Curel Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Gel, Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover and Gentle Facial Cleanser for Dry, Sensitive Skin, Step 1 of 2, 4.5 Oz Review
Our verdict
Curel's Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Gel is a gentle, unscented first step cleanser built for dry and sensitive skin, and a 4.2 star average from 434 reviews suggests it is a dependable pick for anyone who wears waterproof eye makeup.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Dry or sensitive skin types who wear waterproof eye makeup and want a gentle first cleanse in a two step routine.
Skip if
You wear heavy, long wear face makeup daily and need one strong single step remover, since this gel is designed as step 1 of a 2 step cleansing system.
- Priced 28% below the category median ($19.99 across 238 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 434 owner ratings
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Popularity2.4/5
434 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
This gel is positioned as step 1 of a 2 step cleansing routine, built around glycerin and formulated for dry and sensitive skin. It is meant to remove waterproof eye makeup while still being gentle enough to use daily, with an unscented, pH balanced formula that aims to be non stripping and residue free.
The 4.5 ounce bottle keeps things simple, with no added fragrance and a cruelty free, artificial color free ingredient list, which fits skin that reacts easily to heavier formulas. Because it is step 1 of 2, it is meant to be paired with a follow up cleanser rather than used entirely on its own.
At 4.2 stars from 434 reviews, the feedback is solid, though both the review count and recent monthly purchase activity are more modest than some of the bigger sellers in this category.
Pros
- Removes waterproof eye makeup while staying gentle on skin
- Formulated specifically for dry and sensitive skin
- Unscented and pH balanced formula
- Non stripping, residue free rinse feels light for daily use
- Cruelty free and artificial color free ingredient list
Cons
- Designed as step 1 of a 2 step system, so it may not fully cleanse skin on its own
- 434 reviews is a smaller sample than some bigger sellers on this list
- Low recent monthly purchase count suggests modest current demand
Performance notes
Glycerin is the key ingredient here, a humectant that helps draw moisture to the skin while the gel works to lift away makeup and daily debris. Being pH balanced and fragrance free supports its non stripping, oil controlling positioning, which fits its role as a gentle first step before a dedicated follow up cleanser.
What buyers say
A 4.2 star average from 434 reviews is a solid, dependable score, though both the review volume and recent purchase activity are smaller than the category leaders in this lineup.
Similar women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers to consider
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a second cleanser after using this?
Yes, this gel is designed as step 1 of a 2 step system, meant to be followed by a second facial cleanser for a fully thorough clean. Using it alone can still remove makeup, but pairing it with a follow up wash is how the routine is intended to work.
Will it remove waterproof mascara?
Yes, it is marketed specifically as a waterproof eye makeup remover as well as a facial cleansing gel, so it is built to handle stubborn waterproof formulas along with regular makeup and daily buildup.
Is this gentle enough for sensitive skin?
The formula is unscented, pH balanced and specifically labeled for dry and sensitive skin, which points to a gentler profile than many makeup removers. As always, a quick patch test is a reasonable first step if your skin reacts easily to new products.