Product Review: CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths

I haven't had much luck with most makeup removal cloths. They're either too dry, have too much fragrance, or they just don't remove my makeup. But I would love to find one that works for me because they're so nice for travel. Since I really like CeraVe's PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and Skin Renewing Night Cream, when I saw their new Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths, I had to get them.


The package says they can be used for normal to dry skin - and also for acne-prone skin and eczema-prone skin. It's like an ad written just for me! It says they're non-drying, non-irritating, and will gently remove even waterproof mascara. They also carry the NEA (National Eczema Association) Seal of Acceptance.

I checked out the ingredients, and they looked okay. There were no ingredients that I hadn't used before and/or am not using now. Plus I didn't plan to use them nightly, just mostly when I travel.


Ingredients: Water, Mineral Oil, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, 1,2 Hexanediol, Polyacrylamide, Disodium EDTA, Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

They come packaged 25 cloths in a pouch with a resealable pull tab. I purchased mine on Amazon for around $9, which I guess isn't too bad if I only need to use one per cleansing session.


I thought the cloths felt wet enough to actually remove some makeup without being drippy. However, they didn't remove all of my foundation and didn't even come close to removing my waterproof eye makeup - especially my mascara.


Unfortunately, the biggest problem was the fact that the second I touched the cloth to my skin, I felt a burning sensation. I continued to gently cleanse my face, hoping it would stop - but it was bad. My face was really red and felt like it was on fire. Once I was finished, I had to rewash my face - not just to get it clean, but also to stop the burning.

Pictured below - The waterproof mascara and eye makeup I removed from my eyes after I had used the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloth:


Pictured below - The foundation I removed from my face after I had used the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloth:


To give the product the benefit of the doubt, I waited a couple of days, then gave it another try. Nope. No way. Same thing happened again - my skin started burning as soon as I touched the cloth to it. I rechecked the ingredient list, but there isn't anything on it that has caused an issue for me in the past. I know niacinamide can cause a burning sensation, but I use other products with niacinamide. So unless it has a ton of it, I doubt that is the culprit.

In my excitement to try the product, I skipped my own golden rule. Read the reviews. Had I read them, I would've seen that many other people also experienced the burning sensation. Since I purchased my product from Amazon, returning it wasn't an option (they'll allow returns, but you have to pay return shipping which is often more than the item itself). I decided to go to the CeraVe website and contact customer service. They responded in less than 24 hours, and offered to send a prepaid label so I could return the product. Once they receive the product, they will issue a refund.

I was very impressed with the CeraVe customer service! If you have purchased these cleansing cloths, had problems, and can't return them to the place of purchase - try contacting the CeraVe customer service. I'm hoping they're considering a reformulation or at least looking into some of the current batches to see if there is a problem.

Onward with my search for the perfect a good a makeup removal cloth that works without burning my skin off!

Any recommendations for a makeup removal cloth?