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Best Eye Makeup Removers

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Neutrogena Oil-free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover
Neutrogena
Oil-free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

This remover is perfect for getting rid of waterproof eye makeup. Excellent for sensitive eyes.

Pros

It’s specially formulated to be safe for the sensitive skin around the eyes, and it’s also oil-free. It contains aloe and cucumber to leave your skin feeling smoother and refreshed rather than rough and red.

Cons

Some felt a little greasy after using it. It doesn't work as well on oily skin types.

Best Bang for the Buck
Beauty by Earth Makeup Remover
Beauty by Earth
Makeup Remover
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Clean and Natural
Bottom Line

Uses gentle ingredients for removing makeup and other residues from the face.

Pros

Made without parabens. Vegan and cruelty-free. Uses natural ingredients like witch hazel and sweet orange to avoid skin irritation, and to add hydration to cleansed face. Can be used on sensitive skin. Available in a 4.7-fluid-ounce bottle.

Cons

Some of the reviews noted that this product had difficulty fully removing stubborn mascara.

La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
La Roche-Posay
Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
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For Longwear Makeup
Bottom Line

Designed for waterproof makeup, this formula wipes clean the face without causing irritation.

Pros

Is fragrance-and paraben-free, and can be used on all skin types. Ophthalmologist-tested. The formula uses a blend of cleaner and oils to remove the makeup. Comes in a 4.2-fluid-ounce bottle.

Cons

On the expensive side, especially for the size of the bottle.

Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
Lancome
Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Waterproof eye makeup all but vanishes when subjected to this remover.

Pros

It uses a 2-phase formula. The first is oily to help separate your eye makeup from your skin while the second is watery to wash away the makeup and leave your skin feeling refreshed.

Cons

Some had issues with the bottle leaking. Others disliked the scent.

Marcelle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads
Marcelle
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads
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For Sensitive Skin
Bottom Line

A jar of 85 pads that uses micellar technology to gently remove face makeup.

Pros

Hypoallergenic and formulated without fragrances, oil, or parabens. Pads are thick and designed to not cause irritation. Works for waterproof mascara and lip products. Doesn’t leave a residue.

Cons

Pads are thin and a few are needed to remove makeup.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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Buying guide for Best eye makeup removers

Cosmetic companies have formulated amazing long-wear eye makeup and waterproof mascara that stays put throughout your active day. When it’s time to wind down, however, these budge-proof products are notoriously difficult to take off. You don’t want to rub your eyelids raw or your eyelashes (or precious extensions!) off in the process. Fortunately, there are eye makeup removers that get the job done without the collateral damage.

Eyelid skin is super delicate, and our eyes are sensitive, so finding an eye makeup remover that is gentle and safe is a must. There are plenty of eye makeup removers on the market that are carefully formulated to remove tough makeup without stinging or irritating the eyes. Which ones have been tested by ophthalmologists? What’s best for waterproof mascara?

We’ll help you sort through your concerns and inform you of what to keep an eye out for (wink wink) when choosing a product.

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Saturate a cotton pad or cotton ball with eye makeup remover cleansers and oils. Then, gently wipe the eye area to remove makeup.

Eye makeup remover types

Cleansers

The most common type of eye makeup remover, these typically come in three- to six-ounce bottles and are used with a cotton pad or ball to swab the eye area. Some cleansers leave a residue behind, which can be rinsed off with water.

Lotions

If you want to hydrate as you remove your eye makeup, lotions designed to remove eye makeup are creamier than cleansers and tend to be moisturizing. Many of them are oil-free.

Oil

These removers solubilize water-resistant makeup, breaking it down without tons of rubbing. They also work to moisturize the eye area. Oil cleansers tend to leave behind a greasy residue, which can be removed with a clean cotton swab.

Micellar water

This is gaining popularity as a gentle, alcohol-free makeup remover. “Micelles” are tiny cleansing-oil molecules that attract dirt without stripping the skin of moisture. Safe to use on the eye area, micellar water is generally marketed as an all-over face cleanser and makeup remover.

