15 Best Makeup Removers for a Clean and Refreshed Face

The secret to flawless skin is a perfectly blended foundation, a good finishing spray, and a makeup remover. Yep, we heard the record scratch too. But hear us out. 

Your skin goes through a lot on any given day. From moisturizers to primers and concealers to blush, add oil and debris to that list, and that’s a lot of potentially pore-clogging “stuff.” And you know how it goes, clogged pores lead to breakouts. And breakouts can blemish even the best canvas. The key to keeping it all running smoothly? Makeup remover. 

And don’t let the name fool you. Very often, makeup removers are all that and more. The best makeup removers effectively erase all traces of your foundation and blush and clear away any traces of oil and dirt. The goal is to leave your skin fresh, clean, and ready for the morning. 

Best makeup removers overview:

• Best overall: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover
• Best budget: Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser
• Best for eyes: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
• Best for sensitive skin: The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
• Best for lips: Beauty Bakerie Lip Whip Remover
• Best wipes: Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes
• Best splurge: Sisley Paris Eau Efficace Make-up Remover
• Best oil-free: Neutrogena Gentle Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover for Waterproof Mascara
• Best micellar water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
• Best hydrating: Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Remover + Cleansing Water
• Best drugstore: Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser 
• Best cleansing oil: Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
• Best balm: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
• Best stick: Tula Makeup Melt Makeup Removing Balm
• Best fragrance-free: Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser and Bamboo Booster

How we chose the best makeup removers

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including formulations, ingredients, and more, to create a short list of the top makeup removers. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best makeup removers for each category.

Our picks for the best makeup removers

Anyone looking for a makeup remover that skips everything you don’t want seeping into your skin will find it with Clinique’s Take The Day Off Makeup Remover. This makeup remover is formulated for all skin types and dissolves and “lifts away” even longwearing makeup, including waterproof mascara. 

And while you might think that translates to harsh chemicals stripping your skin and leaving it a little worse for wear, guess again. Clinique’s Take The Day Off Makeup Remover is non-irritating, non-stinging, and alcohol-free. Moreover, it’s allergy-tested, dermatologist-tested, and ophthalmologist-tested, so go ahead and swipe it all over your face, lips, and lashes. 

Take The Day Off Makeup Remover has a lot going for it, but it’s worth noting that the reviews are a mixed bag, with some saying this is the best makeup remover on the planet, while others say it feels oily and leaves behind a residue. It also requires a final rinse after use, which could be a deal-breaker for some. 

Type: Liquid | Solvent type: Oil-based | Makeup type: Light to heavy | Skin type: All

Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser is an oldie but goodie, gracing beauty aisle shelves since 1905. Its incomparable ability to stand to the test of time speaks volumes. While this Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser hits our list as the Best Budget, it could also check the box for the Best Makeup Remover for Dry Skin. Why? Because it’s 50% moisturizer.  

Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser effortlessly removes all traces of your makeup, but unlike many in the category, it gives your skin an incredible boost of hydration, ultimately improving your skin’s texture and smoothness. And as a little added benefit, users often say it smells clean and fresh. 

Type: Cream | Solvent type: Oil-based | Makeup type: Light to heavy | Skin type: Normal to dry

No list of the best makeup removers would be complete without mention of the No. 1 makeup remover in the U.S. — Lancôme’s Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover. We’re deeming it the Best Makeup Remover for Eyes. 

If you haven’t heard of this makeup-removing rockstar, here’s what you need to know. It’s a bi-phase formula containing an oily phase and a water phase. You’ll need to give it a good shake to mix the contents, but when you do, watch out. This eye makeup remover swoops in to remove all traces of your winged eyeliner, even if you use a waterproof formula.

And while Lancôme’s Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover is formulated with an oil phase, it doesn’t leave any oily residue, nor does it leave your skin feeling sticky. This eye makeup remover is suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. 

Type: Liquid | Solvent type: Water-based, oil-based | Makeup type: Light to heavy | Skin type: All

If you know anything about sensitive skin, then you know colloidal oatmeal is your friend. The Inkey List’s Oat Cleansing Balm is chockful of skin-soothing ingredients like Oat Kernel Oil and colloidal oatmeal. 

Suitable for all skin types, this balm effectively removes your makeup and impurities without stripping your skin or leaving it irritated and angry. Even better, our pick for the Best Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin works as a shaving balm or a 10-minute nourishing mask.

Type: Balm | Solvent type: Oil-based | Makeup type: Light to medium | Skin type: All

Perfecting a red matte lip is one thing. Taking it off without staring back at that notorious pink-stained lip for a few additional hours is another. We can only guess that Beauty Bakerie felt our pain and granted our collective wishes with its Lip Whip Remover.

