Short answer: cleansing oil and cleansing balm do the exact same job - they both dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum using oil-based formulas. The real difference? Texture and convenience. I've been double cleansing for 3 years now, and I've gone through at least 15 bottles/jars between the two. Ngl, the debate is way more about personal preference than actual performance. But there ARE situations where one clearly beats the other - and that's what this post is about.
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: Quick Comparison
| Cleansing Oil | Cleansing Balm | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Liquid | Solid → melts on contact |
| Best for skin type | Oily, combo, acne-prone | Dry, sensitive, mature |
| Makeup removal | Excellent (esp. waterproof) | Excellent (rich + thorough) |
| Travel-friendly | ❌ Liquid = spill risk | ✅ Solid = no spills |
| Rinse feel | Very clean, squeaky | Soft, slightly hydrating |
| Hygiene | ✅ Pump dispenser | ⚠️ Jar (use a spatula) |
| Bottom line | Best for oily skin + gym bags | Best for dry skin + travel |
⚡ TL;DR - Quick Decision Guide
Choose a Cleansing Oil if:
- ✔ You wear heavy/waterproof makeup daily
- ✔ You prefer a lightweight, runny texture that spreads fast
- ✔ You want something that rinses off super cleanly
Choose a Cleansing Balm if:
- ✔ You travel a lot and hate worrying about liquid spills
- ✔ You enjoy a richer, spa-like massage experience
- ✔ You have dry or sensitive skin that needs extra gentleness
What Is a Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm?
Okay so let me break this down real quick because I was today years old when I realized some people think these are completely different products. They're not - they're basically cousins.
A cleansing oil is a liquid oil-based cleanser. You pump it onto dry hands, massage it onto your dry face, and when you add water, the oils emulsify (turn milky) and rinse away along with all your makeup and grime. I first tried DHC Deep Cleansing Oil back in college and it changed my cleansing game.
A cleansing balm starts as a solid or semi-solid wax-like texture in a jar. When you scoop it out and warm it between your fingers, it melts into an oil. From there, it works exactly like a cleansing oil - massage, emulsify, rinse. Products like Heimish All Clean Balm and Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm are probably the most popular K-beauty balms right now.
Both are designed for the first step of double cleansing - a method that's basically non-negotiable in Korean skincare routines. The first cleanse (oil or balm) removes oil-based impurities. The second cleanse (a water-based cleanser like COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser) removes everything else.
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: Key Differences
I've tested both formats extensively - like embarrassingly extensively - so here's a real honest comparison based on my actual experience using them every single night:
| Category | Cleansing Oil | Cleansing Balm |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Liquid, runny | Solid → melts to oil |
| Application | Pump directly onto hands | Scoop with spatula/fingers |
| Rinse Feel | Very clean, sometimes slightly stripping | Soft, slightly moisturizing |
| Best For | Heavy makeup, oily skin | Dry/sensitive skin, travel |
| Travel-Friendly | Not great (liquid restrictions) | Excellent (solid = no spills) |
| Double Cleanse Step | First step ✓ | First step ✓ |
| Hygiene | Pump = more sanitary | Jar = less sanitary (use spatula!) |
Honestly? When I first switched from oil to balm, I noticed my skin felt slightly more hydrated after rinsing. But the makeup removal power was identical. The biggest real-world difference for me was convenience - I travel a lot for content, and balms don't count as liquids at TSA. That alone made me a balm convert for trips.
Best Cleansing Oils: Top Picks for Double Cleansing
Real talk - I've tried a LOT of cleansing oils. These are the ones I keep coming back to and genuinely recommend to my friends (not just for the 'gram):
1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
I know this is technically a Japanese product, but it's so beloved in the K-beauty community that I have to include it. I've gone through maybe 6 bottles at this point. It takes off waterproof mascara like it's nothing - I'm talking one gentle swipe and it's gone. The olive oil base is hydrating without feeling heavy, and it emulsifies SO cleanly. No greasy residue, no film. If you're new to oil cleansing, this is the one to start with, period.
👉 Check DHC Deep Cleansing Oil on Amazon
2. Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
Another J-beauty crossover that the K-beauty community has fully adopted. I discovered this from a Reddit thread (more on Reddit opinions later) and it quickly became my gym bag staple. It's thinner than DHC, so it spreads faster - kind of perfect when you're in a rush. The "speedy" name isn't just marketing; it genuinely rinses faster than most oils I've tried. I've been recommending this to my oily-skin friends and they all love it.
3. Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil
This is the one that Korean skincare girlies on TikTok lost their minds over, and honestly? Deserved. It's lightweight, fragrance-free, and works beautifully as a first cleanse. I tested it for about two months straight and noticed zero breakouts - which is saying something because my skin is kind of dramatic. Great option if you want something truly K-beauty.
