Waterproof makeup remover is a high-cleansing makeup remover that dissolves, disperses, and removes film-forming makeup films from the entire face that are difficult to remove with ordinary cleansers, such as water-resistant sunscreen, long-wear foundation, concealer, lipstick, and waterproof eye makeup.
The key feature of this product is that it has a wider application area than No.009 Lip & Eye Remover, which is used topically on the eyes and lips, and removes base makeup, sun care, sebum, and color cosmetics together. The representative form is a full-face bi-phase liquid with separated oil and water phases, and it can also be developed through a unique cleansing oil/balm pathway.
While a 'waterproof remover' can remove regular makeup, the key reason to purchase it is to remove wax, resin, film formers, and pigment layers without repeated friction, as they are designed to withstand water, sweat, and sebum.
Key Product Design Points: Full-face long-lasting cosmetic film dissolution, rapid redispersion, low pad and friction, low oil film, minimal stinging and blurred vision when used around the eyes.
While water-resistant sunscreens and long-wear base makeup offer longevity, removing them with only regular micellar water or foam cleansers can leave residue on the hairline, sides of the nose, and around the eyes. Wiping multiple times or double or triple cleansing increases friction and post-wash tightness.
The main reasons for purchase are as follows.
· I want to quickly remove water-resistant sunscreen and long-wear foundation.
· I want to remove long-lasting makeup from the face, eyes, and lips with a single product.
· I want to reduce the use of multiple cotton pads and repetitive rubbing.
· I want high removal power but to avoid a heavy oil film after washing my face.
· I want to efficiently remove heavy makeup worn during photo shoots, performances, travel, or in the summer.
Purchase value is determined not by the phrase 'powerful cleaning,' but by the range of products that can be removed, the number of pads required and contact time, residue left on the hairline and wrinkles, eye irritation, and the feeling of a film after use.
Waterproof removers are specialized cleansing products connected to the color cosmetics, water-resistant sun care, and sports and outdoor activity markets. Although usage frequency may be lower than that of general facial cleansers, global demand remains stable due to the expansion of long-lasting makeup and high-SPF sun care.
In the mass market, large-volume bi-phase micellar forms are dominant, while in the Mass Premium and Masstige segments, high-removal, low-friction products combined with cleansing oils and balms compete. K-Beauty has the advantage of being able to form bundles with cushions, tints, fixing makeup, and sun care products.
· Primary Consumer: Users of water-resistant sun care and long-wear base makeup
· Secondary Consumer: Consumers seeking to cover face, eyes, and lips with a single product
· Professional Consumer: Professional users for photography, stage, weddings, and makeup
· Separate Validation Group: Users with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and those with sensitive eyes and contact lenses
'Deep cleansing' must clearly define the targets for removal and test conditions, and should not be expanded to include pore reduction, blackhead removal, or acne treatment.
The key performance feature is the ability to rapidly dissolve water-resistant films, waxes, silicones, oils, and pigments, and to transfer and remove them from the skin using a cotton pad or a water emulsification process. Comparative results have reported that water or general foaming cleansers alone may be insufficient for water-resistant sun care, and that cleansing oil can serve as an effective removal pathway. Comparison of Sun Care Removal Methods
In the oil phase of the bi-phase formula, soluble emollients such as isododecane, isohexadecane, silicone, and light esters may be applied, and in the aqueous phase, purified water, moisturizing auxiliary ingredients, surfactants, solubilizers, chelators, pH regulators, and a preservation system may be applied.
In the high-removal oil-balm cleansing pathway, the balance between emollients and self-emulsifiers is crucial. While simply increasing the oil phase ratio can enhance removal power, it can also lead to pad residue, blurred vision, and a heavy film sensation.
| Formula Route | Key Features | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|
| A. Full-Face Waterproof Bi-Phase | Pad type, no-rinse or wipe-off, high full-face cleansing power | Global general-purpose products |
| B. High-Emulsifying Waterproof Oil | Dissolve on a dry face, then emulsify with water and rinse. | Focus on sun care and base makeup |
| C. Waterproof Balm-to-Milk | Solid portability, cushioning, and high removal power | Travel, Masstige, and Makeup Specialists |
The primary development route for this product is Route A. Route A is suitable for NoChemiLife Hero, as it excludes or minimizes fragrances, essential oils, and colorants, while simplifying the oil- and water-soluble components and preservation system.
