Experts Favorite Makeup Removers for an Effortless Deep Clean (2025)

Have you ever cleansed your face and then followed up with a toner or essence on a cotton pad and noticed some lingering residue? That's a sign that you could use a makeup remover. (Yes, ideally, a cleanser would be up to the task on its own, but many gentle formulas—which are ideal for skin—aren't made to tackle full-coverage foundation, long-wear lip color, or no-flake mascara.) Enter: the Korean double cleansing technique. This method requires you to go in with an oil-based cleanser, which is great at removing oils and heavy-duty makeup, before following up with a foaming wash. While most makeup removers tend to be oil-based, there are other options, like micellar water and wipes that also make taking off makeup easy.

What are the benefits of makeup remover?

"Makeup remover is an important step because it ensures all the makeup from the day is gone, and your skin is prepped for skincare," says celebrity makeup artist Sara Talias. The best makeup removers are gentle and easy to use. If you're using an effective formula, you shouldn't have to scrub long or hard. Talias adds that makeup wipes are hit or miss for most people. Not only are they unsustainable but they can irritate the skin as you pull them across your face. Ahead, shop the best makeup removers. These leave your skin looking and feeling clean, healthy, and happy.

"My go-to makeup remover is Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water because it works so well on all skin types," Talias says. It's remarkably gentle, but really breaks down any makeup without stripping the skin barrier. Your skin feels soft and hydrated after each use. It's also great value because it comes available in a large bottle that will last a long time for less than $20. Soak a cotton pad and wipe away any sign of impurities. No need to rinse.

Another majorly popular micellar water is this budget-friendly option. While there are several variations available according to your skin type and preferences, such as an unscented, brightening, and waterproof version, we love this cleanser because it also gently exfoliates the skin to unveil your smoothest and cleanest complexion. The micellar technology effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil without harsh scrubbing, and low levels of poly-hydroxy and glycolic acids smooth texture and even tone without drying out the skin.

Another one of Talias's favorite picks, this balm is formulated with a ton of moisturizing oils, including sweet almond, oat, jojoba seed, lavender, and coconut, to hydrate and soothe dry skin. It's a thick formula so a little goes a long way. After working a small amount into the skin with water, it emulsifies into a milky texture. You can also use it as a mask and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off to reap its moisturizing benefits. "The scent of the oils is reminiscent of a spa so every application offers a moment of aromatherapy," says Genesis Rivas, beauty editor.

This is a formula that's perfect for sensitive, dry, easily irritated skin or those with an uneven complexion. It contains soothing ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol. "I love this formula because it soothes my skin and calms redness so my skin looks significantly more even and smooth after each use," says Rivas. It's great at removing complexion products, but it admittedly isn't the best option for those who wear long-wearing or waterproof eye makeup.

“A cleansing oil like this one is made for winter, the season that’s so darn drying for skin," says Holly Carter, contributing lifestyle editor. "It removes a face full of makeup, including my stubborn mascara, without stripping away those coveted natural oils." While it's an oil, it has a water-like texture so it doesn't feel heavy on the skin or clog pores. To use, apply it to dry skin and wipe off my makeup with a cloth. Then, massage it into dry skin again and rinse with water.

Jennie Tung, senior wellness director, says this option has been a mainstay in her routine for years. "The formula feels like water, but a bit silkier, and it's extremely gentle: Makeup comes right off onto a cotton pad, even the darkest, thickest mascara (even the morning after!)," she says. "I never have to rub hard or tug on my eyelids. I often do a quick pass of my whole face with it afterward, and my skin feels nice and fresh afterward, as if I used a toner, but without any tightness." The cherry on top? The subtle signature rose scent.

Meet our go-to oil-free option that's safe to use around the eyes, even if you wear contact lenses. It's also affordable and easily available at the drugstore. The dual-phase formula removes heavy and any eye makeup without harsh tugging or pulling. Make sure to shake it before each application and soak a cotton round before swiping it across the eyes. The formula also contains aloe and cucumber extracts to soothe.

If you're a fan of the popular cleansing balm, you'll love its matching liquid remover. "This is the best for taking off eye makeup at the end of a long day," says Sara Klausing, fashion editor. "As someone with sensitive eyes, I appreciate that it doesn't irritate and is effective." While it says it's meant for eyes, lashes, and lips, you can sweep whatever is left on your cotton round to get rid of any facial makeup.

Here's a hybrid micellar-meets-oil cleanser that checks all the boxes. "I'm obsessed with the texture of this formula," says Rivas. "It's a decadent oil that you can feel effectively removes heavy SPF, makeup, oil, and any other impurities. When combined with water, it turns into a milky cleanser that rinses away easily without leaving behind any residue or a greasy feel." The formula contains micelles that trap dirt, and grapeseed oil and squalane to moisturize skin.

While it may seem easier to pull off your false eyelashes at the end of a long night, you risk the chance of ruining your natural lashes. Instead, opt for a remover, like this one, which will flick off falsies easily and clean any excess makeup residue, so you can use them again. The oil-free formula is also safe to use on lash extensions and the rest of your face.

Safe enough for very dry and eczema-prone skin types, this soothing oil cleanses, supports, and protects the skin barrier. You can use it on your face, body, and scalp, even when you're experiencing a flare-up. The formula contains soothing ingredients, such as a postbiotic complex that helps calm itching, cer-omega, an ingredient derived from evening primrose and is rich in hydrating omega-6, and soothing Avene thermal spring water.

This oil-meets-micellar water hybrid is soothing, moisturizing, and great at removing makeup, including waterproof formulas. The texture is very lightweight, yet it leaves skin feeling hydrated after each use. The formula contains a blend of soothing comfrey root extract and hydrating pro-vitamin B5. Smooth it on and your makeup will slip off, while your complexion is left soft to the touch. Pro tip: Make sure to shake it before every use.

This antibacterial makeup-removing cloth gets rid of makeup, oil, and dirt with just water. It's a great option for sensitive skin types and environmentally friendly compared to makeup wipes. In fact, the 100 percent polyester cloth is equal to 3,600 makeup wipes and can be reused and machine washable up to 1,000 times. It's also double-sided: one side with longer fibers gently exfoliates the skin while the other side with short fibers whisks away makeup.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with experts to learn about what to look for in a makeup remover and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.