Top 12 Makeup Cleansing Creams in 2025
Removing your makeup properly is one of the most important skincare steps. In 2025, cleansing creams, balms, and micellar waters have become increasingly popular for their gentle yet effective formulas. Unlike traditional makeup removers that can strip your skin, today’s cleansing products are formulated to nourish and cleanse at the same time.
In this post, we explore the top 12 makeup cleansing creams of 2025, ideal for every skin type and makeup style.
What Is a Makeup Cleansing Cream or Balm?
Makeup cleansing creams and balms are designed to dissolve and lift makeup, dirt, and sunscreen from your face without the harshness of soaps or alcohol-based removers. Unlike foaming cleansers, which often target oil and bacteria, cleansing creams prioritize moisture retention while effectively removing product buildup. Balms typically melt into an oil on your skin and work wonders for waterproof or long-wear makeup.
Types of Cleansing Products:
- Micellar Water – Lightweight, no-rinse cleansers
- Cream Cleansers – Moisturizing and soothing
- Balm Cleansers – Oil-based, deeply cleansing
- Foaming Creams – Gently lather to remove dirt and light makeup
Benefits of Using Cleansing Creams
- Gentle on Sensitive Skin: No harsh scrubbing needed
- Effective on Waterproof Makeup: Oil-based creams break down stubborn products
- Moisturizing: Perfect for dry or mature skin
- Skin Barrier Protection: Maintain hydration and prevent irritation
- Preps Skin for Skincare: A clean base allows serums and moisturizers to absorb better
How to Use Makeup Cleansing Creams
- Apply to dry skin using clean hands or a spatula
- Massage gently in circular motions for 30–60 seconds
- Emulsify with a bit of water if using a balm
- Rinse with lukewarm water or wipe away with a soft cloth
- Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser (optional but recommended for double cleansing)
Top 12 Makeup Cleansing Creams of 2025
Here are the must-have products this year, based on performance, ingredients, and user reviews:
1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/3YuNk8t
- Type: Micellar Water
- Best For: Sensitive skin
- Why We Love It: Ultra-gentle and requires no rinsing. Effectively removes makeup while soothing irritation.
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/437fWGt
- Type: Cream Cleanser
- Best For: Dry and sensitive skin
- Why We Love It: Enriched with niacinamide and ceramides. Leaves skin soft, not tight.
3. CeraVe Hydrating Cream-To-Foam Cleanser
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/3YvBN91
- Type: Cream to foam
- Best For: Normal to dry skin
- Why We Love It: Combines gentle cleansing with light foaming. Contains hyaluronic acid for hydration.
4. Albolene Face Moisturizer and Makeup Remover
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/4m9TFAv
- Type: Moisturizing cream cleanser
- Best For: Mature and dry skin
- Why We Love It: Classic formula that melts makeup and moisturizes deeply. No water required.
5. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/3EW6v4m
- Type: Foaming cream
- Best For: Combination and dull skin
- Why We Love It: Rice water brightens while ceramides protect skin barrier.
6. Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/3GEKE21
- Type: Liquid cleanser
- Best For: All skin types, especially eyes
- Why We Love It: Ophthalmologist-tested. Easily removes eye makeup without irritation.
7. ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/4m8FQ5o
- Type: Balm cleanser
- Best For: Aging or dry skin
- Why We Love It: Luxurious spa-like texture. Removes even full glam makeup while boosting skin elasticity.
8. JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/3ETlaNP
- Type: Balm
- Best For: All skin types
- Why We Love It: Minimalist formula with only 10 ingredients. Melts makeup instantly.
9. e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/4jDQL57
- Type: Balm
- Best For: Budget-friendly skincare lovers
- Why We Love It: Affordable, vegan, and deeply hydrating. Great value for money.
10. Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/4lZGxO2
- Type: Cream
- Best For: Dry and aging skin
- Why We Love It: Time-tested classic. Rich texture that cleans and hydrates in one step.
11. BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/4ddOQlC
- Type: Korean balm cleanser
- Best For: All skin types
- Why We Love It: Lightweight sherbet texture. Easily removes long-wear and waterproof makeup.
12. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Buy From Amazon :https://amzn.to/3YwneSF
- Type: Balm
- Best For: Eco-conscious skincare
- Why We Love It: Includes papaya enzymes and clean ingredients. Melts away makeup without residue.
How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin
| Skin Type | Recommended Cleansers |
| Dry or Mature | Albolene, ELEMIS, Pond’s Cold Cream |
| Oily/Acne-Prone | JUNO & Co., BANILA CO, CeraVe |
| Sensitive | Bioderma, Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay |
| Full Makeup Wearer | Farmacy, ELEMIS, BANILA CO |
| Minimal Makeup | Bioderma, CeraVe, The Face Shop |
FAQs
1. Can I use a cleansing cream every day?
Yes! It’s gentle enough for daily use, even twice a day.
2. Do I still need a face wash after cleansing cream?
If you’re double cleansing, follow up with a gentle foam or gel cleanser.
3. Are these products safe for eye makeup?
Yes, especially Bioderma, Cetaphil, and Farmacy.
4. Which one is best for waterproof makeup?
Go for balms like ELEMIS, BANILA CO, or Farmacy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you wear minimal makeup or go full glam daily, choosing the right cleanser can make a world of difference. These top 12 makeup cleansing creams in 2025 are more than just cleansers—they’re skin-loving formulas designed to leave your face clean, hydrated, and glowing.
