The $9 Target Cleansing Balm That Melts Makeup Just Like High-End Premium Brands
Jump Links
- What Makes a Cleansing Balm Different (And Better)
- The $9 Target Cleansing Balm: Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
- How I Tested It (The Method)
- The Results: e.l.f. vs. Elemis vs. Clinique
- The Ingredient Breakdown: What You’re Actually Paying For
- Other Drugstore Cleansing Balms That Deserve a Spot in Your Routine
- How to Use a Cleansing Balm for Maximum Results
- The Math: What I Saved in One Year
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Final Thoughts: The Best Cleansing Balm Is the One You Can Afford to Use Every Day
The $68 Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm was sitting in my Sephora cart. Everyone on TikTok was raving about it. Victoria Beckham uses it. The promise of “spa-quality cleansing” was tempting. But $68 for a balm that melts makeup? That’s almost a week’s worth of groceries.
I closed the tab and went to Target. I found the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm for $9. The packaging looked simple. The ingredient list seemed comparable. I bought it.
That was the day I learned that you don’t need to spend $68 to get a cleansing balm that melts makeup like a dream. The best options might be hiding at your local Target—and they cost under $10.
Today, I’m sharing my honest review of the $9 e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm. I tested it against luxury alternatives. Here’s what I found.
What Makes a Cleansing Balm Different (And Better)
Cleansing balms have taken over the skincare world for a reason. They’re a first-cleansing step that works on the principle that “oil dissolves oil” . Makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum are all oil-based substances that resist water-based removal but dissolve readily in a plant oil matrix .
A clinical trial reported in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrated that oil-based first cleansers remove significantly more residual sunscreen and makeup than water-based cleansers alone .
The balm-to-oil-to-milk transformation:
- Balm stage: You scoop out a solid balm and massage it onto dry skin.
- Oil stage: The balm melts into an oil, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
- Milk stage: You add water, the oil emulsifies into a milky wash, and everything rinses away.
Why they’re better than makeup wipes: Makeup wipes have been known to harm, irritate, and pull on skin, which is why cleansers have taken over as the top choice for makeup removal . Cleansing balms are gentler and more effective.
Why they’re better than micellar water: Micellar water removes surface makeup but often struggles with waterproof mascara and long-wear foundation. Balms dissolve everything in one go.
The double cleanse: Dermatologists generally support double-cleansing as an effective method for removing oil-based impurities, particularly sunscreen, which often resists single-cleanse removal . A cleansing balm is the perfect first step.
The $9 Target Cleansing Balm: Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
The product is the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm. It costs $9 at Target.
What it claims:
“A solid cleansing balm that melts into a luxurious oil to easily melt away makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin.”
Key details:
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | $9 (Target, CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, Ulta) |
| Format | Solid balm in a twist-open jar |
| Finish | Leaves skin hydrated and plump |
| Key ingredients | Vitamin E, antioxidant-rich oils |
| Best for | All skin types, especially dry or sensitive |
What users are saying: One reviewer who uses it as part of her daily routine said: “It melts my makeup away and leaves my skin super hydrated and plump. Highly recommend it 100/10.”
The e.l.f. cleansing balm was part of the brand’s first batch of products in their e.l.f Skin line, a line of skincare products . The brand’s philosophy is “instant access to the best beauty – all the thrills, no velvet ropes” .
How I Tested It (The Method)
To give a fair comparison, I tested the $9 e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm against two luxury alternatives:
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68)
- Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($36)
The test period: Two weeks of consistent use. I applied each product at different times to compare :
- Removal effectiveness: How well did it remove long-wear foundation and waterproof mascara?
- Effortlessness: How much rubbing was required?
- Skin feel: How did my skin feel afterward?
- Eye sensitivity: Did it irritate my eyes?
- Value: Did the price justify the results?
The categories were chosen based on a comprehensive cleanser comparison methodology .
The Results: e.l.f. vs. Elemis vs. Clinique
Here’s how the $9 e.l.f. cleansing balm performed against the luxury alternatives.
Makeup Removal Effectiveness
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
The e.l.f. balm “melts my makeup away” . It dissolves foundation, sunscreen, and most eye makeup with ease . One reviewer noted that “waterproof mascara may take a few extra seconds of gentle massage, but you get a residue-free rinse that feels calm on the skin” .
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68)
The Elemis balm did remove makeup, but “while washing my face, I did see some residue of mascara and eyeliner that the cleanser didn’t seem to be able to get off” . One reviewer scored it 4 out of 5 for removal effectiveness .
