This balm melts away makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. The addition of Japanese charcoal helps to draw out excess oil and detoxify pores, making it a good option for those prone to breakouts or shine.
Sephora price
$15.00 - $44.00
Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.
Sephora reviews
4.0 / 5
About 373 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.
Shoppers keep mentioning
These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.
Glass take
4.0 / 5 overall fit
A solid, fragrance-free balm that effectively removes makeup and oil, especially for those with oily or combination skin. It's a good first step for a double cleanse.
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
This is a straightforward, effective first-step cleanser. It excels at removing makeup and excess sebum. It’s a good choice for oily and combination skin types, but those with very dry or sensitive skin might prefer a gentler option or should ensure they follow up with a hydrating second cleanse.
Makeup removal
Users consistently praise its ability to dissolve even stubborn waterproof makeup, including mascara and foundation, without excessive rubbing.
Oil control
The inclusion of charcoal is noted for helping to manage oiliness and leave skin feeling clean, not greasy.
Best for
Skip if
Routine fit
Use this balm as the initial step in your evening skincare routine to break down makeup, SPF, and excess oil. Massage it onto dry skin with dry fingertips, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow with your preferred second cleanser to ensure all impurities are removed.
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 balm is best used in the evening as the first step of a double cleansing routine to effectively remove the day's accumulation of makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants.
Glass rating
A solid, fragrance-free balm that effectively removes makeup and oil, especially for those with oily or combination skin. It's a good first step for a double cleanse.
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
Dryness, makeup removal
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Emollient
Badness
1.0 / 10
Rich in linoleic acid, this oil helps to break down oil and makeup on the skin.
Usually helps with
Oiliness, makeup removal
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Badness
0.0 / 10
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, this is a lightweight emollient that helps to replenish skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Watch for
Very gentle and well-tolerated.
Emulsifier
Badness
1.0 / 10
Helps to mix oil and water, allowing the balm to rinse away cleanly.
Usually helps with
Rinsability
Watch for
Generally safe.
Emollient/Texture Enhancer
Badness
1.0 / 10
Provides structure to the balm formulation.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Inert ingredient.
Emulsifier
Badness
2.0 / 10
An emulsifier that helps to create a smooth texture and aids in rinsing.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
PEG compounds can sometimes be irritating for very sensitive skin.
Absorbent/Detoxifier
Badness
3.0 / 10
Helps to absorb excess oil and impurities from the pores.
Usually helps with
Oiliness, pore congestion
Watch for
Can be drying if overused or if skin is already dry.
Antioxidant
Badness
1.0 / 10
A form of Vitamin E that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Badness
1.0 / 10
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Generally mild.
Solvent
Badness
0.0 / 10
The base solvent for the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation base
Watch for
N/A
Absorbent/Thickener
Badness
2.0 / 10
Helps to absorb excess oil and provides a mattifying effect.
Usually helps with
Oil control
Watch for
Can contribute to a drying feel for some.
Preservative
Badness
2.0 / 10
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for a small percentage of people.
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FAQ
Yes, the charcoal in this balm helps to absorb excess oil and impurities, making it a suitable first step for oily and combination skin types. It effectively removes makeup and sebum without leaving a greasy residue.
This balm is fragrance-free and generally well-tolerated. However, if you have very sensitive skin, it's always recommended to patch test first. The charcoal and some emulsifiers could potentially cause mild irritation for a few individuals.
Yes, this balm is designed as a first-step cleanser to remove makeup and impurities. For a thorough cleanse, especially in the evening, it's recommended to follow up with a second cleanser that suits your skin type.
