# Cleansing balm that removes makeup

Source: HiveTried, https://hivetried.com/beauty/cleansing-balm/removes-makeup/
Category: Beauty > Cleansing balm. Updated 2026-10-08. Based on 160 counted first-hand reports from Target shopper reviews, Dec 2023 to Oct 2026.

**Question:** Which cleansing balm removes makeup well?

**Short answer:** e.l.f. Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm has the best record for melting makeup off: 32 of 37 reviewers said it did, and more reviewers weighed in on it than on any other balm here. Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm follows at 12 of 14, while Byoma Melting Cleansing Balm has the weakest record here at 12 of 27. This page counts cleansing balms, not oils.

**What stands out:** A greasy film is a repeat complaint for Garnier and Naturium, in 24% of Garnier reviews and 28% of Naturium reviews. Smell is the main complaint for Byoma, in 62% of its reviews.

## Ranking (buyers who said whether it worked)

| Rank | Product | Melts makeup off | Share | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | e.l.f. Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm | 32 of 37 | 86% | yes |
| 2 | Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm | 12 of 14 | 86% | yes |
| 3 | Garnier Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid | 14 of 20 | 70% | yes |
| 4 | Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm | 19 of 30 | 63% | yes |
| 5 | Byoma Melting Cleansing Balm | 12 of 27 | 44% | no |

Ranked by the lower bound of a 90% Wilson confidence interval, so a product needs a high share and enough reports to rank high. An Amazon link is shown only when at least 60% say it works.

## Product notes

### 1. e.l.f. Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm

32 of 37 reviewers said it melted their makeup off, and 22% say it caused no irritation. 8% say it stung their eyes, and reviews copied from the brand's site agree on the makeup removal at 9 of 9, which we show but don't count.

- Praised for: No irritation (23%), Leaves skin soft (13%), Good value (13%)
- Complaints: Stings eyes (8%)
- Reports counted: 40

### 2. Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm

A smaller group weighed in, and 12 of 14 said it melted their makeup off. 40% say it leaves skin soft and 47% praise how easily it melts, while 13% say it left makeup behind.

- Praised for: Leaves skin soft (40%), No irritation (20%), Good value (13%)
- Reports counted: 15

### 3. Garnier Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid

The record is mixed: 14 of 20 said it melted their makeup off, but 24% mention a greasy film and 24% mention the smell. 12% call it good value.

- Praised for: Good value (12%), No irritation (12%)
- Complaints: Greasy film (24%), Smell (24%), Irritation or breakouts (8%)
- Reports counted: 25

### 4. Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm

19 of 30 said it melted their makeup off, and 20% say it caused no irritation. The complaints are makeup left behind, at 30%, and a greasy film, at 28%.

- Praised for: No irritation (20%), Leaves skin soft (15%), Good value (8%)
- Complaints: Greasy film (28%), Stings eyes (13%), Irritation or breakouts (5%)
- Reports counted: 40

### 5. Byoma Melting Cleansing Balm

12 of 27 said it melted their makeup off, the weakest record here. Smell is the main complaint, in 62% of its reviews, though 15% say it caused no irritation.

- Praised for: No irritation (15%), Leaves skin soft (5%)
- Complaints: Smell (63%), Irritation or breakouts (10%), Greasy film (5%)
- Reports counted: 40

## Questions

**Which cleansing balm removes makeup?**

e.l.f. Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm has the best record (32 of 37), followed by Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm (12 of 14) and Garnier Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid (14 of 20).

**Will a cleansing balm get all my makeup off?**

Often, but not always. Reviewers here said whether the balm melted their makeup off, including mascara or sunscreen. Makeup left behind is a complaint in 30% of Naturium reviews and 40% of Byoma reviews, so check each record before you buy.

**How does Byoma Melting Cleansing Balm do at removing makeup?**

It has the weakest record here at 12 of 27. Smell comes up in 62% of its reviews, so a strong scent is worth knowing about before you buy.

**What is the difference between a cleansing balm and a cleansing oil?**

A balm is a solid scoop that melts as you work it in, and an oil is a liquid. This page counts cleansing balms, and cleansing oils are ranked on their own page.

## Method

HiveTried counts first-hand reports only, drops reviews written for free products, shows brand-site reviews without counting them, and never accepts payment for placement. Full method: https://hivetried.com/how-we-count/