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12 Best Makeup Removers That'll Dissolve Everything on Your Face

It's the key to clear, healthy skin!

By Carol Lee
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Sephora / Amazon

In case you missed it, two of the most important steps in your skincare routine are applying an effective sunscreen in the morning and removing every last bit of your makeup in the evening. That crucial nightly ritual not only prevents annoying stains on your pillowcases and sheets, but it can also help prevent breakouts by keeping pores nice and clean. However, sometimes, even the best regular facial cleansers just don't cut it—you need something in your bathroom cabinets with a little more firepower to erase tougher products like lip stains, waterproof mascara, and black eyeliners. There's nothing more frustrating than washing your face, only to still find traces of makeup still on your face in the morning.

Our Top Picks

  • 1
    Neutrogena Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover

    Best Value

    Neutrogena Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover

    $6 at Walmart
    Read more
  • 2
    Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser

    Fan Favorite

    Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser

    Read more
  • 3
    Mario Badescu Eye Make-Up Remover Gel

    Best for Eye Makeup

    Mario Badescu Eye Make-Up Remover Gel

    Read more
  • 4
    Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

    Best Moisturizing

    Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

    Read more
  • 5
    Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover

    Best for Sensitive Skin

    Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover

    Read more

Not to worry! We’re coming to your rescue with a foolproof list of the best makeup removers on the market that’ll make taking off even the most stubborn of foundations as easy as pie—without irritating the skin or stripping it of moisture. There are also plenty of different formulas to choose from, including oils, balms, and a top-notch micellar water, and they’ll help make the makeup removal process much more relaxing. Read on to find your perfect makeup remover match!

1
Best Value

Neutrogena Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover
1
Best Value

Neutrogena Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover

$6 at Walmart
Credit: Walmart

This drugstore gem isn't so hidden—it's one of Walmart's most popular picks. It erases waterproof eye makeup without stinging sensitive eyes.

2
Fan Favorite

Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser

Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser
2
Fan Favorite

Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser

Now 23% Off
Credit: Amazon

Created in 1885, this timeless product has been a mainstay in many skincare routines for decades. The no-frills formula melts away everything it touches—just wipe it off after with a damp washcloth or gentle cotton pads, and you're done!

3
Best for Eye Makeup

Mario Badescu Eye Make-Up Remover Gel

Mario Badescu Eye Make-Up Remover Gel
3
Best for Eye Makeup

Mario Badescu Eye Make-Up Remover Gel

Credit: Amazon

If you're not a fan of makeup removers that leave the eye area feeling greasy, try this one. Like magic, it makes mascara, eyeliner, and mascara disappear without leaving behind any uncomfortable residue.

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4
Best Moisturizing

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser
4
Best Moisturizing

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

Now 11% Off
Credit: Amazon

Pond's cold cream is a classic for a reason: It's got all the makeup removing power you need, and it doubles at skin-softening moisturizer.

5
Best for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover

Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
5
Best for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover

Credit: Amazon

Your eye area is one of the most delicate part of your face, which is why it's important to choose the right formula for eye makeup remover—especially if your skin is easily irritated. True to its name, this Cetaphil pick is as gentle as can be.

6
Best Gentle Remover

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
6
Best Gentle Remover

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Now 29% Off
Credit: Amazon

This one from Kiehl's is technically a cleanser, but it's a pro at dissolving makeup that we had to mention it. It's also a solid choice for any skin type, from dry to oily.

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7
37,600+ Reviews

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water
7
37,600+ Reviews

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water

Credit: Amazon

With this micellar water in one hand and a sleeve of cotton rounds in the other, you'll be ready to take on the world—or at least the foundation on your face after a long day. Use it before or after your regular facial wash, and you're almost guaranteed to banish every last bit of makeup.

8
Best for Dry Skin

Curel Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Oil

Curel Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Oil
8
Best for Dry Skin

Curel Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Oil

Now 12% Off
Credit: Amazon

Once you rub it into damp or wet skin, this oil turns into more of a milky texture as it breaks down makeup. Follow up with a foaming cleanser to get squeaky clean.

9
Best for Irritated Skin

Yon-Ka Lait Nettoyant Facial Cleanser

Yon-Ka Lait Nettoyant Facial Cleanser
9
Best for Irritated Skin

Yon-Ka Lait Nettoyant Facial Cleanser

Credit: Amazon

Formulated to hydrate and soothe the skin, this non-stripping and beautifully scented makeup remover will make you feel like you're in the middle of getting a facial. And who doesn't want that? 😉

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10
Best for Waterproof Makeup

Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil

Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
10
Best for Waterproof Makeup

Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil

Credit: Ulta

Give this pick from Boscia a test run, and you might never pick up your makeup wipes again. It removes every single speck of makeup with ease, leaves the face feeling super soft, and is packed with lots of skin-nourishing ingredients, including rosehip, green tea, jojoba, and sebum-fighting amino acids.

11
Best Balm

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
11
Best Balm

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Now 18% Off
Credit: Amazon

This solid cleansing balm becomes a luxurious oil when massaged into the skin. Plus it washes off completely with just water! So easy.

12
Editor's Pick

Muji Sensitive Skin Oil Cleansing

Muji Sensitive Skin Oil Cleansing
12
Editor's Pick

Muji Sensitive Skin Oil Cleansing

Credit: Amazon

Another superstar oil cleanser, this option is ideal for anyone who wants to banish excess sebum and blackheads (oil dissolves oil!). And it's designed for sensitive skin, so you don't have to worry about any extra breakouts!

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