The Best Makeup Removers That Won't Destroy Your Skin, According To Dermatologists
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Confession: I've been using makeup wipes to remove my makeup for years. They're convenient (I'll admit I'm a little lazy when it comes to my beauty routine), cheap and popular — but this convenience can come at a cost. And after talking to dermatologists, I'm convinced I need to make a switch.
"The best makeup removers are ones that are great at breaking down heavy and/or waterproof makeup while being gentle on the skin," Dr. Shoshana Marmon , a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College, told us. This criteria, unfortunately, does not align with most makeup wipes, according to both Marmon and Dr. Asmi Berry , a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.
"Makeup wipes are one of the worst options because many contain ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance, and preservatives that can irritate the skin and disrupt the skin barrier," Berry said. "They also don't thoroughly remove makeup and often leave behind residue, which can contribute to breakouts or dryness."
I've definitely noticed my skin feeling dry and overworked after rubbing away at it with a wipe. But if makeup wipes are out, what's in?
"The type of makeup remover that works best for you depends on your skin type and the makeup you wear," Berry said. Both she and Marmon recommended oil-based removers for dry and sensitive skin because they can keep the skin hydrated with its natural oils intact while they cleanse. On the other hand, micellar water or gel-based water cleansers are good choices for oily and acne-prone skin that get the job done without the residue and harsh rubbing of makeup wipes.
"While these water-based removers are gentle, they may not be strong enough to remove products that are long-wear or waterproof," Berry added. "If you wear full-coverage foundation, waterproof mascara, or heavy sunscreen, you may need an oil-based cleanser or a double-cleansing routine to ensure everything is fully removed." She recommends using a gel- or oil-based cleanser first, followed by micellar water, for people who wear heavier makeup.
It's also important to pay attention to ingredient labels on makeup removers.
"Glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and plant-based oils help hydrate and protect the skin," Marmon told us, while "fragrance, alcohol, sulfates and certain preservatives like parabens can cause dryness and irritation" and should be avoided. Berry agrees, adding that fragrances and alcohols can even "disrupt the natural protective barrier, leading to increased skin sensitivity over time."
If you're overwhelmed about the amount of options for makeup removers out there, Marmon and Berry have helped me round up some picks that they recommend to their patients. These work for different skin types and many are just as convenient as makeup wipes without the harsh ingredients.
1. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Our shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe first tried the famous Elemis cleansing balm, she couldn't believe how soft, supple and clean her skin felt. "I had always assumed that someone with acne-prone, oily skin like me should stay away from oil cleansing, but I couldn't have been more wrong. It has a buttery soft consistency that starts off like a rich, thick oil and slowly melts into the skin, dissolving makeup, grime and impurities," she said. It's formulated with fatty acids that can help to improve skin elasticity and moisture retention, and the brand says its starfish and elderberry oils help soothe irritation and smooth out the complexion.
My colleague Kristen Aiken is also a huge fan of this cleansing balm. She told us that "this item is way pricier than what I'm usually willing to spend on cleanser (which is usually from the drugstore and under $10), but I've found it's one of the only products that can effectively cleanse my skin AND nourish it without making me break out. I have perpetually dry skin no matter how much water I drink, and this saves me from drying out (especially in the winter months). Bonus: If you use it as a second round of double-cleansing (i.e. after you've already removed the day's initial layer of gunk), you can use your favorite facial massage tool over top it, to help your tool slide smoothly along your face and de-puff."
It's available in a few different scents, all of which are absolutely decadent.
Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in two sizes).
2. Merit Great Skin double cleanse face wash
This two-in-one cleanser from cult-fave beauty brand Merit is strong enough to effectively remove sunscreen and makeup while providing gentle exfoliation that won't strip the skin's natural moisture barrier. The combination os oat-derived surfactants and plant-based humectants can help to improve the look of skin, leaving it brighter, smoother and balanced.
Promising review: "I was so happy when I found out that Merit came out with a cleanser. I have been using Merit makeup and skin products for a long time now and happy to have this one also to come complete my nighttime routine. The bottle is so beautiful and is so luxurious. I have been using this product for the past few weeks and have been loving it. I am obsessed with the fact that it's a foamy cleanser(so fun) and love how it removes my makeup, sunscreen and makes my face feel nice and clean without being irritating for my sensitive skin. Totally recommend " — Jasmine A.
Get it from Merit for $32 .
3. A moisturizing cleansing balm
Dr. Loretta Pratt is a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC in New York. She said that the Albolene moisturizing cleanser has often been a favorite among her patients that have more mature or dry skin. This classic fragrance-free hydrating balm contains ingredients like ceresin and beta-carotene which can help to condition the skin.
Get a 2-pack from Amazon $19.48 .
4. Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water
When we asked two dermatologists about the best makeup removers that won't destroy your skin, both of them recommended Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water. They noted that it's great for sensitive skin because it's gentle and non-stripping. The first micellar water ever created, according to the brand, this product has a no-rinse formula so you can just apply it with a cotton pad and then go about your day. It works on face and eyes, is fragrance-free and the bottle comes in several different sizes, including a 3.4-ounce bottle that's great for travel.
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ .
5. E.l.f. Holy Hydration! makeup melting cleansing balm
"The E.l.f. Cosmetics cleansing balm is great for dry skin as it melts away makeup while nourishing the skin, and contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides," Berry said.
The balm is oil-based and transforms from a solid to an oil when you apply it to the skin, making it a good choice for double cleansing as well — just cleanse with micellar water or a water-based cleanser afterward. The tub comes in three sizes, and a little product goes a long way. You only need about a dime-sized amount to get off most everyday makeup.
Get it from Amazon for $6+ .
6. The Ordinary squalane cleanser for dry skin
Squalane, a lipid that is naturally found in your skin's oils , can be incredibly moisturizing for dry skin and is noncomedogenic. That's why we like The Ordinary's Squalane Cleanser , which moisturizes as it removes makeup and is alcohol-, fragrance- and paraben-free. The cleanser melts into an oil and protects the skin's natural barrier as it lifts makeup away. Some reviewers say they enjoy using this as a first cleanse in a double cleansing routine.
Promising review:"My FAVORITE hands down cleaner EVER!!! Such a little goes so far and removes even my most ultra waterproof eye makeup in less that 5 mins. I love the cream to oil concept and I will never stop buying this!" — Tiana
Get it from Amazon for $10.50+ (available in two sizes).
7. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
This editors' pick, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré , is a reader favorite for its versatility. It's technically a moisturizer, but can also be used as a primer, cleansing milk and — you guessed it — makeup remover. Its formula contains hydrating natural ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera to nourish the skin. The multi-purpose product has garnered 4.5 stars on Amazon across almost 27,000 reviews, and multiple reviewers say they've been using it for years.
Promising review:"This is truly my holy grail product. I was introduced to this brand through Birchbox in 2013 and it's saved my skin in more ways than one. I use this to remove my makeup, to moisturize, AND as a foundation primer. I have angry skin and I've never had an issue with breakouts or clogged pores from using it.I had a terrible problem with dry patches on my face and foundation would just stick to them and flake off. Since I've started using this, my dry patches are gone and my normally oily t-zone has normalized. This replaces several products because it truly is a multi-tasker." — Paula Downie
Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in two sizes).
8. La Roche-Posay Toleriane micellar cleansing water
You may have heard of La Roche-Posay's Toleriane line, which includes a reader-favorite moisturizer. Marmon likes this micellar cleansing water from the same line because it's "oil-free, won't clog pores and contains glycerin for hydration." The oil-free formula is both cleansing and toning and is so gentle you can use it on your eyes, lips and entire face. Plus, like the other micellar waters, it's no-rinse, so it doesn't take any more time to apply than a makeup wipe would.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 .
9. The MakeUp Eraser Pro cloth
Another editor's pick, the MakeUp Eraser Pro is a great way to save some money: It's a cloth you can reuse and machine-wash again and again, meaning you won't have to restock as much as you would with something like a liquid cleanser in a bottle. Plus, the MakeUp Eraser cleans with just warm water. The soft surface and lack of harsh ingredients like alcohols make this a safer option for your skin than a makeup wipe.
The cloth has two sides, one short-pile to loosen and remove makeup and one long-pile to exfoliate the skin afterward. You can get the Eraser in a range of different colors and patterns to add some fun personality to your beauty routine.
Promising review:"This is my 3rd makeup eraser, I like to have multiples when they need washed. I'm not sure the magic but they remove makeup so well. Haven't used a makeup wipe in years thanks to this. I really appreciate the new design having a loop so I can easily hang it on a towel hook to dry. They hold up well in the wash, as I have washed mine several times and they still work great." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $15+ .
10. Or the fragrance-free Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive
As gentle as the Lait-Crème Concentré is on sensitive skin, it does contain a tiny bit of fragrance. So if you'd rather cut that out entirely in accordance with derms' suggestions or due to allergies, Embryolisse also makes a Lait-Crème Sensitive that's essentially the same product but fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. You can still use the cream for all the same purposes as the original, and it contains the same soothing and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter and beeswax.
Get it from Amazon for $35 .
11. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
"My favorite gel cleanser for normal to oily skin is the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex which gently exfoliates, cleanses and removes makeup," Berry said. My colleague, Lourdes Avila Uribe, uses this cleanser at the first sign of a breakout. "I find it to be really effective at both cleansing my skin from daily grime and irritants while also helping to treat and prevent breakouts, which I am prone to."
Get it from Amazon for $26+ (available in two sizes).
12. Cetaphil gentle makeup remover
Marmon recommends this oil-free liquid makeup remover by Cetaphil for acne-prone or oily skin. It's a convenient drugstore staple by a trusted skin care brand, so you can rest assured that it won't clog pores or cause irritation. Swipe it on with a cotton pad (reusable or otherwise) to gently and efficiently remove even the toughest makeup.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 .
13. DHC deep cleansing oil
"For those who prefer an oil cleanser, the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is a great option because it removes even waterproof makeup without clogging pores," Berry said. This cult-fave cleansing oil can be used on its own or as the first step in a double-cleansing routine.
Get it from Amazon for $23+ (available in three sizes).
Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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