These 2 Cleansers Can Remove a Full Face of Makeup—And You Can Find Them at the Drugstore - NewBeauty (2025)

Clean face.

Sponsored by CeraVe Published: Oct 6, 2022

Of all the steps in a typical skin-care routine, cleansing probably feels the most like a chore. While smoothing on a soothing serum or rich cream can feel luxurious, cleansing can feel rather sloppy (water gets everywhere) and even a bit tedious. That said, it’s arguably the most important step in your skin-care routine, as your complexion truly relies on a good cleanse in order to appear smooth and clear.

“Cleansing the skin is important to remove dirt, oils, and pollution from the day,” says Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD. “Cleansing helps keep your pores clean and your skin clear of bacteria.”

To help make this daily task more enjoyable, we found two of the best cleansers currently on the market that’ll do the job fast and flawlessly. Enter: CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm ($14) and CeraVe Comforting Eye Makeup Remover ($11). These pampering drugstore options are in a league of their own, and in order to help you make the most of them, we’ll explain the correct way to use them and all the benefits you’ll get from this popular duo.

First, what makes these products a game-changer?

Unsurprisingly, the most important aspect of any beauty product is the ingredients, and these two products are evidence of that. “You want to find a face wash with hyaluronic acid to maintain your skin’s natural moisture,” says Dr. Hopkins. “You also want to look for ingredients like ceramides for moisturization because some cleansers can strip your natural moisture barrier.”

Luckily, both the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm and the Comforting Eye Makeup Remover contain three essential ceramides to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. This barrier is vital for maintaining moisture and protecting the skin from external irritants. The eye makeup remover also contains hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of hydration.

As a bonus, these CeraVe products are alcohol-, fragrance-, and paraben-free, so they are great for all skin types—even sensitive skin.

How should you use the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm and CeraVe Comforting Eye Makeup Remover together?

According to Dr. Hopkins, double cleansing with these products is important since it helps to thoroughly remove all impurities from the skin. “The first step helps break up long-wear makeup and remove oils,” she says. “The second cleanse helps remove bacteria and dirt on the surface of the skin.”

To use these products, first start with the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, massaging it onto dry skin. This will immediately lift thick makeup and foundation for a clean complexion post-use. Then, saturate a cotton pad with the Comforting Eye Makeup Remover and gently swipe it over closed eyelids to dissolve makeup.

These products work synergistically to remove a full face of makeup fast. While other face washes may take multiple applications to scrub off stubborn eyeliner and foundation, these work quickly to gently yet effectively remove makeup.

The bottom line

These meticulous formulations are two of the best options currently available for removing all your makeup—waterproof options included. Not only do these debris-dissolving, makeup-erasing formulas clear your skin of impurities, they also leave your skin feeling soft and supple. While these formulas won’t leave a speck of makeup behind, it’s important to follow with a traditional cleanser to thoroughly purify the skin beneath and prepare for the rest of your skin-care regimen.

So, if you’re in the market for upgrading your daily cleansing routine, stock up on these affordable favorites ASAP.