July 19, 2022

Cerave Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm Expensive But Pretty Great

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.
5 stars out of 5

Cerave Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm is a new alcohol, fragrance, paraben, and soap-free makeup-removing cleansing balm created for all skin types that recently launched at Ulta. I actually instantly purchased this without realizing how tiny it was. It was priced at $13.99 and I just assumed it was around 3 oz in size. When my order arrived I was shocked it was only 1.3 oz. Ouch! I mean, right now you can purchase two Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover Minis from Clinique at ulta.com for the price I paid for this one jar (each is 1 oz in size). And there are many, many other affordable options in the cleansing balm world right now that are way bigger for this price like Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm (2 oz at $12.99), E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm (2 oz at $11), Milani Avocado Makeup Melter Cleansing Balm ($13.99 for 1.58 oz), and many others!

These are just a few that popped into my head but gods there are millions of very affordable and larger-sized cleansing balms available. I’m still a little shocked Cerave is charging $14 for 1.3 oz! I imagine it’s because it’s a new product and at some point, they’ll make it a bit cheaper. Also, Cerave is on sale often so, you’ll likely never pay full price but still….!

Aside from that let’s review Cerave Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm is pretty great. Let’s get deeper into this review and see why!

I admit I’d buy Cerave Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm again. The price is a bit nuts but the actual product is pretty darn good. This is a dense balm that shares a similar consistency as Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover but it melts down much, much quicker upon application.

As with all cleansing balms it’s meant to apply and massaged onto dry skin and a little water can be added to emulsify the formula. The formula gets much softer as you rub it into your skin and melts down quickly. When water is added it gets milky and can be washed away easily. I had no issues with it leaving behind any stickiness or any unusual film. It rinsed clean away and the best part was it didn’t strip or dry out my already dry skin. It did a great job removing my makeup very easily even waterproof mascara! They do recommend it as the first step in a two-step double cleanse but if you don’t embrace double cleansing you can go ahead and just use this to remove your makeup easily and effectively. I thought it did a solid job removing all my makeup easily.

It did have one main issue which was the price but also, it does have a rather strange smell. It is fragrance-free but does have a sort of strong plastic scent. I didn’t mind it much but it deserves mentioning for sensitive users. As for the formula, it contains a ton of ceramides which could account for the reason I don’t feel dry after use as well as Jojoba seed.

All in all, Cerave Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm has all the making of a solid makeup remover but the price and scent might have some second-guessing a purchase. I’d personally buy it again as I liked how well it removed makeup without drying my skin out.

I’d totally recommend trying it for yourself!

Where to buy

Ulta

Cerave Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm is a fantastic little cleansing balm that easily removes makeup. It’s loaded with ceramides and doesn’t leave skin feeling tight or dry after use. The formula is dense but melts down beautifully as you massage it in and breaks down just as easily when water is added. It rinses clean away! It does have an odd plastic scent which I didn’t have an issue with but is worth a mention for sensitive users. It’s also quite expensive at 1.3 oz for $13.99!

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Aqua / Water / Eau, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil / Jojoba Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Benzoic Acid, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.

Pros

  • Easily removed makeup!
  • Left skin smooth.
  • Didn’t try skin out.
  • Worked well on waterproof makeup.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • Has an odd scent.

Who

Cerave Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm is a great pick for those that have drier skin and feel tight after cleansing! This removes all makeup without stripping or drying!

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

  • Dee

    Unless there is an amazing sale on this I think I will pass. Like you say, there are so many other less expensive options!

    • Isabella Muse

      It’s lovely stuff but the size is absurd at this price!

  • kimkats

    I saw this the other day at Ulta, and my first thought was “oh look – a sample size!!” newp – that’s the FULL sized jar. It’s an absurd price for the amount you get. I have others that are cheaper, at least on cost per ounce basis.

    I think cerave isn’t going to sell a lot of these – if it had been half the price, I might have gotten it, even as small as it is, but that’s a crazy price for that teensy little jar.

    • Isabella Muse

      LOL! I legit thought they made a mistake! I was like oh no they sent me a sample! Nope, that’s the size. Jeez! I think the price will go down once it reaches mass retailers. I notice when something originally goes up it’ll be priced high but slowly over time the price drops!

  • Ashley Myers

    I love Cerave products! Been wanting to try the new toner! They are so affordable. Love the retinol serum in the teal & white packaging!

  • Alison Little

    Great product and great article. I paid $9.97 at Walmart for Cerave Eye Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm.

  • Cuffy

    Good review. I just bought this balm and find it comparable in performance to Clinique’s TTDO balm. Depending on where you buy/whether it’s on sale (Walgreens usually has a BOGO 50%), full retail for CeraVe balm costs the same as Clinique’s at $10/ounce.

  • Cuffy

    Good review. I just bought this balm and find it comparable in performance to Clinique’s TTDO balm. Depending on where you buy/whether it’s on sale (Walgreens usually has a BOGO 50%), full retail for CeraVe balm costs the same as Clinique’s at $10/ounce.