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Nov 01, 2024

15 Best Makeup Removers for All Skin Types

Cleansing is—hands down–one of the most crucial steps of a solid skincare routine, and that starts with a good makeup remover. Without properly removing makeup, sunscreen, and buildup from the skin,

Cleansing is—hands down–one of the most crucial steps of a solid skincare routine, and that starts with a good makeup remover. Without properly removing makeup, sunscreen, and buildup from the skin, your toners, serums, and moisturizers can't reach their full potential. In that sense, layering on acids, serums, and moisturizers is simply a waste of product if you don't apply them on a clean base, which means thoroughly removing all of your makeup first (sorry, we don't make the rules!).

Every great cleanse begins with a thorough (but gentle) makeup remover if you're wearing any. But not all makeup removers are made equal. You want to look for something that cuts through layers of makeup and grime without stripping the skin (like something that'll take off your mascara without making your face feel like paper). And then, of course, there are individual skin-type concerns to consider (like if you're dry, oily, sensitive, etc.).

To help separate the good from the great, we reached out to the experts and tested dozens of cleansers to find the best makeup removers. Read on for our top choices.

There’s a reason this micellar water has a huge fanbase of dermatologists, makeup artists, and beauty editors alike; it really is that good. The micellar solution whisks away makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and grime with a simple swipe across the face. It’s rarely irritating or harsh on the skin, and best of all, there’s no rinse required.

Size: 16.7 fl oz

Key ingredients: Micellar solution, cucumber fruit extract

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With a luxe texture usually seen in products three times the price, this balm effortlessly dissolves all traces of makeup and grime while soothing and comforting sensitive, tired skin. A blend of colloidal oatmeal and oat kernel oil works to hydrate and nourish skin as they cleanse, leaving skin soft and comfortable, never dry and tight.

Size: 5 oz

Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, oat kernel oil

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Dr. Song says the best makeup removers contain soothing and hydrating ingredients in lieu of harsh ones like alcohol and fragrances. This one from CeraVe fits the bill with its blend of three essential ceramides and jojoba oil. It leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed, and hydrated.

Size: 1.3 oz

Key ingredients: Ceramides, jojoba oil

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At nearly $150 a tub, this luxurious cleanser is the closest thing you’ll get to a spa-like experience at home. A blend of aromatic, hydrating oils melts off makeup and grime while hydrating the skin in a luxurious cleansing experience like no other.

Size: 6.8 fl oz

Key ingredients: Clove oil, eucalyptus oil, hops oil, cocoa butter, Egyptian chamomile oil

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While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend using makeup remover wipes regularly, sometimes you simply can’t beat that convenience and ease of use. That’s when we like to use these micellar wipes, infused with hydrating allantoin to avoid that dry, irritated feeling that comes with many makeup remover wipes.

Size: 25 wipes

Key ingredients: Micellar solution, allantoin

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This formula removes makeup and cleanses the skin beneath in one fell swoop, which is great if you want to skip double cleansing. After breaking down stubborn makeup and sunscreen with its silky oil formula, the dual-phase cleanser transforms into a milky gel to clean and hydrate the skin.

Size: 5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, glycerin, sucrose laurate

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“I love these for on the go to remove my eye makeup,” Dr. Libby explains. “Then I follow with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to cleanse away the rest of the day’s buildup and impurities.” These micellar pads effectively and easily remove waterproof eye makeup—no scrubbing or tugging necessary. Best of all, they’re formulated to be suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, guaranteeing an ultra-gentle cleanse.

Size: 120 pads

Key ingredients: Micellar solution, cucumber fruit extract, aloe bardadensis leaf extract

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You can rest assured that this cleansing balm will remove long-wear and waterproof makeup without compromising the skin or clogging pores. It’s packed with soothing and brightening ingredients like turmeric extract and papaya enzymes to calm inflamed skin while melting away stubborn makeup.

