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After a hectic day at work or a late night out on the town, grabbing the best makeup remover to commence a multi-step skin care routine may be the last thing on your list. While relatable—no matter how tired you are—it’s essential to ensure that you remove all your makeup to prevent clogged pores, potential blemishes, and mascara-smeared bedding (your prized silk pillowcase deserves better!)—no matter how much, or little, you have on. A full face beat will certainly require a double cleanse, but even just a sunscreen needs to be taken off at the end of the day. Ahead, a look at the best makeup removers for every skin type.
Vogue’s Favorite Makeup Removers
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water, $18
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, $13
- Best for Eyes: Avene Eau Thermale Avène Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, $24
- Best Makeup Wipes: Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance-Free Face Wipes, $14
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, $38
- Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $22
- Best Cleansing Oil: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, $15
- Best for Dry Skin: Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, $30
- Best Reusable: The Original Makeup Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth, $20
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sofie Pavitt Face Micellar Cleansing Pads, $24
- Best for Double Cleansing: Dermalogica PreCleanse Cleansing Oil, $49
In This Story
- What is a makeup remover?
- How To Choose the Best Makeup Remover for Your Skin Type
- What is the difference between a makeup remover and cleanser and face wash?
- Are makeup remover wipes bad for your skin?
- What do professional makeup artists use to remove makeup?
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water
- Why we love it: For a long-standing crowdpleaser, consider this cleansing water from La Roche-Posay—a no-rinse cleanser that’s safe for both sensitive skin and eyes. It’s also effective for city-dwellers, as it removes dirt, oil, and pollution.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin
- Type: Micellar water
- Who it’s for: Normal skin
- Size: 400 ml/13.52 oz
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
- Why we love it: According to Dr. Nazanin Saedi, board-certified dermatologist, “This is great for people who have acne-prone skin because it is an oil-free makeup remover that won't clog pores, preventing breakouts.” Plus, it doesn’t require any tugging at your eyes, which can be irritating.
- Key ingredients: Aloe extracts, cucumber extracts
- Type: Oil-free liquid
- Who it’s for: Normal skin, Oily skin, Dry skin, Combination skin, Acne-prone skin, Sensitive skin
- Size: 162 ml/5.5 oz
Best for Eyes: Avène Eau Thermale Avène Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
- Why we love it: Eye makeup can be really difficult to remove, especially if you’ve tried your hand at a smokey eye and winged gel liner. Thankfully, this gentle, oil-free gel gets the job done in one fell swoop, removing all the makeup from your eyelids and eyelashes—no matter how waterproof.
- Key ingredients: Sorbitol, thermal spring water
- Type: Water gel
- Who it’s for: All skin types, including contact lens wearers
- Size: 4.2 oz
Best Makeup Wipes: Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance Free Makeup Remover Face Wipes
- Why we love it: Crafted with 100% plant-based fibers, these fragrance-free wipes are ideal for sleepovers, traveling and nights when you’re too lazy to go through your skincare routine. Moreover, they’re ultra-soft and priced under $10, making it no big deal to share when someone inevitably asks, “Who here has a makeup wipe?”
- Key ingredients: Water
- Type: Micellar-infused towelettes
- Who it’s for: Dry skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
- Size: 7.2” x 6.4”
Best Cleansing Balm: Juno & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
- Why we love it: With only 10 simple ingredients, this affordable cleansing balm is our favorite for leaving your skin clean and hydrated without any of the greasy residue some balms may leave behind. And not only that, but it contains Japanese pearl barley, which helps to brighten the skin. A two-in-one product, if you will.
- Key ingredients: Pearl barley, Vitamin E
- Type: Balm
- Who it’s for: All skin Types
- Size: 3.0 oz
Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
- Why we love it: Even the most sensitive of skin types will be pleased to note that this micellar water is non-irritating and still manages to remove all the gunk off your face. Pair it with a super-soft cotton round for best results.
- Key ingredients: Water, cucumber fruit extract
- Type: Micellar Water
- Who it’s for: Sensitive skin, Combination skin
- Size: 16.7 oz, 8.33 oz, 3.33 oz
Best Cleansing Oil: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
- Why we love it: If someone were to ask you about your desert island, we’d recommend choosing this on. This cleansing oil effectively removes all the dirt and grime off your face without stripping the skin. All you need to do is massage a few pumps onto dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Key ingredients: Olive oil
- Type: Oil Cleanser
- Who it’s for: Dry skin, Oily skin, Sensitive skin, Combination skin
- Size: 70 ml/2.3 oz, 200 ml/6.7 oz
Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
- Why we love it: Dr. Althea’s cleansing balm removes sunscreen, makeup, and even waterproof mascara easily, thanks to its potent blend of botanic oils which melt away the day’s beauty regimen. Meanwhile, Centella extract’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe acne-prone and irritable skin types. Best of all, the grinding twist cap dispenses the product without ever having to use your fingers to scoop it out (your skin will thank you for the special attention to hygiene). Simply uncap and twist.
- Key ingredients: Camellia sinensis seed oil, grape seed oil, centella extract
- Type: Balm
- Who it’s for: Sensitive to acne-prone skin types
- Size: 1.69 fl oz
Best for Dry Skin: Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
- Why we love it: You don’t even need a cotton pad, as this hydrating cleansing oil dissolves your makeup at first touch. It’s super nourishing thanks to a blend of sweet almond, castor, grape seed, and sunflower oils.
- Key ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Sunflower/Castor Oil
- Type: Oil cleanser
- Who it's for: Normal skin, dry skin
- Size: 150 ml/5.0 oz
Best Clean: Eadem Dew Dream Cleansing Balm
- Why we love it: For those in the know, Eadem is that-girl when it comes to skincare. With chic packaging, efficacious formulas, and clean ingredients like soothing tiger grass, hydrating allantoin, and rich kalahari melon and moringa, this balm is a jelly-to-oil-to-milk formula that can be used on both the face and eyes without irritation.
- Key Ingredients: Tiger Grass, Allantoin, Kalahari Melon, Moringa
- Type: Balm
- Who it’s for: All skin Types
- Size: 3.4 oz/100 ml
Best Reusable: The Original MakeUp Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth
- Why we love it: Cotton pads create unnecessary waste. Enter: These reusable cloths, which are ultra-soft and double-sided and per the brand, can help you save up to 3,600 makeup wipes, by being reusable and machine-washable up to 1,000 times (!!). It can be used to both remove makeup and exfoliate the skin, making it a much better alternative to one-time use wipes or pads.
- Key Ingredients: 100% Polyester cloth
- Type: Cloth
- Who it’s for: All skin types, including sensitive skin
- Size: 15.5 in x 7.25 in
Best Oil-Free: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
- Why we love it: This oh-so-creamy makeup balm makes the chore of removing your makeup more of a treat than anything. Watch and be amazed as saffron seed oil easily dissolves your makeup, leaving behind a dewy glow.
- Key ingredients: Safflower Seed Oil
- Type: Balm
- Who it’s for: Normal skin, Dry skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
- Size: 200 ml/6.7 oz, 125 ml/3.8 oz, 30 ml/1 oz
Best for Soothing : Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover
- Why we love it: Leave it to Paula’s Choice to create yet another amazing acne product. It’s extra-mild and non-irritating, making it safe for even the most sensitive of skin types because why should removing your makeup cause you to break out?
- Key ingredients: Allantoin, aloe leaf juice extract, green tea
- Type: Liquid
- Who it’s for: Sensitive skin
- Size: 127 ml/4.3 oz.
Best Luxury: Sisley-Paris Gentle Make-Up Remover for Face and Eyes
- Why we love it: While this cleanser is quite the splurge, who are you to deny yourself, especially for a product that is to be used every day? Also known as Eau Efficace Démaquillant Doux, it’s more of a three-in-one product—cleansing, removing, and toning the skin, making it well worth its price tag.
- Key ingredients: Linden water, orange Blossom, pro-vitamin B5
- Type: Liquid
- Who it’s for: All skin types
- Size: 300 ml/10.1 oz
Best for Waterproof Makeup: Dermalogica PreCleanse Cleanser
- Why we love it: Do your skin a favor and double cleanse—when you do, Dermalogica’s pre-cleanse is a fail-proof choice for any skin type. Blending numerous plant-derived oils for a soothing cleanse, this transforms from a lightweight oil into a milky lather.
