Your Guide to Best Makeup Removers, From Micellar Water to Cleansing Balms (2024)

After a hectic day at work or a late night out on the town, grabbing the best makeup remover to commence a multi-step skin care routine may be the last thing on your list. While relatable—no matter how tired you are—it’s essential to ensure that you remove all your makeup to prevent clogged pores, potential blemishes, and mascara-smeared bedding (your prized silk pillowcase deserves better!).

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water, $18
• Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, $13
• Best for Eyes: ​​Avene Eau Thermale Avène Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, $24
• Best Makeup Wipes: Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance-Free Face Wipes, $14
• Best Cleansing Balm: Juno & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, $14
• Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $22
• Best Cleansing Oil: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, $15
• Best for Dry Skin: Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, $30
• Best Reusable: The Original Makeup Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth, $20

In recent years, makeup wipes have received a bad rep, and not all face washes are as effective at removing your makeup in one go. Depending on your skin type, you might need a gentle cleansing balm or a swipe of micellar water to thoroughly removing the day’s grime. Continue reading as we consult experts on how to choose the best makeup remover for your skin type, address whether or not makeup wipes are canceled, and share 15 Vogue editor approved makeup removers.

Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water

• Why we love it: For a long-standing crowdpleaser, consider this cleansing water from La Roche-Posay—a no-rinse cleanser that’s safe for both sensitive skin and eyes. It’s also effective for city-dwellers, as it removes dirt, oil, and pollution.
• Key ingredients: Glycerin
• Type: Micellar water
• Who it’s for: Normal skin
• Size: 400 ml/13.52 oz

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

• Why we love it: According to Dr. Nazanin Saedi, board-certified dermatologist, “This is great for people who have acne-prone skin because it is an oil-free makeup remover that won't clog pores, preventing breakouts.” Plus, it doesn’t require any tugging at your eyes, which can be irritating.
• Key ingredients: Aloe extracts, cucumber extracts
• Type: Oil-free liquid
• Who it’s for: Normal skin, Oily skin, Dry skin, Combination skin, Acne-prone skin, Sensitive skin
• Size: 162 ml/5.5 oz

Best for Eyes: Avène Eau Thermale Avène Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

• Why we love it: Eye makeup can be really difficult to remove, especially if you’ve tried your hand at a smokey eye and winged gel liner. Thankfully, this gentle, oil-free gel gets the job done in one fell swoop, removing all the makeup from your eyelids and eyelashes—no matter how waterproof.
• Key ingredients: Sorbitol, thermal spring water
• Type: Water gel
• Who it’s for: All skin types, including contact lens wearers
• Size: 4.2 oz

Best Makeup Wipes: Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance Free Makeup Remover Face Wipes

• Why we love it: Crafted with 100% plant-based fibers, these fragrance-free wipes are ideal for sleepovers, traveling and nights when you’re too lazy to go through your skincare routine. Moreover, they’re ultra-soft and priced under $10, making it no big deal to share when someone inevitably asks, “Who here has a makeup wipe?”
• Key ingredients: Water
• Type: Micellar-infused towelettes
• Who it’s for: Dry skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
• Size: 7.2” x 6.4”

Best Cleansing Balm: Juno & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

• Why we love it: With only 10 simple ingredients, this affordable cleansing balm is our favorite for leaving your skin clean and hydrated without any of the greasy residue some balms may leave behind. And not only that, but it contains Japanese pearl barley, which helps to brighten the skin. A two-in-one product, if you will.
• Key ingredients: Pearl barley, Vitamin E
• Type: Balm
• Who it’s for: All skin Types
• Size: 3.0 oz

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 water is non-irritating and still manages to remove all the gunk off your face. Pair it with a super-soft cotton round for best results.
• Key ingredients: Water, cucumber fruit extract
• Type: Micellar Water
• Who it’s for: Sensitive skin, Combination skin
• Size: 16.7 oz, 8.33 oz, 3.33 oz

Best Cleansing Oil: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

• Why we love it: If someone were to ask you about your desert island, we’d recommend choosing this on. This cleansing oil effectively removes all the dirt and grime off your face without stripping the skin. All you need to do is massage a few pumps onto dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Key ingredients: Olive oil
• Type: Oil Cleanser
• Who it’s for: Dry skin, Oily skin, Sensitive skin, Combination skin
• Size: 70 ml/2.3 oz, 200 ml/6.7 oz

