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If you’ve been reading here for a while, you’ll know that cleansing balms are one of my favourite ways to remove makeup. So when I spotted the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, I was immediately interested.
I already really like CeraVe as a brand because it focuses on simple, effective skincare without lots of unnecessary extras, and I was curious to see how its cleansing balm would compare to some of the much more expensive options in my collection.
I’ve been testing it out for a few weeks now, and here’s everything you need to know.
In This Review
- Is CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm any good?
- Does it remove waterproof makeup?
- CeraVe Cleansing Balm vs Elemis
- Ingredients and benefits
- Who should buy it?
- Before and after results
- My final verdict
Key Ingredients
One of the things I like most about CeraVe products is that they focus on ingredients that support the skin barrier rather than lots of fragrance or unnecessary additions.
The standout ingredients here are:
Three Essential Ceramides
Ceramides help support and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, which is particularly important if you’re prone to dryness or sensitivity.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil helps soften and nourish the skin whilst assisting with the removal of makeup and impurities.
Fragrance-Free Formula
The entire formula is fragrance-free, making it suitable for those who prefer to avoid added fragrance in their skincare.
CeraVe Cleanser Balm vs Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
I can imagine a lot of people wondering how this compares to Elemis because it’s one of the most popular cleansing balms on the market.
The biggest difference is the overall experience. Elemis feels luxurious from start to finish. The texture is softer, the scent is gorgeous and using it feels like a mini spa treatment.
CeraVe feels much more straightforward. The texture is firmer, the scent isn’t particularly pleasant and the focus is entirely on effective cleansing and skin barrier support.
When it comes to actually removing makeup, however, I don’t think there’s a huge gap between them. The Elemis balm definitely wins on experience, but the CeraVe balm performs exceptionally well considering the difference in price.
Who Is It Best For?
I think this cleansing balm is particularly well suited to:
- Anyone looking for an affordable cleansing balm
- Sensitive skin types
- Fans of fragrance-free skincare
- Those who prioritise performance over luxury
- Frequent travellers who want a compact cleansing product
- Anyone looking for an effective first cleanse
If you’re buying a cleansing balm purely for the ritual and sensory experience, there are better options available.
If you’re buying it to remove makeup effectively whilst supporting your skin barrier, it’s an excellent choice.
Is CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm Worth It?
Yes, I think it is. What impressed me most was how quickly and effectively it breaks down makeup whilst still feeling gentle and hydrating on the skin.
The smell isn’t great and I think that’s something potential buyers should be aware of, but for me it isn’t enough to outweigh the positives. It performs extremely well, contains skin-friendly ingredients and comes at a very accessible price point.
Final Verdict
The CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm isn’t the most luxurious cleansing balm I’ve ever used, but it might be one of the most practical.
It removes makeup quickly, feels lovely on the skin once melted down, leaves skin soft and comfortable and offers excellent value for money. Would I choose it over Elemis when I’m in the mood for a spa-like cleansing experience? No.
Would I happily reach for it when I want an effective, affordable and fragrance-free cleansing balm that gets the job done? Absolutely. If you can overlook the plasticky scent, I think this is a really solid addition to the CeraVe range and one that’s well worth considering.