Waterproof makeup removers are high-cleansing products, but their removal power must not be achieved through strong friction or irritating solvents. Since they may be used on large facial areas as well as around the eyes and lips, both skin comfort and the potential for eye irritation must be managed.
If bi-phase products are not shaken sufficiently before use, the distribution ratio of the oil and water phases will differ. After shaking, you must check the redispersion rate, the duration of dispersion, and the uniformity of the phase ratio until the last use.
To indicate use around the eyes, eye irritation, blurred vision, and residual oil are checked; to indicate use on the lips, taste, odor, and sensation around the mouth are verified. Claims such as 'Oil-free,' 'Sensitive Skin,' and 'Non-comedogenic' are verified based on the finished product and target country standards, rather than the image of individual ingredients.
| division | Key points to check |
|---|---|
| Korea | Prohibited/Restricted Ingredients, All Ingredients/Precautions for Use, Waterproof Removal Claim |
| EU | Responsible Person, CPSR·PIF·CPNP, Ingredient Annex and Fragrance Allergen Labeling |
| USA | MoCRA Facility Registration, Product Listing, Safety Data, Ophthalmology & Dermatology Claim Management |
| China | General Cosmetics Vian, Ingredient & Safety Evaluation, Efficacy Claim Evaluation Data |
| Japan·ASEAN | Product Classification, Ingredients/Labeling Standards, Import Management, Notification/PIF |
| Mandatory Validation | pH, color, odor, phase separation, redispersion, microorganisms, storage stability, container suitability |
| Recommended Validation | Sunscreen, foundation, mascara, and lip removal power; number of pads, friction, and residue |
| When applying the Claim | Information regarding sensitive skin, eye area, lips, ophthalmic test, and fragrance-free |
The removal test must use water-resistant sun care and long-wear color cosmetics similar to the actual target product. General makeup results are not extended to all waterproof products.
For representative bi-phase products, a 150–400mL clear bottle with a flip-top cap or a small orifice reducer is suitable. A clear container makes it easy for consumers to check for phase separation and redispersion after shaking. The dispenser should sufficiently soak the cotton pad while minimizing excessive dispensing and dripping onto the face.
For travel, 50 to 100 mL bottles are suitable. Since liquid removers have a high risk of leakage during international shipping, prioritize checking the cap seal, stopper, and vibration stability. Also, examine the impact of the oil phase on the gasket, adhesive, and label.
The shelf life is determined based on pH, color, odor, phase volume, separation rate, redispersion, oxidation, microbial and storage stability, and container suitability. Prior to export, recovery of phase separation after high or low temperatures, light exposure, and leakage and label contamination after vibration or dropping must be verified.
The recommended market positioning is Mass to Masstige . In the Mass market, large volume and removal power are important, while in the Mass Premium market, low friction and residue, along with all-in-one convenience for the face, eyes, and lips, are key.
Masstige products can be differentiated through a fragrance-free policy, high-quality emollients, sensitivity and ophthalmic data, and a sophisticated bi-phase appearance. Selling them as a companion SKU to makeup or sun care brands can create a clearer reason for purchase than selling them as a standalone product.
Manufacturing costs and supply prices vary depending on oil-based solvents and emollients, surfactants and preservation systems, removal power and eye tests, bottles, caps, and seals, as well as MOQ and production quantity. For large-volume products, international shipping weight and leak prevention costs must be reflected in the target FOB.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof is a Mass Benchmark that removes waterproof and long-wear makeup from the face, eyes, and lips using a shake-to-use bi-phase micellar formula. It combines full-face coverage, a large capacity, and the convenience of a no-rinse. Garnier Waterproof Micellar Remover
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil is a fragrance-free oil remover that dissolves long-wear face, eye, and lip makeup and SPF, then rinses off easily with water. It is a benchmark combining high full-face cleansing power with minimal residue. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm combines the removal of long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara, and SPF with a balm-to-oil cleansing experience. It is a Masstige Benchmark that links a solid texture with high removal performance. Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Korean OEMs and ODMs must not replicate these products but combine the actual removal power, low friction, rapid redispersion, and fragrance-free minimal formulas of K-Beauty sun care, cushions, and tints.
NoChemiLife Hero Fragrance: Reduces fragrances, essential oils, pigments, and decorative extracts, and utilizes necessary dissolving, dispersing, and preservative ingredients to verify high full-face cleansing power, reduced pad usage, and minimal eye discomfort and oily residue.
| manufacturing route | Fit | Recommended usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ready Formula | A+ | Fast Private Label and Makeup & Sun Care Bundle |
| Semi-Custom ODM | A+ | Removal power, standard ratio, redistribution, residue, and flavor policy adjustment |
| Full-Custom ODM | A | Development of a high-removal system optimized for our own color cosmetics |
| Global Scale-Up | A+ | Expansion after confirming phase separation, preservation, raw material supply, and container leakage |
For general buyers, a semi-custom ODM is suitable , involving adjustments to the oil-to-water ratio, removal power, redispersion, pad feel, and fragrance policy based on a proven base formula . Color cosmetics and sun care brands are advised to provide their own long-wear products as test subjects.
The process proceeds in the following order: Buyer Product Brief → Selection of Removal Target, Application Area, and Formula Route → Sample → Comparison of Contact Time, Removal Power, Number of Pads, Friction, and Residual Sensation → Phase Separation, Preservation, Skin, Eye Area, and Container Suitability → Golden Sample → Pilot Production → Main Production.
K-Beauty OEM/ODM & Private Label Inquiry
Contact to: mail@markethub.org
The Buyer must provide target countries, consumers, sales channels, and launch dates; sun care, foundation, eye, and lip products to be removed; durability levels; coverage for face, eyes, and lips; no-rinse/rinse-off status; desired contact time, number of pads, and oil residue; fragrance policy; included and excluded ingredients; container and volume; MOQ; estimated quantity; target retail price and FOB; and necessary claims and tests.
In particular, you must decide the following four things first.
- Is the focus on water-resistant sun care and base makeup, or is it an all-in-one product that covers eyes and lips as well?
- Is it a pad-type bi-phase or a water-rinsing oil-balm pathway?
- Should it be used as a standalone cleanser, or is its use as a second cleanser recommended?
- Which claim is needed among sensitive skin, eye area, ophthalmic test, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free?
The biggest development risk is using only the broad term "waterproof" without specifying which sunscreens, foundations, mascaras, and lipsticks they remove and to what extent. One must not prioritize removal power while neglecting issues such as repeated friction, eye irritation, and a heavy film-like sensation.
Recommended Next Action
Buyer Brief → Confirmation of sunscreen, makeup, and application method → Semi-Custom Sample → Comparison of contact time, removal power, number of pads, friction, and residue → Phase separation, preservation, skin, eye area, and container validation → Golden Sample → Pilot Production → Global Launch
Global Core — A
It is a specialized repeat purchase product necessary for users of waterproof sun care and long-wear makeup. Although the market is narrower than that of basic facial cleansers for general consumers, it is directly linked to the color cosmetics and sun care markets.
OEM/ODM Priority — A+
A variety of proven bi-phase, oil, and balm base formulas are available, and removal power, application method, residue, and fragrance policy can be adjusted to match the buyer's color cosmetics and sun care products.
NoChemiLife Hero — Hero Candidate
If fragrances, essential oils, dyes, and unnecessary extracts are reduced, and high full-face cleansing power, low friction, and minimal eye discomfort and residue are verified using only necessary dissolving, dispersing, and preservative ingredients, it can become a candidate for Professional Cleansing Hero.
Core Evidence
· Comparative study on sun care removal methods
· Garnier Waterproof Micellar Makeup Remover
· Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil
· Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
· EU Cosmetics Regulation
· FDA MoCRA
Runtime
Dataset Version: 2026.9
