20 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Makeup Remover For Sensitive Skin (2024)

Sensitive skin needs that additional TLC to keep it well-nourished, clean, and clear. While you may be using makeup products that are sensitive-skin friendly, opting for the best makeup remover for sensitive skin is important as well. We all know how much time and effort it takes to get makeup off at the end of a tiring day. But, it is an essential step in your skincare routine nonetheless. Stephanie G-M, Makeup Artist, says, “Cleansers work well to break down the dirt and makeup of the day without you needing to excessively rub your skin. This means you avoid dragging your skin and creating unnecessary wrinkles.” Along with being gentle and non-abrasive, a makeup remover formulated for sensitive skin should help cleanse your skin with minimal effort and balance its natural oils. Scroll down to take your pick amongst the best options enlisted below.

20 Best Makeup Removers For Sensitive Skin (Reviews)

1. Best Dermal Advanced Formulation:Bioderma Face And Eyes Sensibio H2O Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution

4.6

Image: Bioderma

Now 30% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.29

If your favorite makeup artist uses micellar water and credits her smooth and glowing skin to this product, you should believe her. The Bioderma Face And Eyes Sensibio H2O Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution contains a blend of ingredients like purified water, glycerin, and mild surfactants, which gets rid of dirt, makeup, and oils from your pores.

This is the best makeup remover for sensitive skin that gets rid of 99% of makeup and 98% of fine particles, according to the results of a test conducted by the brand under dermatological control. The fatty acid ester micelles in the product cleanse and soothe your skin without drying or irritating it. The DAF (Dermal Advanced Formulation) soothes the skin and raises its tolerance levels. Have a look at this video to learn more about the product and the tester’s experience of using it.

Quick Tip

After use, do not rub your skin to remove the remaining micellar water from it. Instead, gently pat the skin until it is dry to keep it soft and supple.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 6,914 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

2. Best Waterproof Formulations:Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

4.5

Image: Drunk Elephant

BUY ON AMAZON | $36

Finding a makeup remover or cleanser that works wonders for you can be life-changing. It saves you a ton of time and makes you look forward to removing your makeup each night. This makeup melting butter can be that cleanser for you. It is a cleansing balm that wipes off dirt, stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and waterproof formulations from your face with ease.

This makeup remover is infused with a refreshing blend of kiwi, blueberry, and strawberry extracts, along with cranberry, marula, Kalahari melon, and Ximena oils, among others, to keep your skin nourished, moisturized, and protected. Adding water turns it into a milk that cleanses your skin without drying it out. Multiple reviewers on Amazon praise the product for its ability to remove face makeup easily and gently. Here is an informative video that tells you more about the product and the reviewer’s experience of using it.

Pro Tip

Use dry fingertips to massage the product all over your face. Rinse the face with lukewarm water and use an exfoliating product to remove dead skin cells from the face.

3. Best For Overdrying Skin:LA Roche-Posay Dermo-Cleanser

4.3

Image: La Roche-posay Toleriane Dermo-cleanser

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.99

If you prefer creamy and milky facial cleansers instead of liquid formulas, give this one a shot. It clears all traces of makeup and other pollutants from your face in one quick swipe without drying or irritating your skin.

The formula contains glycerin that prevents overdrying of the skin and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water that soothes the skin. This makeup remover can be wiped away using a cotton pad or rinsed off. It is also safe for removing makeup from the eyes.

Pro Tip

People with sensitive skin or rosacea-prone skin should not use hot water to remove the cleanser from their faces. Instead, use cool or slightly warm water to wash the face and avoid facial flushing.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 1,485 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

	Bioderma Face And Eyes Sensibio H2O Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution Best Dermal Advanced Formulation	Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser Best Waterproof Formulations	LA Roche-Posay Dermo-Cleanser Best For Overdrying Skin
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	Sensitive	Dry	Combination, Sensitive, Normal
Dimensions	2.76 x 2.76 x 8.27 inches	-	1.8 x 1.8 x 6.75 inches
Weight	7.05 Ounces	-	7.05 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	6,914	132	1,485
Price	$13.29	$36	$25.99

