# CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

Brand: [CeraVe](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/cerave)
Category: [Makeup removers](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/makeup-removers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for combination skin; a few pre-cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent makeup removal for your combination skin due to ethylhexyl palmitate and peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate effectively dissolving impurities, while ceramides and cholesterol support barrier repair.
- While it provides general cleansing benefits, it lacks specialized ingredients to address your oily shine concerns.
- The formula is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin): High (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Jojoba Seed Oil, Tocopherol

## What the research says

- Clay jojoba oil facial masks reduced total skin lesions by a mean of 54% after 6 weeks in 133 participants with acne-prone, lesioned skin and mild acne compared to baseline. ([Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22585103/))
- Topical application of jojoba wax reduced LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα by approximately 30% and increased the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid compared to untreated skin in an ex-vivo human skin organ culture model. ([Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/))
- Topical jojoba oil application in male mice decreased exercise-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression (Il-1b and Il-6 in soleus, Il-1b in gastrocnemius) compared to untreated exercised mice. ([Biomolecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41154623/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate. ([Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this balm is highly recommended by users with sensitive and dry skin for its effective makeup removal without stripping moisture. While most users find it excellent for all types of makeup, a significant number of reviews mention the small product size relative to its price and a plastic-like smell despite the product being fragrance-free.

- Liked: Hydrating and non-stripping (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Small size, poor value (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective makeup removal (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle on sensitive skin (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes blurry vision (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Leaves oily residue (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant smell (sometimes noted)

## How to apply

- Use this makeup remover PM as the first step of your evening routine to clear away excess oil.
- Apply this makeup remover before your regular cleanser to effectively break down heavy makeup and dirt.
- Gently wipe the makeup remover across your face using a soft cotton pad, avoiding harsh rubbing.
- Use the makeup remover on completely dry skin to help dissolve surface oils and impurities best.
- Avoid direct contact with the eyes while using this makeup remover.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c35a78bc839b6c00f5359ad6ae653522.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm a great fit for combination skin?

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm is a great fit because ethylhexyl palmitate and peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate effectively dissolve impurities, while ceramides and cholesterol support barrier repair for your combination skin. It also has a safe formula with no risks of irritation from harsh ingredients.

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Ethylhexyl palmitate and peg-20 glyceryl triisostearate make this cleanser a great fit because they effectively dissolve makeup and impurities on combination skin. Additionally, ceramides and cholesterol support barrier repair.

### What do Ceramides do for combination skin?

Ceramides help balance combination skin by supporting the skin barrier in dry areas without feeling heavy on oily zones, keeping the skin smooth and comfortable. They play an essential role in maintaining the outer water barrier, and a moisturizer with ceramides and light hydrators works well for this skin type.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/)

### What does Ceramide AP do for combination skin?

Ceramide AP helps keep combination skin feeling soft and balanced by supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier and holding in hydration. This type of product works best when it contains lightweight hydrators and skin-softening ingredients that nourish dry areas without feeling heavy on oilier spots.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40408261/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser, and also as the first step of your weekly routine. It is a great fit for your combination skin because it easily dissolves impurities while helping repair your skin barrier, though it does not target oily shine.

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine before your cleanser and retinol treatment. The formula is safe for your skin and is unlikely to cause irritation.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

Use this makeup remover in the evening to take off your makeup as part of your routine. It is a great fit for your combination skin because it safely melts away impurities and helps repair your skin barrier, though it does not target oily shine.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm is unlikely to cause breakouts or purging for combination skin, as its formula is safe and free of harsh irritants. However, because it can leave an oily residue, it may not fully address oily shine concerns and requires a gentle cleanser afterward to keep pores clear.

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $50.00 at Amazon
- [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cetaphil/gentle-makeup-removing-wipes/for/combination-skin) — High fit — $6.97 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $11.68 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1PP1XCM?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Simmondsia Chinensis Jojoba Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Benzoic Acid, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/makeup-removing-cleanser-balm/for/combination-skin