Glow RecipecleanserCleanse step

Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover

This balm-to-oil cleanser is designed to break down makeup, SPF, and impurities without stripping the skin. It uses papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate and smooth texture, making it a good first step for most skin types.

Sephora price

$32.00

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

4.2 / 5

About 1,663 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

HydratingClean + Planet AwareVeganGood for: Uneven TextureFragrance FreeCruelty-Free

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.2 / 5 overall fit

A gentle yet effective first cleanse that removes makeup and SPF while smoothing skin texture.

Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover

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.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A PEG-free cleansing balm that smooths the look of skin with natural papaya enzymes, while melting away stubborn makeup, dirt, oil, and SPF.

NormalDryCombinationand OilyPoresDullnessand Uneven Texture

On dry skin, gently massage formula in circular motions for up to one minute with dry hands, focusing on areas that have more makeup.

Add water to emulsify and continue to massage.

Thoroughly splash with lukewarm water to rinse.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A solid choice for a first cleanse, especially if you wear makeup or SPF regularly. The addition of papaya enzymes offers a mild exfoliating benefit that can help with texture and dullness over time. It rinses clean without leaving a greasy residue.

Effective Makeup Removal

Many users praise its ability to effortlessly remove even waterproof makeup and sunscreen, making the second cleanse easier.

Skin Smoothing Benefits

The inclusion of papaya enzymes is frequently mentioned for leaving skin feeling softer and looking brighter after use.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • All skin types, especially those who wear makeup or SPF
  • People looking for a gentle first cleanse
  • Those concerned with texture and dullness

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You prefer a water-based cleanser as your only step
  • You have a known sensitivity to fruit enzymes

Routine Fit

Where this cleansing balm fits

This is a first cleanse, meaning it should be followed by a second, water-based cleanser to ensure all impurities are removed. Use it at night to remove makeup and SPF, or in the morning if you prefer a more thorough cleanse.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

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

  • Effective makeup and SPF removal
  • Gentle and non-stripping
  • Contains smoothing papaya enzymes
  • Pleasant texture and scent

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • Requires a second cleanse for a complete routine
  • Enzyme sensitivity is possible for some individuals

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Nighttime Routine

Ideal for removing the day's makeup, SPF, and grime. Follow with your preferred water-based cleanser.

Morning Routine

Can be used as the first step in the morning, especially if you feel your skin needs a deeper clean than just water.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.2/ 5 overall

A gentle yet effective first cleanse that removes makeup and SPF while smoothing skin texture.

Makeup Removal

4.5 / 5

Effectively dissolves stubborn makeup, including long-wear foundation and mascara.

Texture Smoothing

4.2 / 5

Papaya enzymes contribute to a smoother skin feel after cleansing.

Gentleness

4.3 / 5

Does not strip the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and comfortable.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Emollient

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A gentle emollient that helps to dissolve makeup and impurities, leaving skin feeling soft.

Usually helps with

Makeup removal, softening skin

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Emulsifier

Sorbitan Oleate

Badness

2.0 / 10

Helps to mix oil and water, allowing the balm to emulsify and rinse away cleanly.

Usually helps with

Creating a smooth texture, aiding rinse-off

Watch for

Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin.

Emollient

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A nourishing oil that helps to condition the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration, softening

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Texture Enhancer

Polyethylene

Badness

3.0 / 10

Used to create the balm texture. While it's a plastic, it's generally considered safe in rinse-off products.

Usually helps with

Balm consistency

Watch for

Environmental concerns regarding microplastics, though this is a rinse-off product.

Solvent

Aqua/Water/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base for the emulsifying phase.

Usually helps with

Formulating

Watch for

N/A

Emollient

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

A hydrating and antioxidant-rich oil.

Usually helps with

Nourishing, antioxidant support

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Emollient

Carica Papaya (Papaya) Seed Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

Rich in fatty acids, it helps to hydrate and condition the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration, skin conditioning

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Exfoliant

Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

Contains papain, an enzyme that helps to break down dead skin cells.

Usually helps with

Smoothing texture, brightening

Watch for

Can cause mild irritation or redness in sensitive individuals.

Exfoliant

Papain

Badness

2.0 / 10

The active enzyme from papaya that aids in gentle exfoliation.

Usually helps with

Exfoliation, smoothing

Watch for

Potential for irritation, especially with overuse or on compromised skin.

Antioxidant

Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant support

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Antioxidant

Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants and vitamins that can benefit the skin.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant support, brightening

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Colorant

Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Provides a natural color to the product.

Usually helps with

Product appearance

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Skin Conditioning

Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

Can provide a warming sensation and improve circulation, but may be irritating for some.

Usually helps with

Potential for improved radiance

Watch for

Can cause flushing or irritation in sensitive skin.

Binder

Maltodextrin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A carbohydrate used as a binder or filler.

Usually helps with

Product texture

Watch for

N/A

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

1.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to replenish skin.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing, softening

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Preservative Booster

Levulinic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

A plant-derived ingredient that can help preserve the formula.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Humectant

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A moisturizing ingredient that also acts as a preservative booster.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Preservative

Sodium Metabisulfite

Badness

3.0 / 10

A preservative that can be irritating for some individuals, particularly those sensitive to sulfites.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Potential for allergic reactions or irritation in sulfite-sensitive individuals.

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleansing balm suitable for sensitive skin?

While generally gentle, individuals with very sensitive skin or sensitivities to fruit enzymes or sulfites should patch test first.

Do I need to use a second cleanser after this balm?

Yes, this is a first cleanse designed to remove makeup and SPF. A second, water-based cleanse is recommended to ensure skin is thoroughly clean.

Can this balm help with skin texture?

Yes, the papaya enzymes in the formula provide mild exfoliation that can help to smooth skin texture and reduce dullness over time.