Best for Sensitive Skin: Ranavat Lotus Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

• Why we love it: This cleansing balm is packed with some of the best ingredients Ayurveda has to offer, such as the lotus flower, as well as aromatic Indian jasmine and blue tansy to remove impurities, makeup, and even SPF.
• Key ingredients: Lotus Seed Extract, Shea/Mango Butter, Sunflower/Sesame/Blue Tansy Oil
• Type: Balm
• Who it’s for: All skin Types
• Size: 100 ml/3.4 oz

Best for Dry Skin: Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil

• Why we love it: You don’t even need a cotton pad, as this hydrating cleansing oil dissolves your makeup at first touch. It’s super nourishing thanks to a blend of sweet almond, castor, grape seed, and sunflower oils.
• Key ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Sunflower/Castor Oil
• Type: Oil cleanser
• Who it's for: Normal skin, dry skin
• Size: 150 ml/5.0 oz

Best Clean: Eadem Dew Dream Cleansing Balm

• Why we love it: For those in the know, Eadem is that-girl when it comes to skincare. With chic packaging, efficacious formulas, and clean ingredients like soothing tiger grass, hydrating allantoin, and rich kalahari melon and moringa, this balm is a jelly-to-oil-to-milk formula that can be used on both the face and eyes without irritation.
• Key Ingredients: Tiger Grass, Allantoin, Kalahari Melon, Moringa
• Type: Balm
• Who it’s for: All skin Types
• Size: 3.4 oz/100 ml

Best Reusable: The Original MakeUp Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth

• Why we love it: Cotton pads create unnecessary waste. Enter: These reusable cloths, which are ultra-soft and double-sided and per the brand, can help you save up to 3,600 makeup wipes, by being reusable and machine-washable up to 1,000 times (!!). It can be used to both remove makeup and exfoliate the skin, making it a much better alternative to one-time use wipes or pads.
• Key Ingredients: 100% Polyester cloth
• Type: Cloth
• Who it’s for: All skin types, including sensitive skin
• Size: 15.5 in x 7.25 in

Best Oil-Free: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

• Why we love it: This oh-so-creamy makeup balm makes the chore of removing your makeup more of a treat than anything. Watch and be amazed as saffron seed oil easily dissolves your makeup, leaving behind a dewy glow.
• Key ingredients: Safflower Seed Oil
• Type: Balm
• Who it’s for: Normal skin, Dry skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
• Size: 200 ml/6.7 oz, 125 ml/3.8 oz, 30 ml/1 oz

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover

• Why we love it: Leave it to Paula’s Choice to create yet another amazing acne product. It’s extra-mild and non-irritating, making it safe for even the most sensitive of skin types because why should removing your makeup cause you to break out?
• Key ingredients: Allantoin, aloe leaf juice extract, green tea
• Type: Liquid
• Who it’s for: Sensitive skin
• Size: 127 ml/4.3 oz.

Best Luxury: Sisley-Paris Gentle Make-Up Remover for Face and Eyes

• Why we love it: While this cleanser is quite the splurge, who are you to deny yourself, especially for a product that is to be used every day? Also known as Eau Efficace Démaquillant Doux, it’s more of a three-in-one product—cleansing, removing, and toning the skin, making it well worth its price tag.
• Key ingredients: Linden water, orange Blossom, pro-vitamin B5
• Type: Liquid
• Who it’s for: All skin types
• Size: 300 ml/10.1 oz

Best for Waterproof Makeup: Tatcha The Rice Wash

• Why we love it: Tatcha The Rice Wash is a must-have in your beauty arsenal if you’re looking for more than just a makeup remover. Packed with hyaluronic acid for supple skin, Japanese algae, and the brand’s signature Hadasei-3, your skin has never looked cleaner, more hydrated, and fresher-faced. The small granules have a gentle exfoliating effect,t oo.
• Key ingredients: Japanese Algae, hyaluronic acid, Tatcha’s Signature Hadasei-3 complex
• Type: Cream
• Who it’s for: Dry skin, Normal skin, Combination skin
• Size: 240 ml/8 oz, 120 ml/4 oz, 50 ml/1.7 oz

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.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Nazanin Saedi is a board-certified dermatologist and medical researcher based in Philadelphia, PA
• Dr. Dendy Engleman is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon