10 Best Makeup Removers in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Cleansing balms are made up of oil-based ingredients and emollients that are friendly to the skin and help soften it, too. They are usually packed in tubs since they are in solid form. It's essentially the same formula as cleansing oil—both make use of oil to remove grime. However, this is more travel-friendly because of its packaging.

The consistency is usually thick, rich, and great to lather with to remove excess dirt and impurities. They are an effective way to thoroughly cleanse heavy makeup—including waterproof ones—and heavy sunscreens. Since it's very light on the skin, this is recommended for all skin types.

Cleansing oils have lipophilic properties, which means that they can naturally dissolve other types of oils. So, they are quite effective at easily removing excess sebum and the oil-based ingredients in makeup or sunscreen. Cleansing oils are also recommended for all skin types, but most especially for those with dry skin because of their extra nourishing properties.

They usually come in a pump tube for convenient dispensing and application. Just be careful, though, as they can leak all over your bag when traveling. Other than that, it works just as well as a cleansing balm, and choosing between the two types all comes down to personal preference. 

Micellar water is gentle to use on the face as a cleanser and it breaks up makeup quite well on the too, depending on how waterproof the makeup is. It can also serve as a toner since it can draw out impurities from your skin without over stripping it from its natural oils. Makeup artists also enjoy using this to clean makeup brushes. 

However, it is still recommended to wash your face afterward with a gentle cleanser. Since micellar water may contain surfactants that can be left on your skin and may lead to the other products you apply after not being absorbed well.

Sometimes, we just don’t have the energy or time to do our complete skincare routine. That’s when makeup wipes come in handy! Just one pull and you can easily remove your makeup. It’s most convenient especially if you are in a situation where you cannot go to the sink and wash your face right away. 

However, experts say that makeup wipes don't actually remove makeup or cleanse the face properly. So, if at all possible, it is still best to wash your face with a cleanser afterward. Also, keep in mind that an average makeup wipe takes 100 years to decompose. It is recommended to opt for eco-friendly wipes to lessen the waste.

The most important thing to note when buying products for dry skin is the inclusion of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. Glycolic acids and plant oils like avocado oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, citrus oil, and sunflower oil are also great sources of antioxidants. They have skin barrier repair functions, leaving your skin so smooth!

Skin-friendly vitamins like Vitamins B and E are packed with nutrients for dry skin as well. Humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and peptides are also good ingredients to consider since they keep the skin plumped and supple. Aside from these, ceramides and moringa extracts are also found to prevent dryness and irritation as it provides moisture to the skin.

Simple ingredients, such as natural ones, will be more helpful if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin. Look for soothing ingredients such as green tea and turmeric, since these are powerful antioxidants that can calm inflammation and keep your skin moisturized. Aloe vera is also known to aid in healing skin that has been burnt or irritated. 

Oils such as sunflower oil, macadamia nut oil, black currant seed oil, and avocado oil are also considered to be gentle on the skin and less likely to cause any flare-ups. Lastly, try to look for labels like paraben-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or dermatologist-tested on the label to make sure that the product is safe for you.