15 Best Drugstore Makeup Removers, As Per A Makeup Artist + Buying Guide

The best skin routine practice and key to naturally gorgeous skin is using the best drugstore makeup removers to get rid of makeup every day. This is because your face suffers significantly while dealing with pollutants, impurities, and cosmetics every day. A routine wash won’t be of much help to your skin in cleaning the irritation-causing build-up. In fact, if you continue to treat your skin in this manner, it will age more quickly, and you will appear dull and exhausted. That’s where a decent drugstore makeup remover comes to your rescue, making it simple to remove makeup without robbing your skin of its natural hydration. Check out this list of the finest drugstore makeup removers that are free of harsh ingredients and suitable for all skin types, which you can include in your skin care routine.

The Importance Of Makeup Remover

Removing your makeup is a necessary step for your skin to breathe. If you think a cleanser does the same thing, then you are wrong. A gentle cleanser removes the dirt and pollutants accumulated in the pores, while a makeup remover cleans the upper layer of skin on which makeup is applied. Using a makeup remover is important as it prevents clogging of the pores, giving you a healthy complexion. Makeup removers offer exceptional results by removing stubborn mascara, false eyelash glue, waterproof lipstick, and foundation.

Listed below are the best makeup removers handpicked for you. Scroll down to upgrade your skin care routine!

15 Best Drugstore Makeup Removers

1. Best For Sensitive Skin: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover

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Bioderma Sensible H20 Micellar Water Makeup Remover is the perfect solution for sensitive skin. It has a dermatologically advanced formula similar to the molecules naturally found in your skin to cleanse makeup, heavy metals, and fine particles. It features a DAF-patented natural complex and fatty acid ester micelles that increase your skin’s tolerance and cleanse without drying it out. In addition, it contains cucumber fruit extract that refreshes your skin while its soothing fragrance awakens the senses. It has a sensible H2O compound that respects your skin’s fragility and hydrolipidic film. Pour a little of this sensitive skin-friendly product on a cotton pad and wipe your face to get clear, healthy skin. Here’s a review video detailing a tester’s experience to help you get a better understanding of the product.

Key Ingredients: Micellar water and Cucumber extract

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 6,914 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

2. Best Gentle Formula: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

The dermatologically-tested Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover has a gentle formula that does not require pulling or tugging to work. Its dual-phase formula helps remove stubborn waterproof eye makeup like liner, eyeshadow, and mascara effortlessly. The product contains aloe and cucumber extracts that soothe and nourish your skin with their antioxidant properties, giving you a refreshing feel. Its lightweight and non-sticky formula is ophthalmologist-tested. It is also a safe makeup remover for sensitive eyes and contact lens-wearers. Need more information? Watch this video showcasing a reviewer’s experience to make an informed decision about the product.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera and Cucumber

Quick tip

Apply your eye makeup remover on a flat cotton pad with a quilted texture to prevent skin irritation while removing all makeup residues from your eyes.

3. Best Antioxidant-Rich Formula: Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Makeup Remover

Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Makeup Remover is infused with a bi-phase formula to remove stubborn waterproof makeup from delicate areas. It is enriched with the antioxidant properties of aloe vera and green tea that moisturize your skin for a glowing and healthy complexion. It also contains ginseng that has bioactive compounds to boost blood circulation for firmer skin. Its gentle, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested formula does not block skin pores and makes it ideal for sensitive skin. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review to find out more about the tester’s experience with the product.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Ginseng, and Green tea

	Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover Best For Sensitive Skin	Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Best Gentle Formula	Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Makeup Remover Best Antioxidant-Rich Formula
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	Sensitive	Sensitive	Sensitive
Dimensions	2.76 x 2.76 x 8.27 inches	1.89 x 1.89 x 5.59 inches	1.49 x 2.58 x 6.71 inches
Weight	7.05 Ounces	0.02 Ounces	6 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	6,914	19,862	13,847
Price	$13.29	$1485	$10.36

4. Best Organic Makeup Remover: Burt’s Bees Micellar Facial Towelettes

The natural Burt’s Bees Micellar Facial Towelettes give a fresh makeup-free look to all skin types. They are easy to use and wipe off makeup without leaving any oily residue. These wipes are made up of 60% repurposed cotton and rose extracts that hydrate and soothe your skin. The pack has a resealable closure to lock in moisture and keep them fresh. These are the best disposable makeup remover wipes that are perfect to carry for travel, work, or gym. Ethically-conscious reviewers highly recommend this product as it is not tested on animals.

