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Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Product Description

A solid cleansing balm that melts into a luxurious oil, then transforms into a nourishing milky texture that rinses off clean. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides (Matrixyl 3000) to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while leaving skin silky smooth and plumped with hydration.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ American Brand Β· Made in China (Fair Trade Certified)
βœ” Vegan βœ” Cruelty-Free (Leaping Bunny & PETA) βœ” Fair Trade Certified βœ” Paraben-Free βœ” Phthalate-Free βœ” Sulfate-Free βœ” With Ceramides βœ” With Peptides (Matrixyl 3000) βœ” With Hyaluronic Acid
Pregnancy Safe
Yes βœ”
Fungal Acne Safe
No βœ—
Comedogenic Rating
1/5
πŸ“
Size
2 oz / 56.5g
πŸ’°
Price
$12.00
πŸ’§
Type
Cleansing Balm
🧴
Skin Type
All Skin Types
πŸŒ™
Best For
PM Routine

✨ Texture & Feel

πŸ’§
Consistency
Solid balm-to-oil
πŸ‘ƒ
Scent
Light floral
⏱️
Absorption
Rinses clean
🎯
Finish
Soft & hydrated
🧈

Triple-Texture Transformation

Solid balm melts into a silky oil on contact, then emulsifies into a milky cleanser when water is added, rinsing perfectly clean with no residue.

πŸ’§

Hydrating While Cleansing

Infused with hyaluronic acid and three ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) to hydrate and protect the skin barrier even during the cleansing step.

🧬

Matrixyl 3000 Peptides

Contains Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 to support collagen production and reduce signs of inflammation for a refreshed complexion.

🌻

Nourishing Plant Oils

Sunflower seed oil rich in linoleic acid helps strengthen the skin barrier and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

πŸ›‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility

βœ…
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

❌
Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains several potential triggers: Polysorbate 20, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate (an ester), and fatty acids from sunflower seed oil.

βœ…
Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Despite being an oil-based balm, it emulsifies and rinses clean. Sunflower seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0. The rinse-off nature minimizes pore-clogging risk.

⚠️
Contains Fragrance

Includes Parfum, Geraniol, and Linalool, which are individual fragrance allergens. Those with fragrance sensitivity or very reactive skin should patch test first.

βœ…
Vegan & Cruelty-Free

100% vegan formula. Double-certified cruelty-free by both Leaping Bunny and PETA. Manufactured in Fair Trade Certified facilities.

ℹ️
Compatible with Active Ingredients

As a rinse-off first cleanser, it can be used alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs in the same routine without interaction concerns.

πŸ”¬ Ingredient Breakdown

πŸ’§ Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Proven

A low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin than regular HA. Attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

  • Mechanism: Binds up to 1000x its weight in water, drawing moisture into the skin's surface layers
  • Benefit: Hydrolyzed form has smaller molecules for better absorption compared to standard hyaluronic acid
βœ…
Particularly effective in a cleansing balm as it helps counteract any drying effects of the cleansing process.

πŸ›‘οΈ Ceramide Complex (NP, AP, EOP) Proven

A trio of ceramides that mimic the skin's natural lipid barrier. Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier, making them essential for moisture retention and protection.

  • Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3): Helps restore the skin barrier and improve moisture retention in compromised skin
  • Ceramide AP (Ceramide 6 II): Supports natural exfoliation and barrier repair
  • Ceramide EOP (Ceramide 1): Strengthens the outermost skin barrier layer

🧬 Matrixyl 3000 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 & Tetrapeptide-7) Promising

The world's most sold peptide complex, combining two signal peptides that work synergistically. Tripeptide-1 stimulates collagen synthesis while Tetrapeptide-7 reduces inflammation by inhibiting IL-6 production.

  • Research: In-vitro studies show Matrixyl 3000 can support collagen production and reduce signs of aging
  • Note: Concentrations in this cleansing balm are likely below therapeutic levels (typically <0.01%), and the product is rinsed off
⚠️
As a rinse-off product, peptides have limited contact time with skin. Benefits are more meaningful in leave-on products. Still a nice bonus ingredient.

🌻 Sunflower Seed Oil Proven

Rich in linoleic acid (50-74%) and oleic acid (14-35%), sunflower oil is a well-studied emollient with a comedogenic index of 0. It strengthens the skin barrier and provides antioxidant vitamin E.

  • Research: A single application has been shown to speed skin barrier recovery within one hour with effects lasting up to five hours
  • Benefit: High linoleic acid content is beneficial even for acne-prone skin types

πŸ”¬ Phytosphingosine Proven

A lipid naturally present in the skin that serves as a precursor to ceramides. Has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm irritated skin while supporting barrier function.

  • Function: Supports ceramide production in the skin and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects
  • Synergy: Works alongside the ceramide complex and cholesterol for comprehensive barrier support

29 ingredients

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Polyethylene, PEG-10 Isostearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Water (Aqua), Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Geraniol, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum)

FREE FROM: Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates, Triclosan, Triclocarban, Silicones, Harsh Alcohols, Mineral Oil, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Retinoids

πŸ”„ Where It Fits in Your Routine

1
Cleansing Balm (This Product)
2
Water Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Eye Cream

Use as the first step in your PM double-cleanse routine. Follow with a water-based cleanser like the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser for a thorough yet gentle cleanse.

