Best cleansing balms, oils to add to your skincare routine
Our beauty expert is "completely obsessed" with this cleansing oil that makes your blackheads disappear.
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If you’re slapping on multiple skincare products daily – sunscreen (and if you don’t, you really should), serum, moisturiser, makeup and more – then you need to make sure you’re properly cleansing your skin each and every night.
Enter double cleansing. The premise is simple – before you use your regular cleanser to remove the day’s gunk, you do a “pre-cleanse” before following up with your regular cleanse. Hence the name, double cleanse.
And it's not just about making your skin feel clean. Users are taking to TikTok to show off how their double cleanse routine is getting rid of their blackheads for good - and beauty lovers are "obsessed" with this "genius" hack.
By massaging the cleansing oil into your skin for a good minute, and really focusing on your nose, you'll start to feel the blackheads lift off like "magic".
So to help you nail that first step, we’ve rounded up a list of the news.com.au checkout team’s top picks for cleansing balms and oils.
And to help you with the second step, check out our list of the best face cleansers and scrubs for every skin type.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S PICKS: BEST CLEANSING BALMS AND OILS
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, $32 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: This is a gentle, nourishing but also deeply cleansing remover that also offers a calming scent.
What to consider: May be hard to travel with.
Formula: Oil | Size: 210ml | Best for: All skin types
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Don't be fooled by the full bottle - this is my back-up because the the one in my shower currently is almost out. But I am completely obsessed with this cleansing oil.
I first heard about the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil over on TikTok, where users claimed this not only helped to really nail their double cleanse routine, but it also got rid of their blackheads.
The "magic" and "genius" hack involves massaging the oil into their skin for a good minute, until you start to feel all these little bits come off of your skin.
Inspired by K-Beauty, this is a super nourishing and gentle oil that effectively cleanses the skin - and my skin is left feeling so soft and smooth.
I also really feel you're getting bang for your buck - all you need is a pump or two and you're getting a whopping 210ml for about $30.
Five-star rating Amazon shoppers seem to agree with me. "Why didn't I know about this product sooner?" said one user, with another commenting they feel a "noticeable difference" after using it.
Suma Nurica Purifying Enzyme Cleansing Balm, $109 at Myer
Why we love it: It feels super luxe and the rich balm really cleanses the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Balm | Size: 210g | Best for: All skin types
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I've tried my fair share of cleansing balms but nothing comes close to feeling as luxurious as this one from Suma Nurica. I can't deny the price tag is high - sitting at a whopping $109 - but you're getting quality ingredients from a high-end skincare brand.
It's formulated with antibacterial properties and enzymes to properly cleanse, while a blend of natural oils helps to nourish, replenish the moisture and overall re-balance your skin. But it's also gentle enough to use around the eyes. My skin is left feeling clean but not dry and tight - a feeling that can sometimes happen with other cleansing balms on the market.
Nourishing Cleansing Oil, $47 at Jurlique
Why we love it: This unique cleansing oil turns into a rich milk when you add water.
What to consider: May not be suitable for oily skin types.
Formula: Oil | Size: 200ml | Best for: Dry skin types
What You Need To Know
The highly-rated Nourishing Cleansing Oil from Jurlique has rave reviews from shoppers - "I have not found a cleanser that makes my skin feel as good as this one", said one happy user.
"Nice gentle cleanser, leaves skin feeling clean and not dry", another reviewer commented.
It's formulated with calendula to soothe, lemon balm to rebalance and restore softness, as well as yarrow extract to help smooth and firm the skin. The lightweight cleansing oil transforms into a rich cleansing milk when you add water, promising to cleanse and nourish the skin at the same time. How genius!
BEST J-BEAUTY CLEANSING OIL
Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover, $20.84 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Affordable price tag.
What to consider: May be hard to travel with.
Formula: Oil | Size: 240ml | Best for: All skin types
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I'm no stranger to cleansing oils and have tried a few in my time but this one from Kose Softymo may just be my new holy grail.
I've heard so many great things about the viral Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil but I opted for the deep cleansing version and I think it deserves just as much hype.
This cleansing oil has a super lightweight and runny consistency, and a subtle citrus scent that isn't overpowering at all. It is incredibly gentle but lathers really well and effectively melts down any dirt, oils and makeup especially mascara - without leaving me with panda eyes.
