15 Best Cleansing Balms for Waterproof Makeup and Sunscreen

Waterproof makeup and sunscreen can be hard to wash off with a regular face wash, especially at the end of a long day. A good cleansing balm helps melt everything down fast so your skin feels clean without too much rubbing. This list rounds up great cleansing balms that can handle heavy makeup and daily SPF while still feeling gentle on skin.

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Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

This one has a simple formula and a soft balm texture that turns silky as soon as it warms up on dry skin. It does a very good job loosening long wear foundation, waterproof mascara, and layers of sunscreen without making you scrub. There is no added fragrance, which is a big reason many people keep coming back to it. If your skin gets irritated easily, this is often one of the safer places to start.

It rinses clean when you add water, and it usually leaves less residue than heavier balms. The texture feels plain in a good way, so it works well when you want something that just gets the job done. A small scoop can cover the whole face, especially if you massage it in for a full minute. It also pairs nicely with a gentle second cleanser if you like doing a double cleanse.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

Farmacy Green Clean feels rich at first, then melts down fast into an oil that moves easily around the face. It is especially good at breaking apart stubborn sunscreen and mascara, so eye makeup removal feels less like a chore. The texture spreads quickly, which helps cut down on tugging around the lashes and under-eye area. Many people like using it when they wear heavier makeup because it handles a lot in one pass.

It has a noticeable scent from the added fragrance, so that is worth keeping in mind if your skin is very reactive. Once emulsified, it rinses off well and leaves skin feeling soft instead of coated. The jar is easy to scoop from, and a little goes a long way for most routines. If you want a balm that feels a bit more spa-like while still working hard on waterproof products, this one fits that mood.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm

Banila Co Clean It Zero Original is a popular pick for a reason because it melts makeup fast and feels easy to use. The sherbet-like texture softens right away on contact, then spreads into a light oil that gets into corners around the nose and eyes. It can take down waterproof eyeliner and sunscreen without much effort, which makes nightly cleansing less annoying. It is also widely available, so it is easy to repurchase.

This balm rinses off nicely after emulsifying, and many people say it leaves skin feeling clean but not stripped. If you wear a full face often, the larger tubs can be a practical choice. The included spatula is handy if you like keeping your routine a little more hygienic. It is a good middle-ground option when you want something effective, familiar, and easy to work into a daily routine.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has a thicker, buttery feel that melts into a very cushiony oil during massage. It takes off makeup and sunscreen well, and it feels especially nice when you want to slow down and do a longer cleanse. Waterproof eye products usually loosen up after a little extra time around the lash line. The finish can feel nourishing, which many people with drier skin enjoy.

The scent is strong and herbal, so this one really depends on personal preference. Some people love the sensory side of it, while others may find it too much for everyday use. It can be used as a first cleanse, and some even use it as a quick mask style step before rinsing. If your skin leans dry and you like richer textures, this balm can feel very comfortable.

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm has a soft sorbet texture that melts quickly and glides very smoothly over the skin. It does a great job lifting sunscreen, long wear base makeup, and eye products without harsh rubbing. The balm feels plush and slippery enough to give you a nice massage step, which can make your routine feel more relaxing. It is one of those products that feels pleasant to use while still doing real cleanup work.

There is fragrance, so very sensitive skin types may want to patch test first. After adding water, it emulsifies well and rinses off with a cleaner finish than many richer balms. The jar packaging is sturdy and feels nice on a vanity, though it is on the pricier side. If you like a balm that feels luxe and performs well on heavy sunscreen days, this one is a strong pick.

JUNO & Co Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

JUNO & Co Clean 10 Cleansing Balm is often mentioned as a budget-friendly option that still removes makeup well. The texture melts down easily and can break up waterproof mascara and foundation without much fuss. It feels simple and uncomplicated, which is nice when you just want a balm that works. The formula is also known for having a shorter ingredient list compared with many other balms.

It rinses off well after emulsifying, though some people may still want a second cleanser for a fully fresh finish. The light scent may not bother most users, but it is still something to note if you are very picky about fragrance. Because the price is usually lower, it can be a nice entry point for trying a cleansing balm for the first time. It is also a practical backup to keep in the bathroom when you run out of your usual pick.

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm has a smooth texture that melts nicely and feels comfortable during massage. It handles everyday sunscreen and makeup well, and it can also break down longer wear products with a little extra time. The formula feels gentle enough for regular use, especially if you are careful around the eyes. Many people like it as an easy drugstore-range option that does not feel cheap.

When water is added, it turns milky and rinses off without leaving a heavy film on most skin types. The packaging is simple and easy to use, which fits the no-fuss feel of the product. It is a good pick for someone building a basic double cleanse routine without spending too much. If your makeup is very heavy, you may need a second pass on the eyes, but it still performs well overall.

Eadem Dew Dream Cleansing Balm

Eadem Dew Dream Cleansing Balm feels rich and silky, and it melts into an oil that gives plenty of slip for a gentle face massage. It is made to remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup without leaving skin feeling tight after rinsing. The texture feels comforting, which can be especially nice if your skin gets dry or stressed. It also feels like a product you can enjoy using at night instead of rushing through.

