So Fresh and So Green: Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Why it’s worth it: A former Best of Beauty winner (editor’s note: prior to the 2025 reformulation), the Green Clean Cleansing Balm became famous for its minty-green, melts-in-your-fingertips balm-to-oil texture that removes nearly every trace of SPF and waterproof makeup—no greasy film in sight. It’s especially well-suited for frequent makeup wearers and those with dry skin, though its rinse-clean finish appeals to a range of skin types—as our oily-skinned tester can verify. The latest iteration of the formula updates the emulsifier system, replaces synthetic waxes with plant-based ones, and introduces the brand’s signature Super Greens Blend of upcycled moringa, holy basil, and arugula (botanicals sourced from materials that might otherwise go to waste).
P.S. While the formula doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance, its recognizable citrus-herbal scent comes from a blend of essential oils, including orange, bergamot, lime, and ylang-ylang. You can still reap all the makeup-melting benefits with the fragrance-free version.
“Few products completely remove every trace of makeup quite like Farmacy’s Green Clean Cleansing Balm. My skin is generally pretty clear, but when I’m not washing my face properly, it’s quick to let me know it’s angry with me. This balm provides such a thorough, gentle cleanse that it’s never made my skin unhappy.” —Sarah Hoffman, commerce market editor
- Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, Super Greens Blend (upcycled moringa, holy basil, arugula), papaya extract
- Fragrance-free: free of synthetic fragrance