πŸ“ How to Use

1

Scoop & Apply to Dry Skin

Using the included spatula, scoop out a dime-sized amount of balm and apply it to dry skin. Do not wet your face first β€” the balm needs to dissolve makeup and oils directly.

2

Massage for 30–60 Seconds

Gently massage the balm across your entire face using circular motions. You will feel it melt from a solid into a silky oil as it breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Keep eyes closed when massaging around the eye area.

3

Emulsify with Water

Moisten your fingertips with a little water and continue massaging. The oil will turn into a milky white texture β€” this means it is emulsifying and can now be rinsed away cleanly.

4

Rinse or Wipe Off

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or gently remove with a warm, damp cleansing cloth. Follow with your favorite water-based cleanser for a complete double cleanse.

πŸ‘€ Who Is It For?

βœ… Perfect for you if:

  • You wear makeup daily (including waterproof formulas) and need thorough yet gentle removal
  • You practice double cleansing and want an affordable first-step cleanser
  • Your skin feels dry or tight after using traditional makeup removers or wipes
  • You want barrier-supporting ingredients (ceramides, HA) in your cleanser
  • You are on a budget but want performance comparable to prestige cleansing balms
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe makeup remover

❌ Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) β€” contains multiple FA triggers
  • You are highly sensitive to fragrance β€” contains Parfum, Geraniol, and Linalool
  • You want a completely fragrance-free cleansing balm (try CeraVe or Clinique instead)
  • You prefer a minimal ingredient list with fewer than 10 ingredients
  • You need a standalone cleanser without double cleansing β€” this works best as step 1

🎯 Skin Type Compatibility

Oily Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† Good

Emulsifies well and rinses clean without leaving an oily residue. Oil dissolves oil principle works great for oily skin. Follow with a gel cleanser.

Dry Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Excellent

Ceramides and hyaluronic acid help maintain moisture during cleansing. Leaves skin soft and hydrated rather than tight or stripped.

Combination Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Excellent

Balances well across both oily and dry zones. Dissolves excess oil in the T-zone while nourishing drier cheeks. Ideal for this skin type.

Sensitive Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜† Moderate

Ceramides and phytosphingosine are excellent for sensitive skin, but the added fragrance (Parfum, Geraniol, Linalool) may irritate reactive skin. Patch test recommended.

Acne-Prone Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† Good

Low comedogenic rating and rinses clean. Great for dissolving pore-clogging sunscreen and makeup. Not suitable for fungal acne specifically.

πŸ“ˆ Results Timeline

First Use

Immediate Makeup Removal

Visibly dissolves all makeup including waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, and sunscreen within 30–60 seconds of massaging. Skin feels soft and clean after rinsing.

95% noticed immediately
Week 1

Improved Skin Texture

Skin begins to feel smoother and more supple as the double-cleansing routine removes buildup more effectively than wipes or micellar water alone.

80% noticed
Weeks 2–4

Enhanced Hydration & Glow

Consistent use with ceramides and hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin barrier integrity. Users report fewer dry patches, less tightness after cleansing, and a healthier-looking glow.

70% noticed
1–3 Months

Clearer, Balanced Complexion

Regular double cleansing helps reduce blackheads and congestion from trapped sunscreen and makeup. Skin looks cleaner and more balanced overall.

65% noticed

⭐ Ratings by Platform

πŸ›’ Amazon
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½ 4.5
Rating
18,000+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: Small jar size for the price, some users report fragrance irritation around the eyes
πŸ’… Ulta Beauty
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 4.7
Rating
13,000+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: Wish it came in a larger size, a few users note the fragrance is too strong
🏠 e.l.f. Website
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½ 4.6
Rating
2,500+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: Some users find it does not fully remove heavy waterproof eye makeup in a single pass
πŸ›’ Walmart
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½ 4.5
Rating
3,500+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: Occasional reports of slight eye blurriness after use, resolve quickly with rinsing

βš–οΈ Pros & Cons

βœ… Praised

  • Exceptional value β€” performs comparably to $30–40 prestige cleansing balms at a fraction of the price
  • Melts waterproof mascara and stubborn makeup effortlessly
  • Rinses completely clean with no greasy residue left behind
  • Skin feels soft, hydrated, and plump after use β€” not tight or stripped
  • Includes skincare-grade ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and Fair Trade Certified
  • Comes with a hygienic spatula for scooping
  • A little goes a long way β€” dime-sized amount is sufficient

❌ Criticized

  • Contains fragrance (Parfum, Geraniol, Linalool) which may irritate sensitive skin or eyes
  • Small 2 oz jar can run out fast for daily users (jumbo 3.5 oz available for $20)
  • Not fungal acne safe due to esters, polysorbates, and fatty acids
  • Peptide benefits are minimal in a rinse-off formula
  • Some users report slight eye blurriness if not rinsed thoroughly
  • Texture is slightly firmer than some luxury balms β€” requires more warming between hands

πŸ’° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)

85% Match
Pond's Cold Cream Cleansing Balm
$9.97 Budget Pick

Similar balm-to-oil texture at an even lower price point with a larger 3.38 oz size. Lacks ceramides and peptides but effectively removes makeup. Fragrance-free option available.

