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Removing all of my makeup at the end of the day is one of the most relieving experiences, so I like to make sure that I’m using a cleanser that feels good, but also removes every last scrap of makeup left on my face — as well as all the dirt, grime, and pollution that has also probably collected throughout the day.
To remove my makeup, I really rely on an oil-based cleanser to break down my makeup and skincare properly. I normally like to use a cleansing balm, just because it feels a lot richer and luxurious compared to a cleansing oil (but that’s totally my personal preference).
We all know that I love Korean skincare products, so in today’s article, I’m talking about some of the best cleansing balms that I’ve found from some of my favorite Korean brands.
Introduction to cleansing balms
If you haven’t used a balm cleanser before, you’re missing out big time. Cleansing balms should be the go-to first step of your cleansing routine as it removes waterproof makeup, heavy makeup, and any other impurities from your skin.
Although cleansing balms can be a little bit more messy than the best Korean oil cleansers, there is something that feels a little bit more luxurious about this formula.
If you’re using a balm cleanser, you should always be careful to follow up with a water-based cleanser for your second cleanse. This step is important to break down the oils and stop them from clogging your pores, as well as remove any residue product, skincare, or makeup from your face. That’s why doing a full double-cleanse routine is so important because it’s the best way to make sure your skin is fully clean before you start the rest of your nighttime skin-care routine.
The Best Cleansing Balms From South Korea
I have so many favorite Korean skincare products, as anyone would know from reading through the blog. Although I’ve spoken about Korean cleansing oils before, a long list of the best gentle yet effective cleansing oil products that you can buy, I wanted to also share the best cleansing balms that you should use for oil cleansing.
I’ve tried all of the best selling facial cleansers so that you can find the right choice for your double cleansing routine. Keep on reading to find out what my top picks are:
Banila Co Clean it Zero
I have been using the Banila Co Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm for quite some time and have really enjoyed the cult favorite product. It has almost no scent which I know a lot of people look for in their skincare products, and it comes in a standard twist-off tub with a spatula you can use to pick up the product.
When you apply this to the face it turns into an oil very quickly and becomes very light so that it is super easy to massage into the skin.
You don’t need to rub too hard for the balm to start picking up your makeup and it doesn’t take long at all to notice all your makeup being lifted off your face.
I then remove the product with a damp flannel which is extremely quick and easy. After removing the product you can’t feel any residue left over, all your makeup is completely gone — even heavy mascara. My skin always feels so good after using this, soft and hydrated and not tight whatsoever.
It’s easy to see why so many people love this cleansing balm, I don’t have anything that I can fault with it.
The only annoyance, which is more personal preference, is I’m not a fan of the packaging — but this is something that is similar to most cleansing balms, I wish there was another way than having the spatula.
Heimish All Clean Balm
The Heimish Balm is very similar to Banila Co in terms of how it works, it removes makeup super quickly — the only difference I notice is that it doesn’t thin out as much as the Banila Co Balm, it’s a little thicker and ever-so-slightly harder to move around the face.
It’s also easy to remove and leaves my skin feeling so hydrated and soft after.
It has a slightly more distinct scent but nothing too strong, it’s a nice natural earthy scent which I actually really like.
I also prefer the packaging, it’s a flip-cap lid rather than a twist-off lid which is a lot easier to close when you have oily hands full of cleansing balm.
The one huge red flag with this product is that it contains polyethylene, which is a form of microplastics.
I’ve seen a few articles online recently saying that the size and amount of microplastics in cleansing balms aren’t large enough to cause damage, but for me, I would much rather use something without plastic. Especially when it is obviously not necessary and you can easily switch to other products that are plastic-free like Banila Co Clean it Zero.
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Beauty of Joseon can do no wrong in my eyes. I am in love with their SPF and eye cream, but their Radiance Cleansing Balm is another standout product in my skin care routine.
Just apply this to your dry face and the buttery formula will melt off all of your makeup in seconds, then once you add some water to emulsify, everything will wash off super easily. It’s great for acne-prone skin and oily skin (just make sure to follow up with a water-based cleanser)
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
Ok, so this product is a little bit expensive, coming in at just under $40 which is quite a steep increase compared to the normally budget-friendly Korean skincare products, but I think the quality really makes it worth the higher price tag.
The Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm is such a beautiful formula, it feels so rich and decadent on the face, making your double cleansing routine feel like you’re in a spa. It doesn’t leave any excess oil behind after being rinsed off with some warm water and leaves my skin feeling so soft. It’s designed to melt away oil-based impurities and is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, olive oil, and vitamin E — which is a pretty impressive ingredients list.
B.LAB Cica Barrier 5.5 Cleansing Oil Balm
If you don’t like the idea of digging your hands into a pot of cleansing balm but still prefer this type of formula, you’re going to love the B.LAB Cica Barrier Cleansing Oil Balm. This has all the things you love about cleansing balms, but in a handy tube container that allows you to easily squeeze the product out easier.
Because of the packaging, it does have a slightly more oily texture compared to other balms, but I don’t mind that at all. It’s got great active ingredients in there to slough away dead skin cells, brighten up my skin tone, and remove every last bit of makeup.
I’m from Fig Cleansing Balm
I already think that the I’m From Fig Cleansing Oil is perhaps the best Korean cleansing oil, so it’s no surprise that I’m equally in love with the Fig Cleansing Balm. Made with fig oil water that hydrates the skin while removing your makeup, this cleanser is packed with natural ingredients that make it an essential step in any routine – whether you’ve got dry or combination skin.
The thick balm effortlessly removes everything from the surface of the skin, leaving a completely blank canvas behind for the rest of your products.
Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm
The Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm is another cleansing balm that is packed with lots of skin-loving ingredients to target any skin concern you may have. The gentle cleanser is full of centella asiatica (a great product for calming down the skin), green tea seed oil to regulate oil production, and tea tree oil to reduce redness – you’ll find that even sensitive skin thanks this product for not being full of harsh chemicals that may cause irritation.
The balm comes in a somewhat solid form at first that melts into the skin effortlessly, then turns into a liquid form instantly when it comes into contact with water, making it rinse off insanely easily. The best part is that it does all the hard work of an eye makeup remover, with the gentleness of a cream cleanser – it’s the best of both worlds for sure.
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm
Finally, we have the ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm. This was a brand that I hadn’t really heard of until their SPF went viral a while ago (which is another favorite of mine, btw), but now that I’ve started to try out some more of their products, the brand is starting to become a new favorite.
The cleansing balm has become a staple in my nighttime skincare routine, helping to melt away any makeup and skin impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It’s hydrating enough for dry skin types and helps me to achieve that all-important glass skin that I have been loving – who doesn’t want plump, dewy skin?
Cleanse Your Way to Better Skin
If you take one thing away from this post, it’s to always double cleanse in the evening. When I started to properly remove my makeup every evening I noticed that I stopped getting breakouts so frequently, my skin glowed and looked so much healthier too.
Hopefully, you find a product you love in this list of the best Korean cleansing balms, let me know if there’s any that I’ve missed!
