The best makeup remover is gentle yet effective at removing all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin. It should be able to remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup without leaving your skin feeling dry or irritated.
You should also find a makeup remover that is affordable and easy to use. Please take a moment to review some of the top options below before making your final decision.
What To Look For In A Makeup Remover
Type of skin
When choosing a makeup remover, it is essential to consider your skin type. Micellar waters are great for sensitive or dry skin. They can gently remove any makeup and soothe and calm the skin.
It can be very beneficial to use cleansing oil for oily skin. Oily skin can become dry and go into overproduction, leading to sebum buildup. Use a good, balanced oil instead.
Ingredients
In the early 2000s, it was so common to have unnatural skincare. Now ingredients come first. Avoid formulas with high alcohol levels or synthetic fragrances, especially for sensitive skin.
You can also get hydration from products, such as hyaluronic acids. When it comes to oils or balms, make sure you look for oils that aren’t comedogenic, like grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, or squalane oil.
Top Rated 12 Best Makeup Remover Brands
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Most dermatologists and makeup artists we spoke with recommended micellar waters for all skin types, including sensitive, dry, normal, and acne-prone skin.
Dr. Hadley King, an NYC-based dermatologist, explained that micellar water could dissolve makeup and dirt while leaving your skin hydrated. You can use micellar water to remove makeup, moisturize, and clean your skin.
Experts have different preferences, but this French pharmacy option is the most popular. Mary Irwin, a makeup artist, says that micellar water “gently breaks down makeup and oils without stripping skin.”
Mary Irwin, a makeup artist, says that the micellar water gently breaks down makeup and oil without stripping the skin. Assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai.
She adds that she is allergic to many products but can use them without problems. Misha Shahzada, the makeup artist, recommends wipes for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Dermatologically approved
- The formula that does not require rinsing
- Non-drying
- Non-irritating
- Alcohol-free
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
NakedPoppy Nourish Cream Cleanser
Best makeup remover for double cleansing
A double cleanse uses an oil-based cleanser to remove top layers like sunscreen and makeup. A second, deeper cleanse is done with a water-based cleanser. Experts say that not everyone requires a double cleanse.
Oil-based cleansers may be more suitable for those with sensitive or dry skin. King says that these cleaners don’t strip sensitive or dry skin of their natural oils. If you have acne-prone skin, the second cleanse step may be helpful to reduce oily buildup.
NakedPoppy’s cream cleanser is what King uses as her first cleanser when she applies makeup. The cleanser contains ingredients such as baobab extract, rich in fatty acids (more below), anti-inflammatory aloe that soothes skin, and quinoa extract that brightens the skin.
It’s water-based, but she claims it contains enough oil to remove makeup effectively. She also recommends this brand cleanser.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Remover For Oily Skin
Best Makeup Remover For Double Cleansing
This micellar oil was designed for oily skin. It is oil-free. This means that it will not add oil to the skin. Chang points out that just because it’s not only doesn’t mean it’s lightweight and hydrating.
The micellar technology “gently removes make-up, dirt, and oil from the skin” without causing more problems or stripping it. Even mild cases of acne can use it.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Best gentle formula
The dermatologically-tested Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover has a gentle formula that does not require pulling or tugging to work. The dual-phase formula makes it easy to remove stubborn waterproof eye makeup such as mascara, eyeshadow, and liner.
Aloe vera and cucumber extracts soothe and nourish the skin and refresh it. Its lightweight and non-sticky formula are ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, Cucumber
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Non-sticky
- Dermatologically tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Contact lens wearers are safe
Cons
- If not washed with warm water, it will feel greasy.
Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Makeup Remover
Best antioxidant-rich formula
Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Makeup Remover has a bi-phase formulation to remove stubborn waterproof mascara from sensitive areas. It contains the antioxidant properties of aloe vera, green tea, and green tea, which moisturize your skin to give you a healthy and glowing complexion.
It also contains ginseng, which has bioactive substances that increase blood circulation to firmer skin. Its gentle, non-comedogenic formulation does not block pores. This makes it great for sensitive skin.
Aloe vera and Ginseng are the key ingredients.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- Dermatologically tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Non-irritating
Cons
- None
Burt’s Bees Micellar Facial Towelettes
Best organic make-up remover
All skin types will love the natural Burt’s Bees Micellar Face Towelettes. It’s easy to use and leaves no residue. These wipes contain 60% repurposed cotton and rose oil to hydrate and soothe the skin.
The pack comes with a resealable seal to keep moisture in and fresh. These disposable makeup wipes are great to have on hand for work, travel, and the gym.
Ingredients key: Rosewater and Micellar water
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Dermatologically-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Dries up quickly
Almay Makeup-Free Zone
Best for oily skin
The gentle Almay Makeup-Free Zone contains cucumber, aloe vera, and green tea to nourish and hydrate the skin. The natural blend of botanical ingredients helps to remove waterproof makeup from the delicate area around your eyes without tugging.
Pre-moistened, white towelettes are included in the pack. They contain moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. The product is dermatologically tested to ensure that it suits all skin types.
Key ingredients: Green tea, Aloe vera, and Cucumber
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Ophthalmologic-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Soothing
- Hypoallergenic
- Waterproof
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- This product contains alcohol
Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser
Best makeup remover for dry skin
Stila Cosmetics’ global executive director for creative artistry Sarah Lucero loves the Algenist cleanser. It’s great for people with dry, dull, and lackluster skin.
It’s also her makeup remover of preference, so she always has it on her person when she travels in dry climates or spends time in hotels. It is also non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and soap-free. We also recommended it as the best cleanser for dry skin.
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
Best makeup remover for combination skin
Combination skin is when you have areas that are oily and dry. It would help if you had a cleanser that could work well for both. This cleanser is excellent for combination skin because it does double duty as a cleanser and a makeup remover.
It doesn’t strip the skin like oily-specific cleansers. Talakoub says that the cleanser also cleans pores for acne-prone or oily skin. She explains that this cleanser does away with the need to wash your face twice.
Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover with Double-Action
Best makeup remover for eye makeup
Hannah Biddle, a makeup artist, says that this formula doesn’t irritate or sting the eyes. Hannah Biddle uses it for herself and her clients, who may not be the most efficient in removing their makeup.
The “biphase” makeup removal works by lifting makeup through a lipid phase before removing it thoroughly with the water phase. It’s pretty standard for me to see clients sitting in my chair with remnants from last night’s mascara and lash glue.
This product works every time. Because it is ultralight, you can use this formula on all skin types. Biddle suggests that you apply the mascara to your eyes using a cotton pad. After it has loosened, you can then wipe it off.
Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips
Best (less expensive) makeup remover for eye makeup
It is $10 cheaper than Lancome’s eye makeup remover for the same size, depending on where you purchase it. However, it is still highly recommended by makeup artists.
Shahzada uses different makeup removers for each client, but this is the one she prefers. It removes all makeup without irritating the eyes and leaves no greasy residue.
Biddle says choosing an eye-makeup remover that doesn’t require rubbing or pulling is essential. The eye makeup should slide off. She also notes that it is suitable for all skin types and does not sting like other products.
Keep in mind that some makeup removers can be used as a cleanser and not just as a remover. Biddle emphasizes that this is only the first step. It should be applied to dry skin before using a traditional facial cleanser.
Xtreme Lashes Facial Cleanser and Eye Makeup Remover
Best mascara for eyelash extension
Use an oil-free makeup remover if you have eyelash extension. Marlena Orlowska is a makeup artist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. This Xtreme Lashes remover has been the only one that has worked so far.
This formula contains rose-hip and chamomile extracts to condition the lashes and brows. Orlowska suggests using an eye swab to remove any makeup to ensure that the extensions last.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm
Best makeup remover balm
This cleansing balm is for you if you love the feeling of a moisturizing, hydrating, and melting sensation that a cleanser can give your skin.
It has ingredients like sunflower root oils and ginger root oils, which will remove even the most stubborn makeup without drying or stripping your skin.
Biddle recommends this balm for oily skin. It gently exfoliates using ingredients such as papaya enzymes. However, it won’t dry out the skin and moisturize it.
Eve Lom Cleanser
High-end makeup removers
This is a cult favorite and one of the original high-end cleansing balms. Waldorf says that the five-in-one formula moisturizes, gently exfoliates, and wipes off a full day’s worth of dirt and impurities.
Before you apply the balm, warm it in your hands. Instead of using a regular washcloth, the cleanser includes a gentle muslin cloth that you can use to massage the balm onto your skin.
Waldorf claims that Eve Lom balm is loved by many because it offers more than other cleansers. She says, “It worked, and it included an aspect for self-care.”
Olay Daily Facials
Best Dry Facial Wipes
Olay Daily Facial Wipes are soft, smooth cleansing wipes that dry quickly and are activated by water. These wipes have a combination of grape seed extract and salicylic acid for their replenishing, cleaning, and hydrating qualities.
Your skin will feel nourished and scented after using it. You can use these facial wipes to cleanse, remove makeup, toning, scrub, and even cool masks!
Key ingredients: Grapeseed Extract, Glycerin
Pros
- Soap-free
- Travel-friendly
- Multifunctional
Cons
- This product contains alcohol
Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water
Best For Skin Brightening
Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water is a gentle cleanser that removes make-up, cleans pores, brightens skin, and leaves no greasy residue. To brighten your skin, it is enriched in vitamin C.
It increases collagen production, tightens your skin, and reduces fine lines. It is gentle enough to use on your skin, and you can use it regularly.
Key ingredients: Micellar water, Vitamin C
Pros
- Non-drying
- Mild scent
- Alcohol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Itching may occur
The Importance Of Makeup Remover
Your skin needs to breathe, so it is essential that you remove your makeup. You are mistaken if you think that a cleanser does the same thing. A cleaner is used to clean the pores and remove any dirt or pollutants accumulated.
A makeup remover is used to clean the skin’s upper layers, which are the ones where makeup is applied. A makeup remover is essential as it prevents the formation of clogs in your pores and gives you healthy skin.
Makeup removers can remove stubborn mascara, false eyelash glue, and waterproof lipstick.
Below are the top makeup removers we have handpicked. Scroll down to improve your skincare routine
FAQs on Makeup remover
What Is The Best Way To Remove Your Makeup?
It all depends on what your skin needs are. Balms or sticks are great for fast removal, especially for dry skin. For combination or oily skin, liquid makeup removers and micellar water can benefit.
Wipes can be a handy product that you can keep in your bag. They are also portable and easy to use.
What Is The Best Way To Remove Your Makeup?
Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover is our pick for sensitive skin. It’s soothing, doesn’t have pore-clogging chemicals, and it’s not scented with any irritating fragrance. Avoid heavy, oil-based makeup removals and rubbing too hard if you have severe acne.
What Are The Best Ways To Use Reusable Makeup Removers?
Use a makeup remover pad such as the one on this list. Wet the pad and apply a small amount of makeup remover. Apply the makeup remover to your skin and massage gently. Avoid irritating your skin by not rubbing too hard.
Conclusion
Restorbio hopes found this article useful and could help you make the right decision. And if you have any questions about buying or using a grinder, please feel free to contact us.