January 13, 2016

E.L.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser Review

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

E.L.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser 1

E.L.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser is one of a few new hydrating skincare options that E.L.F. Cosmetics launched for Spring 2016. I think E.l.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser will become instantly recognizable if you use Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm as this is what I’m hearing it most compared to. I have yet to try out Clinique’s formula so I can’t really compare but I do use Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm and E.L.F.’s formula is quite similar to this beloved, Korean favorite.

E.L.F. Cosmetics Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser

E.L.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser ($10) is a very, very handy little cleanser. This is a thick almost silicon-like gel that you smear onto dry skin and massage on. You’ll use a little water to activate the formula and emulsify it just like you would cleansing oil. As you add more water the formula breaks down into a milky lotion and acts to whisk away dirt, oil, and makeup. It did struggle a little bit with all my eye makeup during my test phase but I typically take off most of my eye makeup before cleansing so this wasn’t a major issue for me. It also gave me a bad case of fuzzy, trippy vision but hey, so does cleansing oil so that wasn’t an issue.

I like the texture, I loved how quickly it breaks own and emulsifies, but I am slightly spoiled using Farmacy Clear Bloom Makeup Glideaway Cleansing Oil as it seems like this is the only product that doesn’t leave me feeling dry and tight lately. After rinsing I felt a bit dehydrated using E.L.F.’s formula and my skin was already a bit flaky around the cheeks and this seemed to add further flakiness and tightness to the area. I’m going to save this one and use it in the Summer when my skin isn’t so busy misbehaving as I really liked how well it cleansed and how easy it was to use. It’s much like a cleansing oil but presented in a gel formulation versus a liquid one.

E.L.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser

E.L.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser swatches

One thing that is worth mentioning though is the price. This is $10 for 1.41 oz of product versus Banila Co Clean It Zero which is 3.38 at $16 so you do get a considerably amount more bang for your buck from Banila Co.

It didn’t quite work out for me at the moment but E.L.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser will be part of my warmer weather line up. It’s very easy to use and whisks away makeup very nicely without leaving a film behind. My skin is a little too picky to enjoy it at the moment but as the weather warms up I’ll likely be quite happy to have this one around to remove my makeup.

Anyone try it yet?

Do share!

Available now at elfcosmetics.com.

E.L.F. Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser 2

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Kyoko Vo

    Do you think this might be similar to the ole henriksen 3 in 1 cleansing gel?

      • Kyoko Vo

        I had received it as a sample from Sephora, but thank you for posting this I will definitely be trying this.

        • Isabella Muse

          my pleasure! I THINK I might have the Ole one in a pile to “be reviewed” so if I try it soon! I’ll compare/let you know! 🙂

  • breyerchic04

    Every single cleanser has been making me an unhappy person lately. My banila sherbet cleanser is giving me bumps, even Cetaphil is making my skin tight, the Benton foaming cleanser I bought because it got raves in the korean skincare book feels like washing with hand soap. I’m ready to try one of these non oil melting cleansers but don’t have my hopes up too high.

    • Isabella Muse

      likewise. I’m not having issues with bumps or anything but I am having major problems with tightness and dryness. Try the Fharmacy Ckeansing oil! That stuff works great for me! 😀

  • Sae

    I was hoping this would be a dupe of the Banila Co. but I’m sad it’s not an exact one (and drying). I absolutely love Clean It Zero Purity, but I feel like it runs out quite quickly for me which gets costly. Still waiting on an inexpensive dupe!

    • Isabella Muse

      mmm this will run out even faster, it’s a smaller size! Not quite a dupe, it’s a bit heavier in consistency. I feel like it emulsifies quicker though!

  • Julie

    For everyone who may be having trouble finding the right cleanser for sensitive/dry skin, may I suggest a snail secretion cleanser such as the Saem’s. Loads of Korean brands make them, but they seem to be helping me stay a little more hydrated.

  • kellly

    I’ve been using Garnier cleansing oil for quite a while now (on my 3rd bottle) and that’s working well for me. A gel might be a good option for travel since leakage wouldn’t be as much an issue.

  • Sarah

    Does this smell like anything? There’s no fragrance listed but obviously there is rose included, so I guess it could go either way.