Experts Agree—This Often Overlooked Skincare Product Is Key for a Soft, Supple, Glowing Complexion

Best for: Everyone, any time

The ultimate cleansing balm, in my opinion, and also top of Dr Khorana’s list of recommendations, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a cult skincare product for good reason. The classic scent smells incredible, truly like a spa in a jar, but it’s the way that melts every scrap of makeup, SPF and daily grime from your skin that always amazes me. I like to massage it generously onto skin, giving myself a little massage as I go, and once I’ve wiped it away, my skin always looks so bright, fresh and glowy. I love the new cherry scent, but there’s a totally fragrance-free version too, which is great for sensitive skin.

Best for: Affordability

If you’re looking for a cleansing balm that won’t break the bank, then this one from E.l.f. offers up an impressive list of ingredients within its efficacious formula—especially considering that it costs just £11. The solid balm texture melts into a nourishing milk on contact with water, rinsing away your makeup and cleansing the skin as it goes. Plus, it contains some of the building blocks of great skin in this simple formulation—hyaluronic acid to hydrate, ceramides to strengthen and peptides for overall skin health.

Best for: Sensitive skin that is easily upset

This product enters the list courtesy of fellow cleansing balm fanatic and Who What Wear UK beauty director, Shannon Lawlor. "This is my desert-island beauty product. I have probably used over 20 of these pots since the product first launched, and I will continue to use it for eternity. In my opinion, it is the best cleansing balm ever made. It might not have the same luxury points as the cult Elemis Pro-Collagen formula, but it is my secret to happy skin. It doesn't leave behind a breakout-causing film, it removes the most stubborn of makeup, and it leaves my sensitive (but oily) skin soft, soothed and supple beyond belief. Try it once and never look back. I know skincare expert Caroline Hirons also loves this stuff, so if you don't want to take my word for it, take hers at least," says Shannon.

Best for: Oily, congestion-prone skin

While this does all of the things that the best cleansing balm should—cleanses, removes makeup and hydrates—I think that this is a particularly great cleansing balm for oily skin types thanks to its exfoliating angle. Rather than relying on any harsh actives, it uses papaya enzymes to gently decongest skin and boost brightness without overly stripping the skin. It’s great for oilier and spot-prone complexions, which often do need an extra helping hand with cell turnover, but it’s also gentle enough that most skin types will get on well with this.

Best for: A compromised skin barrier

Although this is brilliant for all skin types, sensitive complexions will really benefit from the gentle nature of this cleansing balm. Containing colloidal oatmeal, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, alongside ceramides to support your skin barrier, this really does focus on soothing irritated skin and strengthening its overall health. It does have a slightly stiffer texture than some of the other balms on the list, but once you’ve massaged it between warm hands, then it glides onto skin to gently dissolve all traces of the day without exacerbating any redness.

Best for: Mature skin

As we age, our skin tends to lose elasticity and hydration, resulting in a more dehydrated and dull complexion—but this iconic cleansing balm from Eve Lom aims to hydrate, boost radiance, deeply cleanse, tone and even exfoliate when used in conjunction with the supplied muslin cloth.

The fact that one pot sells around the world every 30 seconds should speak volumes about how popular it is, but Dr Khorana also recommends this as one of the best on the market. "Rich in eucalyptus, clove and chamomile oils alongside cocoa butter, it’s decadent, smells incredible, and is so incredibly hydrating—but it's also slightly exfoliating, so I’d avoid this if you’re prone to sensitivity for risk of it exacerbating things," says freelance beauty editor Grace Day.

Best for: Combination skin

As a brand, Byoma is all about keeping that skin barrier in check, so it’s no surprise that this cleansing balm does just that. The reason I’m coining it the best for combination skin is that while it does offer an abundance of hydrating benefits (great for drier areas of the skin like the cheeks), this buttery balm is also infused with niacinamide to help keep excess oil in check and the skin balanced and calm. There’s also an array of nourishing oils and barrier lipids to ensure that your skin is strong, plump and bouncy, all while making light work of breaking down stubborn grime and daily makeup.

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Best for: A glow boost

Japanese skincare is considered some of the best in class when it comes to achieving expensive-looking, glassy skin, so it’s no surprise that that’s exactly where this Beauty Pie cleansing balm was formulated. Enriched with rice bran oil, cold-pressed baobab oil and aloe juice, it has a rich and decadent formula that purifies skin while boosting glow.

"I love that this actually does have a warming sensation when it's applied," says Day. "It really does add to the luxury experience you want to have when using a cleansing balm."

Best for: All skin types

I am yet to try a product from Skin Rocks that I don’t like, and this cleansing balm is no exception—even the skincare experts rated this one. Available in both fragranced and fragrance-free formulations, Caroline Hirons has ensured that this is a cleanser that genuinely works for every skin type, tone and texture. Rich in a barrier-protecting lipid-advanced complex along with the potent antioxidant beta-carotene to neutralise free radicals, this balm not only removes every scrap of makeup from the skin, but it works to protect and nourish your skin long-term too. And while the price point is one of the higher options on the list, it really does have a decadent texture that makes it feel so luxurious to use each day.

"This is without a doubt my favourite cleansing balm of all time," says Day, "It not only works incredibly well, but using it feels like a decadent spa-like experience—the smell alone is a sensory experience."

Best for: A multi-use product that does it all

Holistic facialist Elizabeth King rates this cleansing balm thanks to its list of organic ingredients and skin-friendly formulation. “The balm is a gel-based oil which means there is no drag on the skin, and when it comes into contact with water, it immediately emulsifies, and it’s also proven to be microbiome friendly, which is key for skin health,” King explains. Even better? As well as dissolving makeup and dirt from the day, you can even leave this on as a face mask for extra hydration. Just 10 minutes will do it.

Best for: A brighter complexion

This affordable cleansing balm from Soap & Glory comes recommended by Dr Cunningham, who rates it for its ability to restore glow to skin that’s looking tired. “This combines all gentle cleansing of a balm with the added benefits of brightening ingredients, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and radiant,” Dr Cunningham explains. “It’s a great option for anyone feeling like their skin is looking a bit dull.”

Best for: A luxurious skin treat

Often, when you’re seeking skincare products specially formulated to help with irritation or sensitivit,y they can feel quite basic and clinical, but this cleansing balm from Tatcha is a sensorial delight that feels so luxurious to use. From the beautiful pot to the blue-toned balm inside, every step of this cleanse is so considered. Formulated with soothing Japanese indigo extract, nutrient-rich ingredients, and protective Japanese lotus extract, it cleanses skin while leaving it soft, supple and calm. I’ve used this during periods of time where I’ve had pretty inflamed breakouts and my skin always feels so soothed afterwards.

Best for: A quick cleanse

Don’t let the playful packaging fool you—this cleansing balm packs a punch when it comes to performance. It starts as a solid balm and melts quickly into a silky oil upon contact with the skin, dissolving SPF, makeup, and daily grime with zero effort. The texture is lightweight but nourishing, and it rinses off easily, leaving skin soft, clean, and hydrated—not stripped.

"I was super impressed by this cleansing balm from No7's new Good Intent range," says Day. "If you're low maintenance when it comes to skincare, you'll appreciate how quickly this melts makeup off and that it rinses free without leaving residue. The subtle scent adds a touch of spa-like calm without overpowering, although fragrance-sensitive users may want to patch test first," she adds. "And while the packaging format is ultra-hygienic and great for travel, the size does run small—expect to repurchase often if you’re a daily balm user. Still, it’s an affordable little luxury that genuinely delivers."