Top Cleansing Balms for Mature Skin: Recommendations from Shoppers Over 40

Double cleansing—removing makeup, dirt, sunscreen, grease and grime with an oil-based cleanser first, then following with a traditional water-based cleanser tailored to your skin’s specific needs—is the gold standard for a healthy complexion. Micellar water, liquid oils and wipes can technically work as a first step, but if you’re over 40, the extra nourishment a velvety cleansing balm delivers is worth it.

Here’s why: Cleansing balms use oils and emollients to melt away makeup and buildup—no harsh scrubbing or tugging required (two big ways to worsen fine lines and wrinkles). Formulated with vitamin E, plant and seed oils, shea butter, bisabolol and ceramides, they cleanse without stripping the skin or compromising the moisture barrier, leaving skin soft and supple after rinsing. Solid and dense, they’re also mess-free and travel-friendly.

Of course, not all cleansing balms are created equal. When it comes to formulas that work best on aging skin, shoppers over 40 are clear on four that do it all—reducing dryness, minimizing the look of fine lines and helping skin appear firmer and plumper. Below, the best cleansing balms for mature skin, according to shoppers 40 and over.

Clinique’s beloved fragrance-free cleansing balm uses safflower seed oil to quickly remove layers of makeup, SPF and dirt fast. Not only do reviewers say it leaves skin baby-soft, but several shoppers with sensitive skin say it never irritates their skin or eyes.

“I struggled to find a makeup remover that worked for me. Wipes and oils never did the trick, but this balm removes all my makeup easily and leaves my skin clean and ready for additional products. Super hydrating and doesn’t irritate my eyes or skin at all.”

One of the OG cleansing balms, Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm combines elderberry and rose oils to dissolve makeup and sunscreen thoroughly. It’s rich, velvety and thick, making it a favorite among those with very dry skin. It’s also lightly fragranced; several reviewers commented that the scent reminds them of being at a spa.

“This is one of my favorite cleansing balms. It effortlessly melts away makeup, even stubborn waterproof products, while nourishing the skin with a blend of hydrating oils and marine extracts, leaving my skin feeling clean and not greasy after removing it.”

Made with the brand’s signature TFC8® technology (a complex of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and peptides), The Cleansing Balm also adds vitamin E, coconut oil and bisabolol to its formula for a deep clean and boost of hydration and nourishment.

“The Cleansing Balm by Augustinus Bader has truly set a new standard for me. From the very first use, it was clear that this product was in a league of its own. The balm itself has a luxurious, buttery texture that melts effortlessly into the skin, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without any harsh rubbing. What sets this cleansing balm apart is how it leaves my skin feeling: not just clean, but deeply hydrated and refreshed.”

Of all the K-beauty cleansing balms, Banila Co.’s Clean It line earns top honors for its version specifically formulated for firming aging skin. This ceramide-rich version is made with moringa ceramide and panthenol to firm, strengthen, moisturize and boost skin cell turnover as it cleanses.

“This is the holy grail of makeup removers! I am 40 years old with dry skin and wanted something that would remove makeup and eye makeup in one step without over-drying. This stuff is PERFECT. The smell is light and wonderful too!”

At NewBeauty, we get the most trusted information from the beauty authority delivered right to your inbox

Find a NewBeauty 'Top Beauty Doctor' Near you