My skin also isn't left stripped dry, rather it's left feeling moisturised and as smooth as a baby's butt. I've been using it for a few weeks now - two pumps every time and it still has a whole heap of product which shows a little truly does go a long way with this product.
It's also been marketed as a cleansing oil that you don't need to double-cleanse with; however, I prefer to do the double cleanse to really make sure my skin is squeaky clean.
It has a tonne of rave reviews on Google attesting to the product's greatness and given the cost of living crisis, this cleansing oil is a cost effective option compared to other cleansing oils in the market. There's so much to love about this cleansing oil, so I HIGHLY recommend this guy!
BEST CLEANSING OIL FOR DRY SKIN
Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, $62 at The Iconic
Why we love it: Good bang for your buck.
What to consider: Hard to travel with.
Formula: Oil | Size: 140ml | Best for: Dry skin types
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
No matter your skin type, how much or how little makeup you’re trying to remove, Medik8’s Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil is a great pick. The formulation is super gentle, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, waterproof mascara and more.
We love that the cleansing oil is packed with a bunch of fatty acids – we’re talking safflower oil, linoleic acid, vitamin E and moringa oil – to help rebalance your skin and maintain your skin’s natural defence barrier.
You’ll see on this list that I’ve tried a lot of cleansing balms and oils, but this is one of the only picks that I simply can’t stop purchasing.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of five from over 600 Google reviews, with five-star rating customers calling it the “best oil cleanser I’ve ever used”.
A little goes a long way with this product and I adore how luxurious it feels on the skin, while still doing an excellent job of cleaning my face. I feel the price point is reasonable for how much product you get. One downside? Because it is a pump pack for an oil product, I wouldn’t recommend travelling with this one. I haven’t had any spillage but I personally wouldn’t take the risk.
Go-To Fancy Face Nourishing Oil Cleanser, $45 at Go-To Skincare
Why we love it: Doesn't leave your skin feeling dry and tight.
What to consider: Some users claim it irritated their skin.
Formula: Oil | Size: 100ml | Best for: All skin types
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you’ve always wanted a cleanser that doesn’t really feel like a cleanser, check out Go-To’s Fancy Face. Not only does it dissolve makeup, SPF, dirt and more, but the formulation of natural botanical oils will leave your skin feeling soft, supple and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. So as the cleanser removes the grime, it’s also replenishing your skin with all the good stuff it wants and needs.
On the Go-To website, Fancy Face has accumulated well over 2500 five star ratings.
I like to think of it as equal parts skincare and self-care. Simply massage a couple of pumps of oil gently into the face before wiping it off with a warm muslin cloth. No aggressive rubbing or harsh chemicals necessary, your skin will thank me later.
Dermalogica PreCleanse, $82 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: It's a lightweight cleansing oil that gently removes makeup.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Oil | Size: 150ml | Best for: All skin types
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
Dermalogica’s PreCleanse has been part of their double cleanse system for some time now, so there’s no way it couldn’t make it on to our list. The lightweight oil does a fantastic job at breaking down makeup, sunscreen and more, before you go in with that second cleanse. It’s suitable for all skin types – normal, oily or dry and will leave your skin feeing soft and squeaky clean.
PreCleanse has racked up an average rating of 4.6 out of five on the Adore Beauty website from over 500 reviews.
I find it so soothing and relaxing to massage into your face, all while removing every last bit of makeup you might be wearing. It’s a great first step for makeup removal before moving onto your normal cleanser.
BEST CLEANSING BALM FOR DRY SKIN
Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm, $24.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: It's super nourishing and makes your skin feel soft and smooth.
What to consider: The packaging can be annoying to squeeze out.
Formula: Balm | Size: 75ml | Best for: Dry skin types
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If a nourishing cleansing balm is at the top of your shopping list, you may want to try this new release from Weleda. The Skin Food Cleansing Balm is a unique oil-to-milk formula that effortlessly removes makeup, dirt and oil while leaving your skin feeling super hydrated and nourished.
It comes in a handy and travel-friendly squeeze tube. Plus we love that it’s made from 100 per cent natural essential oils – think pansy extract, organic calendula extract and organic camomile extract, just to name a few.