Scrubs

Dermatologists recommend scrubs for people with eyelid conditions. Did you know eyelash dandruff is a thing? Lid scrubs remove any lingering particles of makeup and also help with crustiness or flakiness due to medical conditions.

Pads

Ideal while traveling or for those with limited storage space, pads eliminate the need for a separate cotton pad or ball to remove makeup. They come pre-soaked in remover solution and are a convenient way to swipe away makeup at the end of a long day. Eye makeup remover pads come in 30- to 120-count containers.

All-in-one

This style of makeup removers works not just on the eye area but on other areas too, like the lip or whole face. They come in different forms: liquid, disposable wipes/towelettes, and makeup remover cloths.

Features

With all the makeup removers on the market, you can afford to be choosy and find one with features that suit your individual needs.

Gentle/sensitive

If you have sensitive or irritation-prone skin, there are plenty of eye makeup removers that are formulated to be extra gentle. Look for ones that are free from parabens, fragrance, alcohol, and preservatives — all of which are potential skin irritants.

Oil-free

Most cleanser eye makeup removers are formulated as oil-free. They dissolve quickly and leave less residue than removers containing oil. They are also safer for contact lens wearers.

Longwear and waterproof makeup

Though a high-quality eye makeup remover should do the trick on stubborn waterproof and longwear makeup, some are specifically targeted for it.

Botanical extracts

Some eye makeup removers come with plant-derived extracts to soothe or hydrate the skin, like cornflower, cucumber, or chamomile. Though they may carry a scent, they often are labeled fragrance free and tend to be more natural and less irritating than chemical-based cleansers.

Eye makeup remover prices

Makeup can be expensive, but the removal process doesn’t have to be — though eye makeup removers certainly can get up there in price.

For drugstore brands of cleansers or pads, you can expect to pay as little as $4 and up to $12.

Micellar water, which comes in larger quantities than cleansers (typically about 13 ounces), can be purchased from $10 to $20 a bottle. Scrubs also fall into this mid-price range.

Eye makeup remover oils and solutions from major cosmetic lines are priced between $20 and $30.

Products using natural, botanical ingredients range widely, from as low as $6 to as high as $30.

Tips

  • Coconut oil is a popular natural solution for removing eye makeup. Just be sure not to get it in your eyes.

  • Shake eye makeup removers labeled “dual action,” “dual phase,” or “double action” before use. These are typically a hybrid of water and oil removers.

  • Remove your eye makeup before washing your face to prevent your mascara, eyeliner, or other products from running into your eyes. Washing your face afterward will also eliminate any lingering residue from the remover.

  • If you have skin too sensitive for products, consider an eye makeup remover cloth which only requires water to work. Dampen the washcloth-like cloth and “erase” eye makeup with friction alone.

  • Always keep your eyes closed when removing makeup using an eye makeup remover.

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Eye makeup remover works on eyebrow pencil and mascara, too. Use your eye makeup remover all the way up to your eyebrows.

FAQ

Q. I wear contact lenses. Is it safe for me to use an eye makeup remover?

A. Yes. Certain eye makeup removers are labeled safe for use with contact lenses. Look for ones that are ophthalmologist approved. It’s best to remove contact lenses before wiping away makeup, even with a gentle remover, to minimize the chance of contaminating or damaging the lenses. Avoid oil-based cleansers and oil eye makeup removers altogether.

Q. How important is it to remove eye makeup before going to bed? Sometimes I’m just too darned tired.

A. We hear you! You’ve had a long day, and the process of taking off your day face — or date face — can be, well, a process. However, there is a risk of eye infection and ingrown eyelashes if you don’t properly remove all traces of mascara and eyeliner from your lids. Consider all-in-one makeup remover disposable wipes that are safe for both face and eye use. With a few swipes, you can remove everything from eyes to lips and then rest assured that you’ve taken care of your skin and health.