4. Best Balm’S Pleasant Fragrance:Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

4.6

Image: Farmacy

BUY ON AMAZON | $36

The Farmacy Green’s Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm is enriched with sunflower and ginger root oils, which remove heavy and waterproof makeup effortlessly, along with dirt, grime, and other impurities. It also contains papaya extracts that exfoliate the skin and keep it smooth and soft. The moringa extracts and turmeric in the formula help remove pollutants and sunscreen residue. Clinical testing and consumer panel tests revealed that the product effectively removed waterproof and long-wear makeup products without leaving behind residue, stripping the face of natural oils, or causing breakouts. This cleansing balm’s pleasant fragrance is attributed to a blend of lime, orange, and bergamot oils.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 1,215 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

5. Best Long-Wearing:Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion

4.6

Image: Estee Lauder

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.99

This makeup remover lotion by Estee Lauder is an excellent choice to wipe away long-wearing and waterproof makeup products without leaving a greasy or oily feeling on the skin. It has a water-based formula that is safe for daily use. This product has a refreshing citrus scent that makes your skin feel awakened and revitalized. For more information about the product and the tester’s experience of using it, click this video.

6. Best Anti-Aging:Algenist Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser

4.4

Image: Algenist

BUY ON AMAZON | $38.0

Are you looking for added anti-aging benefits in your makeup remover? Try out this cleanser from Algenist. The unique and luxurious formula of this cleanser offers an excellent sensory experience.

It is enriched with alguronic acid and microalgae oil that minimize the appearance of aging signs while effectively removing all traces of long-wear makeup. This gel-based cleanser feels like a luxurious oil on massaging and then turns into a milky emulsion on adding water. It gently pulls away all the impurities, leaving the skin soft, hydrated, and radiant. The reviews agree that the product cleanses the face without drying it out and leaves behind soft and fresh skin.

7. Best Environmental Pollutants:First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

4.6

Now 15% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $28.9

The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser helps get rid of all dirt, grime, and makeup from your face without stripping it off moisture. It has a whipped formula that transforms into a cream when mixed with water.

This facial cleanser is infused with a powerful blend of aloe vera and allantoin, which soothes your skin and keeps it hydrated. It also contains licorice root, feverfew, and white tea extracts to protect your skin from environmental pollutants. The product is devoid of harsh chemicals, making it a great choice for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

8. Best Restoring Moisture:CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

4.6

Image: Cerave

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.94

The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser has a gentle formula that effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup in one go. It does not disrupt the natural protective barrier of your skin and helps in restoring moisture. This cleanser is enriched with ceramides that restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture, and niacinamide that improves your skin’s overall appearance. This product is developed by dermatologists to deeply cleanse your skin without stripping its natural oils.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 4,148 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

9. Best Ultra-Soft:Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

4.6

Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON | $5.42

The Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes are ultra-soft and gentle. They help cleanse and refresh your skin in just one simple step. They effectively dissolve all traces of dirt, oil, and stubborn makeup, including waterproof formulations. The wipes are also safe for those who wear contact lenses. They come in a convenient and travel-friendly resealable package. These effortlessly makeup-dissolving wipes thoroughly cleanse your skin without leaving any heavy residue.

10. Best Biphase Formula:La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

4.6

Image: La Roche-posay

BUY ON AMAZON | $21

This gentle waterproof eye makeup remover can also be used to remove facial makeup. It has a Biphase formula, which is a mix of mild oils and poloxamer, a water-based cleanser. Poloxamer is also used in contact lens solutions for its gentle and non-irritating nature. This product not only removes stubborn makeup but also softens the skin and enhances its texture.

11. Best For Oily Skin:Era Organics Cleansing Oil

4.3

Image: Era Organics

Now 7% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.99

Want a non-toxic makeup remover that also offers anti-aging and anti-acne effects? Go for Era Organic’s Cleansing Oil that also doubles up as a face wash. The oil is enriched with a blend of organic ingredients like argan oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, and rosemary leaf extract that remove makeup without affecting your skin’s texture.