- Key ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, lavender oil, sunflower oil, orange oil, lavender oil, rosemary leaf extract, rice bran oil
- Type: Oil
- Who it’s for: All skin types
- Size: 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz,
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sofie Pavitt Face Micellar Cleansing Pads
- Why we love it: Renowned facialist Sofie Pavitt is known as the “acne whisperer,” so whatever she says goes—including her product recommendations and thoughtfully crafted skincare brand. Thanks to its ease, efficacy, and film-free finish, Pavitt loves micellar water for acne-prone skin types. These non-comedogenic micellar pads remove makeup anywhere, any time; the portable jar makes it easy to take toss it in your travel bag. Best of all, you can feel guilt-free about the cleansing pads themselves—they’re made of a biodegradable plant-based viscose. But don’t forget! Makeup removal is only step one, so make sure to follow up with your favorite cleanser.
- Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, cucumber fruit extract, sodium citrate, citric acid
- Type: Micellar infused pads
- Who it’s for: Acne-prone to congested skin types
- Size: 35 pads
What is a makeup remover?
Makeup remover cleanses the skin by removing cosmetics, impurities, and buildup. It is available in various forms, including oil cleansers, micellar water, cleansing balms, and wipes, as explained by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman.
How To Choose the Best Makeup Remover for Your Skin Type
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi explains that the key is to choose a makeup remover based on your skin type. For those with acne-prone or oily skin, she recommends oil-free makeup removers like micellar water. If you have dry skin, she suggests opting for creamy or oil-based makeup removers. For individuals who are older and require gentler products, Dr. Saedi suggests oil-based formulas. Additionally, for individuals with sensitive skin, Dr. Engelman recommends a gentle, fragrance-free oil-based cleanser or makeup cleansing balm to clean the skin of stubborn makeup without stripping natural, protective oils.
What is the difference between a makeup remover and cleanser and face wash?
“In your skincare routine, a makeup remover’s main purpose is to break down the makeup, especially stubborn waterproof makeup, while a cleanser is used following makeup removal to further clean and remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin,” says Dr. Engelman. Some products aim to both remove makeup and cleanse, particularly cleansing oils and makeup balms. Typically, double-cleansing is best for removing all your makeup and skin buildup. “I like to use a makeup-removing cleansing balm and follow with a gel-based cleanser to balance my skin’s microbiome,” she adds.
TL;DR: Makeup removers are for removing all forms of makeup, but cleansers, which come in many forms, will help remove sweat, sebum, dirt, and impurities from your skin, says Dr. Saedi.
Are makeup remover wipes bad for your skin?
“Makeup wipes are always an option when you’re in a pinch; however, if you have sensitive skin, they can potentially be harsh and include irritating chemicals and fragrances,” explains Dr. Engleman. They can especially cause irritation if you do not remove the residual ingredients from the skin. Still, makeup wipes are better than not cleansing at all; however, they should not be used frequently in place of a double-cleansing method. “I would recommend using micellar water instead, as it is a non-stripping water that does not need to be rinsed off and is typically gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive skin,” she says. In addition, makeup wipes are typically single-use products and are non-biodegradable, posing harm to the environment.
What do professional makeup artists use to remove makeup?
Echoing Dr. Engleman, makeup wipes are an option only for those in a quick pinch—and makeup artists are generally on tight schedules. (Meaning: you’re not off the hook from your double cleanse!) Think about it:—he pros don’t often have the time to lather up their clients’ faces and then ask them to rinse off in the nearest sink (who knows where that is backstage at a fashion show). That’s why they turn to portable options, like makeup wipes, pads, and micellar water.
Celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty swears by Sofie Pavitt’s micellar cleansing pads (no need to carry a separate micellar water bottle and cotton rounds as these are pre-soaked). Meanwhile, fellow celebrity makeup artist Andrea Tiller turns to Neutrogena’s makeup removing wipes, which are gentle and fragrance-free.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Nazanin Saedi is a board-certified dermatologist and medical researcher based in Philadelphia, PA
- Dr. Dendy Engleman is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Andrea Tiller is a celebrity makeup artist based between New York and Los Angeles. Her clients include Jane Krakowski, Olivia Palermo, Ego Nwodim, and more.
- Kirin Bhatty is a celebrity makeup artist based between New York and Los Angeles. Her clients include Lorde, Auli’li Cravalho, Kaya Scodelario, and more.
