11 Best Dermatologist-Approved Face Cleansers To Remove Makeup (2024)

Get rid of even the minutest traces of makeup without drying and damaging your skin.

Medically reviewed by Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD Patricia Gaile Espinosa Patricia Gaile EspinosaMD facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Last Updated on
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Face washes are the unsung heroes of our everyday skincare regimen. However, they can become superheroes too if they work as makeup removers as well. Yes, you must treat yourself with the best face washes to remove makeup. You can now skip the extra makeup removal step with another additional product. You can have a face wash that does it all for you.

Incorporating a face wash that does facial cleansing along with makeup removal will make your skincare routine so much easier. Hence, we have listed the 11 best face washes to remove makeup and take care of your skin. Have a look!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best pH-Balanced Formula:CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Drying:Clean & Clear Foaming Facial CleanserPrice on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging:L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cream CleanserPrice on Amazon
Best Vegan:DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly CleanserPrice on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free:ra organics Lavender Vanilla Cleansing Oil Face Wash & Makeup RemoverPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Comedogenic:VERA BOTANICS Oil Cleanser And MakeupPrice on Amazon
Best Gentle:bliss Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser With Rose FlowerPrice on Amazon
Best Lightweight:JULEP Hydrating Cleansing OilPrice on Amazon
Best Hypoallergenic:Ebanel Alpha To Omega+ Sherbet CleanserPrice on Amazon
Best Hydrating:INDIE LEE Brightening CleanserPrice on Amazon

11 Bestselling Face Washes To Remove Stubborn Makeup

1. Best pH-Balanced Formula:CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

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4.6
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser Image: Cerave

The CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is ideal for regular cleansing and offers long-lasting hydration. The rich, creamy formula transforms into foam and gently removes impurities, excess oil, makeup, and sunscreen residue. This non-drying cleanser refreshes your skin without stripping it’s natural moisture. It contains hyaluronic acid and an Amino Acid Complex that support the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF). This product is enriched with three essential ceramides– 1, 3, and 6-II that restore the skin’s natural barrier. Go ahead and check out a tester’s experience in this review on YouTube for further details about the product.

Skin Type: Dry, Normal

Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Recommended by dermatologists
  • pH-balanced formula
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Soap-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Ophthalmologist-tested

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Do not use your regular body towel to dry your face after cleansing it. Instead use a separate washcloth for your face and gently pat it dry.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 14,587 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

2. Best Non-Drying:Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser

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4.5
Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser Image: Clean & Clear

The Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser removes makeup from acne-prone and oily skin. The gentle formula and rich lather eliminate heavy makeup and impurities without drying the skin out. Regular use of this foaming cleanser ensures refreshed and healthy skin, free of dirt and buildup. The oil-free formula contains nourishing coconut oil-based ingredients that wash away impurities while preventing acne and breakouts, making this foaming face wash suitable for oily and acne prone skin. The moisturizing agents and astringents in the foaming formula ensure clean and hydrated skin.

Skin Type: Acne Prone | Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.4 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Skin Type: Acne-prone

Pros

  • Non-drying
  • Even-toned skin
  • Oil-free
  • No residue
  • Gentle
  • Suitable for acne-prone and oily skin type

Cons

  • May cause rashes.

Our Tester's Exprience

"This cleanser foams up nicely and unclogs my pores. It removes my stubborn makeup and leaves my skin soft and shiny. It does not trigger my breakouts or irritate my skin. I like that it is free of any strong chemical scent."


worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 7,287 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

3. Best Anti-Aging:L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cream Cleanser

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4.5
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser Image: L'oreal Paris

The L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cream Cleanser is equipped with anti-aging benefits and replenishing oils to remove makeup from all skin types. The gentle formula contains essential nutrients, oils, and moisturizers that make your skin supple, soft, and smooth. This gentle cleanser is suitable for daily use and can be used during day and night with other anti-aging skin products. The clinically-approved formula prevents dryness and stripping of natural skin oils during makeup removal.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.87 x 3 x 5.95 inches | Weight: 5.64 Ounces

Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Sensitive skin tested
  • Creamy texture
  • Non-drying
  • Anti-aging

Cons

  • Feels greasy
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,812 rave reviews on Amazon.

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
Best pH-Balanced Formula
Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best Non-Drying
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cream Cleanser
Skin Type Dry, Normal Acne Prone
Dimensions- 2.4 x 1.4 x 7.8 inches
Weight- 8 Ounces
Rating
Reviews14,5877,287
Price$17.3$4.88

4. Best Vegan:DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

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4.6
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser Image: Drunk Elephant

The DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is an innovative formula that eliminates makeup and grime from sensitive skin. It is gentle, non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and maintains a pH level of 6.1 to balance the skin’s natural barrier and leave it healthy and problem-free. It is an effective cleanser with mild surfactants and makeup-dissolving emollients that don’t leave any residue and promote soft and clean skin. It also contains additives like fruit enzymes, thermal mud, marula oil traces, glycerin, and vitamins to refresh your skin with a rejuvenating scent. If you want to know more about the benefits of the DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, you can check out the reviewer’s experience in this video.