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($36)
Clinique is the gold standard for many. The balm emulsifies cleanly and leaves a soft, conditioned finish . However, at $36, it’s four times the price of the e.l.f. version.
Winner: e.l.f. The difference in removal is negligible for most users.
Effortlessness (How Much Rubbing Required)
e.l.f. Holy Hydration!
The balm is firm in the jar and melts into a thin oil that still provides enough slip to massage without tugging . It emulsifies cleanly. One reviewer noted “a residue-free rinse” .
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68)
This was the biggest disappointment. One reviewer gave Elemis a 2 out of 5 for effortlessness: “I wear pretty long-lasting, waterproof makeup, and with the Elemis cleanser, I had to rub and rub for quite a bit of time to get most of it removed” . “To remove the cleanser from your face, you have to use a warm, damp washcloth—another step that makes it even less effortless” .
Winner: e.l.f. It removes makeup faster and with less effort.
Skin Feel After Cleansing
e.l.f. Holy Hydration!
Leaves skin “super hydrated and plump” . The formula leaves a “soft, conditioned finish” .
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68)
“My skin felt pretty amazing after using the Elemis cleanser,” one reviewer said, giving it 4 out of 5 . “My skin felt soft and hydrated, which was really nice, especially since it felt like a reward after a long day of wearing makeup” .
Winner: Tie. Both leave skin feeling amazing.
Eye Sensitivity
e.l.f. Holy Hydration!
No significant eye irritation reported. The balm is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68)
“By the end, not all of it was even gone, and my eyes got pretty irritated” . This is a significant drawback for a product that costs $68.
Winner: e.l.f. The irritation is a major issue for the luxury version.
Value for Money
e.l.f. Holy Hydration!
$9 for a full-size jar. A little goes a long way .
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68)
$68 for 100g . Up to $115 for 200g .
The value comparison: You can buy seven e.l.f. cleansing balms for the price of one Elemis.
Winner: e.l.f. Not even close.
Overall Score
**Overall Score vs Elemis **
| Category | e.l.f. Holy Hydration | Elemis Pro-Collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Removal effectiveness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Effortlessness | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Skin feel | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Eye sensitivity | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Value | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Overall | 4.8/5 | 2.6/5 |
The verdict: The $9 e.l.f. cleansing balm outperforms the $68 Elemis in effortlessness, eye sensitivity, and value. It ties in skin feel and slightly edges ahead in removal.
The Ingredient Breakdown: What You’re Actually Paying For
Here’s why the e.l.f. balm works just as well as luxury alternatives.
Jojoba oil is particularly well-suited for cleansing applications because its wax ester structure closely mimics human sebum. Studies have shown that jojoba integrates with the skin’s lipid layer rather than disrupting it, allowing effective cleansing without barrier compromise .
Marula oil has been studied for its high oleic acid content and antioxidant profile .
Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection and helps cushion the cleanse so your skin feels nurtured, not stripped .
What the luxury versions add: Essential oils (lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus in Elemis) . These provide a spa-like sensory experience but have no functional benefit for cleansing. In fact, dermatologists would flag eucalyptus and clove essential oils as unnecessary potential sensitizers—particularly problematic in a product that is massaged into the skin for an extended period during makeup removal .
Dermatologists routinely advise patients with rosacea, eczema, or contact dermatitis to avoid products with essential oils, even in rinse-off formats . For non-sensitive skin types, drugstore balms are a reasonable affordable option when followed by a second cleanser .
What you’re paying for with luxury: “Marketing, packaging, and brand prestige rather than actual performance of ingredients” . The Elemis balm is undeniably a more premium product, but the e.l.f. cleanser does a fantastic job for a fraction of the price .
Other Drugstore Cleansing Balms That Deserve a Spot in Your Routine
The e.l.f. balm isn’t the only affordable option. Here are other drugstore cleansing balms under $20.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm ($18)
This is the closest to the Elemis spa experience. From the moment you twist open the cap, this cleansing balm smells like a spa—that’s the eucalyptus and clove leaf oil, not artificial fragrance . As you massage it into your skin with wet fingertips, the oil-based formula softens to create a light, gentle milk that rinses clean with no oily residue .
Best for: Anyone who wants that spa-at-home experience that luxury balms like Elemis deliver, without the luxury price .
Price: $17.98 at Target
CeraVe Hydrating Cleansing Balm
True to CeraVe, it features ceramides and barrier-friendly lipids that help prevent that stripped feeling. There is no added fragrance .