Best Cleansing Balms: Top K-Beauty Picks
Balms have had a MOMENT and honestly I don't see them going anywhere. These are my tried-and-true picks:
1. Heimish All Clean Balm
My ride-or-die. I've repurchased this more times than I can count. The texture is thick but melts instantly on contact - it feels like butter dissolving on warm toast (weird comparison but it's accurate). It takes off a full face of makeup including waterproof eyeliner without tugging at all. The subtle herbal scent is really pleasant without being overpowering. I did a full deep dive in my Heimish All Clean Balm review if you want all the details.
👉 Check Heimish All Clean Balm on Amazon
2. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
The newer kid on the block that's been giving Heimish serious competition. I started using this about 6 months ago and it might be my new favorite? The rice bran and soybean base gives it this beautiful, almost glowy finish after rinsing. My skin looked noticeably brighter after just a week of consistent use. Not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first because the hype was SO intense, but it delivered. Full thoughts in my BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm review.
👉 Check Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm on Amazon
3. Banila Co Clean It Zero
The OG cleansing balm that basically started the whole trend. I remember my first jar like 4 years ago - it was the product that converted me from makeup wipes (I know, I know). The sherbet-like texture is honestly so satisfying to use. It's a crowd-pleaser for a reason. If you've never tried a cleansing balm before, this is probably the safest first choice because it works for basically every skin type.
👉 Check Banila Co Clean It Zero on Amazon
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: Which Wins by Skin Type?
This is where it matters. I've tested both formats across different skin phases (thanks, hormones) so here's my honest take:
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm for Oily Skin
Go with a cleansing oil. I know it sounds counterintuitive - putting oil on oily skin - but trust me, it works. Oil dissolves oil (like dissolves like, basic chemistry). Cleansing oils tend to rinse cleaner and leave less residue, which is exactly what oily skin needs. During my oily skin era, I noticed balms sometimes left a slight film that made my T-zone angry. If you have oily skin, definitely check out my Korean skincare routine for oily skin for the full regimen.
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm for Dry Skin
Cleansing balm, hands down. The richer texture and slightly moisturizing after-feel is exactly what dry skin craves. When my skin was at its driest last winter, switching to the BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm made a noticeable difference - my skin didn't feel tight or stripped after cleansing. Pair it with a hydrating second cleanser like Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser and your moisture barrier will thank you.
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm for Sensitive Skin
Either works, but I'd lean toward a fragrance-free cleansing balm. The solid format means fewer preservatives needed, and the gentle massage motion is less likely to irritate reactive skin. I experienced a sensitivity flare-up last spring and the Heimish balm was one of the few products that didn't make things worse. Just make sure you're not rubbing aggressively - let the product do the work.
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm for Acne-Prone Skin
This is where it gets tricky. I've dealt with hormonal acne on and off, and here's what I learned: cleansing oil is generally safer for acne-prone skin because the pump dispenser is more hygienic than dipping your fingers into a jar. Also, oils tend to emulsify more completely, leaving less pore-clogging residue. But honestly, both work fine as long as you follow up with a proper water-based cleanser. I break down the full double cleanse approach in my Korean skincare routine for acne-prone skin guide.
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: Honest Cons
I'm not here to just sell you stuff. Here are the real downsides I've experienced with both formats - things that most "reviews" won't tell you:
Cleansing Oil Cons
- Messy and spillable. I've ruined at least two travel bags because the pump leaked. Oils get everywhere and they stain fabric. It's infuriating.
- Can feel too stripping for dry skin. Some formulas emulsify TOO well and leave your skin feeling tight. I've had nights where I felt like I washed my face with dish soap.
- Harder to control the amount. The pump gives you a set amount each time, and sometimes it's too much or too little. I always end up wasting product.
Cleansing Balm Cons
- Hygiene concerns with jar packaging. You're sticking your fingers (or a spatula) into a jar every single night. Even with clean hands, it's not ideal. I've seen friends skip the spatula and just dig in with wet fingers - please don't do that.
- Can leave a residue if not rinsed properly. Balms are thicker, so they need more water and more rinsing to fully emulsify. When I'm lazy about rinsing, I wake up with tiny bumps the next day.
- Melts in hot weather. I left my Banila Co in my car once during summer and it turned into literal soup. Balms need to be stored somewhere cool, which is annoying if you live in a hot climate.
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: Do You Need Both?
Okay so real quick - you don't need BOTH a cleansing oil AND a cleansing balm. You need ONE of them plus a water-based second cleanser. That's double cleansing.
Here's how it works:
- Step 1 (Oil-based cleanser): Apply your cleansing oil or balm to DRY skin. Massage for 60 seconds. Add water to emulsify. Rinse.
- Step 2 (Water-based cleanser): Use a gentle gel or foam cleanser like COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser to remove any remaining residue. Check out my full COSRX cleanser review for details.
I've been doing this every night for 3 years and the difference in my skin clarity is wild. My pores are visibly smaller, I break out less, and my serums (like Mixsoon Bean Essence) absorb SO much better on properly cleansed skin.
The only time I'd say you should own both formats is if you travel frequently. Keep a balm for trips and an oil at home by your sink. That's what I do and it's honestly the perfect setup. For a complete guide on building your routine, check out my Korean skincare routine for beginners post - it walks you through every single step.
Reddit's Take on Cleansing Oil vs Balm
I spend way too much time on r/SkincareAddiction and r/AsianBeauty, so I went through some of the top threads on this exact topic. Here's what the community thinks:
u/ on r/SkincareAddiction: "I switched from cleansing oil to balm and my dry skin has never been happier. The balm leaves this nice dewy finish that my oil never did."
u/ on r/AsianBeauty: "Unpopular opinion but cleansing oils are superior for oily/combo skin. Balms leave too much residue on my skin and I always break out from them. Oils emulsify cleaner."
u/ on r/SkincareAddiction: "DHC oil cleanser is the GOAT. I've tried fancy balms and keep coming back to it. Sometimes simple just works better."
u/ on r/AsianBeauty: "The Heimish balm converted me. I was an oil-only person for years but once I tried a proper balm, I understood the hype. It's like giving yourself a mini facial every night."
u/ on r/SkincareAddiction: "Balms for winter, oils for summer. That's my system and my skin has never looked better. Stop trying to find one product that works year-round - your skin changes with the seasons."
The general Reddit consensus? It's genuinely a matter of preference and skin type. But the seasonal switching tip is something I've personally adopted and I kind of love it. During winter when my skin is drier, I reach for the BOJ balm. During humid summer months, I switch to the DHC oil. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it.
Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: FAQ
Is cleansing oil or cleansing balm better for removing waterproof makeup?
Both remove waterproof makeup equally well. I've tested them side-by-side with the same waterproof mascara and the results were identical. The key is massaging long enough (at least 60 seconds) and on DRY skin. If your face is wet, neither will work properly.
Can I use cleansing oil or balm without double cleansing?
Technically yes, but I really wouldn't recommend it. Oil-based cleansers are designed to be the FIRST step. Without a second water-based cleanser, you might leave behind emulsifier residue that can clog pores over time. I tried skipping step two for a week once and my skin was NOT happy.
Will cleansing oil make my oily skin worse?
No - this is the biggest myth in skincare. Oil cleansers don't add oil to your skin; they dissolve and remove it. I've been recommending cleansing oils to my oily-skinned friends for years and every single one has seen improvements. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly. Check out the best Korean cleansers for 2026 for more options.
How long should I massage a cleansing oil or balm?
60 seconds minimum. I know it feels like forever, but it makes a huge difference. I used to rush through it in like 15 seconds and wondered why my skin still felt dirty. Once I committed to the full minute, everything changed.
Can I use a cleansing oil or balm on my eyes?
Yes! That's one of the best uses for them. I apply them directly over my closed eyes and gently massage in circular motions to dissolve eye makeup. Way gentler than any makeup remover pad. My sensitive under-eye area has never complained.
Do cleansing balms clog pores?
They can if you don't rinse properly or skip the second cleanse. But the product itself isn't comedogenic if formulated well. I've used the Heimish All Clean Balm on my breakout-prone chin for years without issues - the key is thorough rinsing and always double cleansing.
How do I store a cleansing balm in summer?
Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Some people refrigerate theirs, which honestly feels amazing on a hot day. Just don't leave it in your car or near a window - learned that one the hard way when my entire jar melted into liquid form.
Can men use cleansing oils and balms?
Obviously yes. Skincare doesn't have a gender. My boyfriend uses the DHC oil every night and his skin has genuinely transformed. These products are for anyone who wears sunscreen (which should be everyone) - you need an oil-based cleanser to properly remove SPF.
Final Verdict
If I had to pick just one: I'd grab a cleansing balm for everyday use and keep a cleansing oil as backup for heavy makeup days.
But here's the honest truth after years of testing both - the difference between a good cleansing oil and a good cleansing balm is maybe 5%. They do the same thing. What matters WAY more is that you're doing the first step of double cleansing in the first place. If you're still using makeup wipes or just splashing water on your face... we need to talk.
My personal current rotation: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm most nights, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil when I'm wearing heavy makeup, and the Heimish All Clean Balm for travel. All three are incredible. You genuinely can't go wrong with any of them.
Now go double cleanse. Your skin will thank you. ✨