After perfecting that cat eye or layering on just the right amount of mascara, wiping it all off feels like a crime. But the best makeup removers make the process painless, dissolving even the most stubborn formulas without tugging or irritation. “Makeup removers are a cornerstone of good skin-care hygiene,” says Sarah Sung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle. “If not properly removed, residue can clog pores and trigger inflammation, leading to breakouts and dull, irritated skin.” Plus, nighttime is when your skin does its best work. “By cleansing all makeup off each night, you’re allowing your skin to ‘breathe,’ renew cells, and fully absorb any treatment products you apply afterward,” says Dr. Sung.
Whether you love a full-face vibe or are more of a tinted moisturizer girly, these makeup removers keep your skin clean, happy, and ready for beauty sleep.
Our Top Makeup Removers
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil, $18
- Best Cleansing Balm: Banila Co Clean it Zero Original Cleansing Balm, $29
- Best for Dry Skin: Clinique Take the Day Off Facial Cleansing Mousse, $34
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm, $39
- Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $20
- Best Cleansing Gel: Eucerin Face Gentle Cleansing Hydrating Cleansing Gel, $13
- Best Cleansing Lotion: Estée Lauder Take It Away Liquid Makeup Remover Lotion, $38
- Best Makeup Remover Wipes: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleansing Makeup Removing Wipes, $10
- Best Eye Makeup Remover: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, $36
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, $10
- Best for Mature Skin: Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser, $88
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Why we love it: Approved by the National Eczema Association, La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil checks off all the boxes for a makeup remover that’s gentle, effective, and perfect for all skin types. “It combines the benefits of an oil cleanser and a foaming wash, effortlessly dissolving makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture,” says Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. “It’s hypoallergenic and great at removing waterproof mascara, heavy makeup, and water-resistant sunscreen. Plus, the niacinamide helps soothe any irritation or redness,” adds Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Plymouth Meeting Dermatology in East Norriton, PA. Whether removing your makeup after a long day or bathing your little one (yes, it’s even gentle enough for babies as young as two weeks), this fragrance-free formula leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and perfectly hydrated.
Tester feedback: “I’m pretty low-maintenance, so my gripe with most cleansers is that I need a separate micellar water to remove my waterproof mascara. Two steps? With a toddler? I prefer this oil-based cleanser, which not only rinses away my more stubborn makeup and sunscreen with ease but also has a really nice, satisfying lather,” says contributing editor Deanna Pai. “And it just works: Even when I’ve got a full eye look, I never have to go back in to swipe away residue from my lashes.”
Key ingredients: prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: everyone
Best Cleansing Balm: Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Why we love it: Achieving that coveted glass skin glow starts with a thorough cleanse, and Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm is a must-have for this essential first step. This iconic K-beauty favorite transforms from a pastel pink sherbet-textured balm into a silky oil that effortlessly melts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping the skin. “I’ve been using this myself, and I love it. Thanks to its nourishing oil blend, it effortlessly melts away even heavy makeup. It leaves the skin feeling fresh and hydrated—no dryness or residue. Plus, it comes with a spatula to keep things hygienic,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya. Infused with acerola cherry extract and vitamin C, it leaves your complexion clean, hydrated, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
Tester feedback: “Banila Co Clean It Zero is the blueprint for cleansing balms. It melts upon contact with my skin, and I can massage it—even around my eyes, which need the most attention when I’m wearing liquid eye shadow, like I am in this video clip—without tugging my skin at all. (No premature wrinkles, please!) says commerce editor Sarah Han. ”It has vitamin C-rich acerola extract for a little brightening boost, but don’t expect much from any cleanser. (That’s what serums are for!) I will note: If you’re sensitive to added fragrance, check out one of the SEVEN other variations of Clean It Zero—such as Cica-Relief Calming.”