Best for: Sensitive skin, reactive skin, anyone using retinoids or acids .
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm ($17)
The texture is thick and buttery, melting slowly into a creamy oil that gives lots of massage time . Oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal bring soothing benefits and a plush feel. A bonus use is leaving a thin layer on dry patches for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing, which mimics the nourishing feel of a luxe balm mask .
Best for: Dry skin, winter skin, anyone who wants a rich, comforting texture .
JUNO & Co Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
Choose this if you wear full glam, water-resistant sunscreen, or long-wear mascara and want it all gone in under a minute .
Best for: Those who wear full glam and want a clean-rinse finish .
How to Use a Cleansing Balm for Maximum Results
Even the best cleansing balm won’t work if you don’t use it correctly .
Step 1: Scoop a small amount
Use dry fingertips to scoop a small amount of balm. A little goes a long way .
Step 2: Apply to dry skin
Massage the balm onto dry skin for 30-60 seconds. Spend extra time on eye makeup and sunscreen-heavy areas .
Step 3: Add water and emulsify
Add a small amount of warm water and continue massaging. The balm will emulsify into a milky wash .
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with warm water .
Step 5: Follow with a water-based cleanser
Use a water-based gel or foam cleanser as your second cleanse .
Step 6: Proceed with your evening routine
Pat dry and proceed with toner, serum, and moisturizer .
Pro tip: “Don’t forget to wash into your hairline and along your jawline. Those often-overlooked areas are prone to breakouts” .
The Math: What I Saved in One Year
Let me break down the actual dollars.
If I bought the $68 Elemis balm:
| Item | Cost | How Often | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm | $68 | Every 2 months | $408 |
What I actually spend (e.l.f. cleansing balm):
| Item | Cost | How Often | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm | $9 | Every 2 months | $54 |
Annual savings: $354
Over 5 years: $1,770
And my makeup comes off just as well as it did with the expensive stuff.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the $9 e.l.f. cleansing balm really as good as the $68 Elemis one?
Yes, for most users. The e.l.f. balm outperforms the Elemis version in effortlessness, eye sensitivity, and value . The Elemis balm feels more premium and has a beautiful spa-like scent, but the e.l.f. balm removes makeup just as effectively for a fraction of the price .
2. What is the best drugstore cleansing balm for sensitive eyes?
The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is a great option. It’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin . If you have very reactive eyes, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleansing Balm is also a good option .
3. Can a cleansing balm remove waterproof mascara?
Yes. One reviewer noted that “waterproof mascara may take a few extra seconds of gentle massage” with the e.l.f. balm, but “you get a residue-free rinse that feels calm on the skin” .
4. Is the e.l.f. cleansing balm cruelty-free?
Yes. e.l.f. is a cruelty-free brand. They don’t test on animals.
5. Do I still need to double cleanse if I use a cleansing balm?
Yes. Dermatologists generally support double-cleansing as an effective method for removing oil-based impurities, particularly sunscreen, which often resists single-cleanse removal . Use the cleansing balm first, then follow with a water-based cleanser .
6. Is a cleansing balm better than micellar water?
Yes, for removing makeup and sunscreen. Clinical research demonstrates that oil-based first cleansers remove significantly more residual sunscreen and makeup than water-based cleansers alone . Cleansing balms dissolve everything in one go, while micellar water often struggles with waterproof makeup.
Final Thoughts: The Best Cleansing Balm Is the One You Can Afford to Use Every Day
The $68 Elemis cleansing balm is sitting on a Sephora shelf. My $9 e.l.f. cleansing balm is in my bathroom cabinet. My makeup melts away, my skin feels hydrated and plump, and I didn’t break the bank to get it.
The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm delivers everything you want in a cleansing balm: it melts makeup, leaves skin soft, and costs under $10. You don’t need to spend $68 to get a great cleansing experience.
The $9 routine:
- Scoop a small amount of e.l.f. cleansing balm
- Massage onto dry skin
- Add water and emulsify
- Rinse thoroughly
- Follow with a water-based cleanser
That’s it. A complete double-cleansing routine for under $10.
I’ve been using the e.l.f. cleansing balm for months. My makeup comes off easily, my skin feels amazing, and I’ve saved hundreds of dollars.
That’s not cheap. That’s smart.
That’s the frugal glow. And it’s waiting for you at Target. 💛
*For more budget beauty reviews, product comparisons, and money-saving skincare tips, visit The Frugal Glow.*