75% Match
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
$9.99 Budget Pick

Oat-based formula with colloidal oatmeal for soothing sensitive skin. Similar cleansing balm format but focuses more on calming inflammation than hydration. Slightly smaller size.

70% Match
Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm
$10.00 Budget Pick

Minimalist formula with fewer ingredients. Effective at dissolving makeup and sunscreen. Lacks the ceramide and peptide complex but also lacks fragrance β€” better for sensitive skin.

πŸ”„ Comparison with Competitors

Clinique Take The Day Off Balm

$36.00
Key Ingredients Safflower Oil, Vitamin E
Size 3.8 oz (125ml)
Fragrance No
Fungal Acne Safe No
Vegan / Cruelty-Free No / No
Price per oz $9.47/oz

Banila Co Clean It Zero Original

$19.00
Key Ingredients Vitamin E, Plant Extracts
Size 3.38 oz (100ml)
Fragrance Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Vegan / Cruelty-Free Yes / Yes
Price per oz $5.62/oz

CeraVe Cleansing Balm

$16.99
Key Ingredients Ceramides, Jojoba Oil
Size 4.2 oz (120g)
Fragrance No
Fungal Acne Safe No
Vegan / Cruelty-Free No / No
Price per oz $4.05/oz

πŸ“¦ Storage & Shelf Life

πŸ“…
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

🏠
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the lid tightly closed. Avoid storing in humid bathrooms as moisture can affect the balm consistency.

πŸ“¦
Packaging

Screw-top jar with included hygienic spatula. Available in 2 oz standard and 3.5 oz jumbo sizes.

✈️
Travel Friendly

Yes β€” solid balm format is TSA-friendly and leak-proof, no liquid restrictions apply. The 2 oz jar is compact enough for carry-on luggage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. This cleansing balm contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula primarily consists of gentle emollients, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides β€” none of which are flagged as pregnancy concerns.

No. This product contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne, including: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate (an ester), Polysorbate 20, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, and fatty acids from sunflower seed oil. If you have malassezia folliculitis, consider a fungal-acne-safe cleansing balm like the Malezia Cleansing Balm instead.

Yes. As a rinse-off first cleanser, this product is fully compatible with all active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). It is rinsed off completely before you apply any treatment products, so there is no risk of interaction. In fact, thorough double cleansing helps your actives penetrate more effectively.

This cleansing balm is formulated for all skin types. It is especially excellent for dry and combination skin thanks to the ceramide complex and hyaluronic acid. Oily skin types will appreciate how cleanly it rinses. The only caveat is for very sensitive skin β€” the added fragrance (Parfum, Geraniol, Linalool) may cause irritation, so patch testing is recommended.

Makeup removal results are immediate from the very first use. Within the first week, you should notice softer, smoother skin texture. After 2–4 weeks of consistent double cleansing, users typically report improved hydration, fewer dry patches, and a healthier glow. Reduced congestion and fewer blackheads may be noticed after 1–3 months of regular use.

This cleansing balm is used as the very first step in your PM skincare routine, applied to dry skin before any other product. It is your "first cleanse" in a double-cleansing method. After rinsing it off, follow with a water-based cleanser (second cleanse), then proceed with toner, serum, moisturizer, and eye cream. It is primarily an evening product for removing the day's makeup and sunscreen.

This cleansing balm has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. Although it contains oils and emollients, it is designed to emulsify with water and rinse completely clean, leaving no pore-clogging residue behind. Sunflower seed oil, a key ingredient, has a comedogenic index of 0. Many users with acne-prone skin report no breakouts from this product. However, it is not suitable for fungal acne.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Since you only need a dime-sized amount per use, the 2 oz jar typically lasts 2–3 months with daily use, and some users report getting up to 6 months out of a jar. The jumbo 3.5 oz size lasts proportionally longer. Always use the included spatula to maintain hygiene and avoid introducing bacteria into the jar.

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†
4.3 out of 5

Verdict: The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm delivers outstanding performance at a drugstore price point, rivaling cleansing balms that cost 3–4x more. The triple-texture transformation melts away even stubborn waterproof makeup with ease, while ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides provide skincare benefits beyond basic cleansing. The main drawbacks are the added fragrance (a dealbreaker for fragrance-sensitive users) and the small 2 oz standard size. It is also not suitable for those with fungal acne. Overall, this is one of the best value cleansing balms on the market and an excellent entry point for anyone new to double cleansing.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Ceramide 3 Ceramide 6 II
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Glycerin
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
53% 15% 30%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 26 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 B
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
ache Ache-fighting
1 A
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
0 Unknown
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
3 Unknown
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
1 A
Polyethylene
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Abrasive, Bulking Agent, Adhesive
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS