Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm With Hyaluronic Acid
Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm With Hyaluronic Acid
Product Description
Product overview
A buttery 3-in-1 cleansing balm powered by Hyaluronic Acid that melts away longwear makeup, waterproof mascara, and sunscreen residue while delivering 24-hour hydration and a visibly plumper, non-greasy finish. Also doubles as a 10-minute hydrating mask.
3-in-1 Multi-Tasker
Works as a daily cleanser, makeup remover, and hydrating face mask all in one jar. Melts waterproof mascara, longwear foundation, and sunscreen residue effortlessly.
Texture & feel
SENSORY3-in-1 Multi-Tasker
Works as a daily cleanser, makeup remover, and hydrating face mask all in one jar. Melts waterproof mascara, longwear foundation, and sunscreen residue effortlessly.
24-Hour Hydration
Powered by Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), this balm provides up to 24 hours of moisture while leaving skin visibly plumper and bouncy after every cleanse.
Buttery Melt-Down Texture
Transforms from a solid balm to a silky oil on contact with skin, then emulsifies into a milky lather when water is added for thorough, easy rinsing.
Eye-Area Safe
Ophthalmologist-tested formula is gentle enough for use around the delicate eye area to dissolve stubborn waterproof and longwear eye makeup without irritation.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor if unsure.
Contains Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, and Octyldodecanol which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended if you are prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.
Officially marketed as non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested. Low risk of clogging pores for most skin types. Oil-based emollients dissolve and rinse away cleanly.
Free from fragrance, sulfates, silicones, parabens, and alcohol. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide in your routine. As a rinse-off cleanser, it will not interfere with your actives.
Used as a wax-form texturizer (not microplastic beads). Provides the solid balm structure. Some consumers prefer to avoid polyethylene for environmental reasons.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)Proven
A smaller-molecular form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates skin effectively, binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Provides instant plumping and long-lasting hydration even in a rinse-off product.
- Function: Humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Research: Extensively studied for skin hydration and anti-aging benefits
- Note: Listed near end of INCI, suggesting a lower but still effective concentration for a cleanser
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) Top 5Proven
A rich, nourishing emollient that forms the buttery base of this balm. Known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier repair properties. Melts easily on skin contact.
- Function: Emollient, skin conditioning agent, and natural moisturizer
- Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, E, and F plus essential fatty acids for skin nourishment
- Comedogenic Rating: 0-2 depending on purity, generally well-tolerated
Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis) Mid-rangeProven
A liquid wax ester that closely mimics the skin's natural sebum. Helps dissolve oil-based impurities and makeup while conditioning the skin without leaving a heavy residue.
- Function: Emollient and skin conditioning agent that balances oil production
- Benefits: Non-comedogenic (rating 2), anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties
- Source: Derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant native to North America
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven
A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors. Also helps stabilize the formula and extend its shelf life.
- Function: Antioxidant, skin conditioning agent, and formula stabilizer
- Research: Well-documented skin protective and moisturizing benefits
GlucomannanPromising
A natural polysaccharide derived from the konjac plant. Acts as a gentle skin conditioner and helps create a smooth, silky texture. Known for its hydrating and soothing properties.
- Function: Skin conditioning and hydrating agent
- Source: Naturally derived from konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac)
19 ingredients
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil / Jojoba Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 20, Octyldodecanol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Trihydroxystearin, CI 42090 / Blue 1 Lake, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, CI 19140 / Yellow 5 Lake, Aqua / Water / Eau, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, Citric Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in a double-cleanse routine (PM) or as a standalone cleanser (AM). Follow with Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water with Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe for optimal results.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply to Dry Skin
Scoop a generous amount of the cleansing balm with dry fingers and massage onto dry skin using gentle circular motions. The balm will melt into a silky oil on contact.
Massage & Dissolve Makeup
Continue massaging for 30-60 seconds to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Pay extra attention to areas with heavy makeup like eyes and lips.
Add Water & Emulsify
Wet your hands and continue massaging. The oil will transform into a milky lather, lifting away all dissolved impurities for easy rinsing.
Rinse Clean
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Follow with your second cleanser or the rest of your skincare routine.
Mask Mode (Optional)
Apply a generous layer to clean skin, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use 2-3 times per week for an extra hydration boost.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear longwear or waterproof makeup daily
- You want a fragrance-free, gentle makeup remover
- Your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing
- You practice double cleansing
- You want a multi-use product (cleanser + mask)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe option
- You are looking for an affordable alternative to luxury cleansing balms
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — contains Polysorbate 20 and esters
- You prefer completely oil-free cleansing methods
- You want to avoid polyethylene for environmental reasons
- You need a cleanser with active exfoliating ingredients (AHA/BHA)
- You dislike balm-to-oil textures and prefer foaming cleansers
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESShea butter and jojoba oil deeply nourish without stripping moisture. Hyaluronic acid adds lasting hydration. Skin feels plump and bouncy after use.
Perfect everyday cleanser that maintains skin balance. Removes makeup thoroughly without over-drying or leaving excess residue.
Oil-based formula dissolves sebum and balances oily zones effectively. Non-greasy finish works well across different face zones. Follow with a gentle foaming cleanser for best results.
Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, and ophthalmologist-tested. No harsh surfactants or irritating ingredients. One of the gentlest cleansing balms available at drugstore level.
Oil dissolves oil — helps regulate sebum without stripping. Non-greasy finish is a plus. Best used as part of a double-cleanse routine followed by a water-based cleanser.
Non-comedogenic claim is reassuring, but contains esters that may trigger fungal acne. Good for hormonal/bacterial acne types; avoid if prone to pityrosporum folliculitis.
Results timeline
4-6 WEEKSComplete Makeup Removal
All traces of longwear makeup, waterproof mascara, and sunscreen residue are dissolved. Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated — not tight or stripped.
95% noticed instant clean feelImproved Skin Texture
Skin begins to feel noticeably softer and more supple from consistent use of the nourishing balm formula. Morning skin feels bouncier and more hydrated.
80% noticed softer skinVisible Plumping & Hydration
With regular use, the hyaluronic acid and emollient-rich formula contributes to a plumper, more dewy complexion. Dry patches and flakiness are reduced.
70% noticed improved hydrationHealthier Skin Barrier
Consistent gentle cleansing without stripping supports a stronger moisture barrier. Skin looks clearer, more balanced, and naturally radiant. Pores appear cleaner from thorough daily cleansing.
65% noticed healthier-looking skinRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effectively removes all types of stubborn, waterproof, and longwear makeup
- Completely fragrance-free — no hidden scent at all
- Skin feels bouncy, hydrated, and plump after cleansing
- Great value — larger size (4.2 oz) than most drugstore competitors
- Rinses clean without greasy residue
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin and eye area
- Cruelty-free, vegan, and free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens
- Can double as a 10-minute hydrating face mask
Criticized
- Hyaluronic Acid is very low in the ingredient list (third-to-last)
- Contains polyethylene which some consumers avoid for sustainability
- Not fungal acne safe due to polysorbates and esters
- Jar packaging is less hygienic and travel-friendly than a tube
- Balm can feel quite firm and hard to scoop, especially in cooler temperatures
- Contains artificial colorants (Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso contains Hyaluronic Acid and is fragrance-free. Smaller size (2 oz vs 4.2 oz) makes the Garnier a better value per ounce. Very similar buttery texture and makeup-melting performance.
Classic cold cream formula that removes makeup effectively at a lower price point. Does not contain hyaluronic acid and has fragrance. Heavier texture that may leave more residue.
Features ceramides and jojoba oil instead of hyaluronic acid. Smaller size (1.3 oz) makes it much more expensive per ounce. Also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle. Better for barrier repair focus.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEFarmacy Green Clean Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in an upright position in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme heat which may soften the balm excessively.
Screw-top jar (4.2 oz / 119g). Use clean, dry fingers or a spatula to scoop product and maintain hygiene.
Yes — solid balm format is TSA-friendly and not considered a liquid. Exceeds 3.4 oz liquid limit but balms are generally allowed. Jar packaging may be bulky; consider a travel container.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This cleansing balm does not contain any ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There are no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or high-dose essential oils in the formula. All ingredients are mild emollients, emulsifiers, and humectants considered safe for expectant and nursing mothers. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No. This product is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including Ethylhexyl Palmitate (a fatty acid ester), Polysorbate 20 (a polysorbate emulsifier), and Octyldodecanol (a fatty alcohol). If you are prone to pityrosporum folliculitis or fungal acne, consider the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm as a fungal acne-safe alternative.
Yes, absolutely. As a rinse-off cleanser, this product does not leave active ingredients on the skin that would interact with your serums or treatments. Garnier confirms it is safe to use alongside retinol, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and niacinamide. Simply use the balm as your first cleansing step, then apply your actives as normal after cleansing.
This cleansing balm is formulated for all skin types and is especially well-suited for dry and sensitive skin thanks to its nourishing blend of shea butter, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid. It is dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. Oily and combination skin types can also benefit, particularly when used as part of a double-cleansing routine.
You will notice instant results — skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated from the first use. Within the first week of consistent use, most users report noticeably softer and more supple skin. Over 2-4 weeks, the cumulative effect of gentle cleansing combined with hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils contributes to a visibly plumper, more balanced complexion.
This cleansing balm should be the very first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. In the PM, use it as your first cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a water-based cleanser (double cleanse). In the AM, it can be used as a standalone cleanser. Garnier recommends following with their Micellar Cleansing Water with Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe for optimal results.
No. This product is officially marketed as non-comedogenic and has been dermatologist tested. The comedogenic rating is approximately 1 out of 5. While it contains oil-based emollients, these are designed to dissolve and rinse away completely when water is added, rather than remaining on the skin. It should not clog pores for the vast majority of users.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. After opening, use the product within one year for best results and safety. Store it in an upright position in a cool, dry place. To maintain hygiene with the jar format, always use clean, dry hands when scooping out product, or use a small spatula.
Verdict: The Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best value cleansing balms on the market. At $14.99 for 4.2 oz, it significantly undercuts luxury competitors like Clinique ($36) and Farmacy ($36) while delivering comparable makeup-melting performance and a genuinely fragrance-free, skin-friendly formula. Its buttery texture dissolves stubborn makeup effortlessly and leaves skin feeling plump and hydrated rather than stripped. The main drawbacks are the low position of hyaluronic acid in the ingredient list and the fact that it is not fungal acne safe. Overall, it is an outstanding drugstore option for anyone seeking a gentle, effective, and affordable cleansing balm — especially for dry and sensitive skin types.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|
|
| 1 |
Polyethylene
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Abrasive, Bulking Agent, Adhesive
|
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|






