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May 04, 2023

18 best makeup removers of 2023 for refreshed skin

Anyone who’s ever fallen asleep in a full face of makeup knows how

Anyone who's ever fallen asleep in a full face of makeup knows how important it is to take your makeup off at the end of the night. But the best makeup removers aren't just the ones that get foundation, mascara and lipstick off: They’re made to remove the dirt and grime of the day, too.

"I’m a huge proponent of smart cleansing, not aggressive cleansing," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. "Using the appropriate cleanser can effectively remove dirt, oil, makeup — even heavy Halloween makeup! — without irritating and inflaming skin."

If you’re planning to pile on makeup for a Halloween costume, she says it's a good idea to start working on your skin barrier now: "Switch over to gentler cleansers, avoid chemical peels or exfoliating products for a week prior, increase the use of humectants and emollients, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin, glycerin."

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The mark of a good cleanser, she adds, is one that you don't have to use aggressively for it to work effectively. "Oftentimes, that can trigger flares in underlying skin conditions, such as eczema and rosacea, and also worsen acne pimples, increasing the risk of scarring," she says, noting that heavy makeup can make flare-ups even more likely. She recommends choosing one that's formulated with calming and hydrating ingredients to improve the moisture barrier and strengthen skin, like antioxidants or aloe.

Dr. Avnee Shah, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Verona, NJ, says the best way to remove makeup is to start with a wipe before going in with a more thorough cleanser. "For my day-to-day routine, which typically consists of skin care and tinted sunscreen, I like using a makeup wipe to take off what has built up throughout the day on the surface," she says. "Then, I’ll follow for a more thorough clean with liquid facial cleanser." However, Shah notes, along with Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, that makeup wipes are potentially irritating — especially for those with sensitive skin — so proceed with caution.

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Find the best makeup removers, including makeup wipes, balms, reusable pads and natural products that the experts swear by.