5 Best Makeup Remover Balms for Waterproof Makeup in 2026

Choosing the right makeup remover balm for waterproof products in 2026 requires understanding both effectiveness and skin care benefits. You need a formula that easily dissolves tough waterproof makeup without irritating your skin, and that leaves it feeling clean and nourished afterward. Several products stand out for their ability to balance these needs, but knowing which one suits your skin type and preferences involves examining ingredients and textures closely. Considering all these factors can assist you in making a well-informed decision that guarantees efficient cleansing without compromising skin health.

CeraVe Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover with Jojoba Oil

CeraVe Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover with Jojoba Oil is a gentle way to take off makeup, even waterproof types. It breaks down makeup, dirt, oil, and grime while caring for your skin. This balm is good for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. It leaves your face feeling clean, soft, and bright. The formula has three ceramides that help fix your skin’s barrier. It also contains jojoba oil, which keeps your skin moisturized and calm. The product has no fragrance, is allergy-tested, and doesn’t clog pores. It’s made to support your skin’s health without causing irritation.

Best For: People with sensitive, dry, oily, or mixed skin who want a gentle and effective makeup remover that also helps protect their skin’s barrier.

Pros:

• Removes waterproof makeup, dirt, and oil easily.
• Contains ceramides and jojoba oil to hydrate and repair the skin.
• Fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic, suitable for all skin types.

Cons:

• Some skin types may need to rinse well to remove all the balm.
• As a balm, it might feel heavier than liquid cleansers.
• Not ideal for those who prefer water-based or oil-free cleansers.

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is a gentle way to remove makeup. It works well on waterproof makeup too. When you rub it on your skin, it changes from a solid balm into a nourishing oil. Then, it turns into a smooth milk that makes rinsing easy.

This balm has ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. These help to hydrate your skin, making it look plump and feeling soft. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Plus, it is vegan and cruelty-free, which means no animals were harmed.

To use, take a small amount and massage it onto your face. It will melt away your makeup. For best results, you might want to double cleanse. Use this balm first, then follow with your regular cleanser. This way, your skin gets completely clean without feeling stripped or irritated.

People who want a gentle but effective makeup remover will like this product. It hydrates while cleaning your skin well. However, if you wear heavy or long-lasting makeup, you may need to use this twice to get everything off. Also, some users with very oily skin might find it doesn’t control oil much after cleansing. And, since it’s a balm, it might take a moment to fully melt and emulsify, especially if you’re new to it.

Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm

Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm is great if you wear long-lasting makeup or sunscreen. It’s made to gently take off stubborn makeup without hurting your skin. It melts away makeup from your eyes, lips, and face, even waterproof types. The balm has Hyaluronic Acid, which gives your skin moisture for 24 hours. It makes your skin look plump and feels soft and hydrated after use. The texture is non-greasy, so your skin feels fresh and comfortable.

To use, put the balm on dry skin. Massage it gently. Add a little water to turn it into a milky lather. Rinse away completely. This product is safe and cruelty-free, and you can use it every day.

Best For: People who wear waterproof or long-lasting makeup and want a gentle, hydrating way to remove it. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed.

Pros:

• Quickly removes stubborn makeup, including waterproof products
• Hydrates skin for 24 hours with Hyaluronic Acid
• Feels light and non-greasy, good for sensitive skin
• Free from fragrances, sulfates, and silicones

Cons:

• May need to apply twice if you have heavy makeup
• Doesn’t contain exfoliating ingredients, so it does not improve skin texture
• Not the most convenient for travel because of its balm texture and rinsing step

This cleansing balm helps keep your skin soft and clean. It removes makeup easily, hydrates your skin, and leaves a fresh feeling. Just remember, if you wear a lot of makeup, you might need a little extra product.

JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Makeup Remover Balm

If you have sensitive skin or like products with few ingredients, JUNO & Co. is a good pick. Their Clean 10 Makeup Remover Balm has just ten simple, clean ingredients. This makes it safe for sensitive skin and for people who avoid harsh chemicals. It works well to dissolve waterproof makeup and rinses away completely. You won’t find any residue left behind. The formula has Japanese Pearl Barley Magic+ that helps hydrate your skin, make it feel softer, and improve its texture. Vitamin E gives your skin antioxidant benefits, which can help slow signs of aging. To use, put it on dry skin, massage to break down makeup, then rinse thoroughly. It gives you clean, comfortable skin without irritation.

This product is best for people with sensitive skin. It is gentle, effective, and made with clean ingredients that won’t cause irritation.

Pros:

• Contains only 10 simple, clean ingredients.
• Rinses completely, leaving no residue.
• Nourishes skin with Japanese Pearl Barley Magic+.
• Provides antioxidant benefits from vitamin E.

Cons:

• Might not work as well on very heavy or stubborn makeup.
• Comes in a small 85g jar, so you may need to buy more often.
• Some people may not like the scent, which is fresh and gentle.

e.l.f. SKIN Mini Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm

The e.l.f. SKIN Mini Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm helps you remove makeup easily. It is a solid balm that melts when you apply it to your skin. The balm turns into a nourishing oil, then into a milky mixture that rinses away clean.

This small size is perfect for traveling or carrying in your bag. It contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. These help hydrate your skin and keep it healthy. The balm works well for all skin types. It cleans your skin gently but thoroughly without drying it out.

The product is cruelty-free and vegan. That means no animal testing and no animal products. It is a good choice for everyday makeup removal.

Who should try it: People who want a travel-friendly, hydrating makeup remover for any skin type.