This formula helps remove all stubborn and waterproof makeup while restoring the skin’s moisture content and fighting the signs of premature aging. Multiple reviewers mentioned that a small amount of the product goes a long way. It removes all the makeup, without leaving behind any residue. The jojoba oil and rosemary extract in the cleansing oil also help reduce inflammation and treat acne. This makeup remover does not strip your skin of its natural oils and leaves it soft and smooth.

12. Best For Blemish-Prone Skin:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water

4.7

Now 16% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.19

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water removes all traces of makeup and oil, leaving your skin refreshed and hydrated. The formula is exclusively crafted for sensitive, oily, and blemish-prone skin types.

It contains dirt-loving molecules (micelles) that naturally lift all the oil and makeup from the pores without any harsh rubbing. The micellar water also has poloxamer, a mild cleanser used in contact lens solution. The thermal spring water in the formula soothes your skin, glycerin provides hydration, and zinc removes excess oil.

13. Best For Allergy-Prone Skin:Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

4.6

Image: Eau Thermale Avene

BUY ON AMAZON | $34

This cleansing oil is a wonderful product for people with dehydrated, itchy skin and atopic eczema. It has the trademark Avene thermal spring water as its core ingredient. This water soothes and softens the skin’s barrier. I-modulia, a patented complex derived from this water, boosts the skin’s defense system and maintains its healthy environment.

This cleansing oil also contains ceramide and omega-6 derived from evening primrose that infuse moisture into the skin while protecting its natural barrier. The product has been clinically proven to calm and nourish sensitive and allergy-prone skin. It can be used all over the body and is also suitable for kids and infants. As per several reviews online, the product is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin.

14. Best For Glowing Skin:Naeli Gentle Face Wash And Makeup Remover

4.1

Image: Naeli Gentle Face Wash & Makeup Remover

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.95

This 3-in-1 daily gentle cleanser hydrates and revitalizes dry and sensitive skin. It naturally removes all traces of makeup, along with the bacteria and impurities, without stripping off your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamins C and E that works wonders to remove pollutants from the skin while retaining its moisture content. It also features 10 SuperBerry antioxidant extracts that improve visible signs of aging and fight environmental stressors to make your skin look youthful, bright, and glowing.

15. Best Calming Ingredient:Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser Conditioning Face Wash

4.4

Image: Glossier

BUY ON AMAZON | $33.59

This facial wash has a creamy gel texture, and it not only removes all traces of makeup, dirt, and other impurities but also soothes the skin with its five natural conditioning agents. It contains rosewater that is an excellent calming ingredient while provitamin B5 has exceptional moisturizing properties.

The comfrey root extracts contain allantoin that soothes dry skin and makes it soft. This face wash is suitable for all skin types and glides on your skin like butter without feeling sticky or greasy. It also retains the natural pH of your skin. As it contains poloxamer, a cleansing ingredient you would generally find in contact lens solutions, it is safe for the eye area.

16. Best For All Type Of Skin:Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Towelettes

4.3

Image: Burt’s Bees

Now 18% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.41

These soft facial cleansing wipes from Burt’s Bees revitalize and rejuvenate your skin to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup. They are enriched with cotton, rice, and aloe extracts that gently unclog your pores to remove impurities without drying your skin. The cotton extract in the sheets replenishes the skin’s outer layer and reduces the effects of irritants on the skin.

17. Best Sensitive Skin:Olay Daily Facials Water Activated Dry Cloths

4.6

Now 6% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $26.22

If you are in a rush and do not have the time to complete your skin care steps, the Olay Daily Facials Dry Cloths can come in handy. They help cleanse, tone, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin and also work as a mask. The specially textured cleansing cloths are velvety soft and perfect for days when you have heavy makeup on or just after a sweaty gym session. They are enriched with aloe leaf extract, which is gentle on sensitive skin. You need to moisten the cloth with water before using them.

18. Best For Everyday Use:Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes

4.6

Image: Aveeno

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.84

The Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes are oil-free and cleanse your skin of excess oil, dirt, and makeup, including waterproof mascara. These wipes are specially crafted to balance sensitive skin, soothe dryness and redness, and calm irritated skin. They contain feverfew extract that soothes and calms the skin and cucumber and aloe extracts that hydrate the skin. These wipes do not leave any residue on the face and are great for everyday use.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 362 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

19. