.png?w=696&resize=696,0&ssl=1 "Your Guide to Best Makeup Removers, From Micellar Water to Cleansing Balms")
After a hectic day at work or a late night out on the town, grabbing the best makeup remover may be the last thing on your list after a long day. Sleeping in your glam is often deemed the cardinal sin of makeup wearing, but we’ve all been there. While relatable—no matter how tired you are—it’s essential to remove all traces of residue 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.
Vogue’s Favorite Makeup Removers
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Clinique Take The Day Off Liquid Makeup Remover
After all, your skin-care products can’t work their magic until you first give them a clear canvas to work with. Whether you’re double cleansing to take off a full beat or simply washing away traces of sunscreen and daily pollutants, there’s a remover to suit every need. Read on to discover our favorites, below.
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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 cleansing water is non-irritating. “This is definitely one the the more gentle options for makeup removers,” says says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. “Here, micelles effectively cleanses and remove excess oil, while preserving the skin’s natural balance. It’s safe to use to remove makeup from the eyes as well.” When paired with a cotton pad, this pick manages to remove all the makeup, SPF, and oil off your face in a simple swipe. It’s no wonder this bestseller has been a go-to for Vogue’s associate shopping director, Talia Abbas, since her teen years.
- Key Ingredients: Water, cucumber fruit extract
- Type: Micellar water
- Who It’s For: Sensitive skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 16.7 oz, 8.33 oz, 3.33 oz
Best Cleansing Oil: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: If you shy away from oil cleansers because of their notoriously heavy feel, this K-beauty staple might change your mind. When in contact with water, this formula lathers with ease into a milky cleanser. Another perk (other than its silky, lightweight texture)? This makeup remover helps maintain hydration, thanks to tangerine peel extract, squalene, and a blend of traditional Korean oils such as pine nut oil, camellia seed oil, and plum seed oil. Esthetician Amity Murray recommends it to all of her dry skin clients, previously calling it “a gorgeous, natural formulation that emulsifies and rinses clean, leaving the skin refreshed but never stripped.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalene, mulberry leaf extracts, mountain yam extracts
- Type: Oil cleanser
- Who It’s For: All skin types, dryness, uneven texture, oiliness
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 200 mL
Best Reusable: The Original MakeUp Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth
- Why We Love It: Say your eco-conscious guilt complex is getting to you. Want to limit waste in your regimen? Let the The Makeup Eraser—an ultra-soft, double-sided reusable cloth—be your pick. Reusable and washing machine-safe (up to 1,000 times), this pick can reportedly help you save up to 3,600 makeup wipes. Pro makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre sings the its praises. “It’s a great washable and reusable option, making it both effective and sustainable,” she says. “This method allows the remover to break down even the most heavy makeup and stubborn formulas like waterproof mascara, so the makeup literally melts away without friction.” Plus, it adds a bit of gentle exfoliation, helping to slough off dry patches.
- Key Ingredients: 100% Polyester cloth
- Type: Cloth
- Who it’s for: All skin types, including sensitive skin
- Fragrance: N/A
- Size: 15.5 in x 7.25 in
Best Luxury: Chanel L’Eau Micellaire
- Why We Love It: If you’re aiming to add a bit of luxury to your daily makeup removal ritual, Chanel’s micellar water boasts a formula thats as effective as it is splurge-worthy. “This is a great alcohol-free cleansing water that can be used on the eyes, lips and face.” says Dr. Spearman. “It’s formulated with a combination of blue micro-algae to help protect skin from pollution, as well as moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin feeling clean but not stripped.” Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden has been hooked on it since her first trial—using it to not only remove traces of foundation, but also refresh her skin in the morning.
- Key Ingredients: Water, glycerin, algae extract
- Type: Micellar water
- Who It’s For: Normal to dry skin types, mature skin
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 5 oz
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
- Why We Love It: According to Dr. Nazanin Saedi, board-certified dermatologist, “[Neutrogena’s formula] is great for people who have acne-prone skin because it is an oil-free makeup remover that won’t clog pores, preventing breakouts.” Designed to melt away eyeliner, mascara, and more, it doesn’t require any irritating tugging at your eyes. Though it is technically oil-free formula, it does glide on with an oil-like texture for added slip—just make sure to shake it up before use.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe extract, cucumber extract
- Type: Oil-free liquid
- Who It’s For: All skin types who sport eye makeup looks
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 162 ml/5.5 oz
Best Cleansing Balm: Juno & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
- Why We Love It: With only ten simple ingredients, this affordable cleansing balm is a popular pick (with almost 18K five-star reviews on Amazon). It not only cleanses away the day’s beauty look, but it contains ingredients that help to brighten hyperpigmentation. “This is an oil-based cleanser that melts into the skin to remove makeup,” says Dr. Spearman. “It’s formulated with minimal ingredients so you can be certain it’s not filled with unnecessary or potential harmful additives. The key ingredient, Japanese barley magic is a source of vitamins and antioxidants that help brighten the skin.”
- Key Ingredients: Pearl barley, vitamin E
- Type: Balm
- Who It’s For: All skin Types
- Size: 3.0 oz
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique Take The Day Off Liquid Makeup Remover
- Why We Love It: Clinique offers an eye makeup remover with a similar formula to it’s fan-favorite Take The Day Off balm. Plus, this option is a safe pick for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers thanks to its fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested formula. “This is a dual-phase, oil-based makeup remover—the main players here are silicones and lightweight emollients that dissolve stubborn pigments, think waterproof mascara and long-wear liquid liners,” board-certified nurse practitioner and aesthetics expert Vanessa Coppola tells Vogue.
- Key Ingredients: Emollient blend
- Type: Liquid
- Who It’s For: Sensitive skin types, contact wearers
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 4.2 fl oz / 6.7 fl oz
Best Makeup Wipes: The Face Shop Cleansing Facial Wipes Rice Water Bright
- Why We Love it: The experts agree, makeup wipes are best used only in a in a pinch—such as during travel, or for a quick refresh—rather than daily glam removal. That said, if you’re going to use single use cleansing towelettes, it doesn’t get much better than these according to Vogue’s beauty shopping writer Conçetta Ciarlo. “I’m generally a makeup wipe hater, unless we’re talking about The Face Shop’s option,” says Ciarlo. “The formula is completely non-comedogenic, and features rice water for added brightening—both of which are ideal for my acne-prone, sensitive skin.”
- Key Ingredients: Rice extract, vitamin E
- Type: Makeup wipes
- Who It’s For: All skin types in need of makeup removal on the go
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 50 wipes
Best for Mature Skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
- Why We Love It: Another beloved cleansing balm formula comes from Elemis. Here, botanical algae and essential oils are whipped together into a luxe cream, designed to improve signs of skin aging with antioxidants. Once activated with water, it massages into a silky oil that removes all impurities with ease. It’s a favorite of D’Amelio Ventre’s thanks to it’s luxurious feel. “Elemis’s cleansing balm delivers more of a spa-like ritual,” she says. “It transforms from a rich balm into oil and then emulsifies into a nourishing milk, dissolving stubborn makeup while also conditioning the delicate eye area.”
- Key Ingredients: Padina pavonica (brown algae), elderberry oil, starflower oil, sweet almond oil, lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus
- Type: Cleansing balm
- Who It’s For: Mature skin, normal to dry skin
- Fragrance: Yes (naturally derived)
- Size: 100g
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. Thanks to its ease, efficacy, and film-free finish, Pavitt loves micellar water for acne-prone skin types. Best of all, you can feel guilt-free about the cleansing pads themselves—they’re made of a biodegradable plant-based viscose. These non-comedogenic micellar pads remove makeup anywhere, any time; the portable jar makes it easy to take toss it in your travel bag. “These micellar pads are gentle, alcohol-free, and formulated for sensitive or compromised skin,” says Coppola. “Plus, they’re perfect for post-procedure patients (chemical peels, lasers, microneedling) who need to avoid harsh cleansing but still want something effective.”
- 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
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 35 pads
Everything You Need to Know
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.
What are the different types of makeup removers?
Coppola breaks down the two main types of makeup removers, explaining how they work, with clues as to who they’re best suited for:
- Oil-Based: Oil-based removers are phenomenal for breaking down waterproof formulas, but they can leave behind a film. If you’re acne-prone or have oily skin, you’ll want to follow with a proper cleanser to make sure no residue lingers in the pores. It’s best for patients with dry or sensitive skin who wear heavier or long-wear makeup.
- Micellar-Based: “Micelles are microscopic clusters of surfactant molecules that have a dual nature: a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a lipophilic (oil-loving) tail,” explains Coppola. “When applied to skin, the lipophilic ends attract oils, dirt, and makeup, while the hydrophilic ends pull them into solution so they can be wiped away.” This makes them ideal for skin that’s healing or highly reactive.
- 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.
- Vanessa Coppola, APN-C, FNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner, aesthetic expert, and founder of Bare Aesthetics Medspa & Wellness in New Jersey.
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre is a celebrity makeup artist, beauty educator, and founder of The Art of Enhancement, D’Amelio Cosmetics, and La Ve Da Beauty.
- Dr. Dendy Engleman is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Dr. Nazanin Saedi is a board-certified dermatologist and medical researcher based in Philadelphia, PA
- Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who specializes in melanoma and skin-cancer care.
- 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.