Size: 3.4 oz

Key ingredients: Sunflower oil, ginger root oil, turmeric extract, moringa extract, papaya enzymes

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Oil-free makeup remover formulas are ideal for oilier skin types, and this micellar water is no exception. It’s a favorite among experts like Dr. Garshick, who says it effectively cleanses and removes makeup while simultaneously reducing sebum production thanks to the inclusion of zinc gluconate and copper sulphate.

Size: 16.7 fl oz

Key ingredients: Micellar solution, zinc sulphate, copper sulphate, zinc gluconate

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When it comes to dry skin, Dr. Libby suggests looking for makeup removers that hydrate the skin and support barrier repair via gentle, oil-based formulas. This pick from Eadem does just that thanks to soothing tiger grass and allantoin. The result is a gentle cleanse that moisturizes the skin while effectively removing makeup.

Size: 3.4 oz

Key ingredients: Tiger grass, allantoin, kalahari melon, moringa

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Dr. Garshick suggests this Clinique pick, which transforms from a balm to an oil, helping to remove makeup without drying out the skin. It’s ultra-gentle yet effective and silky smooth, all while removing stubborn makeup and sunscreen and leaving skin with a fresh glow.

Size: 3.8 oz

Key ingredients: Safflower seed oil

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Dr. Song loves this gel-based cleanser which removes makeup without over drying the skin. The formula works to remove makeup while supporting the skin barrier and avoiding irritation, thanks to aloe vera, oat, minerals and electrolytes. Best of all, you can simply use the cleanser twice as your first and second cleanse.

Size: 5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Zinc, copper, magnesium, aloe vera, oat

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When it comes to removing makeup on sensitive skin, simple is the name of the game. All three experts agree that fragrance-free, soothing, and hydrating formulas are key to avoiding irritation and discomfort. That’s why this micellar water, complete with thermal spring water and glycerin, is the perfect choice for a no-fuss cleanse.

Size: 13.5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Micellar solution, thermal spring water, glycerin

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While some oil cleansers leave skin feeling heavy and greasy, this one effortlessly dissolves makeup and sunscreen without leaving any pesky residue on the skin. The thick oil provides a luxurious deep clean without ever settling in the pores. Plus, the formula is fragrance-free and Leaping Bunny certified.

Size: 5.07 fl oz

Key ingredients: Ginger, pineapple, sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil

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A classic for a reason, this rich balm melts into a luxurious oil as its massaged into the skin, effortlessly removing long-wear makeup and daily buildup. The plush formula is so gentle and soft that it can even be used as a hydrating face mask when you’re feeling extra dry.

Size: 1.76 oz

Key ingredients: Starflower oil, elderberry oil, optimega oil

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As much as it may feel like a chore to remove your makeup, it's an important step to keeping your skin healthy. "Residual makeup left on the skin before cleansing can clog pores, lead to acne breakouts, dry out the skin, and lead to irritation-induced rashes," Dr. Song explains."Makeup left on the skin also prevents absorption of other key skincare ingredients that may be essential to nourish and hydrate the skin. Using a makeup remover before cleansing helps ensure complete removal of makeup." Removing makeup before cleansing allows the cleanser to penetrate more effectively, leading to a deeper clean and ensuring no residual buildup is left behind.

There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a makeup remover. Your skin type will largely determine the kind of makeup remover that is best for your skin. Sensitive skin might be more prone to irritation, while oily types may be more prone to breakouts. Drier skin types should look for oil-based cleansers that help soothe and hydrate the skin as you cleanse. In essence, different skin types respond to different ingredients better than others, so you should look for makeup removers that align with your skin type.

It's also important to consider the type of makeup you use regularly. For example, long-wear and waterproof makeup will likely require a deeper, more thorough cleanse than someone who dabs on a little concealer. For all skin types and makeup, it's best to avoid harsh ingredients like alcohols and fragrances that might damage or irritate the skin barrier.