Best Cleansing Balms Under £15
I love a challenge and finding effective, good quality skincare isn’t as easy as you think. I don’t want you to have to compromise on results however I do want you to have options and choices when it comes to skincare and all these cleansing balms will effectively cleanse the skin, breakdown the makeup and won’t leave you with panda eyes in the morning.
All of the cleansing balms that made the final cut emulsify beautifully, turn into milk when water is added, rinse away with no residue and fully remove all your makeup. A big bugbear of mine is if a residue is left on the skin after cleansing as it will block the rest of your skincare, especially water-based skincare.
Not all cleansing balms are created equally so I put heaps to the test, testing the effectiveness of their cleansing ability, removing makeup and ensuring the skin is hydrated and not stripped after use.
First, let’s start with an introduction to this product;
What is a Cleansing Balm?
A cleansing balm is a type of cleanser that combines oils and emollients to help break down makeup, SPF, dirt, and impurities. Great cleansing balms will cleanse without stripping and support the skin barrier. Cleansing balms make the perfect cleanser for the first step in your double cleansing routine and make a great way to cleanse the skin in the morning if you find your skin struggling with dry skin.
Benefits of Using a Cleansing Balm in Your Makeup Removal Routine
Cleansing balms are highly effective at breaking down and removing all types of makeup, including waterproof and long-wearing formulas. Their oil-based nature allows them to dissolve even the most stubborn products, ensuring a thorough cleanse while staying super gentle for all skin types.
Unlike traditional cleansers, that can leave the skin feeling dry and tight, cleansing balms are formulated with nourishing oils and butters. These ingredients help to hydrate and condition the skin, maintaining its moisture balance and leaving it soft and supple.
Many cleansing balms are enriched with antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from environmental damage and premature ageing. Ingredients like vitamin E, green tea extract, and berry extracts provide additional skincare benefits beyond just cleansing.
Should I Be Double Cleansing?
As mentioned before cleansing balms are an excellent choice for the first step in a double cleansing routine. Double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser (like a balm) to remove makeup and impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin more deeply. This method ensures that the skin is thoroughly clean and prepared for the next steps in your skincare routine. My favourite analogy is you wouldn't mop the floor before sweeping it first.
Incorporating a cleansing balm into your makeup removal routine not only ensures that your skin is clean and free from impurities but also nourishes and protects it. The right cleansing balm can enhance your skincare routine, providing a luxurious and effective way to maintain healthy, radiant skin.
The 4 best cleansing balms under £15
Dr PAWPAW 3 In 1 Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm delivers a solid, affordable everyday cleanse without harsh surfactants. It helps dissolve makeup, SPF, and daily impurities effortlessly, while emulsifying and rinsing clean away, leaving no greasy residue. Glycerin and jojoba seed oil add a touch of hydration and slip, making removal gentle rather than stripping.
The formulation relies on functional, skin-respecting ingredients rather than luxe actives, making it suitable for most skin types. Olive and papaya seed oils provide conditioning. The inclusion of fragrance may irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
At this price point, it outperforms many basic balm cleansers with better emulsification and finish. Not groundbreaking, but a dependable daily balm cleanser that balances performance, texture and value.
Good To Know – Suitable for vegans, contains fragrance. Great for normal to combination skin types. Size - 80g.
E.L.F Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
When hunting for the best cleansing balms, E.L.F caught my attention a cleansing balm that has ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid, the dream trio. It’s more of a solid balm which melts once in contact with the warmth of the skin. The aroma is very subtle so much so that I thought initially it was fragrance-free. It’s gentle, moisturises and strengthens whilst effortlessly melting the makeup, SPF and impurities away. Makeup melts effortlessly and especially around the eyes it seems to cut through mascara effortlessly. I particularly love the look of the skin after one cleanse, you will see the skin looks radiant and clear with no redness and the skin feels soft and supple and no residue.
Good To Know – Suitable for vegans, contains fragrance. Great for all skin types, especially combination and oily as there is no residue left after cleansing. Size - 56.5g.
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
Closest to ELF in texture, a solid balm with the stunning Norfolk camomile to soothe and calm the skin. If you have sensitive skin your skin will adore this, it seems to cocoon and comfort the skin. Combining sunflower seed oil and shea butter the skin instantly feels comfortable, soft and intensively moisturised. Makes light work of the heaviest of makeup, melting mascara with ease and breaking down long-lasting foundation and bulletproof, smudge-proof makeup. The texture is divine while it’s a sold balm it melts beautifully in your hands and feels like silk. The moment this meets your skin it glides effortlessly over the skin so even if your skin is touch sensitive this readily calms and soothes the skin the moment it comes into contact with your skin. After one use your skin feels and appears clean, clear and soothed.
Good To Know – Suitable for vegans, fragrance free. Great for all skin types, especially sensitive. Size – 76g.
No.7 Cleansing Balm
A solid balm (similar texture to the E.L.F product above) featuring the stunning Norfolk chamomile to soothe and calm the skin. If you have sensitive skin your skin will adore this, it seems to cocoon and comfort the skin. Combining sunflower seed oil and shea butter the skin instantly feels comfortable, soft and intensively moisturised. Makes light work of the heaviest of makeup, melting mascara with ease and breaking down long-lasting foundation and bulletproof, smudge-proof makeup. The texture is divine while it’s a sold balm it melts beautifully in your hands and feels like silk. The moment this balm touches your skin, it glides effortlessly, making it ideal even for sensitive skin. It immediately calms and soothes upon contact. After just one use, your skin feels and looks clean, clear, and soothed.
Good To Know – Suitable for vegans, fragrance-free. Great for all skin types, especially sensitive. Size – 76g.
Thank You For Reading
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Happy shopping, and thank you again for being here!
Fiona x
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