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Do you wear makeup or sunscreen every day?
If you’re like me and regularly wear sunscreen and makeup, a regular cleanser may not always be enough to thoroughly remove everything at the end of the day. That’s where double cleansing can come in handy.
Cleansing balms are a popular first step in double cleansing because they help dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil before you follow up with your face wash.
The dermatologists at Doctorly, along with a dermatologist, esthetician, and cosmetic chemist consulted by The New York Times, note that double cleansing can be useful, particularly for removing makeup and sunscreen, although it isn’t necessary for everyone. Waterproof makeup and water-resistant sunscreen can be harder to remove with a regular cleanser alone.
For this guide, I’ve put together a selection of Japanese cleansing balms based on @cosme rankings and reviews, popularity among Japanese consumers, product formulas and ingredients, and our editorial picks.
How we decided
Note: We research Japanese beauty products using Japanese beauty platforms, product information from brands and retailers, customer reviews, and other reliable sources. When we reference customer experiences, we identify them as reviewer opinions rather than clinical results. Product availability, prices, and rankings may change over time.
Japanese Cleansing Balms to Try
From highly rated favorites to popular Japanese picks, here are our selected cleansing balms to consider for your skincare routine.
1. DUO The Cleansing Balm Black Repair
If clogged pores and blackheads are your biggest cleansing concern, this one means business!
DUO The Cleansing Balm Black Repair is a strong pick for those looking for a cleansing balm with a dedicated pore-care focus. Its formula uses three types of charcoal, including DUO’s unique Black Powder, alongside six fermented extracts, seven fruit extracts including AHA, and a sebum-dissolving oil blend.
These ingredients are designed to approach pore impurities in four steps: loosening, dissolving, absorbing, and treating. The balm also contains vitamin C, glutathione, ceramides, and other moisturizing ingredients for a less tight, more hydrated feeling after cleansing.
At the time of our research, it ranked No. 2 in @cosme’s Cleansing Balm ranking, with DUO Cleansing Serum Peel & Boost taking the No. 1 spot.
Pros
Cons
2. Perfect One Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm
If you want clean, smooth-looking pores without that stripped feeling, this balm might be your new go-to.
Perfect One Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm is designed to help cleanse pores while keeping skin moisturized. Its fine-textured oils help loosen hardened keratin buildup in the pores while the moisturizing formula contains collagen, two types of vitamin C derivatives, and three types of ceramides to help keep skin feeling soft and hydrated.
The balm melts quickly when it touches the skin, helping it spread smoothly with less friction and can also remove mascara and glitter.
It currently ranks among the Top 5 in @cosme’s Cleansing Balm category.
Pros
Cons
3. DUO The Cleansing Balm Clear
Duo The Cleansing Balm Clear is designed to help remove impurities while targeting concerns related to pores and skin texture. Its formula contains apricot juice and cherry fruit extract to help soften keratin buildup, along with moisturizing and skin-conditioning ingredients to help keep skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
The balm melts into the skin with a friction-free texture and is designed to loosen, lift, refine, and tighten in four steps. The formula is designed to cleanse without the need for double cleansing.
Duo also has an Aging Care Cleansing Balm if your skin’s specific concern is dry fine wrinkles.
If smoother-looking skin and refined pores are on your wishlist, this one definitely deserves a spot in your routine.
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4. Lululun Charcoal Cleansing Balm Clear Black
I personally use this one and I especially like how the balm feels when massaged into the skin! Lululun Cleansing Toning Balm Clear Black is designed for skin concerned with blackheads and visible pores. Its formula combines charcoal with two enzymes to help remove makeup, excess sebum, and buildup from old keratin and impurities.
The thick balm adheres gently to the skin to help minimize friction during cleansing, while its faster-emulsifying formula makes rinsing easier. It also contains azelaic acid and a vitamin C derivative to help condition the skin and support a smoother-looking appearance.
This charcoal-and-enzyme combo might be worth a try!
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5. Softymo Clear Pro CICA Black Charcoal Cleansing Balm
Softymo Clear Pro CICA Black Charcoal Cleansing Balm is formulated with beauty ingredients focused on pore care. It is designed to remove stubborn blackheads and excess sebum while cleansing the skin. The balm can also be used without a separate face wash and is suitable for eyelash extensions.
I was especially interested in this one after reading the @cosme reviews. Several reviewers mentioned how refreshed and clean their pores felt after rinsing and also noticed a reduction in nose blackheads after using it several times.
If you have visible blackheads, this might just be your new savior.
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6. Nursery Yuzu Cleansing Balm
This one feels like an underrated gem. Nursery Cleansing Balm Yuzu combines cleansing, face washing, massage, and moisturizing care in one balm, with 87% plant-derived ingredients and a soothing natural domestic yuzu aroma. It melts into the skin to remove makeup without the need for double cleansing.
It may not get as much attention as some of the bigger Japanese cleansing balm names, but the reviews are seriously impressive. @cosme reviewers highlight its pleasant yuzu scent, smooth texture, and comfortable, moisturizing feel after cleansing.
If you love a good yuzu scent and want a cleansing balm that feels more like a little skincare ritual, this underrated pick is definitely worth a look!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a cleansing oil and a cleansing balm?
If you prefer a lightweight, silky texture, you may enjoy a cleansing oil. If you like a more luxurious, balm-like feel, a cleansing balm might be your perfect match.
Do I need to double cleanse every day?
Not necessarily. Dermatologists suggest that double cleansing can be especially useful if you regularly wear makeup or sunscreen, but it isn’t something everyone needs to do every day. If your cleanser effectively removes what you’re wearing, a second cleansing step may not be necessary.
Are cleansing balms good for dry skin?
Some cleansing balms can be a comfortable option for dry skin, particularly formulas containing moisturizing ingredients. However, individual formulas vary, so pay attention to how your skin feels after cleansing.
Can I use cleansing balm with eyelash extensions?
Some cleansing balms are formulated to be suitable for eyelash extensions, but not all are. If you have lash extensions, look for products that specifically state they are lash-extension-friendly.
How do I use a cleansing balm?
Start with dry hands and a dry face unless the product instructions say otherwise. Massage the balm gently over your skin to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, add a little water to emulsify, then rinse thoroughly.
A Little Self-Care to End the Day
Cleansing balms are honestly one of my favorite parts of the nighttime routine. There’s something so therapeutic about feeling the balm melt away sunscreen and makeup, leaving my skin feeling fresh and clean after a long day.
So, which one caught your eye? Or do you already have a cleansing balm you swear by? Share your favorite with us!
