Glow Recipe Papaya Enzyme Cleansing Balm — 3.38 oz balm-to-milk makeup remover with papaya enzymes & hydrating oils

A buttery balm that melts makeup and SPF into a milky cleanser while gently exfoliating with natural papaya enzymes for softer, smoother skin.

Glow Recipe's Papaya Enzyme Cleansing Balm is a first-step cleanser designed for a Korean-style double cleanse. It starts as a soft balm that dissolves oils, waterproof makeup and sunscreen, then emulsifies with water into a lightweight milk to rinse clean. Formulated with papaya enzymes, emollient oils and antioxidant-rich extracts, it aims to refine texture, hydrate and leave skin prepped for the next skincare steps.

How does this cleansing balm remove makeup without stripping skin?

The balm uses emollient oils to dissolve long-wear makeup and sunscreens without harsh detergents. When massaged on dry skin, it breaks down pigments and sebum, then emulsifies into a milky rinse with water so residue lifts away cleanly. The formula avoids sulfates and drying alcohols, preserving natural moisture.

• Melts waterproof mascara and long-wear lip and face makeup.
• Balm-to-milk texture lifts oils and daily grime.
• No sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, or synthetic dyes.

What benefits do papaya enzymes and botanical oils provide?

Papaya-derived enzymes act as a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps smooth uneven texture and brighten the complexion without physical scrubbing. Apricot kernel and camellia oils nourish and replenish fatty acids and vitamin E to keep skin supple. Blueberry extract offers antioxidant support to help protect skin from environmental stressors.

• Papaya enzymes for mild enzymatic exfoliation and smoother feel.
• Apricot kernel oil supplies fatty acids and vitamin E for conditioning.
• Camellia oil hydrates without heaviness—good for layering post-cleanse.
• Blueberry extract delivers antioxidant-rich skin support.

How do you use the 1:1 Method with this cleansing balm?

The recommended 1:1 Method means massaging the balm onto dry skin first, then adding an equal amount of water to emulsify. Rub the balm into dry areas for about a minute to fully dissolve makeup, then add water to turn it milky and rinse thoroughly. This gives a deep yet gentle cleanse, ideal as the first step in a double-cleanse routine.

• Massage onto dry face for 1 minute, focusing on makeup-heavy areas.
• Add water to emulsify into a milky texture while massaging.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a water-based cleanser if desired.

Is this cleansing balm suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Formulated without common irritants like sulfates, parabens and synthetic dyes, the balm aims to be gentle while still effective at removing makeup. Papaya enzymes provide non-abrasive exfoliation, but if you have very reactive skin, patch testing is recommended. The oil-based formula can be balancing for some, yet those prone to breakouts should monitor how their skin responds.

• Free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oils and synthetic dyes.
• Vegan and cruelty-free formulation.
• Patch-test recommended for highly sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Who this is for: shoppers seeking an effective, sensorial first cleanser that melts makeup and sunscreen without stripping skin. Ideal for people who appreciate a balm-to-milk texture, gentle enzymatic exfoliation from papaya, and botanical oils that leave skin feeling soft and hydrated. Noted for those following a double-cleanse routine or anyone wanting a nourishing makeup remover that pairs well with subsequent hydrating serums and treatments.

Ingredients

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Oleate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Polyethylene, Aqua/Water/Eau, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Papain, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Levulinic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Metabisulfite.