Washing away the day’s makeup is a non-negotiable step in keeping your skin healthy. 

Skipping this crucial cleanse is a fast track to clogged pores, breakouts, dullness, and premature aging. The key is to find an excellent makeup remover that’s tough on makeup but gentle on your complexion and doesn’t cause irritation or dryness. 

The problem is that not all makeup removers are created equal. That’s why we put dozens to the test, searching for the best formulas that dissolve every last trace without stripping your skin. Ahead are the top picks that deliver.

Our Recommended Makeup Removers

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Price: $19.99/16.7 fl oz

If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of micellar water, consider this your invitation. Micelles power this French pharmacy staple: tiny oil molecules that effortlessly lift away makeup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping your skin. What’s great about it is that it doesn’t require any rinsing. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad, sweep it across your face, and let the formula do its thing.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O is a cult favorite in this product category. Thanks to its ultra-gentle formula, it’s a dream for sensitive skin. It’s also gentle around the eyes and effective at removing mascara smudges and eyeliner residue without irritation or stinging.

Fresh Soy pH Balanced Hydrating Face Wash
Price: $39.00/5 fl oz

Fresh curates some of the best face washes because they understand that cleansing should work with your skin, not against it. This incredibly gentle yet effective formula is enriched with soy proteins and naturally derived ingredients to instantly hydrate, soothe redness, and support your skin barrier while cleansing it.

This pH-balanced cleanser effortlessly removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping away essential moisture. If your skin leans dry, you’ll love how nourishing and hydrating it feels. The best part is that it’s eye-friendly as well, which means no stinging and no irritation.

Eadem Dew Dream Cleansing Balm
Price: $34.00/3.4 oz

Cleansing balms are the unsung heroes of skincare. They’re simple, effective, and effortlessly luxurious. With an overwhelming number of multi-tasking products flooding the beauty scene, it’s refreshing to have one that sticks to the basics of melting away dirt, makeup, and sunscreen while keeping your skin’s moisture barrier intact.

Eadem’s Dew Dream cleansing balm may call itself a balm, but it’s anything but traditional. Straight from the tube, it has a bouncy, jelly-like texture that transforms into a silky oil upon contact with the skin. Within seconds, it dissolves every trace of long-wear foundation, SPF, and the day’s impurities, leaving skin fresh, dewy, and super soft. The formula blends ingredients known for soothing, brightening, and supporting cell renewal, including tiger grass, moringa allantoin, and licorice root. Plus, with a light, refreshing scent and a dreamy, cushiony feel, this balm makes makeup removal feel less like a chore and more like self-care.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Price: $11.99/13.5oz

This no-rinse formula gently cleanses every last trace of makeup, even notoriously stubborn waterproof mascara, without the dreaded tugging or irritation. Housed in a sleek, clear bottle with an easy-to-use dispenser, this micellar water is perfect for travelers, busy professionals, or anyone who wants a quick and easy cleansing solution. The water works by soaking a cotton pad and sweeping it across your face in circular motions, lifting away makeup with minimal effort. An extra pass or two for heavier makeup days ensures a spotless finish.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Price: $44.00/3.8 oz

This lightweight balm-to-oil formula starts as a solid and then melts into a silky texture that glides across the skin, breaking down even the most stubborn makeup without any greasy residue. Foundation? Gone. Lipstick? Melted away. Waterproof mascara? It puts up a fight, but this balm still gets the job done with a little extra effort. What’s left behind is skin that feels baby-soft, refreshed, and perfectly balanced.

Plus, it helps sweep away pollution and environmental stressors, giving your skin that extra glow-up. Whether you’re into double-cleansing or need something that works, this fragrance-free balm deserves a spot on your shelf.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Price: $9.49/5.5 oz

Finding the right makeup remover can feel like a neverending quest for those dealing with acne-prone skin. Enter Neutrogena’s oil-free eye makeup remover: a lightweight yet powerful formula that dissolves makeup without clogging pores or triggering breakouts. This one feels refreshingly clean, unlike some removers that leave a greasy residue. Though it’s designed for the delicate eye area, it’s also effective at removing waterproof formulas, foundation, and lipstick. With a perfectly balanced blend of surfactants and a low alcohol content, the job is done without over-drying.

A Clean Slate

Whether you’re washing away the day at the sink or in the shower, these makeup removers effortlessly lift away every trace without harsh scrubbing, tugging, or drying out your skin. From affordable staples to indulgent picks, these options show that taking off your makeup can be just as satisfying as putting it on. The key is finding a formula that not only whisks away the day’s makeup but also treats your skin with the TLC it deserves.