Key Ingredients: Micellar water and Rose water

5. Best For Oily Skin: Almay Makeup-Free Zone

The gentle Almay Makeup-Free Zone is enriched with ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, and cucumber to hydrate and nourish the skin deeply. Its botanical blend of natural ingredients wipes off waterproof makeup around the sensitive area of your eyes without tugging. The pack comes with 120 white pre-moistened towelettes that contain moisturizing ingredients. It is dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic to suit all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Green Tea, Aloe vera, and Cucumber

6. Best Dry Facial Wipes: Olay Daily Facials

The Olay Daily Facial Wipes are velvety soft cleansing dry clothes that get activated with water. These wipes are enriched with salicylic acid, grape seed extract, and glycerin for their replenishing, cleansing, and hydrating properties. It leaves your skin fresh and fragrant, removing all traces of makeup. Reviewers love these multipurpose facial wipes that can be used for deep cleansing, removing makeup, toning, scrubbing, as well as as a cool mask!

Key Ingredients: Grape Seed extract and Glycerin

Did you know?

The Olay Daily Facials contains grape seed extract developed from the seeds of wine grapes. It also acts as a dietary supplement to help with many medical conditions and heal wounds and inflammations.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 9,584 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

7. Best For Skin Nourishment: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes

The ophthalmologist-tested Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes cleanse dirt, oil, bacteria, and even the toughest mascara easily. These wipes are infused with the anti-inflammatory benefits of a few extracts to improve and nourish skin texture. It also contains glycerin, cucumber extract, and aloe vera to give you soft, hydrated, and healthy skin. Reviews on online forums attest that these dermatologist-tested wipes are kind to your skin as they don’t contain harsh irritants that damage skin cells, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: Feverfew extract

8. Best For Skin Brightening: Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water

Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water is a residue-free cleanser. It removes makeup, cleanses dirt, brightens your skin, and gives a natural glow without leaving a greasy residue. This dermatologist-tested cleansing water is enriched with vitamin C to brighten your skin tone. It also improves collagen production to tighten your skin and diminish fine lines. In addition, it cleanses and moisturizes your skin without being harsh, making it suitable for regular use.

Key Ingredients: Micellar water and Vitamin C

Pro Tip

Soak the SkinActive Micellar Eye Makeup Remover Pads in the micellar cleansing water to remove makeup from your face thoroughly and easily.

9. Best For Skin Softening: Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes

The dermatologically-tested Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes are pre-moistened sheets that nourish, purify, refresh, and soften your skin. These celebrity-endorsed wipes contains a blend of grape seed and olive oils to gently remove makeup, cleanse skin without clogging pores, and hydrate deeply without being greasy. It is not tested on animals and free from parabens, phthalates, silicones, and synthetic fragrances, making it safe to use regularly on sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: Grape Seed extract andwable plant fibers and wood pulp, making them soft and compostable in nature. In addition, it is free Olive oil

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 723 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

10. Best Calming Wipes: Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes

Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes goes gentle on the skin but very tough on makeup and impurities. It quickly removes the most stubborn waterproof makeup without drying out your skin. It is enriched with vitamins B3 and E combined with micellar water. It hydrates and brightens your skin instantly while restoring its lost moisture. It also smoothens your skin texture and calms irritation. These wipes are made from renewable plant fibers and wood pulp, making them soft and compostable in nature. In addition, it is free of harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin. It is also favored by ethically conscious reviewers as it is not tested on animals.

Key Ingredients: Micellar water, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin E

11. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested:La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you need a makeup remover that extracts oil and dirt from the pores. La Roche-Posay Micellar Water gently cleanses dirt, oil, makeup, and pollution particles from your skin. It is formulated with antioxidant-rich thermal spring water and glycerin, which moisturize your skin without being greasy. In addition, it has zinc that purifies and refreshes your oily or acne-prone skin for quick and easy removal of excess oil and lubricating poloxamer for cleansing. It is also dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, making it suitable for sensitive skin and eyes.

Key Ingredients: Zinc, Glycerin, and Thermal water

12. Best Waterproof Mascara:The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

If you want to remove heavy eyeshadow or waterproof mascara, The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover is a perfect choice. It is enriched with chamomile extracts with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe your skin and condition the delicate eye area. In addition, this remover’s water-based formula has garnered positive customer reviews as it is mild on the skin.

Key Ingredient: Chamomile extract

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 1,197 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.