Pros:

• Easily melts away makeup
• Turns into oil and then into a milky cleaner
• Hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides
• Small, portable size, great for travel

Cons:

• Might need a second clean-up for stubborn or waterproof makeup
• Some find the solid balm less quick than wipes or liquids
• Not best for very heavy or waterproof makeup on the first try; may need extra steps

This balm offers an easy and gentle way to clean your face. It works well for makeup and leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Makeup Remover Balms for Waterproof Makeup

When selecting makeup remover balms for waterproof makeup, it’s important to take into account how well they suit your skin type and whether they effectively break down long-lasting formulas without causing irritation. You should also evaluate the safety of ingredients used, ensuring they meet safety standards to avoid adverse reactions. Additionally, features like ease of application, rinsing, and packaging convenience can impact your overall experience and suitability for daily use.

Compatibility With Skin Type

Choosing the right makeup remover balm for your skin makes a big difference. It helps clean your face well without making it dry or irritated.

If your skin is oily or you get pimples easily, pick a balm that says “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” These stop pores from getting clogged and help prevent breakouts.

For sensitive skin, use a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic balm. These are gentle and less likely to cause allergies or redness.

If your skin is dry, look for a hydrating balm. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides boost moisture and keep your skin soft and smooth.

For skin that easily reacts or feels irritated, choose a gentle, dermatologist-tested balm. These help calm inflammation and avoid harsh chemicals.

Picking the right balm for your skin type helps clean your face properly. It also keeps your skin healthy and prevents irritation. When you use the right product, your skin stays balanced, clean, and happy.

Effectiveness Against Waterproof

Removing waterproof makeup takes a strong remover. These makeup products are made to stay on with water and sweat. To take them off, look for a balm that contains oils or emulsifiers. These ingredients break down waterproof formulas easily.

Good options include oils like jojoba or ceramides. These help dissolve stubborn makeup so you don’t need to scrub hard. Check the label for surfactants or emulsifiers. These help lift waterproof makeup without irritating your skin.

It’s also helpful to see reviews or advice from dermatologists. They can tell you if a remover works well against waterproof makeup. A good remover should clean your skin well. It should also leave no greasy feeling behind. Your skin stays clean, comfortable, and healthy after use.

Ingredient Safety Standards

To make sure a makeup remover balm is safe for your skin, you need to check the ingredients. Look for products with gentle, dermatologist-tested ingredients, especially if your skin is sensitive. Avoid balms with harmful stuff like parabens, sulfates, or fake fragrances. These can irritate your skin or interfere with your hormones.

Choosing balms that are cruelty-free and vegan means they are made without animal testing or animal products. This is better for animals and reduces chances of skin allergy.

Some ingredients help keep your skin healthy. Look for nourishing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or plant oils. These help keep your skin strong and moist.

A safe makeup remover balm should also be hypoallergenic and tested for allergies. This means it’s less likely to cause skin reactions. It’s good for different skin types and gentle enough to use every day.

Ease of Use & Rinsing

To remove waterproof makeup easily, choose a balm that melts quickly and turns into a smooth oil or milk. When a balm mixes well with water, it washes off better and leaves less makeup behind. Look for a balm that emulsifies fast, so rinsing is quick and complete.

Pick lightweight, non-sticky textures. These textures rinse away easily with just a splash of water and don’t need multiple washes. This prevents greasy or sticky feeling on your skin, keeping it feeling fresh and comfortable.

Good packaging also helps. A container that controls the amount you squeeze out keeps things tidy and makes rinsing easier. It also stops waste and keeps the product clean.

Choosing a balm that’s simple to use and rinse makes removing waterproof makeup faster and less frustrating. It leaves your skin feeling clean without any leftover residue.

Packaging Convenience

When choosing a makeup remover balm, how you store and use it really matters. Packaging that doesn’t leak and is easy to carry makes your life simpler. A tight lid or pump helps keep the balm clean and stops it from spilling in your bag. It also makes it easy to get the right amount of product each time. Small containers are perfect for travel because they fit into your purse or toiletry kit easily. Good packaging looks nice and is simple to use. Clear labels and instructions help you know how to use the product properly. This way, you can remove even waterproof makeup easily. Picking the right packaging makes using the balm more convenient and helps you get the best results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Makeup Remover Balms Suitable for Sensitive Skin?

Yes, makeup remover balms can be suitable for sensitive skin if you choose gentle, fragrance-free options. You should always check ingredient labels and do a patch test to guarantee they won’t cause irritation or breakouts.

How Long Does It Take for Balms to Remove Waterproof Makeup?

It usually takes about one to three minutes for a balm to effectively dissolve waterproof makeup. You need to gently massage the balm onto your skin, allowing it time to break down stubborn, long-lasting products before rinsing or wiping away.

Can Makeup Remover Balms Be Used on Eye Contact?

Yes, you can use makeup remover balms near your eyes, but make sure they’re gentle and formulated for sensitive skin. Always avoid direct eye contact, and rinse thoroughly to prevent irritation or discomfort.

Do Makeup Remover Balms Clog Pores or Cause Breakouts?

Makeup remover balms can clog pores or cause breakouts if they contain harsh ingredients or aren’t thoroughly rinsed off. To prevent this, choose non-comedogenic products and gently cleanse your skin afterward to keep your pores clear.

Are There Natural or Fragrance-Free Options Available?

Yes, natural and fragrance-free makeup remover balms exist, and they’re gentle on your skin. You can find options with soothing ingredients like coconut, shea butter, or chamomile, perfect for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.