This post will review the Cerave Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, also known as the Cerave Cleansing Balm.
The first time I saw that Cerave had released a cleansing balm, I was estatic and excited to see what they had come up with.
With the global success of the Cerave cleansers, I now expect to see more makeup removers, including cleansing balms and oils.
So far, they have the Cerave Micellar Water, which I’m not the biggest fan of because of the packaging, but that seems to be doing well for those that like it.
When I briefly came across this cleansing balm, I immediately hoped it would be as good as the rest of the Cerave cleansers.
If you didn’t know, you must be double cleansing if you wear makeup.
This means removing your makeup with a cleansing oil or balm before using a water-based cleanse to finish.
It is the only way you’re guaranteed to get everything out.
Some people even go as far as triple cleansing depending on how heavy the makeup is.
They start with a cleansing balm/oil before using micellar water and then a water-based cleanser.
Triple cleansing is too much for everyday makeup, so just stick to double cleansing.
When using a cleansing balm or oil with dry hands, you want to first scoop out a good chunk and warm it up in your palms before removing any sunscreen and/or makeup.
When you’re done, rinse before going in with your second cleanser.
Now that we know how to double cleanse, let’s see if this product is worth it.
First Impressions of the Cerave Cleansing Balm
According to Cerave:
Our Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm helps effectively remove long-wear makeup, dirt, and excess sebum (oil) from your skin—resulting in a complexion that feels clean and hydrated after use.
Cleansing balms are commonly used as the first step in the popular two-step “double cleansing” method.
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm features a velvety melting balm texture that effectively dissolves long-wear makeup and foundation with no greasy residue left on the skin.
This cleansing balm formula can be used twice daily to help moisturize your skin and leave it feeling soft and comforted—while also helping to maintain your protective skin barrier.
Developed with dermatologists and formulated with three essential ceramides and plant-based jojoba oil, this makeup cleansing balm is suitable for all skin types—including dry, oily, or sensitive skin. It’s formulated without alcohol, soap, fragrance, or parabens.
Ingredient List & Fragrance
I’m not particularly keen on the ingredient list regarding cleansing products. As long as the fragrance is not overwhelming, I’m good.
But just for the sake of this post and since we’re all familiar with the Cerave formula, let’s see if this product deviates from the norm.
The key ingredients include:
- 3 essential Ceramides
- Cholesterol
- Jojoba Seed Oil
- Vitamin E
I’m surprised not to see Hyaluronic Acid, but it is understandable since this is a balm.
As always, it wouldn’t be a Cerave product without the signature three essential Ceramides.
The formula has also been kept as simple as possible to ensure it works across all skin types.
It has also been kept fragrance-free, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
Packaging, Texture & Consistency
Packaging is one of the most significant issues I have with cleansing balms.
More often than not, you must constantly dip your finger into the jar to get as much product as you need, which is very unhygienic.
Therefore, I tend to go with cleansing oils over balms.
There isn’t really anything special about the texture and consistency of the Cerave cleansing balm.
While it might be slightly softer and more moisturizing than other balms on the market, it is still a balm at the end of the day.
So, there’s nothing really revolutionary.
Also, this product comes in a measly 36g jar which is abysmal, to say the least.
I’m unsure if Cerave hoped this would be more travel-friendly, but it is definitely too small, especially for people who wear makeup daily.
Price & Avaliability
I got this shipped in from Amazon US as it is unavailable in the UK.
Is it worth getting it shipped? To be fair, not really.
Except you’re buying other things and just want to try something new from Cerave, or you’re looking for a new travel-sized cleansing balm.
It retails for less than $10, which is expensive as you can get bigger-sized cleansing balms with the same amount.
At this point, Cerave is just capitalizing on its brand name.
Review of the Cerave Cleansing Balm
So, I used this product to remove my everyday makeup.
I don’t wear heavy glam makeup, so I can’t speak about it.
But this cleansing balm did a great job removing everyday makeup with waterproof mascara.
I used my finger to scoop about two pea sizes of product and warmed it up in my palms before removing my makeup.
Some people like to use a washcloth to remove the cleansing balm, but I prefer not to.
Perhaps, the most striking thing about this product is how soft and moisturized my skin felt afterwards.
This was good because my second cleanser is a stripping foaming cleanser, so I could gauge how well my skin felt after the first and second cleanse.
Also, it is fragrance-free, so it smells like nothing.
It also doesn’t leave a greasy finish when rinsed off.
If you have sensitive skin or you’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier, you can definitely use this product on its own, granted you don’t wear sunscreen or makeup.
In Conclusion
I’m happy to see that Cerave has made an effort to formulate a cleansing balm.
I’m hoping they take all the feedback from this release and go back to the drawing board,
If they want to compete with the numerous cleansing balms and oils in the market, they need to have a unique selling point and not just release something just for the sake of it.
This cleansing balm must come in a bigger size, and cleansing oil must also be formulated for people like me who prefer them.
They can also revolutionize how cleansing balms are packaged and provide a more hygenic option.
Honestly, there’s so much they can do to stand out in the market.
All in all, iI give the Cerave Cleansing balm an 8/10.
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