Use a mild, non-soap cleanser, warm water and your fingertips to wash off water-resistant sunscreen; rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry. Avoid scrubbing or repeated cleansing. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says one evening wash may be enough for some people with dry or sensitive skin.
What “water-resistant” means
Water-resistant sunscreen is not waterproof. The label indicates whether the sunscreen stays effective on wet skin for 40 or 80 minutes; those are water-resistance durations, not instructions for how hard to cleanse afterward. See the AAD’s guide to understanding sunscreen labels.
How to wash it off gently
- Wet your skin with warm water. Use a mild, non-soap cleanser rather than a harsh or abrasive product. A fragrance-free option is a reasonable choice if your skin is easily irritated.
- Cleanse with your fingertips. Gently work the cleanser over the sunscreen-covered skin. Skip scrubbing and rough washcloths, which can irritate skin.
- Rinse thoroughly. Cleanser left on the skin can cause irritation, according to the AAD’s rosacea skin-care guidance.
- Pat dry. Use a clean towel and avoid rubbing.
Do you need an oil cleanser or a double cleanse?
The AAD guidance cited here recommends gentle cleansing but does not establish that oil cleansing, a dedicated sunscreen remover or double cleansing is necessary, or that one cleanser type removes water-resistant sunscreen better than another. Choose a mild product that rinses off thoroughly and does not provoke your symptoms; avoid adding extra cleansing steps just to compensate for scrubbing.
If your skin is dry or sensitive
Keep the routine modest. The AAD’s dermatologist’s guide to skin care says washing once per day in the evening may be sufficient for people with dry or sensitive skin. If your skin feels uncomfortable after washing, avoid repeating the cleanse aggressively.
#1 Best Overall
- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for Waterproof Makeup: Use this gentle yet powerful makeup remover to remove stubborn waterproof makeup; Safe for use in the eye area, and for removing longwear lipsticks, while leaving skin clean and refreshed, never dry
- Micellar Water is effective yet gentle; It's simple, micellar cleansing water lifts away dirt, makeup, and excess oil, all in just a few swipes; No rinsing, no harsh rubbing just refreshed skin, and a face washed clean and cleared of impurities
- Remove tough makeup even the leading wipes can’t, leaves less waterproof mascara residue. Use Waterproof Micellar Cleansing Water plus Reusable Eco Pads.
- Garnier SkinActive was developed with gentle formulas and naturally derived ingredients to leave your skin looking fresh and healthy, no matter your skin type, Find the face wash, moisturizer, makeup remover, or mask for you
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If a cleanser or sunscreen causes a reaction
For a new skin-care product, the AAD recommends testing it on a small area for seven to 10 days. For a wash-off product, use it for the normal contact time or leave it on for five minutes, as directed. If a reaction develops, wash the product off and stop using it. Seek a dermatologist’s advice for a severe or persistent reaction. See the AAD’s instructions for testing skin-care products.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SILKY BALM CLEANSER: Gently melt away makeup and sunscreen with this luxe, lightweight makeup cleansing balm. Cleans thoroughly, rinses off completely.
- BALM-TO-OIL FORMULA: Transforms from a solid makeup-melting balm to an oil cleanser upon application. Feels silky on skin.
- THOROUGH REMOVAL: This facial cleanser is gentle yet effective. Over 95% removal of face makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants.*
- CLINICAL EXPERTISE: Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free. Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested. Safe for sensitive eyes. Safe for sensitive skin.
- BUILT ON DERMATOLOGICAL SCIENCE: As a dermatologist-guided brand, Clinique’s commitment to safety starts with skincare science. We partner with the best minds in dermatology and formulate for all skin types, tones, concerns—in service of all skin.
Rank #4
- [ CLEANSING BALM FOR FACE ] CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, enriched with three essential ceramides, removes stubborn makeup without a greasy residue, ideal as a travel makeup remover
- [ EYE MAKEUP REMOVER WITH JOJOBA OIL ] This gentle yet effective makeup remover balm incorporates jojoba oil, leaving skin smooth, soothed, and radiant. Effective on waterproof makeup and mascara
- [ FOR SENSITIVE SKIN ] Designed for sensitive skin, this makeup cleansing balm combines jojoba oil for face and ceramides for hydration without irritation. Free from fragrance, parabens, and soap, it's non-comedogenic and allergy-tested
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Featuring a trio of essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), this makeup remover cleanser helps sustain the skin’s natural barrier. Great christmas gifts for women
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe’s makeup balm remover is suitable for various skin types, including dry, oily, and acne-prone skin. It ensures effective cleansing while maintaining skin health
Rank #3
- EFFORTLESSLY REMOVE MINERAL SUNSCREEN: Breaks down zinc fast, even stubborn formulas in beards or on kids' faces. No scrubbing, no white residue
- HYDRATE & NOURISH WHILE YOU CLEAN: Coconut oil and aloe vera break down sunscreen while locking in moisture so skin feels soft, never dry
- AFTER-SUN RELIEF FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES: Doubles as an after-sun lotion to calm and repair sun-exposed skin after surfing, hiking, skiing, or a long day outdoors
- GENTLE ON KIDS & FAMILIES: Made for parents, surfers, and athletes who wear zinc every day. Reef-safe and gentle enough for kids' faces
- TRAVEL-READY & PLANET CONSCIOUS: Packaged in a compact recyclable tin for beach bags, ski packs, and travel kits-clean skin anywhere without harming the ocean
Rank #2
- 2 IN 1: ERASE AND EXFOLIATE - Use the short fiber side to erase sunscreen and SPF residue in gentle circular motions, then flip to the long fiber side (side with tag) to exfoliate the skin. Continue in gentle circular motions for flawless skin.
- BYE BYE RESIDUE The Original Sunscreen Eraser is a premium, patented, polyester cloth made up of millions of tiny hair-like fibers that work together to create a "suction" for all sunscreen, dirt, makeup, and oil in your pores with no greasy feel.
- OUR MISSION: Creating the most sustainable makeup and sunscreen removal product by using only the most accessible resource available: WATER. We truly believe we can eliminate the 3rd most wasteful product in the world: WIPES
- GAME-CHANGING BENEFITS: Completely remove stubborn sunscreen gently & with no added chemicals. Free of alcohol, oils, parabens, fragrances, & sulfates. Reusable, machine washable, & lasts 3-5 years. Great for sensitive skin & dermatologist approved.
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