It’s packed with jojoba oil and a few of its friends for a delectable makeup remover pad that glides across your lips, removing all traces of color and lip stains. At the same time, it locks in moisture to keep your lips soft and supple.   

This oil-based pad eliminates pulling and tugging, typically the standard operating procedure for removing matte lip color. The remover, which is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, even works for waterproof or long-lasting makeup formulas.

Type: Pads | Solvent type: Oil-based | Makeup type: Light to heavy | Skin type: All

Face wipes are probably the most streamlined way to remove your makeup at the end of the day, and when we had to pick the leader of the pack (no pun intended), Simple got the accolade with its Kind To Skin Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes.   

These wipes, created with micellar water technology, give your face a blast of hydration as they remove all traces of makeup, dirt, and impurities. Digging a little deeper, we found these wipes offer even more benefits for your skin, like vitamins B and E and triple-purified water. They’re strong enough to wipe away the heaviest makeup but gentle enough to use daily. 

And for those concerned about the environmental impact these wipes may have, Simple’s Kind To Skin Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes are compostable, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested, made from renewable plant fibers and sustainable wood pulp.

Type: Wipes | Solvent type: Water-based | Makeup type: Light to medium | Skin type: All

Eau Efficace Makeup Remover by Sisley Paris may be on our list as the Best Splurge, but its 3-in-1 formula offers a lot of bang for your (many) bucks. Not only is it a micellar water-based makeup remover, but it’s also a cleanser and a toner. Anyone looking for a one-and-done product, this is it. 

Formulated with plant-based saponins, Linden blossom water, and Neroli extract, Sisley Paris’ Eau Efficace Makeup Remover effectively removes makeup, impurities, and traces of dirt and pollution that settle on your skin throughout the day. This beauty treat works for all skin types, and there’s no rinsing required. And while it’s tough on all of the above, it’s gentle on your face and eyes.

Type: Liquid | Solvent type: Water-based | Makeup type: Light to heavy | Skin type: All

Neutrogena’s Gentle Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover for Waterproof Mascara makes our list as the Best Oil-Free Makeup Remover. Like Lancome’s Bi-Facil, it’s a dual-phase formula you must shake to activate before using. 

Once mixed, this formula is all you need to wipe away all traces of eye makeup gently, and there’s no greasy residue to contend with after the fact. Neutrogena’s eye makeup remover elegantly handles waterproof mascara. Like most bi-phase formulas, you’ll need to rinse after using. And contact lens wearers can rejoice — it’s ophthalmologist-tested and safe for use. 

Type: Liquid | Solvent type: Water-based | Makeup type: Light to heavy | Skin type: All

Powered by micelles and purified, pharmaceutical-grade water Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Micellar Water effortlessly removes makeup, dirt, debris, and pollution. Inspired by the cellular lipids found in the skin, Bioderma created this makeup remover to perfectly balance your skin, so there’s no stripping, irritation, or stinging. 

Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Micellar Water works on waterproof makeup and all skin types. It’s a no-rinse formula and doesn’t leave behind a greasy, sticky residue.

Type: Liquid | Solvent type: Water-based | Makeup type: Light to medium | Skin type: All

With everything we put our skin through, a little hydration may be in order at the end of the day. Enter Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Remover + Cleansing Water. This makeup remover gently but effectively removes makeup while giving your skin a powerful boost in hydration. 

Under the cap, users will find natural micellar water and blue agave extract, both of which do the heavy lifting to remove makeup, dirt, and other skin impurities. Hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, hyaluronic acid, and aloe round out a nice list of skin-loving ingredients, so all you’re left with is a dewy glow. 

Milk Makeup’s Hydro Ungrip Makeup Remover + Cleansing Water is oil-free, fragrance-free, and gentle enough to use morning and night. Oh, and there’s no rinsing required.

Type: Liquid | Solvent type: Water-based | Makeup type: Light to medium | Skin type: All

CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It washes away your makeup, dirt, and oils without stripping your skin. In fact, instead of leaving your skin tight and dry, CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser hydrates and reinforces your skin’s barrier with every use. 

Ideal for normal to oily skin, the gel-based formula suds easily, so it satisfies your need for a clean you can see and feel. This drugstore superstar can be used from head to toe, and it was developed by dermatologists, so it’s non-comedogenic.

Type: Gel | Solvent type: Water-based | Makeup type: Light to medium | Skin type: All

A cleansing oil might sound a little dramatic, but hear us out. This Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil by Biossance is specifically formulated to remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities. 

It’s lightweight and rinses clean with water, leaving you with a fresh face that’s hydrated, soft, and super healthy. This oil-based makeup remover is formulated with sugarcane-derived and sustainable squalane oil, is antioxidant-rich, and feels delightfully luxurious on the skin.

Type: Liquid | Solvent type: Oil-based | Makeup type: Light to medium | Skin type: All

If your skin leans toward dry, you might consider Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

a nourishing makeup remover balm that transforms into a cleansing oil and hydrates your skin as a cleansing milk. 

While this balm skips the mineral oil, it doubles down on skin-soothing ingredients like rose and mimosa waxes, elderberry, starflower, and optimega oils. You’ll also find a bit of aromatherapy under the cap, courtesy of nine essential oils, including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus. 

Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is suitable for all skin types, and users can indulge daily or use it once a week as a nourishing mask.

Type: Balm | Solvent type: Water-based | Makeup type: Light to heavy | Skin type: All

If you think makeup wipes are great for your carry-on, hold on to your hat. Tula hits our list as the best stick makeup remover. And while it scores an A+ for delivery, rest assured nothing gets lost in translation in terms of performance. 

This makeup-remover balm is formulated with probiotic extracts, macadamia seed oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, olive oil. It’s not only travel-friendly but skin-friendly, too. While the ingredients minimize irritation, Tula’s Makeup Melt glides effortlessly over your skin, so there’s no chance of pulling or tugging.

Type: Balm | Solvent type: Oil-based | Makeup type: Light to medium | Skin type: All

Formulated with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and a soothing African oil blend of marula, baobab, kalahari melon, mongongo, and ximenia, Drunk Elephant’s Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser is strong enough to erase your daily mix of makeup, oil, and other impurities that settle on your skin. Still, it’s gentle enough to use daily and around your eye area. 

The Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser transforms from an oil to milk upon contact with water, so it’s a winner in our book for dry skin types. Those with skin sensitivities may want to take note — this makeup remover is free of common irritants like silicones and fragrances.

Type: Balm | Solvent type: Oil-based | Makeup type: Light to heavy | Skin type: Dry

How to pick the right makeup remover for you

Consider the following factors to find the best match for your skin and makeup tendencies. 

Formulation

From oil-free liquids to micellar water, cold creams, and balms, makeup removers come in all sorts of formulations. Ultimately the best makeup remover for you is the one that feels good on your skin and works with your skin type. 

While liquid makeup removers may have their place in a friend’s makeup routine, your skin type may be better suited to a cream or balm. Moreover, if you choose a liquid makeup remover, there are subcategories to be mindful of as well. For example, while you can easily find water-based makeup removers, bi-phase formulas seem to be popular within the category. 

Ultimately, when shopping for makeup removers, it’s important to think about real-world performance. Bi-phase makeup removers may sound soothing and skin-friendly, but they often leave an oily residue on your skin that’s not exactly desirable. 

Skin type

In addition to the type of formulation, it’s also a good idea to keep your skin type in mind when shopping for a makeup remover. 

Whereas dry, mature, or sensitive skin types may want to steer clear of alcohol-based, fragrance-laden makeup removers and opt for a skin-soothing balm instead, those with oily skin may see excellent results with an alcohol-based makeup remover. 

Makeup type

Your preferred makeup type will also play a critical role in the makeup remover you choose. Obviously, if your daily face features multiple layers of primer, concealer, contours, blushes, and 

foundation, you’ll need a powerful makeup remover to get it off at the end of the day. 

On the other hand, if your makeup starts and ends with a little foundation and powder, a lighter formulation should suffice. Similarly, if waterproof mascara is non-negotiable, you should opt for a makeup remover that’s up to the task. 

FAQ

What’s the best thing to use to remove makeup? 

The best makeup remover is different for everyone. Ultimately, it’s the one that works for your skin type and the one that tackles makeup, dirt, and impurities without irritating or damaging your skin. 

What’s the healthiest makeup remover?

The healthiest makeup remover is one that’s formulated with ingredients that are good for your skin — whatever that means to you. For some people, healthy means water-based; for others, it means nourishing oils. To find the best makeup remover, figure out what’s most important to you and go from there.

What does Kim Kardashian use to remove makeup?

In an Instagram story she posted in early 2023, Kim Kardashian gave her followers a glimpse into her beauty bag. Among the goodies, viewers spotted a pack of Neutrogena Calming Cleansing Makeup Remover Wipes, Kardashian’s makeup remover of choice.