I recently got the chance to try this new release from Weleda and I was really into it. You know the brand for its iconic Skin Food Moisturiser, and now this cleansing balm takes on a similar formulation to cleanse your skin of makeup, sunscreen, dirt and more. One of my favourite things about this product is just how nourishing it is. You work the balm into dry skin and it transforms into an oil, then once you add water, it turns into a unique milky consistency that works hard to cleanse your skin.
Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm with Wild Orange Leaf Extract, $69.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Super luxurious and unique formulation that transforms from a balm to an oil.
What to consider: Natural citrus fragrance may feel too overpowering for some.
Formula: Balm-to-oil | Size: 90g| Best for: All skin types
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you’ve got the cash to spend on a luxurious cleansing balm turned oil cleanser, then you need to check out this product from Alpha-H. The Australian-made formulation is packed with native wild orange leaf extract, grape seed oil and bisabolol extract from camomile – all working together to hydrate, nourish, soothe and increase circulation on the skin.
Alpha-H’s Melting Moment cleanser has an average rating of 4.7 out of five on the Adore Beauty website, and has sold out three times since launching in November 2021 – can you believe a humble cleanser could do so much? I’ve personally gone through two tubs of this stuff and I look forward to using it every single time. It’s soothing, luxurious and smells amazing.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, $70 at Myer
Why we love it: It's a highly-rated cleansing balm with rave reviews from shoppers.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Balm-to-oil | Size: 125ml | Best for: All skin types
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
As the name suggests, take the day off your face with Clinique’s cleansing balm. As you rub it into the skin, it transforms into an oil and removes makeup, sunscreen, oil, dirt and more.
The formulation is packed with nourishing ingredients to cleanse the skin – think safflower seed oil and vitamin E to hydrate and soothe.
We also love that it’s recommended for all skin types and is ophthalmologist tested.
Clinique’s cleansing balm has accumulated an average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Myer website from over 1300 five-star ratings.
This was the first ever cleansing balm or oil news.com.au checkout’s Philippa Tonkin used.
“Over the years, I’ve tried other, arguably trendier, products but this one will always have a special place in my heart. It is super gentle at removing makeup, and especially powerful when it comes to waterproof mascara.”
BEST CLEANSING OIL FOR OILY SKIN TYPES
Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Get Unblocked Cleansing Oil, $62 at Sephora
Why we love it: It's a lightweight and silky formula that leaves the skin feeling clean.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Oil | Size: 147ml | Best for: Acne-prone and oily skin types.
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Earlier this year, Benefit Cosmetics launched a skincare line, all focused on clearing and treating those pesky pores. This cleansing oil was part of the range, and it’s a hardworking, lightweight and silky smooth makeup remover and cleanser.
It’s formulated with grape seed, jojoba seed, avocado and plum kernel oils, plus its rich in essential fatty acids, ceramides and more to leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
Benefit Cosmetics’ cleansing oil has racked up an average rating of 4.6 out of five on the Sephora website, with happy customers noting there’s “no irritation”, it’s a “must have” and “perfect” for their double cleanse routine and their favourite for “easy” and “effortless” makeup removal.
I was lucky enough to be gifted it to try and I’ve already purchased myself a second bottle. It’s a super lightweight oil that melts into the skin and dissolves any signs of makeup, dirt and oil – a little goes a very long way.
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm, $22 at Sephora
Why we love it: Affordable price tag and easy to travel with.
What to consider: xxx
Formula: Balm | Size: 150ml | Best for: Sensitive skin types
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
A cleansing balm for under $20? Great for dry and sensitive skin? Sign us up! The Inkey List’s Oat Cleansing Balm is made with colloidal oatmeal, oat kernel oil and a bunch of ceramides to ensure your skin feels clean without feeling irritated, dry and tight. Your skin will maintain its natural protective barrier and who doesn’t want that?
This humble (and affordable) cleanser has over 1600 five star ratings on the Sephora website. I’ve also tried this one in the past, and I think it’s fantastic for the price point. You get a lot of product for just under $20 and it actually works to remove makeup and knock over that first cleanse for you. The oat is also super soothing and feels great on the skin.
Heimish All Clean Balm, $32.16 at iHerb
Why we love it: It's a highly-rated cleansing balm that doesn't irritate the skin.
What to consider: Not available at many different retailers.
Formula: Balm | Size: 120ml | Best for: Sensitive skin types
Tried and Tested by Lauren Chaplin, news.com.au checkout Consumer Tech Writer
Formulated with shea butter, citrus herb oil, coconut fruit extract and white flower complex, this cleansing balm-oil hybrid promises to cleanse your skin while leaving it feeling hydrated, soft and balanced. It offers a supple yet lightweight texture that feels super dreamy to blend into the skin.
The cleanser is also free from parabens, artificial fragrances and colourants, making it great for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin.
Heimish’s All Clean Balm has an average rating of 4.8 out of five from over 17,000 five-star reviews on the iHerb website - and I swear by this product.
Simple and affordable, the balm easily melts off makeup and sunscreen, leaving skin clean without drying it out. It’s also incredibly gentle on my sensitive skin and has never once caused me to break out. Highly recommend it!
BEST AFFORDABLE CLEANSING BALMS AND OILS
MCoBeauty Hydrating Cleansing Oil, $25 at MCoBeauty
Why we love it: Affordable price tag.
What to consider: May be hard to travel with.
Formula: Oil | Size: 200ml | Best for: All skin types
What You Need To Know
For just $25, you can grab the Hydrating Cleansing Oil from MCoBeauty. It works hard to remove makeup, sunscreen, oil and dirt, totally cleansing the skin with the addition of squalene, glycerine and lipids to replenish and hydrate your face.
The Hydrating Cleansing Oil has already racked up some pretty positive reviews.
Five-star rating customers on the MCoBeauty website have called this the “best ever cleanser”, noting that it has “saved my skin and my makeup wash off routine!”
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, $33.99 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Affordable price tag.
What to consider: May not be suitable for oily skin types.
Formula: Oil-to-foam | Size: 473ml | Best for: Normal and dry skin types.
What You Need To Know
If you’ve got dry skin and are looking for an affordable, hydrating cleanser, head straight on over to CeraVe. Like the rest of the range, this cleanser is packed with three essential ceramides to help strengthen and maintain your skin’s barrier. It’s also got niacinamide, triglycerides and squalene oils to hydrate and even out your skin’s complexion.
This CeraVe cleanser offers a 4.6 out of five rating from over 4,500 five-star customer ratings on Google Reviews.
"This works brilliantly as a cleanser for my skin - I can feel it doing a good job cleansing especially after wearing make up!" said one user.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A CLEANSER
When choosing cleansing balms and oils to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Skin type: Your skin could be feeling sensitive, dry, oily, a combination of the two or none of the above – just make sure the cleanser is recommended for your skin type.
Price: Don't feel you have to break the bank to get a good quality cleanser. We've rounded up some great picks we recommend for under $30.
Formula: You may have a preference between balm, oil, or somethingt hat combines the two.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of products available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best cleansing balm or oil we tested a range of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best cleansing balm or oil for your skincare routine.
We also spoke to Dr Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist at Liverpool Hospital and senior lecturer at UNSW.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?
Before you go dismissing this as a marketing gimmick, Dr Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist at Liverpool Hospital and senior lecturer at UNSW, confirms it should be an important step in your routine if you’re serious about skin health.
“Many of us apply different products to our skin each day – sunscreen, makeup, etc,” he told news.com.au.
“Often these products contain hydrophobic compounds so water alone may not remove them completely. A cleanser can help removing these from the skin. Double cleansing is coming to vogue combining the use of a hydrophobic product (such as an oil) as a first step, following by a hydrophilic cleanser as a second step.”
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLEANSER FOR YOU?
Dr Deshan Sebaratnam advises that simple is best.
“You don’t need to spend lots of money on skincare. I would look for something that’s gentle and relatively free of fragrances and preservatives,” he says.
And he’s right – you really don’t need to be spending a lot of money on a cleanser as it’s a product that’s simply washing your face and then literally going down the drain.
More Coverage
Of course if you love the luxurious experience of a fancy cleanser, then go for it. But don’t feel pressured to splash your cash when there’s affordable brands like CeraVe on the market – I personally use the Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser but the brand’s whole range is incredible.
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