The 8 Best Makeup Removers That Won’t Strip Your Skin

Best Overall

Clinique Makeup Remover

$36 at Amazon $28 at Sephora $28 at Ulta

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’s formulated with isododecane and isohexadecane, gentle solvents that work to effortlessly dissolve 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: “This remover is worthy of accolades for its tug-free and nonirritating approach to removing makeup—leaving no sparkle behind.”

Best Budget

Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover

$10

$9 at Amazon $13 at Ulta $9 at Target

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 gently whisk 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. It’s infused with aloe and cucumber extracts to moisturize and soothe skin with each application. 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 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.”

Best Drugstore

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

$18 at Amazon $12 at Ulta

$19

$10 at Theperfumespot.com

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 to 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. We love that this pick is fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin and eyes. Heads up: It can leave the skin feeling greasy if it’s not rinsed off with water and a gentle cleanser.

Kayla, former intern: “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.”

Best Micellar Water

Bioderma H2O Micellar Water

$21

$20 at Amazon $20 at Dermstore $7 at Target

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. It’s formulated with biomimetic micells that gently lift away makeup without disturbing the skin’s natural barrier. 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. It’s also great if you struggle with redness, as it works to tone and soothe irritated skin.

Best Balm

Farmacy Green Makeup Cleansing Balm

$24 at Amazon $26 at Sephora $39 at Ulta

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.

Best Wipes

CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Removing Plant-Based Wipes

$14

$12 at Amazon $14 at Ulta $12 at Target

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.

Best Cream Cleanser

Fenty Skin Total Cleans'r Remove-It-All Cleanser

$59 at Sephora $33 at Fentybeauty.com $18 at Kohls.com

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). Glycerin gently lifts away oil and impurities while antioxidant-rich ginkgo biloba clarifies and increases circulation in the 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

$125 at Amazon $125 at Nordstrom $125 at Bloomingdales

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, making this a great pick for those with mature skin. 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. It’s infused with peony extract and cornflower hydrosol to smooth and soften skin without the lingering tightness some makeup removers can leave behind.