These Cruelty-Free Cleansing Balms Changed my Skincare Routine Forever

By Mind Over Mango July 27, 2021December 21, 2021 6 min read

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Best Cruelty-Free Makeup Cleansing Balms

My latest skincare obsession: the cleansing balm. Cleansing balms have recently gained traction in the skincare community, as well as in my nightly skincare routine too. While I’ve gone through tons of skincare product phases, the cleansing balm is here to stay. For those new to the cleansing balm game, cleansing balms are solid oil-based cleansers designed to dissolve makeup and dirt to reveal healthier skin. For a deeper clean, balms can be paired with a water-based cleanser, commonly referred to as double cleansing.

With seemingly endless options on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Whatever your choice, it’s important to choose a balm that not only suits your skin’s needs but is also cruelty-free as well. Check out 10 of the best tried and tested cruelty-free cleansing balms that have totally transformed my skincare routine forever.

Mind Over Mango Top Picks

Best For Dehydrated Skin: True Botanicals Ginger Tumeric Balm

For those who suffer from compromised skin barrier and a lack of water in their skin

Best for Removing Makeup: Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway

For those who need a solid A+ makeup removing balm with clean ingredients too.

Best for a Mess-Free Sink: OSEA Anti-Aging Balm

For those who don’t like scooping from jars and want a mess-free sink.

Best Budget Cleansing Balm: JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

For those looking for a budget-friendly cleansing balm that won’t break the bank.

Best for a Glowy Complexion: Beauty Counter Lotus Glow Balm

For those looking to pamper themselves with the ultimate glowy treatment.

Best for Clogged Pores: Beauty Pie Apricot Butter Cleansing Balm

For those who struggle with clogged pores and stubborn blackheads.

Best for Redness: 100% Pure Matcha Cleansing Balm

For those suffering from redness, hyperpigmentation, and overall sensitive skin.

Best for Exfoliation: Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm

For those looking for a cleansing balm that serves more than one purpose.

Best Budget Cleansing Balm: Lauren Conrad The Makeup Removing Balm

For any skin type looking for a no fuss, easy to reach for cleansing balm.

Best for Traveling: Pixi Double Cleanse

For those looking for an easy on-the-go double cleansing balm and cream.

Ginger Tumeric Cleansing Balm

True Botanicals

True Botanicals is by far one of my favorite cruelty-free skincare companies. This balm prevents Transepidermal Water Loss, a condition that results from a compromised skin barrier. Many cleansers contain harsh surfactants that strip the skin, but True Botanicals Ginger Tumeric Balm prevents stripping & water loss with ingredients such as Yucca extract, Tumeric, & Ginger

RELATED: Is True Botanicals Chebula Active Immunity Serum Worth the Investment?

Green Clean Makeup Meltaway

Farmacy

The Green Clean Cleansing Balm from Farmacy sits comfortably in my collection of cruelty-free cleansing balms. I often reach for this cleanser; it effectively removes my makeup without cancer-causing agents such as parabens or formaldehydes. Another Farmacy Cleansing Balm also is a great cruelty-free dupe for a popular non-cruelty-free cleansing balm.

Anti-Aging Body Balm

OSEA

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Hear me out on this one. While the OSEA Anti-Aging Body Balm isn’t marketed as a cleansing balm, it should be. After another recent craving of trying a new cleansing balm and with nothing new in hand, I reached for this product instead. It’s consistency is identical to all of my other balms, but in a no-mess pump bottle instead. My biggest tip? Follow up with a water-based cleanser. I alternate between my OSEA Ocean Cleansing Mudd and my OSEA Ocean Cleanser. I also dub this the best smelling cleansing balm ever.

RELATED: 10 Best OSEA Skincare Products You Need on Your Shelfie

Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

JUNO & Co.

The Clean 10 Cleansing Balm from JUNO & Co. is my favorite balm on a budget. Star ingredients like Japanese Pearl Barley help to regulate the skin’s melanin production by lightening dark spots and brightening your overall complexion. With only 10 total ingredients, this inexpensive and moisturizing Vitamin E rich cleansing balm is truly a no-brainer.

Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm

Beauty Counter

While I wouldn’t normally recommend spending a ton of money on a cleanser (spoiler alert: this one is a cool $72), I can’t help but share my love for this one. This cruelty-free cleansing balm has the smoothest, most luxurious consistency ever. It effectively removes all dirt and makeup while simultaneously extracting blackheads. Lotus extract and Jojoba Seed Oil give my skin the ultimate glowy finish to kickstart my skincare routine.

Apricot Butter Cleansing Balm

Beauty Pie

One of my top picks is the Apricot Cleansing Balm by Beauty Pie. This smooth & melty balm cleanses without leaving behind an oily residue. The best part? It’s been a miracle worker at unclogging my pores and pulling out blackheads. Just massage into the skin for an additional 2 – 3 minutes and watch the blackheads pop out of your pores. Gross – but totally satisfying.

RELATED: Is Beauty Pie Legit or a Scam: How Beauty Pie Works

Matcha Cleansing Balm

100% Pure

If redness is a primary concern for you, opt for the Matcha Cleansing Balm by 100% Pure. This cruelty-free cleansing balm has all of the fixings to slough away makeup and grime while providing your skin with ample benefits. Matcha Tea Extract reduces the appearance of redness while neutralizing environmental aggressors. Avocado Oil & Shea Butter help to soothe and moisturize the skin.

Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm

Glow Recipe

If there’s any other product besides cleansing balms that I’m obsessed with, it’s exfoliators. This Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm from Glow Recipe provides gentle exfoliation using – you guessed it – Papaya Enzymes. This cleanser works for everyday use; unheard of when it comes to exfoliating products. It also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries too.

The Makeup Removing Balm

Lauren Conrad

My current cruelty-free cleansing balm obsession is awarded to the Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup Removing Balm. This balm removes every ounce of makeup. Don’t let the makeup title fool you, as this balm can be used even on your makeup-free days. To sweeten the deal, all LC Beauty products are made with post-consumer recycled materials.

Carolin Hirons Double Cleanse

Pixi by Petra

For a fast double cleanse routine, try this dual cleanser from Pixi. This 100% vegan 2-in-1 cleanser contains a cleansing balm on one side & a water-based cream cleanser on the other. This cleanser is for those looking to accomplish a quick cleanse without a ton of time & effort. This 2-in-1 is also great for travel; it’s only 3.2oz and saves the trouble of packing another product.

RELATED: Pixi Beauty 100% Vegan Product List

Cruelty-Free Cleansing Balms

It’s easy to shop for cruelty-free cleansing balms with just a little research. In order to know which balm is best for you, write down a list of things you are looking for in your cleansing routine. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, opting for products such as the True Botanicals Cleansing Balm or the Beauty Counter Cruelty-Free Cleansing Balm are your best options. If you’re looking to maximize your routine by eliminating steps, products such as the Glow Recipe Exfoliating Cleansing Balm or the 100% Pure Matcha Balm may be your better options. Whatever your choice, just remember that shopping cruelty-free is always the best option, and there is an abundance of incredible products to choose from.

Discover more cruelty-free & clean beauty brands on our Cruelty-Free Company Directory today!

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