Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (2024)

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (1)

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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 lipcolor, or no-flake mascara.)

"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.

1

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (2)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (3)Gentle enough for sensitive skin
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (4)Need cotton pads for best results

"My go-to makeup remover is Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water because it works so well on all skin types. It's remarkably gentle, but really breaks down any makeup," Talias says.

2

Best for Dry Skin

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (5)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (6)Hydrating
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (7)It's a splurge compared to other options

Another one of Talias's favorite picks, this balm is formulated with moisturizing ingredients, like elderberry oil, and doesn't leave the skin feeling stripped.

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3

Best for All Skin Types

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (8)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (9)Effortlessly removes makeup
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (10)Non-irritating
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (11)Need cotton pads for best results

This gentle cleanser is great for all skin types and effortlessly removes stubborn makeup without harsh scrubbing. It also leaves your skin feeling soothed and fresh.

4

Best for Congested Skin

Banila Co Purifying Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (12)

Now 17% Off

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (13)Helps target breakouts
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (14)Some reviewers say it has a bad smell

Think of this as a cleanser, acne treatment, and makeup remover in one. Formulated with a tri-peel acid blend, the balm helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts from forming while seamlessly removing makeup, dirt, and oils.

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5

Best High-End Eye Makeup Remover

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (15)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (16)Gentle formula
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (17)It's a splurge

There's nothing worse than mascara or eyeliner that refuses to come off no matter how much product you use or how hard you scrub. Luckily, this formula gently whisks away makeup (even waterproof formulas!) without causing irritation.

6

Best Drugstore Eye Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (18)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (19)Affordable
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (20)Some reviewers say there's a residue left behind

Meet our go-to oil-free option; it's safe to use around the eyes, affordable, and easily available at the drugstore.

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Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (22)Nice texture
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (23)Some reviewers say it doesn't work great on the eyes

This cleansing balm starts as a solid and then emulsifies into a luxurious oil as you smooth it across your skin. After every use, your skin will feel soft, smooth, and moisturized.

8

Best for Dry Skin

Isdin Essential Cleansing Oil

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (24)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (25)Maintains the skin barrier
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (26)It's a splurge compared to other options

Even though this is an oil, it's gentle enough to use all over your face without causing irritation. On top of offering a deep and effective cleanse, the sunflower oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and clary sage also help increase radiance and maintain the skin barrier.

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9

Best for False Eyelashes

Velour Lashes Lash Clean Oil-Free Makeup Remover

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (27)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (28)Safe for lash extensions
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (29)Cleans false eyelashes
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (30)Best used on lashes

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 formula is also safe to use on lash extensions.

10

Best for Eczema-Prone Skin

Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (31)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (32)Safe for dry, itchy, and eczema-prone skin
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (33)Doesn't suds up

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.

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11

Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (34)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (35)Oils help nourish skin
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (36)If you don't like fragrance, you may not like this option

Kalahari Melon, baobab, sunflower, safflower, and castor oils help remove makeup and impurities while nourishing the skin. The cleanser's light, refreshing scent is reminiscent of citrus.

12

Best for Combination Skin

Glossier Milky Oil Dual-Phase Waterproof Makeup Remover

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (37)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (38)Oil and micellar water in one
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (39)Some buyers wish it came in a bigger size

This oil-meets-micellar water is very lightweight and yet still hydrating. Smooth it on and your makeup will slip off, while your complexion is left soft to the touch.

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13

Best Sustainable Option

The Original MakeUp Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (40)

Why We Love It
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (41)Reusable
What to Consider
  • Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (42)You'll need a cleanser for waterproof makeup

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 also helps gently exfoliate the skin.

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (43)

Genesis Rivas

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

Expert-Recommended Makeup Removers for a Deep Clean (2024)
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