Skin Type: All

Skin Type: Sensitive

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Essential oil-free
  • Dye-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

  • May cause breakouts.

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use a makeup-removing brush with your cleanser rather than a cotton ball or wipes. Cotton can create a lot of lint which will stick to your face and eventually clog the pores.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 2,033 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

5. Best Cruelty-Free:ra organics Lavender Vanilla Cleansing Oil Face Wash & Makeup Remover

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4.3
Era Organics Facial Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover- Premium Plant Based Moisturizing Face Wash For Dry Skin, Anti Aging Cleanser With Organic Argan Oil, Apricot Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Extract 5oz Image: Era Organics

The e.ra organics Cleansing Oil Face Wash & Makeup Remover uses nourishing and rejuvenating ingredients to offer soft, supple, and smooth skin while boosting hydration levels. It removes foundation, eye makeup, and waterproof mascara while repairing the skin. The anti-aging properties and skin-loving ingredients provide long-lasting hydration for glowing skin.

This face wash contains vitamin E and antioxidant-rich argan oil that promote skin elasticity and protect the skin from free radical damage. Rosemary, an antiseptic, prevents dermatitis and eczema while combating free radicals, dry skin, oily skin, and acne. Sunflower oil controls moisture loss, restores the skin barrier, and soothes dermatitis-prone damaged skin. Jojoba oil, rich in vitamins B and E, heals acne, wounds, and psoriasis while activating collagen production to make your skin smooth and wrinkle-free. The product has not been tested on animals.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 7.1 inches | Weight: 5 Ounces

Skin Type: Dry and Sensitive 

Pros

  • Anti-aging
  • Paraben-free
  • GMO-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Feels heavy

6. Best Non-Comedogenic:VERA BOTANICS Oil Cleanser And Makeup Remover

The VERA BOTANICS Oil Cleanser And Makeup Remover provides a gentle way to wipe off makeup and impurities from any skin type, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. Its deep action formula works by thoroughly dissolving product buildup and makeup.

This gentle skin cleanser penetrates the deepest skin layers and pores to remove blackheads, liner, mascara, lipstick, foundation, and sunscreen without enlarging the pores. This olive oil-based cleanser cleanses, softens, and hydrates the skin and is suitable for daily use. It protects the skin from environmental damage without stripping its natural oils and preventing excess sebum production. The product has not undergone testing on animals.

Skin Type: Dry,Sensitive,All Skin Types | Product Dimensions: 1.64 x 1.64 x 6.64 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces.

Skin Type: All 

Pros

  • For all age groups
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Gentle
  • Vegan
  • Non-irritating
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May cause breakouts.

7. Best Gentle:bliss Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser With Rose Flower

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4.1

The bliss Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser has a super-gentle formula that works incredibly well for sensitive skin to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. The unique jelly-like formula offers an effective double cleansing effect and skin balancing. It contains vitamin B5 that supplies a boost of hydration to rejuvenate dull skin and improve its natural barrier. It also revives the skin cells to give you soft, clean, and silky skin. The product has not undergone any testing on animals.

Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 6.44 x 2.16 x 6 inches | Weight: 6.4 Ounces

Skin Type: Sensitive

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 1,416 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

8. Best Lightweight:JULEP Hydrating Cleansing Oil

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4.4

The JULEP Hydrating Cleansing Oil offers instant hydration while effectively removing makeup. The mild formula softens and hydrates your skin without leaving any oily residue. The nourishing and age-defying formula contains rosehip seed oil to protect, repair, and soothe skin concerns. Grapeseed oil, rich in potent antioxidants, heals the skin, and olive oil softens, relieves, and calms dry and sensitive skin without clogging the pores. Pink grapefruit peel oil improves cleansing abilities while leaving behind a refreshing scent. If you need further convincing, check out this tester’s experience in her YouTuber review.

Skin Type: Acne Prone,Sensitive,All Skin Types | Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 1 inches | Weight: 10.88 Ounces

Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Anti-aging
  • No residue
  • Cruelty-free
  • SLS-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • May cause breakouts.
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 763 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

9. Best Hypoallergenic:Ebanel Alpha To Omega+ Sherbet Cleanser

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4.4

The Ebanel Alpha To Omega+ Sherbet Cleanser nourishes the skin and removes makeup, daily grime, excess oil, and impurities. The gentle formula eliminates all traces of stubborn makeup products like lipstick, foundation, and waterproof mascara.

This deep-action cleansing balm regulates sebum production. It contains natural stem cell extracts, peptides, vitamin C, and antioxidants that moisturize, firm, and lift the skin. This beauty product is enriched with natural exfoliants from papaya, tomato, raspberry, chamomile, willow herb, and acerola. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, adds, “Tomato extract also promotes brightness of the skin. It contains vitamin C, flavonoids, lycopene, and beta-carotene which are powerful antioxidants. This facial wash protects the skin against free radical damage, thereby preventing photoaging.” Regular use of this gentle brightening cleansing product helps you get even-toned, glowing, hydrated, and blemish-free skin. The product has not been tested on animals.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal

Pros

  • No residue
  • Affordable
  • Gentle
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Non-irritating

Cons

  • Doesn’t remove eye makeup completely

protip_icon Pro Tip
Gently dab some makeup cleanser on your eyelids and lashes and let it sit for a minute or so. Doing this will give the cleanse some time to dissolve the eye makeup better and remove it easily.

10. Best Hydrating:INDIE LEE Brightening Cleanser

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4.6
Koolaburra By UGG Victoria Mid-Calf Boots Image: Indie Lee

The INDIE LEE Brightening Cleanser gently removes makeup and other impurities. It also works as an exfoliating mask when left for 5 minutes before washing. It washes away waterproof makeup and product buildup from the skin to leave it silky and smooth. The safe and natural formula contains strawberry seed oil, tomato extracts, and hydrolyzed wheat protein to hydrate, strengthen, firm, and protect the skin. This cleanser also brightens and even tones the skin. The clinically-backed skincare product has not been tested on animals.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal, Acne-prone

Pros

  • Talc-free
  • Synthetic fragrance-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • GMO-free
  • Petroleum-free

Cons

  • May cause irritation and breakouts.

Our Tester's Exprience

"I love how firm and clean my skin looks after I use this cleanser. It gently removes makeup from my face without drying out my skin. The formula also enhances my skin’s radiance. The best thing is that it also removes my mascara without breaking my lashes."


11. Best Non-Allergenic:KOPARI Tropical Glow Cleanser

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4.6

This tropical glow cleanser from KOPARI is a daily hydrating drugstore face wash that contains active enzymes that gently exfoliates the skin. The oil-free effective formula is packed with natural ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and papaya. Coconut adds hydration, while pineapple and papaya have proven efficacy in gently dissolving dead skin cells and imparting a radiant glow to the skin. This face wash is also infused with aloe vera that calms irritated skin and makes it soft and smooth. The product has not undergone any testing on animals.

Skin Type: Sensitive,All Skin Types

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Vegan
  • Non-irritating
  • Non-allergenic
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

  • None

Our Tester's Exprience

"This gel formula removes the stubborn makeup from my skin, leaving it feeling refreshed. The formula soothes my skin and softens it from within. It also restores my skin’s natural moisture. It lathers up slightly, but it cleans my skin effectively."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Infographic: Benefits Of Using A Facial Cleanser Regularly

Facial skin cleansers remove pollutants, oil, sebum, and dead skin cells while protecting the skin from external aggressors. It is crucial to cleanse your skin at night as well as in the morning to get rid of any pollutants or toxins. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the benefits of using a facial cleanser.

Benefits Of Using A Facial Cleanser Regularly (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Face cleansers need no introduction! They can effortlessly remove makeup and reduce the amount of dirt and impurities on your skin. Face cleansers have proven to deliver visible results in getting rid of dead skin cells while boosting collagen production. These cleansers can gently remove excess oil, makeup, and other residues. The rich lather that some of these cleansers form ensures super clean and well-hydrated skin. The best face cleansers are tested by ophthalmologists as well. To keep your skin hydrated and deeply cleanse it, use the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. If you struggle with acne, try the Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser. And if you desire even-toned and bright skin, the INDIE LEE Brightening Cleanser is the best choice. However, you should steer clear of products that can cause dryness or rashes.

Why Trust Stylecraze

Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who is passionate about reviewing products that can help her readers. Her review process involves careful research into the features and benefits of each product and the aggregation of consumer feedback across several trusted platforms. Here, she talks about the best face cleansers that will help you remove your makeup with ease without using an additional product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to take off makeup?

Use your daily cleanser to take off the foundation and blush. Pour some skin-friendly cleanser on a cotton pad to wipe the area in and around your eyes. After removing all makeup from the corners of your eyes, use a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple.

Is an exfoliating face wash a necessary step when removing makeup?

No, using an exfoliating face wash is not a necessary step while removing makeup but you can do so to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores that might have been affected due to stubborn makeup products.

Which one do you use first – a makeup remover or a face wash?

Use a makeup remover before washing your face to make sure that you have no makeup leftovers on your skin.

Which is the best makeup remover – wipes or face wash?

Face washes are safer than makeup remover wipes. Face washes gently remove makeup from your skin while makeup remover wipes can be harsh on your skin, especially when coupled with an exfoliant. However, makeup remover wipes come in handy when you are on the road or if you have stubborn makeup that is getting too hard to remove.

How can I clean my makeup naturally?

You can remove your makeup naturally with the help of almond oil, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, cucumber juice, milk, or a combination of baking soda and honey.

What should I put on my face after removing makeup?

After removing makeup, follow your normal skin care routine comprising of a toner, serum, and moisturizer. The toner will help restore your skin’s pH balance while the serum and moisturizer will nourish your skin and offer it a youthful glow.


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Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.

Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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