13. Best Skin-Friendly:L’Oréal Paris Eye Makeup Remover

L’Oréal Paris Eye Makeup Remover offers skin-friendly makeup removal without being sticky and greasy. This dermatologist-tested product is suitable for all skin types and sensitive areas like the area around the eyes. It is infused with water and glycerin to hydrate your skin. Apply this cleanser using a cotton pad and leave it on your skin for the makeup to come off without rubbing.

Key Ingredient: Glycerin

14. Best Chemical-Free Formula:Yes To Cucumbers Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Nothing can beat Yes To Cucumber Eye Makeup Remover Pads if you want to cleanse your eyes without chemicals. These pre-moistened pads are infused with natural ingredients like chamomile, cucumber, and aloe vera to soothe your skin while gently removing impurities and makeup build-up around the eyes. These wipes are kind to your skin as they do not contain harsh irritants. Each pack comes with 45 pads that stay fresh and moist for longer.

Key Ingredients: Calendula, Chamomile, and Organic Cucumbers

15. Best For All Skin:Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover

Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover is a dual-phase solution that quickly removes waterproof and stubborn eye makeup like long-wearing foundation, lipstick, and lip stains without leaving a greasy residue. Its water-based formula is suitable for all skin types and contains no harsh chemicals. It is enriched with antioxidants like aloe vera and green tea to soothe and hydrate your skin, while glycerin restores the moisture to give you an instantly clean and natural look.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera and Green Tea

Choosing the right kind of drugstore makeup remover that suits your skin type is easy if you evaluate certain factors before buying one. Learn what to look out for in a makeup remover in the next section.

How To Choose A Drugstore Makeup Remover According To Your Skin Type

• Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you need a makeup remover containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This is because both ingredients suck up the excess oil while removing your stubborn eye makeup. If you want to use micellar water, go for an oil-free one.

• Dry Skin

The chemicals in a makeup remover break down the molecules of makeup along with the natural moisture of your skin. To avoid this, you need to use a cream-based or foam-based cleanser as they restore moisture. You can also opt for oil-based cleansers as their ingredients provide natural oil to the skin. Makeup removers containing coconut oil, olive oil, or some other oil are good for dry skin.

• Sensitive Skin

Ingredients like artificial fragrance, alcohol, and parabens are harsh on sensitive skin types. If your skin is prone to redness, go for soap-free and fragrance-free products. The more natural the ingredients, the better. Opt for dermatologist-tested products to avoid allergic reactions.

Infographic: Benefits Of Using Drugstore Makeup Removers

Unleash the magic of drugstore makeup removers and experience a world of effortless beauty transformation. You can now bid farewell to stubborn makeup and embrace the benefits of these affordable gems. Learn more in the infographic below.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drugstore makeup removers good for your skin?

Drugstore makeup removers are good for your skin as they contain safe ingredients that ophthalmologists and dermatologists have tested. They can remove all kinds of makeup without ripping away the natural moisture of the skin.

What is the most effective drugstore eye makeup remover?

The most effective drugstore eye makeup remover is La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Cleansing Water & Makeup Remover. It can remove the toughest eye makeup and stubborn glued eyelashes within seconds. It is free from parabens or alcohol and contains thermal spring water, glycerin, and zinc that can pull away invisible debris.

What can I use instead of drugstore makeup wipes?

You can use micellar water or a cream cleanser instead of drugstore makeup wipes.

Why are drugstore makeup wipes bad?

Make-up wipes contain harsh and harmful chemicals that disturb the pH balance of the skin. They disturb the skin’s acid mantle, which works as a protective layer to keep dirt and impurities away and locks in natural oils.

Can you use baby wipes to remove makeup?

Baby wipes don’t remove makeup as they cannot break down complicated waxes or oils present in makeup. If you use baby wipes, you risk leaving a lot of makeup and debris on your skin.

Is micellar water good for acne?

Dermatologists recommend micellar water for acne-prone skin. Micellar water contains specific ingredients that remove oil, makeup, and debris from your skin without causing breakouts.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is a certified makeup technician and an image consultant. She knows the tips and tricks of makeup to accentuate your best features and has the knack for making you look and feel good. So when it comes to the best drugstore makeup removers, she has done a fair share of research to help you select from the best. These makeup removers not only help remove any traces of stubborn makeup but also help keep your skin well hydrated, soft, and supple.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Tommy TafoyaMakeup Artist

 

Tommy is a New York-based makeup artist with over a decade of experience. He originally hails from Los Angeles and Tokyo and is largely inspired by color, organic life, and spirituality. Tommy has been featured in prestigious publications like Vogue Runway, Vogue Italia, Vanguard, Playbill, and Worldwide, among others.

Read full bio of Tommy Tafoya

Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya

Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor

Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak