This cleansing balm is designed to tackle makeup and impurities. The addition of charcoal aims to provide a deeper cleanse, making it a good option for those prone to oiliness or congestion.
Sephora price
$15.00
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Sephora reviews
4.0 / 5
About 373 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.
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Glass take
4.0 / 5 overall fit
A solid, no-frills cleansing balm that effectively removes makeup, especially for those with oily or combination skin, but it's a mini size.
Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026
Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.
View SephoraWhat Sephora says
A makeup remover in a silky balm formula that gently dissolves makeup, now with detoxifying Japanese charcoal.
Use dry fingertips to massage balm over dry skin.
Rinse well with warm water. Pat dry.
What Glass adds
A good first cleanse for removing makeup, especially for oily or combination skin types. The charcoal is a nice touch for pore-cleansing benefits, but the mini size means it's best for travel or trial.
Makeup removal effectiveness
Users consistently praise its ability to break down and remove all types of makeup, from daily wear to waterproof formulas.
Charcoal benefit
The charcoal is noted for helping to draw out impurities and leave skin feeling deeply clean, particularly for those concerned with pores.
Best for
Skip if
Routine fit
Use this balm as the very first step in your evening routine to remove makeup and sunscreen. Massage it onto dry skin with dry fingers, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a second cleanse if needed, especially if you wear heavy makeup or have oily skin.
Why it works
The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.
What it actually does well
Where it starts to feel redundant
Routine fit
Evening routine
This is best used in the evening to remove the day's makeup, SPF, and grime. It can also be used in the morning if you prefer a thorough cleanse before starting your day.
Glass rating
A solid, no-frills cleansing balm that effectively removes makeup, especially for those with oily or combination skin, but it's a mini size.
Makeup removal
4.5 / 5
This balm melts away even stubborn makeup, including long-wear foundation and mascara, with ease.
Skin feel
3.5 / 5
Leaves skin feeling clean but can feel slightly stripped for drier skin types post-rinse.
Full ingredient breakdown
Emollient
Badness
1.0 / 10
A common emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and aids in dissolving makeup.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, makeup removal
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Emollient
Badness
1.0 / 10
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to break down natural oils on the skin and dissolve makeup.
Usually helps with
Dissolving makeup, softening skin
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Badness
1.0 / 10
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, dissolving impurities
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier
Badness
2.0 / 10
Helps to mix oil and water, allowing the balm to rinse away cleanly with water.
Usually helps with
Rinsing clean
Watch for
Can be irritating for very sensitive skin.
Emollient/Texture Enhancer
Badness
0.0 / 10
Provides structure and a smooth texture to the balm.
Usually helps with
Balm texture
Watch for
No specific concerns.
Emulsifier
Badness
3.0 / 10
Works with water to help remove the balm and dissolved impurities from the skin.
Usually helps with
Rinsing clean
Watch for
Ethoxylated ingredients can sometimes be a concern for sensitive skin.
Absorbent/Detoxifier
Badness
3.0 / 10
Helps to absorb excess oil and impurities from pores, providing a detoxifying effect.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, pore cleansing
Watch for
Can be drying if overused or for very dry skin types.
Antioxidant
Badness
1.0 / 10
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the formula and skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Badness
2.0 / 10
Helps to hydrate the skin and also boosts the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Solvent
Badness
0.0 / 10
The base solvent for the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula base
Watch for
No specific concerns.
Absorbent/Thickener
Badness
1.0 / 10
Helps to absorb excess oil and provides texture to the balm.
Usually helps with
Oil control, texture
Watch for
No specific concerns.
Preservative
Badness
3.0 / 10
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
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FAQ
Yes, the charcoal and oil-dissolving ingredients make it a good choice for oily and combination skin types looking to remove makeup and excess sebum.
Users report that it effectively removes most makeup, including some waterproof formulas, though very stubborn waterproof mascara might require a second pass or a dedicated eye makeup remover.
This version contains charcoal powder, which is added for its purifying and pore-detoxifying benefits, making it potentially more effective for congested or oily skin.
