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Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Hydrating Gel-Balm Cleanser

This blue gel-balm cleanser aims to provide a luxurious cleansing experience. It transforms into an oil upon contact with skin, designed to lift away impurities and makeup while imparting hydration.

Sephora price

$48.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

3.7 / 5

About 337 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Best for Dry SkinClean at SephoraHyaluronic AcidGood for: DrynessGood for: Skin Barrier

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

3.7 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes makeup, ideal for dry and sensitive skin types, though some may find it less effective on heavy or waterproof makeup.

Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Hydrating Gel-Balm Cleanser

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

View Sephora

What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A glossy, blue gel-balm that melts into a silky, nutrient-rich cleansing oil that effortlessly dissolves makeup and impurities.

NormalDryCombinationDrynessDullness

Morning and evening, massage two to three pumps into the skin to dissolve makeup and impurities.

Deep breathe in the calming essential oils as the balm cleanser transforms into a hydrating oil.

Using a clean, wet face towel, rinse away the cleanser, along with the day’s stress.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A solid choice for a first cleanse, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin who prioritize hydration and a gentle experience. It's less suited for those who need a deep, purifying cleanse for heavy makeup or acne-prone skin.

Sensory Experience

Many users praise the unique texture transformation from gel-balm to oil, and the calming scent from the essential oils, making cleansing a ritual.

Hydration Boost

The inclusion of hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils is frequently mentioned as a key benefit, leaving skin feeling supple and moisturized post-cleanse.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Dry skin
  • Sensitive skin
  • Removing light to medium makeup
  • A gentle first cleanse

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You need to remove heavy or waterproof makeup
  • You prefer a foaming cleanser
  • Your skin is very oily and prone to congestion

Routine Fit

Where this cleanser fits in

Use this as your first cleanse in the morning or evening to remove makeup, SPF, and daily impurities. Follow with a second cleanser if needed, or proceed with the rest of your routine if your skin feels sufficiently clean.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Gentle and non-stripping
  • Leaves skin feeling hydrated
  • Pleasant sensory experience
  • Effectively removes daily grime and light makeup

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • May not fully remove waterproof makeup
  • Higher price point
  • Blue tint might be off-putting to some

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

Suitable for both morning and evening routines. In the morning, it offers a gentle wake-up for the skin. In the evening, it effectively begins the process of removing the day's buildup.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

3.7/ 5 overall

A gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes makeup, ideal for dry and sensitive skin types, though some may find it less effective on heavy or waterproof makeup.

Gentleness

4.5 / 5

This cleanser is exceptionally gentle, making it a great choice for dry and sensitive skin that can be easily irritated.

Makeup Removal

3.8 / 5

It effectively removes light to medium makeup, but may require a second cleanse for stubborn or waterproof formulas.

Hydration

4.2 / 5

Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, without any stripping sensation, thanks to its balm-to-oil texture.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Emollient

C15-19 Alkane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to dissolve oil-based impurities.

Usually helps with

Texture, dissolving makeup

Watch for

None

Solvent

Water/Eau/Aqua

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base solvent for the formula.

Usually helps with

Formula base

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.

Usually helps with

Moisture, skin barrier support

Watch for

None

Emollient

C13-15 Alkane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A lightweight emollient that contributes to the silky texture of the cleanser.

Usually helps with

Texture, smooth feel

Watch for

None

Emollient

Disiloxane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A silicone derivative that provides a smooth, silky feel and helps with spreadability.

Usually helps with

Texture, slip

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Laurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A non-ionic surfactant that helps to blend oil and water, aiding in the cleansing process.

Usually helps with

Emulsification, cleansing

Watch for

None

Emollient

Glyceryl Behenate

Badness

0.0 / 10

An emollient ester that helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Skin softening

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant derived from coconut oil. Can be mildly irritating for some.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation

Emulsifier

Sucrose Stearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A non-ionic emulsifier that helps to create a stable emulsion and aids in cleansing.

Usually helps with

Emulsification, cleansing

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Malachite Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mineral extract rich in copper, believed to have antioxidant and balancing properties.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection, skin balance

Watch for

None

Soothing Agent

Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Flower Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Known for its calming and soothing properties, often used to reduce redness and irritation.

Usually helps with

Soothing, calming

Watch for

None

Emollient

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

Rich in fatty acids, it nourishes and conditions the skin, helping to maintain its barrier function.

Usually helps with

Nourishing, barrier support

Watch for

None

Emollient

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter

Badness

1.0 / 10

A rich emollient that softens and moisturizes the skin, providing a protective barrier.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing, barrier function

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for some

Humectant

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A cationic derivative of hyaluronic acid that adheres to the skin and provides enhanced, long-lasting hydration.

Usually helps with

Intense hydration, plumping

Watch for

None

Soothing Agent

Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (German Chamomile) Flower Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, it helps to soothe irritated skin.

Usually helps with

Soothing, anti-inflammatory

Watch for

None

Fragrance

Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract

Badness

3.0 / 10

Provides a warm, comforting scent. Can be a potential allergen for sensitive individuals.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Potential allergen for sensitive skin

Soothing Agent

Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil

Badness

1.0 / 10

Similar to German Chamomile, it offers calming and soothing benefits for the skin.

Usually helps with

Soothing, calming

Watch for

None

Soothing Agent

Tanacetum Annuum (Blue Tansy) Flower Oil

Badness

2.0 / 10

Rich in chamazulene, it has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, known for its blue hue.

Usually helps with

Soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

Watch for

Can be sensitizing for some

Fragrance

Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

Adds a bright, citrus scent. Can increase photosensitivity and may be irritating for some.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Photosensitivity, potential irritant

Fragrance

Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

Provides a sweet, floral scent. Can be a potential irritant or allergen for some.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Potential irritant or allergen

Emulsifier

Polysorbate 60

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier that can sometimes be associated with skin irritation or pore-clogging.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

Potential for irritation or comedogenicity

Emulsifier

Sorbitan Isostearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps to stabilize oil and water phases in formulations.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sucrose Palmitate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier derived from sugar and palm oil, used to create stable emulsions.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

None

Antimicrobial

Didecyldimonium Chloride

Badness

4.0 / 10

A quaternary ammonium compound with antimicrobial properties, often used as a preservative. Can be irritating.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Potential for irritation

Fragrance

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

Adds a fresh, citrus scent. Can increase photosensitivity and may be irritating for some.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Photosensitivity, potential irritant

Fragrance

Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

Provides a complex floral and citrus aroma. Can be a potential irritant.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Potential irritant

Emulsifier

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Badness

2.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener. Can be a mild irritant for some.

Usually helps with

Texture, stabilization

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation

Solvent

Methylpropanediol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A solvent and humectant that can improve the absorption of other ingredients.

Usually helps with

Solvent, humectant

Watch for

None

Humectant

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster that also has humectant properties.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Badness

3.0 / 10

A non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier. Can be a skin irritant for some, and is often derived from ethoxylated ingredients.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

Potential for irritation

Conditioning Agent

Polyquaternium-80

Badness

2.0 / 10

A conditioning agent and film former. Can build up on the skin for some.

Usually helps with

Conditioning

Watch for

Potential for buildup

Chelating Agent

Sodium Phytate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A plant-derived chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and efficacy of preservatives.

Usually helps with

Stabilization

Watch for

None

Thickener

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.

Usually helps with

Texture, viscosity

Watch for

None

Thickener

Xanthan Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.

Usually helps with

Texture, stabilization

Watch for

None

Emollient

Diisostearyl Malate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emollient ester that provides a smooth feel and improves spreadability.

Usually helps with

Texture, emollience

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A coupling agent and emulsifier that can help improve the texture and stability of formulations.

Usually helps with

Emulsification, texture

Watch for

None

Colorant

Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)

Badness

2.0 / 10

A synthetic blue colorant. Some individuals may be sensitive to artificial dyes.

Usually helps with

Color

Watch for

Potential sensitivity to artificial dyes

Fragrance

Limonene

Badness

3.0 / 10

A common fragrance ingredient derived from citrus peels. Can be a potential allergen and photosensitizer.

Usually helps with

Fragrance

Watch for

Potential allergen, photosensitizer

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser good for dry skin?

Yes, this cleanser is specifically highlighted as being best for dry skin due to its hydrating gel-balm to oil texture and ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Can this cleanser remove waterproof makeup?

While it effectively removes light to medium makeup, it may not fully remove heavy or waterproof makeup, and a second cleanse might be necessary.

What is the blue color from?

The blue color comes from Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), a synthetic colorant. Some individuals may have sensitivities to artificial dyes.