Best Makeup Cleansing Balms for Removing Makeup and Sunscreen
The best makeup cleansing balm depends on your priorities: CeraVe is best for shoppers seeking a fragrance-free option for sensitive skin, while Garnier is better for a larger-size balm with hyaluronic acid. Farmacy is designed for removing longwear makeup and SPF, e.l.f. pairs cleansing with hydrating ingredients, and JUNO & Co. keeps its ingredient list short. Compare the formulas, rinse-off instructions, and package sizes below to find a balm that fits your routine.
| Product | Best For | Standout Detail |
|---|---|---|
| e.l.f. Holy Hydration! | Hydration-focused cleansing | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides |
| Garnier Erase It All | Longwear makeup and daily use | 4.2-ounce size and hyaluronic acid |
| JUNO & Co. Clean 10 | A short ingredient list | Ten ingredients |
| Farmacy Green Clean | Longwear makeup and SPF | Super greens and papaya extract |
| CeraVe Cleansing Balm | Sensitive-skin routines | Fragrance-free formula with ceramides |
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
This 2-ounce balm starts as a solid, melts into oil, and changes to a milk texture when rinsed. Its formula includes hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, and the product is described as suitable for all skin types.
Best for: Buyers who want a makeup-removing balm with several hydration-focused ingredients. It stands out for its oil-to-milk texture and compact size. Choose it if you prefer a balm that rinses off clean rather than leaving a rich coating. The provided product details do not specify performance on waterproof makeup, so shoppers with waterproof mascara may want a product that explicitly addresses it.
Garnier Erase It All Cleansing Balm
Garnier’s 4.2-ounce balm is formulated to remove longwear makeup from the eyes, lips, and face, as well as sunscreen residue. The brand says its hyaluronic-acid formula leaves skin hydrated for 24 hours with a non-greasy finish. To use it as a makeup remover, massage onto dry skin, add water to create a milky lather, then rinse with warm water.
Best for: Buyers who want a larger package and a balm described for longwear makeup and sunscreen. The product also lists a 10-minute face-mask use. Avoid this choice if you specifically need a fragrance-free formula; fragrance information is not provided in the supplied product details.
JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
This 3-ounce cleansing balm is made with a listed total of ten ingredients. The product description says it rinses clean without residue and uses non-irritating ingredients with a fresh scent.
Best for: Shoppers who prefer a simpler, short ingredient list and want a balm described as residue-free after rinsing. It was selected for its clear formula-minimalism focus. A fresh scent is noted, so choose another option if avoiding scented products is a priority. The supplied details do not specify whether it removes waterproof makeup or sunscreen.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Balm
Farmacy describes Green Clean as a balm and oil cleanser for longwear foundation, waterproof mascara, and SPF. Its featured ingredients include a super-greens blend with upcycled moringa, holy basil, and arugula, plus papaya extract. The product description also cites clinical results for makeup removal and skin hydration; those are manufacturer-reported claims.
Best for: Makeup wearers who want a product specifically described for waterproof eye makeup and sunscreen. Its ingredient highlights and stated cleansing targets set it apart. The provided details do not list fragrance information, so fragrance-sensitive shoppers should check the full package ingredient list before choosing it.
CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Removing Balm
This 1.3-ounce balm combines jojoba oil with three essential ceramides. Its description says it removes stubborn and waterproof makeup, including mascara, without a greasy residue. It is listed as fragrance-free, soap-free, and paraben-free, and as non-comedogenic and allergy-tested.
Best for: Buyers looking for a smaller balm described for sensitive skin and waterproof makeup removal. The fragrance-free formula and compact travel-friendly size are key reasons to consider it. The package is smaller than the Garnier and JUNO & Co. options, which may be less suitable if you want a larger supply.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Makeup Cleansing Balm
Which balm is best for waterproof makeup?
Check whether the product specifically names waterproof makeup. Farmacy lists waterproof mascara, and CeraVe says it works on waterproof makeup and mascara. Garnier describes removal of longwear makeup across the eyes, lips, and face. For other options, the supplied descriptions do not make the same specific claim.
What should sensitive-skin shoppers look for?
Look for clearly stated formula details rather than assuming every balm is alike. CeraVe is described as fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin. JUNO & Co. mentions non-irritating ingredients but also a fresh scent. If you are sensitive to particular ingredients, review the product’s full ingredient list before use.
Does a cleansing balm need water to rinse off?
Usage varies by formula. e.l.f. describes a texture that turns into milk and rinses clean. Garnier instructs users to add water after massaging the balm onto dry skin, then rinse with warm water. Follow the instructions on the product packaging.
How important is package size?
Size can help determine whether a balm suits travel or regular use. CeraVe’s listed 1.3-ounce size is the smallest of these options, while Garnier lists 4.2 ounces. e.l.f. lists 2 ounces, and JUNO & Co. lists 3 ounces. Farmacy is listed as 100 milliliters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cleansing balm remove sunscreen?
Some products specifically say they do. Garnier describes removal of sunscreen residue, and Farmacy lists SPF among the products its balm targets. Check the label for the particular formula you choose.
Can I use a cleansing balm as my morning cleanser?
Garnier says its balm can be used as a morning face cleanser as well as an evening makeup remover. The supplied descriptions for the other products do not specify morning use.
Which option has the shortest listed ingredient count?
JUNO & Co. Clean 10 is described as having only ten ingredients.
Which balm is the best fit for travel?
CeraVe is a compact choice based on its listed 1.3-ounce package. Confirm the container and applicable travel rules before packing it.