HydroPeptide Makeup Melt

HydroPeptide Makeup Melt is a botanical cleansing balm. It starts as a solid balm, melts into a silky oil as you massage it over dry skin, and dissolves makeup, sunscreen and daily build-up. Its patented L22 Lipid Complex and blend of sunflower, coconut and macadamia oils cleanse while helping to support the skin's moisture barrier, so skin feels soft rather than stripped.

Yes. HydroPeptide states that Makeup Melt easily removes daily debris, build-up and all types of makeup, including waterproof formulas. Lightly massage the eye area for a few extra seconds to let long-wear mascara break down before removing with a warm, damp cloth. It also lifts mineral and chemical sunscreens as a first cleanse.

Yes. Makeup Melt is formulated for all skin types and is particularly well suited to dry, dehydrated, dull or sensitised skin because it cleanses with nourishing lipids and oils rather than foaming surfactants. Many people with dry skin use it as their only evening cleanse; on days when you have worn SPF or heavier makeup, follow with a gentle second cleanser.

HydroPeptide recommends it if you have been wearing SPF or makeup, or if your skin is prone to oiliness and breakouts. Use Makeup Melt as your first cleanse to dissolve everything on the surface, then follow with a non-oil cleanser such as HydroPeptide Cleansing Gel or Exfoliating Cleanser to finish. On a bare-faced day a single cleanse with the balm is usually enough.

It can be. Oil-based balms are very effective at dissolving sebum and sunscreen, which is why a first cleanse with Makeup Melt followed by a second, non-oil cleanser is HydroPeptide's own advice for oilier skin. If you prefer to avoid balm textures altogether, HydroPeptide Cleansing Gel is the brand's lighter alternative.

It is one of the strongest options we stock for dry and dehydrated skin. What sets HydroPeptide Makeup Melt apart from ordinary balms is the L22 Lipid Complex, designed to reflect the surface lipids of healthy young skin, alongside shea butter, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. The result is a cleanse that leaves dry skin feeling comfortable and hydrated rather than tight.

HydroPeptide formulates Makeup Melt free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates and gluten, and the brand is cruelty-free. It is not fragrance-free in the strict sense: the formula contains a blend of botanical extracts including lavender, jasmine, rose and citrus peel, which give it a light natural scent. If you are highly reactive to botanical extracts, patch test first.

HydroPeptide's US site shows a formula that includes beeswax and cocoa seed butter, while the UK formula listed by HydroPeptide UK does not. The ingredient list under Other Ingredients on this page is the UK version, which is the product we supply. If you have used Makeup Melt before and want to compare, check the list on your existing tube against the one shown here.

Makeup Melt contains no retinoids, hydroxy acids or other ingredients commonly avoided during pregnancy, and it is rinsed off rather than left on the skin. It is generally considered suitable for use while pregnant or breastfeeding, but every pregnancy is different, so please check with your midwife, GP or pharmacist if you have any concerns.