Hands Down, This New Alpha-H Cleansing Balm Is the Best Makeup Remover I’ve Ever Used
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
Just being honest here, but I never used to think cleansing balms or cleansing oils were all that.
A nice-to-have? Sure. But is double cleansing with a seperate cleansing balm really necessary? I wasn't convinced.
Now, I know better. Now, I don't take off my makeup without one.
Like the cult Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm that's been a beauty editor favourite for years.
Or the one I used in my 10-step Korean skincare routine, the KLAIRS Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil that sold out shortly after launching.
But there's a buzzy new makeup removing cleansing balm that takes the cake.
Literally, I would spread it on a slice of spongecake or a shortbread cookie if my face didn't need it more.
I'm talking about Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm with Wild Orange Leaf Extract - the newest product from Alpha-H, one of our best-selling active skincare brands.
Intrigued? Keep scrolling for my Alpha-H cleansing balm review, including why it's the best I've ever used.
What Is the Alpha-H Cleansing Balm?
Short answer: It's the most glorious tub of buttery 'get on my face now please' goodness.
But here's some more detailed info on the Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm:
- A cosmeceutical balm-to-oil cleanser that effectively melts away makeup, sunscreen, dirt and excess oil.
- Waterless formula can remove everything from stubborn mascara to matte red lipstick, but without disturbing your skin's natural pH balance.
- Use as the first step in a double cleansing regime, followed by a water-based cream, gel or milk cleanser.
- Australian Wild Orange Leaf Extract, Sandalwood Seed Oil and Grapeseed Oil leave skin feeling soft and supple – never stripped, tight or dry.
- Assists in removing excess sebum production from oily skin and unblocking pores to minimise the appearance of blackheads.
- Doubles as a deeply hydrating 10-minute wash-off face mask.
- Suitable for all skin types, including oily, sensitised, blemish-prone and rosacea-prone skin.
- Australian-made, cruelty-free, vegan and free from sulphates, parabens, mineral oil and artificial fragrances.
- Comes in a chic monochromatic (and very generously-sized) tub.
- Has a natural citrus scent - it's noticeable, but not overly overpowering.
Shop the Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm here:
My Alpha-H Cleansing Balm Review.
First up, big ole fan of Alpha-H skincare products right here.
Can confirm the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum gives glowy skin sans irritation like nothing else, and I often recommend the Alpha-H vitamin C as a beginner (and budget-friendly) vitamin C serum.
I've also been sending our skincare marketing manager Ellie a borderline inappropriate number of messages asking 'is it here yet?' since I started trialling the cleansing balm lab sample a couple of months ago.
So, with all that said... this is the best makeup removing product I've ever used.
The texture of this cleansing balm makes me feel things.
When you open the good-looking tub, you're met with a perfectly smooth layer of what looks like some sort of sorbet/icing hybrid.
You'd think the balm would have a hard, waxy consistency from looking at it, but no.
Dip your mini spatula (or your fingers, let's be realistic) into the balm cleanser and you'll find it's silky and buttery, nourishing yet delicate, thick and light, all at the same time.
SEE?!?!?!
The price is another pro, because the $60 tub will last you months. Even longer if you're a once-a-week makeup wearer like me.
Why? Because the tiniest amount of product is all it takes to quite literally melt makeup and sunscreen off the skin.
I'm talking less than half a teaspoon. Maaaaaybe a dollop if you're taking off a full face of event makeup or a dramatic eye look.
Any more would honestly be a waste of good product.
It's easy to use, too. Gently massage the product into dry skin as the balm texture melts into a silky oil.
Even though the lemon-y melting moment scent is fairly strong, the product doesn't taste funny or sting your eyes.
This means you can really get in there and gently work with the product to break down full coverage foundation, long-wear lip products, glittery eyeshadows and stubborn mascaras.
Exhibit A - This TikTok video of Aussie beauty content creator Rowi Singh removing an entire face of *stunning* but very pigmented makeup, no trouble.
@rowisingh @Alpha-H Skincare Melting Moment Cleansing Balm is a skin saviour! Removes every bit of my intense makeup looks 🍊 #Ad ♬ Ms. Saxon - Augie Bello
Actually, you know what?
Here's another video that shows the gentle power of this cleansing balm.
This time, from Brandon Scott, another Aussie makeup creator who wears a pair of false lashes better than I ever could.
@itsbybrandon #ad Guys! Hands down the best cleansing balm I’ve used! @Alpha-H Skincare #ad #alphah #skincare ♬ original sound - itsbybrandon
Hard-working yet non-irritating, the Alpha-H cleansing balm just feels so sumptuous and special to use.
My dry skin appreciates the extra hydration, but oily skin-havers, this is for you too!
Finally, here are what a few other people are saying about the Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm:
- "Love the feel of it, instantly feels moisturising on my older, dry skin. Love that it removes makeup on the first application." – Narelle, 41.
- "It melted so easily and was such a relaxing experience to use." – Maddy, 22.
- "It even got rid of everything with one cleanse when I had heavy makeup on and I used the most full coverage foundation I owned and the hardest to remove eyeliner I own." – Eliza, 30.
Final Verdict?
Wear makeup regularly and want to remove it properly, without scrubbing your face and pulling your eyelashes out?
You should buy this cleansing balm.
Got normal, oily, dry or combination skin, and wear sunscreen daily?
You should buy this cleansing balm.
Love using skincare products that look chic, feel lovely and get the job done?
You should buy this cleansing balm.
Own a face? OK, you get it. The cleansing balm is a winner.
You can learn more about double cleansing and the best cleanser for you in our cleansers YouTube video below.
Want more product recommendations and reviews? Check out these Beauty IQ articles here:
