Byrdie / Jaclyn Mastroapsqua
Any time you wear makeup, it's really important to remove it at the end of the day. Though it adds an extra step to your nightly routine, it will help prevent breakouts (because yes, they can pop up after sleeping in your makeup) and will help your next-day skin look fresher and more clean, according to pro makeup artist Tai Ceme.
Makeup removers come in many forms, including cleansing balms, oil cleansers, micellar waters, and on-the-go wipes, so narrowing down which one is right for you isn't always easy—especially if you're not sure what the difference is between all these options. So to help you choose, we chatted with Ceme and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick to find the best makeup remover for each skin type and concern. We also tried the formulas ourselves and paid special attention to how effectively they washed away waterproof mascara and long-wear foundation, plus noted the ingredients used in each one.
Best Overall
Clinique Makeup Remover
Sephora
Washes away waterproof mascara
Oil-free and non-comedogenic
Great value for the price
Has a scent that some find unpleasant
Type: Liquid | Size: 4.2 fl. oz. or 6.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
This classic makeup remover does exactly what it says—it takes the day away. It effortlessly dissolves lipstick and eye makeup (including mascara), leaving nothing behind. The formula is also tug-free, non-irritating, and non-stinging, so sensitive skin and eyes are welcome. The only complaint we have is that it has an astringent scent, which some people find unpleasant. While the scent didn't bother us when we tested it, it's still worth noting because some people are more sensitive to fragranced skincare products.
Who It's For
If you have sensitive eyes or oily or acne-prone skin, this pick might work well for you. We think it's an excellent choice for people who are looking for a gentle, non-irritating makeup remover that won't make the eyes burn or the skin feel oily and slippery.
Best Budget
Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover
Amazon
Affordable
Removes tough makeup
Oil- and fragrance-free
Leaves a residue behind
Type: Liquid | Size: 3.8 fl. oz. or 5.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
This drugstore eye makeup remover has been a go-to for most makeup lovers at some point or another—and for good reason. It's a reliable dual-action formula that activates when you shake it and it will gently whisk away eye makeup—even waterproof mascara—when you apply it with a soaked cotton pad. In fact, it works so well that when we tested this product, we found that it would remove your eye makeup in one swipe; when we went in for a second swipe, the cotton pad came back clean because all the makeup was already gone.
The formula is also oil-free, which means it is a better choice for people with lash extensions since oil can break down lash adhesive. Just keep in mind that it can leave a slight residue behind if you don't follow up with a cleanser and a splash of water.
Who It's For
This budget makeup remover is a good choice for anyone who wants to spend under $10 but still find an eye makeup remover that really works. It's strong enough to remove waterproof makeup, but gentle on your eyes and skin. Plus, it's ideal for people who wear false lashes or extensions.
Best Drugstore
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Target
Fragrance-free and gentle on eyes
Affordable and easy to find
Quick and easy way to remove makeup
Can make skin feel greasy if not rinsed off completely
Type: Micellar water | Size: 3.4 fl. oz., 13.5 fl. oz., or 23.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Gentle, budget-friendly, and non-greasy—this micellar water is a joy to use. According to Garshick, these formulations use micelles, which are small molecules that come together and gently lift makeup, oil, and dirt off the skin.
"Micellar waters tend to be effective options that break down makeup without significant rubbing, minimizing dryness and irritation," Garshick adds. This formula (which acts like a magnet for dirt, oil, and other pore-clogging debris) really shines for removing makeup from lips and face, but to remove eye makeup, simply hold a pad over closed eyes and gently wipe. Heads up: It can leave the skin feeling greasy if it's not rinsed off with water and a gentle cleanser.
Who It's For
This is a great pick for people who are on a tighter budget and are looking for a great first step in their makeup-removing routine. This product is sure to serve you well as a first cleanse (meaning it should be followed up with a regular cleanser) to remove waterproof makeup and when you don't have access to a sink.
Best Micellar Water
Bioderma H2O Micellar Water
Dermstore
Gentle on eyes
Lightweight
Hydrating
Could be better at removing stubborn makeup
Type: Micellar water | Size: 8.33 oz. or 16.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
This micellar water one of our personal favorites, and Ceme agrees. "This formula successfully removes makeup, lifts dirt from the skin, and tones the face," she explains. We can back her up, too. When we tried the formula firsthand, we were in awe at how it got everything off the surface of our skin. We had a little bit of trouble getting eyeliner from in between our lower eyelashes, but other than that, we were pleased with the results. Garshick recommends this option to those with sensitive skin, as the simple formula doesn't require as much massaging or rubbing as other options.
Who It's For
If you're looking for a makeup remover that's recommended by both a makeup artist and a dermatologist, you've come to the right place. This formula by Bioderma was suggested by both experts we spoke to for its hydrating, water-like consistency and ability to tackle (almost) all traces of makeup.
Sephora
Effectively removes every trace of makeup
Doesn't clog pores
Made with natural ingredients
Can make contacts foggy for a few minutes
Type: Cleansing balm | Size: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz., 6.8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This makeup-melting cleansing balm stood out to us because it's a great choice for anyone who wears foundations, concealers, or waterproof mascara for long periods of time—like a 10+ hour work shift. It starts off as a solid balm, but once you work it onto your skin with your fingers, it turns into a luxuriously smooth oil that removes every last trace of makeup. And we can share that, from experience, it never irritates skin in the process. How exactly does this work? Well, according to Garshick, based on the principle that oil attracts oil, oil-based removers (like balms and, well, oils) help draw out excess oil and makeup from the skin without irritation. The biggest downside we found in our months of trying out this product: The oil-based formula can get stuck in your contact lenses and cause some fogginess for a few minutes. If you wear contacts, you might want to take them out before cleaning your face.
Who It's For
This is a popular choice for people looking for a gentle makeup-removing balm or someone looking for a product made with natural ingredients. Those with dry skin will enjoy its hydrating feel and the fact that it nourishes the skin while it removes waterproof and long-wearing cosmetics.
Target
Environmentally friendly
Soft to the touch
Travel-friendly
May not be suitable for sensitive or super dry skin
Type: Wipes | Size: 25 wipes | Cruelty-Free: No
Drenched in micellar water, these wipes lean on oil molecules to attract and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without having to rub too hard. What's more, they also contain glycerin and CeraVe's signature three essential ceramides, which help support a strong skin barrier. Each wipe is also biodegradable, meaning you don't have to feel bad for choosing a wipe product because it's environmentally friendly.
However, wipes are not without their drawbacks, according to Ceme. While a makeup wipe like this one is a great way to start your face-cleaning ritual, you'll still want to follow up with a cleanser to truly clean your face. Plus, while makeup wipes are convenient, Garshick says that they can be harsh or irritating on the skin, especially if you have sensitive or super-dry skin. "It's important to avoid being too aggressive on the skin and to avoid rubbing too vigorously," she warns.
Who It's For
The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleansing Makeup Remover Wipes are a good option for people looking for a convenient makeup remover that can be stowed and brought on the go.
Best Oil
Boscia Cleansing Oil
Amazon
Gentle and soothing
Feels like a spa treatment
Adds back in hydration
Finicky pump
Type: Cleansing oil | Size: 5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This gentle cleansing oil feels like such a luxurious way to remove your makeup at the end of the day. It is nutrient-rich and packed with anti-aging and hydrating ingredients, like green tea, to leave your skin feeling clean, nourished, and makeup-free. According to Garshick, oils like this one remove makeup (she explained previously that oil attracts oil, effectively breaking down makeup in the process) and hydrate the skin all in one shot. It's worth noting that the pump can be a bit finicky and get stuck. Try being as gentle as possible when getting product out to avoid spilling oil everywhere.
Who It's For
This cleanser is a great choice for anyone with dry skin because it features soothing, skin-loving ingredients like green tea to leave skin clean, nourished, and makeup-free.
Best Cream Cleanser
Fenty Skin Total Cleans'r Remove-It-All Cleanser
Sephora
Removes tough makeup
Lathers well
Hydrating
Strong fragrance
Type: Cream cleanser | Size: 4.9 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
By nature, it's rare that an ordinary cream cleanser can remove all of our makeup involved—but Fenty Skin’s Total Cleans'r is no ordinary cream cleanser. This two-in-one formula's creamy lather dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, making for fewer products and less hassle (i.e., rubbing the heck out of your skin). We also love the cute purple squeeze bottle—it's hygienic (no grubby fingers dipping in and out!) and easy to use.
It's important to note that the formula does contain fragrance, so if you're prone to reactions or trying to avoid fragranced cosmetics, you may want to skip this one.
Who It's For
This cleanser works well on all skin types, including sensitive skin, so it's great for pretty much everyone. Plus, it leaves the skin clean and refreshed (rather than dry or tight), lending itself well to any routine centered around hydration and skin repair.
Best for Eye Makeup
Sisley Eye & Lip Gel Makeup Remover
Removes tough waterproof makeup
Suitable for all skin types
Gentle on eyes
Can burn if it gets in the eyes
Type: Gel | Size: 4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
The skin around your eyes is very delicate. Choosing a gentle, tug-free formula is key to avoiding unnecessary stress that could affect skin elasticity (aka how your skin stretches and bounces back) and lead to other signs of premature aging. Admittedly, this product is quite the splurge, but we also think it's worth the price. The refreshing gel texture feels amazing when you apply it to your eyelids and lips, providing hydrating benefits that last long after you’ve wiped it off.
Who It's For
This innovative product is a great choice for someone who is willing to pay for a high-quality makeup remover. While the price is quite high, it delivers big time when it comes down to waterproof makeup. Plus, it has a hydrating, refreshing feel that we look forward to after a long night of makeup-wearing.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Paula’s Choice Makeup Remover
Amazon
Removes tough makeup
Soothing
Formulated with brightening ingredients
Can make contacts foggy
Type: Liquid | Size: 4.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This formula is gentle on your skin but tough on your makeup, easily washing away even the most stubborn waterproof mascara. It’s infused with aloe vera and green tea extract to nourish and soothe, while licorice extract boosts radiance for a calm, clear complexion. It’s also fragrance-free, making it a prime choice for those with sensitive skin, since many people have fragrance allergies or experience irritation triggered by fragrances.
Who It's For
People with sensitive skin looking for a gentle, non-irritating makeup remover will like this pick. Thanks to ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract, it leaves the skin hydrated and soothed (rather than oily or stripped).
Best for Lips
Beauty Bakerie Lip Whip Remover
Ulta
Vegan
Hydrating
Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Leaves a residue behind
Type: Oil-based wipes | Size: 50 wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Your stay-all-day mattes and liquid lipsticks are great until you actually want to take them off. That's why we like these 2-in-1 oil-based wipes: they make it easy. They're an oil-based lip makeup remover, designed to remove even the most stubborn long-wearing lip makeup, including matte lipstick, because it glides easily across your face so you don't have to tug at your skin. It's also a cruelty-free, vegan formula and it scores major points for forming a barrier that locks moisture in to keep your lips soft and supple. Like several other options on this list, the formula can leave a slimy residue behind, so try your best to wipe the skin clean afterward with water and a cloth or paper towel.
Who It's For
This product is great for people who wear lots of waterproof or matte lipsticks but also want a vegan, cruelty-free product. It's also great for anyone prone to dry, cracked lips.
What to Look For in a Makeup Remover
- Skin type: This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when looking for a makeup remover because generally dictates what type of formula will serve you best. For sensitive and dry skin, Garshick says, micellar waters make for a great go-to. "Micellar waters are simple formulations, and they don't require as much massaging as other types can," she explains. For oily skin, it can actually be beneficial to use cleansing oil, as oil attracts oil, helping to melt makeup without irritating the skin.
- Ingredients: You'll want to avoid any product that contains pore-clogging ingredients like heavy, non-comedogenic oils or high amounts of alcohol and synthetic fragrances. "To keep the skin feeling stripped or dry, opt for a formula that contains nourishing oils or hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help strengthen the skin barrier," Garshick advises.
- Makeup Preferences: It's also worth taking stock of the kind of makeup you wear. If you wear a lot of budge-proof, water-resistant makeup, you may need to enlist the help of a formula designed to target stubborn areas like the eyes and lips.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Byrdie contributor Kindra Moné has been creating fashion and beauty content since 2013.
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. She has oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin—quite the triple-whammy— and refuses to go to bed with makeup on. She has tried countless makeup removers over the years and considers herself a tough critic. She leaned on several experts for this story, including:
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan
- Tai Ceme, a professional makeup artist
