Any time you wear makeup, removing it at the end of the day is crucial. Though it adds an extra step to your nightly routine, it will help prevent breakouts (because they can pop up after sleeping in your makeup) and help your next-day skin look fresher and cleaner, 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 unsure what the difference is between all these options. So, to help you choose, we chatted with Ceme and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., to find the best makeup remover for each skin type and concern. We tested each formula, paying special attention to how effectively they washed away waterproof mascara and long-wear foundation, and noted the ingredients used in each one.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Budget:
Best Drugstore:
Best Micellar Water:
Best Oil:
Best Cream Cleanser:
Best for Eye Makeup:
Best for Sensitive Skin:
What We Like
Breaks down waterproof makeup
Nonirritating formula
Doesn't sting eyes
What to Consider
Has a scent that some find unpleasant
Type: Liquid | Size: 4.2, 6.7 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, nonirritating, and nonstinging, so sensitive skin and eyes are welcome. Former intern Kayla Friedman noted that it excelled at removing eye makeup—specifically long-wear eyeliner and glitter eyeshadow—so it's useful for dissolving full glam. Our only complaint is that it has an astringent scent, which some people find unpleasant. While the smell didn't bother us, it's still worth noting because some people are more sensitive to fragranced skincare products.
Kayla, former intern and tester: "This remover is worthy of accolades for its tug-free and nonirritating approach to removing makeup—leaving no sparkle behind."
What We Like
Removes tough makeup
Oil- and fragrance-free
Dual-action formula
What to Consider
Leaves a residue behind
Type: Liquid | Size: 3.8, 5.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This drugstore eye makeup remover has been a go-to for most makeup lovers at some point. It's a reliable dual-action formula that activates when you shake it, and it will gentlywhisk away eye makeup—even waterproof mascara—when you apply it to a soaked cotton pad. 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 remember that it can leave a slight residue if you don't follow up with a cleanser and a splash of water.
Kayla, former tester and intern: "If you have sensitive skin like me, this remover is perfect—it's a gentle, oil-free formula that's lightweight and ophthalmologist-tested, so it shouldn't irritate eyes or contact lenses."
What We Like
Affordable and easy to find
Fragrance-free and gentle on eyes
Quick and easy way to remove makeup
What to Consider
Can make skin feel greasy if not rinsed off completely
Type: Micellar water | Size: 3.4, 13.5, 23.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Gentle, budget-friendly, and nongreasy—this micellar water is a joy to use. According to Dr. 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," Dr. Garshick adds. This formula (which acts like a magnet for dirt, oil, and other pore-clogging debris) shines when removing makeup from lips and face, but to remove eye makeup, 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.
Kayla, former intern and tester: "This gentle yet powerful formula cleansed my skin without stripping it of moisture and swiftly removed my eye makeup. I even used it on a day when my cheeks and nose were slightly sunburnt and it didn't sting."
What We Like
Hydrating on the skin
Tones skin as it dissolves makeup
Gentle on eyes and sensitive skin
What to Consider
Could be better at removing stubborn makeup
Type: Micellar water | Size: 8.33, 16.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This is one of our faves, 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. Dr. Garshick recommends this option to those with sensitive skin, as the simple formula doesn't require as much massaging or rubbing as other options.
What We Like
Effectively removes every trace of makeup
Doesn't clog pores
Made with natural ingredients
What to Consider
Can make contacts foggy for a few minutes
Type: Cleansing balm | Size: 1.7, 3.4, 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This makeup-melting cleansing balm stood out because it's an excellent choice for anyone who wears foundations, concealers, or waterproof mascara for long periods—like a 10+ hour work shift. It starts as a solid balm, but once you work it onto your skin with your fingers, it becomes a luxuriously smooth oil that removes every last trace of makeup. And we can share that, from experience, it never irritates the skin. How exactly does this work? According to Dr. 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 is that 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 remove them before cleaning your face.
What We Like
Environmentally friendly
Soft to the touch
Travel-friendly
What to Consider
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 rubbing too hard. Moreover, 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 clean your face. Plus, while makeup wipes are convenient, Dr. Garshick says they can be harsh or irritating, especially if you have sensitive or super-dry skin. "It's important to avoid being too aggressive on the skin and rubbing too vigorously," she warns.
What We Like
Adds back in hydration
Gentle and soothing
Feels like a spa treatment
What to Consider
Finicky pump
Type: Cleansing oil | Size: 5 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 Dr. Garshick, oils like this 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 the product out to avoid spilling oil everywhere.
Best Cream Cleanser
Fenty Skin Total Cleans'r Remove-It-All Cleanser
What We Like
Removes tough makeup
Lathers well
Hydrating
What to Consider
Strong fragrance
Type: Cream cleanser | Size: 4.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
An ordinary cream cleanser can rarely remove all of our makeup, 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.
Best for Eye Makeup
Sisley Eye & Lip Gel Makeup Remover
What We Like
Removes tough waterproof makeup
Suitable for all skin types
Gentle on eyes
What to Consider
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. 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.
What We Like
Soothing
Removes tough makeup
Formulated with brightening ingredients
What to Consider
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 sensitive skin since many people have fragrance allergies or experience irritation triggered by fragrances.
What to Look for in a Makeup Remover
- Skin Type: This is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when looking for a makeup remover because it dictates what formula will serve you best. For sensitive and dry skin, Dr. 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 be beneficial to use a cleansing oil, as it 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, noncomedogenic 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," Dr. 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.
Meet Our Experts
We spoke to several experts to figure out everything there is to know about makeup removers, including:
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan.
- Tai Ceme is a professional makeup artist.
Why Trust Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn is an associate editor at Byrdie covering 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.
Byrdie contributor Kindra Moné has been creating fashion and beauty content since 2013.
Article Sources
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