Farmacy's Sweet Apple Clean Cleansing Balm Melted My Makeup

We put Farmacy's Sweet Apple Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

I've always been a fan of cleansing balms. The way they're able to melt away makeup with ease is impressive and mesmerizing. Not to mention, they're typically packed with rich, buttery ingredients that leave your skin feeling baby soft. There are quite a few buzzy cleansing balms on the market, but Farmacy's Green Clean stands out from the rest. The best-selling and award-winning product is beloved for its ability to gently cleanse and remove makeup without drying skin.

This week, the brand is launching a limited-edition version of the highly-coveted cleansing balm. This time, in a sweet apple scent (a fragrance that Farmacy followers highly requested). As if the launch of a new Green Clean fragrance wasn't exciting enough, Farmacy has tapped Van Leeuwen to create a limited-edition ice cream bundle inspired by the cleansing balm's ingredient profile. Eager to experience the magic of the brand's new cleansing balm, I put the Sweet Apple Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm to the test as soon as it arrived. Read about my experience below. 

About My Skin: Craves Moisturizing Products

If I had to describe my skin in one word, it would be dry. My skin has been perpetually parched for as long as I can remember. I try to combat this by using skincare products with ultra-hydrating ingredients. Even when I'm taking my makeup off, I intentionally use rich and moisturizing cleansers. 

The Feel: A Luxurious Balm 

The brand describes the cleansing balm as having a "sorbet-like" texture. And honestly, that's the best way to sum it up. It looks and feels just like the pint of sorbet I have sitting in my freezer. When you open the jar, you're greeted by the product's pink-toned surface. As you make your way through the balm, you'll discover its golden yellow core. I scooped some of the product out using the spatula and then began rubbing it onto my skin. Upon contact with my skin, the product turned from a solid to a silky oil to a luxurious milk. I literally let out audible "oohs" and "ahhs" as I massaged it around my face and saw the texture transform. 

Ingredient Quality / Concentration:  A thoughtful blend

Farmacy is known for its clean, thoughtful formulas. The Sweet Apple Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm is powered by apple extract, moringa tree extract, papaya extract, sunflower oil, and ginger root oil. The apple extract used in this cleansing balm is an upcycled ingredient made from waste by-products from the making of apple juice. Moringa tree extract was tapped for its ability to remove dirt, grime, and impurities caused by pollution. Papaya extract was included in the formula as it's known to be a natural exfoliator, leaving your skin looking renewed. Sunflower and ginger root oil boost hydration and make your skin feel silky smooth.

The Results: Removes makeup and hydrates skin

We all know taking off makeup can be a pain. Getting every stitch of foundation and every bit of mascara off often requires a little elbow grease. However, this cleansing balm makes the process a breeze. As soon as the balm touched my face and I massaged it around, I could see it breaking apart my makeup. My brows, foundation, eyeshadow, and mascara all began melting away, and I gently wiped off the residue with a warm washcloth. And though I was thrilled with how easy it was to remove my makeup, I was equally excited about how my skin felt. My skin felt unbelievably moisturized and soft. It also had a subtle dewy glow to it.

The Value: Worth It

Yes, this cleansing balm is $34. But it's worth every penny. For that price, you get 3.4 fluid ounces of product. According to the brand, this will last two months with daily use. But aside from that, I consider this cleansing balm to be a worthwhile investment as it's loaded with skin-loving ingredients and will make your makeup removal routine a more seamless experience.

Similar Products: You have options

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm: When you slather this gentle makeup remover onto your skin, it transforms from a balm to a silky oil. The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($34) effectively removes makeup and sunscreen. Its lightweight formula is non-greasy and non-drying, leaving you with fresh and dewy skin post-use.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm: This lightweight balm melts into a silky cleansing oil as you massage it onto your skin. Once the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm ($47) comes into contact with water, it then turns into a milky emulsion that leaves your skin cleansed and conditioned after rinsing. It thoroughly removes makeup and impurities and gives your skin an overall radiant look.

Our Verdict: You need this

I've used quite a few cleansing balms in the past, and they have all lived up to their claims. But, the Sweet Apple Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm takes things to the next level. It's one of the most luxurious-feeling balms I've used, and the formula's high-quality ingredients ensure your skin is properly nourished after each use. It doesn't hurt that it's also aesthetically pleasing —from the packaging to the balm itself. I'll definitely be using this balm until it's completely empty.