.

The main difference between cleansing oils and balms is texture—cleansing oils have a liquid texture whereas cleansing balms are solid and buttery or wax-like. Both are effective as skin cleansers, it’s more of a personal preference as to which type you prefer to use on your skin. It can be beneficial to alternate between balms and oils depending on how you feel, and it can also make your daily self-care ritual feel much more luxurious.

These Overnight Beauty Treatments Will Transform Your Skin, Hair and Lips While You Sleep

We’ve put together a list of the best cleansing oils and balms to remove impurities and nourish skin that will enhance your natural glow. Read on to discover and shop:

Absolute JOI Sunflower & Moringa Cleansing Oil ($45)

All-natural sunflower seed oil and moringa oil have been blended together to create a light oil-based facial cleanser that will remove dirt and excess oil, dissolve makeup, and leave skin clean, fresh and hydrated. Great for all skin types, it’s free of perfumes, artificial fragrances and dyes, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Angan Wildflower Oil Cleanser ($52)

This gentle and effective oil-to-milk cleanser effortlessly removes dirt, excess oil and makeup in one easy cleanse without any irritation. It helps to restore the sebum, and correct and calm skin without drying it out. Powered by Angan’s in-house anti-inflammatory Icelandic Botanical Complex together with their regenerative Sea Buckthorn Oil, this sting-free formula leaves skin feeling soft, nourished and radiant. It is suitable for all skin types and safe for the eye area.

BAKEUP Beauty Daily Meltdown ($32)

This all-in-one makeup remover and facial cleanser removes even the most high-performance and waterproof makeup (including false lashes), soothes and calms sensitive skin, and takes complexions from dull to glowing. The non-stripping, sorbet-like texture melts on contact with skin, transforming into a creamy oil that easily rinses everything away, leaving skin soft and hydrated. Vegan and cruelty-free.

Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil ($32)

This antioxidant-rich cleansing oil is formulated with sugarcane-derived, sustainable squalane oil to keep skin hydrated and fresh. The lightweight formula lifts away makeup and impurities, then rinses completely clear with water. Skin is left moisturized, cushiony-soft, and radiant. All Biossance formulations are developed in a My Green Lab Platinum Certified facility, reducing their environmental impact with every product they create.

bliss Mighty Biome Pre/Post Biotics + Barrier Aid Cleansing Balm ($18)

This clean, cruelty-free and vegan deep cleansing balm melts into skin to dissolve all types of makeup (including waterproof), sunscreen and impurities while hydrating to restore skin’s delicate balance for a soft, glowing finish. Comes in an infinitely recyclable aluminum jar. Fragrance-free and great for all skin types.

cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser ($18)

This gentle cleanser transforms into milk upon contact with water, leaving skin soft, replenished and hydrated. It removes dirt and makeup without stripping skin of moisture and it supports a healthy skin barrier with a slightly acidic pH when mixed with water. An organic oil blend helps nourish skin and seals in moisture, while microbiome-friendly fermented oat and oat lipid complex help good bacteria thrive for healthier-looking skin.

Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm ($65)

This comprehensive cleansing balm clears congested pores and removes impurities while dissolving makeup, leaving skin balanced, soft and radiant. Its unique blend of loofah seed and moringa oil improve skin’s integrity by renewing the outer layer of cells while restoring skin’s flexibility and equilibrium. Colleen Rothschild Skincare is formulated with Level E3, an exclusive technology that helps key ingredients work harder and smarter. With daily use of this balm, skin becomes velvety smooth and luminous.

Dermalogica Micellar Prebiotic Precleanse ($49)

This gentle and nourishing micellar milky precleanse with oatmilk removes dirt, oil and makeup while balancing skin’s microbiome with prebiotics. Also formulated with cleansing murumuru butter, apricot kernel oil for antioxidant benefits, and amino acid-rich cotton seed protein to condition and reinforce skin’s barrier while preparing skin for the second step of cleansing.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68-$115)

This rich balm melts into a luxurious oil when gently massaged into skin, before transforming into a hydrating milk on contact with water. The unique formula effortlessly removes long-wear makeup, daily grime and surface pollutants, and deep cleanses and softens as a facial mask. It’s infused with a trio of nourishing plant oils including Elderberry, Optimega™ and bee-friendly Starflower oil, and Elemis’ superhero algae Padina Pavonica, for soft, hydrated, and glowing skin. Their signature blend of nine essential oils, including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus invigorate the senses.

Elli K Beauty Time Reverse Cleansing Oil ($84)

This hypoallergenic oil cleanser moisturizes with natural plant oil ingredients while improving skin blood circulation and restoring skin vitality as it cleanses. From the new Arizona Heritage Premium Skincare brand Elli K, which embraces the vitality of Arizona, a land of miracles and vortexes. Key ingredients include AZ10-Biome, a water ingredients with improved skin absorption as it contains a double fermented naturally-derived complex from Arizona; AZ4-RX, a skin-friendly natural vegetable oil and key nutritional ingredients fermented with vitamins; Neurovity, an active ingredient that embodies the longevity gene mechanism of the immortal jellyfish; and Progerine, anti-aging ingredients that improve elasticity and wrinkles.

Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Cleaning Oil ($59)

This luxurious and non-greasy cleansing oil is infused with moisturizing sunflower and jojoba oils, brightening stone crop (which also reduces redness) and supercharged microgreens (broccoli, radish, clover and detoxophane from Swiss cress sprouts) to gently remove makeup and deeply cleanse to deliver dewier, softer-looking skin after every used. The cleanser can also be used for a close, comfortable shave, softening and adding shine to beard hair—making it ideal for men as well. Organic, natural, sustainable and cruelty-free.

Emma Lewisham Illuminating Face Cleanser ($70)

This luxurious oil cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities, leaving skin feeling fresh, dewy and hydrated. It’s formulated with 23 of the world’s most nutrient-rich phyto actives that work together to deliver synergistic results, harnessing a triple-action ingredient system to deeply cleanse and nourish without stripping the skin.

Ere Perez Fig All-Beauty Jelly ($38.20)

A cleanser and makeup remover in one, this natural, all-purpose jelly cleanses and hydrates skin. It gently melts away all traces of makeup and impurities (including eye makeup), and can either be used dry as a cleanser or with water to create a soothing cleansing milk. Can also be worn overnight as a mask to lock in product and hydration. Ingredients include fig, which is rich in antioxidants and vitamins; cleansing clove, a natural stringent that tightens pores while stimulating blood flow; and chamomile to calm and soothe skin. It’s also a great natural alternative to petroleum jelly, making it ideal for skin slugging!

Farm Rx Super Greens Nourishing Cleansing Balm ($32.99)

This cleansing balm contains richly moisturizing avocado and marula oils that help dissolve makeup and remove sunscreen. It protects skin's moisture barrier and is infused with nutrient-rich ingredients for nourished, healthy skin. Additional ingredients include broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, green tea with polyphenols, moringa oil with omega fatty acids, and an innovative Slow Herb Complex that features a blend of botanicals that thrive in dry conditions and are slowly cold-brewed to extract antioxidants for peak efficacy. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. Free of parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes and fragrances, formaldehyde, PEGs, cyclic silicones, ethanolamines and more.

Farm to Skin Organic Retinoic Oil Cleanser ($54)

This blend of nourishing oils and extracts thoroughly cleanses skin without stripping. Naturally occurring retinoic acid promotes healthy skin rejuvenation at the cellular level. Ingredients include rosehip, safflower oil and black cumin. Ideal for all skin types to reduce inflammation and revitalize your complexion.

Farmhouse Fresh Make It Melt Silky Milk Cleansing Balm ($39)

This premium plush, pillowy-soft cleanser features uplifting natural orange and vanilla notes and magically changes from balm to oil on dry skin. It effortlessly melts away long-wear makeup and waterproof mascara. It also transforms to a milky foamy cleanser that removes remaining dirt and pore-clogging oils for skin that’s left silky-smooth. The sorbet-like cleanser contains powerhouse ingredients such as omega fatty acid-rich seaberry fruit oil, vitamin C, sunflower seed oil and antioxidant-rich FarmHouse Fresh-grown lemon balm extract.

Fourth Ray Beauty Bloom Service Cleansing Balm ($15)

This gentle cleansing balm transforms into a silky oil that melts away makeup and impurities with a luxurious milky lather. It’s infused with rose hip oil to rejuvenate and renew softness, Argan oil to nourish and condition, and sunflower seed oil to soothe skin and lock in moisture. Skin is left feeling soft and refreshed. The lush fragrance of rose provides the ultimate aromatherapy experience.

Furtuna Skin Cleansing Oil Balm ($85)

Powered by the brand’s Triple Texture Technology, this triple texture cleanser and makeup remover effortlessly dissolves oil- and water-soluble makeup and debris as it deeply nourishes the complexion to leave skin soft, supple, and soothed. The rich balm melts into a luxe oil upon contact with skin and transforms into a light milky lather once activated by water. This transformation into a lighter texture allows the formula to rinse skin clean without leaving behind any residue. Ingredients include eight wild-foraged plants handpicked from the hills of the brand’s organic farm in Sicily. Vegan and cruelty-free.

Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm ($15)

Formulated with sea buckthorn oil, camellia oil and shea butter, this fragrance-free and vegan cleansing balm melts on contact with skin to dissolve makeup, dirt, environmental pollutants and other impurities. It instantly rinses away with just water, leaving skin comfortably clean—not tight, dry, or stripped. Never tested on animals.

LILFOX Amazon After Dark Melty Jungle Cleansing Balm ($80)

A jelly cleanser, moisture surge and cleansing milk, this jelly balm has multiple uses. It provides a deep cleanse with maracuja, murumuru, cupuacu and babassu, while white willow bark and hibiscus exfoliate and balance skin. Amazonian lily, camellia and Kakadu plum help plump skin for a supple appearance. Skin is left clean and nourished without feeling stripped. Great for all skin types especially acneic, congested, dry, mature and dull. Notes of Madagascan rose geranium linger on skin to ease tension.

ma:nyo Deep Clear Cleansing Balm ($24)

Formulated with a buttery and soft texture, this cleansing balm helps breaks down makeup and melts away dirt and blackheads without leaving the skin feeling dry. The 100% vegan formula includes hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture, panthenol to soften and smooth skin, allantoin to promote healing and improve texture, and Revercellar Technology, which attracts impurities to effectively remove them.

ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil ($29-$49)

This gentle yet powerful cleansing oil melts away blackheads and whiteheads without clogging pores. It transforms into a luscious milk that dissolves makeup and impurities while restoring skin's natural moisture and pH balance. Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Can be used in the evening as a makeup remover and in the morning as a hydrating facial cleanser.

May Lindstrom The Pendulum Potion ($80)

Featuring a blend of nourishing oils that are loaded with antioxidants, this grounding release facial cleansing oil effortlessly melts away makeup, sunscreen and environmental debris while softening and clearing congestion and dullness. In addition to reducing congestion and breakouts, it hydrates and nourishes skin at the same time. Free of emulsifiers and surfactants, it can also be applied as a body oil, bath oil or hair oil.

Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($36)

This no-residue, 85% natural cleansing balm melts away stubborn makeup, SPF, dirt, and impurities—leaving skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated. Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, gluten-free, and silicone-free.

Mojave Desert Skin Shield Organic Calming Cleansing Oil ($56)

Featuring a synergistic combination of organic, antioxidant-rich, clarifying oils, this cleansing oil helps improve a wide variety of skin issues. The clean and soothing formula effectively removes makeup and dirt without disturbing the skin’s delicate bio-balance. It also contains vitamin C-rich coriander seed and sage for eliminating toxins and diminishing the appearance of blemishes, while cedar wood visibly calms redness and breakouts.

Monastery Rose Cleansing Oil ($48)

Made with the delightful essence of over 100 rose petals, this cleansing oil removes makeup and impurities while nourishing skin, maintaining its acid mantle, and keeping pH levels balanced. It also contains hazelnut oil, which like rose oil is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, helping to repair various skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, aging and rough or bumpy skin.

NUDESKIN Citrus Clean Balm & Make-Up Melt ($35)

This citrus-infused cleansing balm removes all traces of makeup, freshly cleansing the skin while brightening and softening the complexion with the best vegan natural extracts—all in a no-mess tube. Powerful essential oils such as lavender oil, neroli oil and Salvia Hispanica (chia) seed oil soften skin while calming the mind. Other ingredients include rose hip fruit oil, orange peel oil, rosemary leaf oil, eucalyptus lead oil, and apple fruit extract. Cruelty-free, vegan, free of synthetic fragrances, and formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Odacite Montana Harvest Hemp + Sea Buckthorn Omega Oil Cleanser ($48)

This multi-active and aromatic oil cleanser preserves skin’s moisture barrier while melting away makeup, dirt, excess sebum, sunscreen and pollution. It features powerful ingredients including hemp and safflower oils bursting with Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids, sea buckthorn to boost vitality and support clear skin, along with sweet basil and lemongrass, which add a pleasant aroma for the ultimate at-home spa experience.

Pixi Beauty EOD Cleansing Oil ($14)

This effective and gentle plant-based cleansing oil effortlessly removes makeup and sunscreen, while argan oil and soybean oil nourish and hydrate skin. Skin is left immaculately clean and balanced. Formulated without fragrance or parabens, it’s suitable for all skin types and ideal for daily use. Not tested on animals.

Rebels Refinery Face Cleansing Oil ($10)

This 100% natural cleansing oil gently removes makeup, soothes sensitive skin and reduces breakouts with a unique blend of avocado, jojoba and other antioxidant-rich oils. It also dissolves impurities, unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells, resulting in skin that is soft, clean, refreshed and glowing. Vegan and good for all skin types, including sensitive.

Sahajan Essential Cleansing Oil ($48)

Featuring a rich blend of Ayurvedic powerhouse moringa oil to cleanse, squalane oil to balance skin’s natural oils, and rose oil to soothe and moisturize, this oil cleanser melts through even the most stubborn waterproof makeup to remove daily grime and pollution, leaving skin fresh, clean and glowing. Formulated with nourishing antioxidants, this cleansing oil improves skin texture and appearance.

Senegence Melt-Away Deep Cleansing Balm ($55)

Gentle yet powerful, this deep cleanser transforms from a balm to a silky oil and dissolves makeup, dirt and pollutants. Featuring oleic safflower oil, rose hip seed oil and marula oil, it works to lift oil-based impurities from skin, including excess sebum and environmental pollutants. It also melts mascara off without pulling or tugging the delicate eye area and leaves behind a fresh, dewy glow.

Three Ships Nourish Lavender + MCT Cleansing Oil ($15)

This cleansing oil is made with non-comedogenic fractionated coconut oil (MCT) so it melts away any buildup and impurities from skin with ease. Also formulated with lavender essential oil and geranium essential oil, which can eliminate harmful bacteria, act as astringents and help soothe skin while contributing to a pleasant aromatherapy experience.

[Photos courtesy of brands]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk