Makeup has the ability to enhance your features, boost your confidence, and allow you to express yourself creatively. But when the day comes to an end, even the most perfect cat eye eventually has to come off—sad face, lol.
Over the past 15+ years, I have used and tested so many different makeup removers, from cleansing wipes and micellar waters to eye makeup removers, oils, and cleansing balms. Some became longtime favorites, while others quickly showed me exactly what I did not want in a makeup remover. This list is the culmination of those years of trial and error, along with a fresh look at the products and formulas available today.
That is where the unsung hero of our skincare routine steps in: a good makeup remover!
Removing your makeup before bed helps clear away foundation, mascara, sunscreen, excess oil, and everything else that has collected on your skin throughout the day. More importantly, the right remover should get the job done without forcing you to scrub, tug at your eyes, or leave your face feeling dry and uncomfortable.
I originally published this list in 2023, but makeup-removal routines have changed quite a bit since then. Cleansing balms, cleansing oils, and micellar waters have become much more popular, while makeup wipes are now usually recommended as an occasional travel or emergency option rather than the best choice for everyday cleansing.
For this update, I revisited the products from my original list, removed the options that no longer deserved a spot in the top seven, and added a few highly recommended makeup removers that impressed me and better reflect what is available today.
Whether you need help removing waterproof mascara, want something gentle enough for sensitive skin, or simply need a quick and affordable drugstore option, these are the best makeup removers to consider in 2026.
All product recommendations are independently selected based on my personal experience, testing, and honest opinions. If I include affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my blog, but they never influence which products I recommend or the opinions I share.
Do You Need to Double Cleanse After Removing Makeup?
Makeup remover and facial cleanser do not always serve the same purpose.
A cleansing balm, cleansing oil, or micellar water is usually used as the first step to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. You can then follow it with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue.
This process is commonly known as double cleansing.
You may not need two cleansing steps every night, especially if you only wore a small amount of makeup. However, double cleansing can be helpful after wearing long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara, a full face of makeup, or several layers of sunscreen. Health explains that removing makeup may involve double cleansing. The article notes that sensitive and dry skin types may benefit from “double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser or balm that removes makeup and hydrates the skin.” It also recommends micellar water as a makeup-removal option for oily or acne-prone skin.
The goal is not to scrub your skin until it feels tight. Your skin should feel clean, comfortable, and ready for the rest of your nighttime routine.
Best Overall Makeup Remover: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm earns the top spot because it can remove face makeup, sunscreen, long-wear products, and waterproof eye makeup without requiring a lot of rubbing.
The balm begins as a solid in the jar and melts into a silky oil as you massage it over dry skin. Once you add water, it emulsifies and rinses away much more easily than some of the heavier cleansing balms I have tried.
The formula contains safflower seed oil, which helps break down makeup and the natural oils that collect on the skin. It is also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, non-drying, and tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists. Clinique lists it as suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and sensitive eyes.
To use it, apply a small amount to dry skin with clean, dry hands. Gently massage it over your face and closed eyes before adding warm water. Continue massaging as the balm turns milky, and then rinse thoroughly.
You can use it on its own, but I recommend following with a gentle cleanser if you wore a full face of makeup or a heavier sunscreen.
The biggest drawback is the price. It costs more than most drugstore cleansing balms, but a small amount spreads easily, so one jar should last for a while.
Best For: Anyone looking for one dependable remover for foundation, sunscreen, long-wear makeup, and waterproof products.
Best for Waterproof Eye and Lip Makeup: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips
Clinique’s Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips has been my go-to for removing waterproof eye makeup and long-wearing lipstick for more than 15 years (and counting!).
Whenever I wear highly pigmented eye makeup or stubborn waterproof mascara, this is the product I trust to remove it without making me tug at the delicate skin around my eyes. It has also never caused the stinging or irritation that I have experienced with certain other eye makeup removers.
This is a dual-phase liquid, so make sure you shake the bottle before using it. Saturate a cotton pad, hold it against your closed eye for several seconds, and give the formula time to dissolve your mascara and eyeliner. Gently wipe the makeup away instead of immediately rubbing the pad back and forth.
Clinique describes the formula as non-stinging, non-irritating, allergy tested, fragrance-free, dermatologist tested, and ophthalmologist tested. It is specifically designed for the eyes and lips, so you will still need a different product for removing foundation and other makeup from the rest of your face.
A little goes a long way, which is another reason I continue to repurchase it. Even with regular use, one bottle lasts me longer than I expect.
Best For: Waterproof mascara, liquid eyeliner, bold lipstick, sensitive eyes, and anyone who wants a dedicated eye and lip remover.
Best Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Bioderma Sensibio H2O remains one of the strongest products from my original list and continues to be one of the most frequently recommended micellar waters for sensitive skin.
Micellar water contains tiny cleansing molecules called micelles. These help capture makeup, excess oil, and other impurities so they can be lifted away with a cotton pad. Unlike some traditional cleansers, micellar water does not foam and usually does not require rinsing.
Bioderma’s formula has a physiological pH of approximately 5.5 and is made for sensitive skin. It is designed to remove makeup while respecting the skin’s natural protective film, making it a particularly good option for anyone whose skin tends to become red, tight, or uncomfortable after cleansing.
It works especially well for light and everyday makeup. Saturate a cotton pad and gently wipe your face until the pad comes away clean. For eye makeup, hold the pad against your closed eye for a few seconds before wiping.
Although Bioderma describes it as a no-rinse formula, you can still follow it with a gentle cleanser if you prefer to double cleanse or if you wore heavy makeup and sunscreen.
One important correction from the original version of this article: micellar water is primarily a cleanser and makeup remover, not automatically a toner. I also recommend using a dedicated makeup-brush cleanser instead of soaking your brushes in micellar water.
Best For: Sensitive, reactive, redness-prone, or easily irritated skin and people who wear light-to-medium makeup.
Best Drugstore Makeup Remover: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is one of the easiest makeup removers to find at drugstores, grocery stores, and major retailers. It is also an excellent value because the bottle is much larger than most dedicated eye makeup removers.
For this list, I recommend the waterproof version with the blue cap. It uses a bi-phase formula to break down waterproof mascara, long-wear lipstick, foundation, dirt, and excess oil.
Make sure you shake the bottle before each use. Saturate a cotton pad, place it over your closed eye, and hold it there for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. Giving the formula time to work makes it easier to remove mascara without rubbing or pulling on your lashes.
Garnier describes the formula as fragrance-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, suitable for sensitive skin, and safe to use on the face, eyes, and lips. It is also available in a travel size, which makes it a more useful packing option than a full-size cleansing balm.
Because this is a waterproof formula, some people may notice a slight residue afterward. Following it with a gentle facial cleanser should take care of that.
Best For: Anyone looking for an affordable, widely available remover for waterproof and long-wear makeup.
Best for Heavy Makeup and Sunscreen: Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Farmacy Green Clean is a great choice for the nights when you are wearing a full face of makeup, several layers of sunscreen, or products that refuse to come off with a basic cleanser.
The texture starts as a soft balm, melts into an oil as you massage it over dry skin, and then turns milky when you add water. Sunflower oil helps dissolve makeup and sunscreen, while papaya extract helps lift away dirt and impurities.
According to Farmacy’s testing, Green Clean removes more than 99% of long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara, lipstick, and SPF after one cleanse. The brand offers multiple sizes and now has both its original version and a fragrance-free version for sensitive skin.
I would choose the fragrance-free formula if your skin is easily irritated or if you already know that essential oils and scented skincare products cause problems for you. The original formula contains several fragrant plant oils, so it will not be the best match for every sensitive-skin routine.
Apply it to dry skin using the included spatula or clean, dry hands. Massage it over your face, add warm water to emulsify it, and rinse. You can then follow with your regular facial cleanser.
Farmacy Green Clean replaced the Sephora wipes from the original article because it provides a more complete and gentle first cleanse without requiring as much friction against the skin!
Best For: Full-coverage foundation, waterproof makeup, daily sunscreen wearers, and anyone who enjoys a rich balm-to-oil texture.
Best Reusable Makeup Remover: The Original MakeUp Eraser 7-Day Set
The Original MakeUp Eraser is a reusable microfiber cloth designed to remove makeup with warm water. I first tried one after receiving it in a Boxycharm subscription, and I was honestly surprised by how much makeup it removed!
The cloth is soft, machine washable, and easy to pack for travel. I especially like the 7-Day Set because it gives you a fresh cloth for each day of the week without requiring you to constantly run a load of laundry.
The brand states that each cloth can last for up to 200 washes. That is a more useful and realistic measurement than promising that every cloth will last a specific number of years, since the actual lifespan will depend on how often you use and wash it.
To use it, completely soak the cloth with warm water and gently move it over your face in circular motions. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, especially around your eyes.
Although the MakeUp Eraser can remove an impressive amount of makeup, I still recommend following it with a gentle cleanser if you wore heavy foundation, waterproof makeup, or sunscreen. Reusable cloths rely on physical contact to lift makeup, so people with rosacea or extremely reactive skin should be especially careful about rubbing.
Wash the cloth after each use and allow it to dry completely before using it again. A damp cloth that sits in a bathroom for several days is not something you want to continue rubbing over your face.
Best For: Light-to-medium makeup, travel, reducing disposable waste, and anyone who prefers reusable beauty tools.
Best Budget Eye Makeup Remover: Neutrogena Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is the affordable alternative to Clinique’s eye and lip remover.
It is widely available, usually costs much less than the Clinique option, and does a great job removing waterproof mascara and eyeliner. The dual-phase formula activates when shaken, so do not forget to mix it before applying it to a cotton pad.
Neutrogena describes the formula as oil-free and ophthalmologist tested. It is designed to remove waterproof eye makeup without leaving behind a greasy residue and is considered safe for contact lens wearers. The formula also contains aloe and cucumber extracts.
I still find the Clinique remover gentler and more comfortable around my eyes, but the Neutrogena option is difficult to beat when you need something affordable and easy to replace.
Hold the saturated cotton pad over your closed eye before wiping. Waterproof mascara needs time to dissolve, and immediately rubbing your lashes will only make the removal process more difficult.
Because this is specifically an eye makeup remover, you will need a separate micellar water, balm, or cleanser for the rest of your face.
Best For: Waterproof eye makeup, contact lens wearers, drugstore shoppers, and anyone looking for a less expensive alternative to Clinique.
How to Choose the Best Makeup Remover for Your Skin
A gentle micellar water may be enough for skin tint, blush, brow pencil, and regular mascara. Full-coverage foundation, waterproof mascara, long-wear lipstick, and heavy sunscreen usually respond better to a cleansing balm or bi-phase remover.
Pay Attention to Your Skin Type
Dry skin often responds well to balms and oils because they can remove makeup without leaving the face feeling stripped.
Oily and acne-prone skin can also use oil-based cleansers, but the product needs to be thoroughly emulsified and rinsed away. Following it with a gentle second cleanser may help prevent residue from remaining on the skin.
Sensitive skin may do better with fragrance-free formulas such as Bioderma Sensibio H2O, Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, or the fragrance-free version of Farmacy Green Clean.
Choose a Separate Remover for Stubborn Eye Makeup
Your regular face cleanser may not be strong enough for waterproof mascara and eyeliner. A dedicated eye remover allows you to dissolve those products without repeatedly scrubbing your lashes and eyelids.
Do Not Assume “Natural” Automatically Means Gentle
Plant oils, botanical extracts, and essential oils can still irritate sensitive skin. Instead of relying only on broad marketing terms, look for specific information such as fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested, dermatologist-tested, or safe for sensitive skin.
Think About the Cleanup
Micellar waters require cotton pads or reusable rounds. Cleansing balms require access to a sink. Reusable cloths need to be washed and dried between uses.
The best makeup remover is not only the one that works well—it is the one you will realistically use every night.
How to Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Damaging Your Lashes
Waterproof mascara is designed to stay in place, so it usually needs more time to dissolve than regular mascara.
Shake your bi-phase remover, saturate a cotton pad, and hold it against your closed eye for at least 10 seconds. Gently wipe downward in the direction of your lashes.
Repeat the process with a clean section of the pad instead of scrubbing back and forth. You can also use a cotton swab to remove eyeliner or mascara that remains close to the lash line.
A case published in the journal Ophthalmology documented mascara deposits beneath a patient’s eyelids after years of heavy use and inadequate removal, which is a good reminder to remove eye makeup thoroughly before bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can makeup remover replace face wash?
Sometimes, but not always. A micellar water or cleansing balm may be enough on a light-makeup day if your skin feels clean afterward. However, a second gentle cleanser is usually helpful after wearing heavy makeup, waterproof products, or sunscreen.
Is micellar water a cleanser or a toner?
Micellar water is primarily a gentle cleanser and makeup remover. Some formulas may contain additional skincare ingredients, but it should not automatically be treated as a replacement for toner.
Are cleansing balms good for oily skin?
They can be. Oil-based balms help dissolve oil-based makeup and sunscreen. The important part is emulsifying the balm with water and rinsing it thoroughly. People with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer to follow with a gentle second cleanser.
Are makeup wipes bad for your skin?
Not necessarily, but they are better for occasional use than as your only nightly cleansing step. The combination of friction and leftover residue may irritate some skin types.
What is the best makeup remover for sensitive skin?
Bioderma Sensibio H2O is my top micellar-water recommendation for sensitive skin. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and Farmacy Green Clean Fragrance-Free are stronger choices if you prefer a balm.
What is the best makeup remover for waterproof mascara?
Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips is my personal favorite. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is the best budget-friendly alternative.
Final Thoughts on the Best Makeup Removers
Makeup remover may not be the most exciting product in your beauty collection, but it can make a huge difference in how your skin feels at the end of the day.
After more than 15 years of using and testing different makeup removers, I have learned that there is no single formula that works perfectly for every person or every type of makeup. Some nights call for a cleansing balm, while others may only require micellar water or a targeted eye makeup remover. This updated list is the culmination of years of trial and error, longtime personal favorites, and newer options that better reflect the makeup-removal products available today.
The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is the best overall choice for most routines because it removes makeup and sunscreen without leaving the skin feeling stripped. Bioderma Sensibio H2O is an excellent, gentle option for sensitive skin, while Garnier offers an affordable solution for waterproof makeup. For stubborn mascara and eyeliner, I will continue reaching for the Clinique remover that I have trusted for more than 15 years.
Whichever product you choose, give it enough time to dissolve your makeup and avoid unnecessary rubbing. Clean skin should feel comfortable—not tight, irritated, or exhausted from the removal process.
After all, taking off your makeup is more than another chore at the end of the night. It is a small act of self-care that helps prepare your skin for tomorrow.
Looking for more of my tried-and-true beauty favorites? Read 17 Best Makeup Products I Actually Use and Recommend for more products that have earned a permanent place in my makeup collection.