This balm leaves skin soft, and many people like the cushiony after-feel before going in with a second cleanser. Depending on your preferences, that richer finish may feel nourishing or a bit much, especially on very oily skin. It is a good option for people who want makeup removal and a more moisturizing feel in the same first cleanse step. If you wear a lot of sunscreen and want less friction when washing, this kind of texture can help.

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is a lightweight balm that melts quickly and feels easy to spread. It removes sunscreen and base makeup well, and it usually handles eye makeup nicely with a little patience. The texture is not too thick, so it can feel more comfortable if you do not like heavy cleansing balms. It is a popular K-beauty option for people who want effective makeup removal without a greasy finish.

After emulsifying, it rinses clean and tends to leave skin feeling fresh rather than coated. The packaging is neat and compact, which makes it easy to store if your sink area is crowded. It works well as a first cleanse before a foam or gel cleanser, especially on hot days when you want a cleaner rinse. For daily makeup and sunscreen use, it is a very easy balm to reach for.

Heimish All Clean Balm

Heimish All Clean Balm has a balm-to-oil texture that melts fast and moves around the skin with very little effort. It is good at dissolving sunscreen, lip products, and waterproof eye makeup, which makes it a reliable first cleanse for makeup wearers. The balm feels smooth and pleasant, and a little scoop usually covers the whole face. It has been a longtime favorite in many routines because it works well without being too complicated.

There is fragrance in this one, and the scent is noticeable, so that may not suit everyone. Once emulsified, it turns milky and rinses away fairly well, though some people will still want a second cleanse for a cleaner finish. The tub is generous for the price in many markets, which helps if you use balm every night. If you want a popular K-beauty cleansing balm with solid makeup-removing power, this one is worth considering.

Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm

Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm has a soft texture that melts quickly into an oil and spreads with ease. It is made for clearing away sunscreen, makeup, and daily grime while being gentle enough for regular use. The formula is often marketed toward breakout-prone skin, so many people try it when they want a first cleanse that does not feel too heavy. Waterproof makeup usually comes off well after a careful massage, especially around the eyes and hairline.

It emulsifies nicely and rinses off with a smoother finish than some thicker balms. If your skin gets congested easily, the lighter feel may be a plus compared with richer cleansing products. The product can be a good fit for nights when you have layered SPF and makeup but still want your cleansing step to feel fresh. As always, a patch test is a good idea if your skin reacts easily to new formulas.

ELF Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

ELF Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is an easy budget pick that removes more than people expect for the price. The balm melts quickly, spreads well, and can break down sunscreen and waterproof mascara with a bit of massage time. It feels creamy going on, which helps reduce rubbing when you are tired and trying to wash up fast. For a drugstore option, it gives a very solid first cleanse experience.

It emulsifies into a milky texture and rinses off fairly well, though a second cleanser helps if you want that extra clean feel. The jar is small enough to travel with, and the price makes replacing it less painful. If you wear makeup often but do not want to spend much on your first cleanse step, this is a practical choice. It is also a nice starter product if you are new to cleansing balms and want something easy to find.

Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid

Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid is a newer mass market option that focuses on makeup removal and a soft skin feel. The balm texture melts into an oil and can lift sunscreen, foundation, and long wear products without heavy rubbing. It feels comfortable on the skin, especially when you take a little extra time to massage around the nose and eye area. For many people, the main appeal is getting a cleansing balm from a familiar drugstore brand.

It rinses down well after emulsifying, and the skin usually feels smooth rather than dry afterward. If you wear waterproof mascara every day, you may need a bit more product or a longer massage near the lashes. The added hyaluronic acid will not replace a moisturizer, but it can help the formula feel less stripping. This one makes sense for anyone who wants a simple first cleanse from the drugstore shelf.

Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm

Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm has a rich, silky texture that melts down into a smooth oil for makeup removal. It works well on sunscreen and long wear makeup, and it feels especially nice when your skin is feeling dry from weather or active products. The balm gives a nourishing feel during cleansing, so the step can feel less harsh than using makeup wipes or strong removers. It is a good option for people who like a richer first cleanse texture at night.

Because it is on the pricier side, some people save it for heavier makeup days rather than daily use. It rinses off well enough for a balm this rich, though many users still follow with a second cleanser. The texture can feel very comforting in cooler months when skin needs a little extra softness. If you enjoy skincare that feels plush and soothing while removing makeup, this one fits that style.

Dr Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm stands out because of the grinder-style packaging, which helps dispense product without dipping fingers into a jar. The balm itself melts smoothly and does a good job loosening sunscreen and makeup, including many waterproof products. It feels clean and easy to control, which can make the whole step less messy at the sink. That packaging style is a big reason people get curious about it, but the formula also holds up well in use.

It emulsifies into a milky texture and rinses off with a fresh finish that works nicely in a double cleanse routine. The controlled amount from the grinder can also help you avoid using too much at once. If you care about cleaner handling and like trying newer K-beauty formats, this one is a fun but still useful option. It is a nice choice for people who want makeup removal to feel simple and tidy without giving up performance.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.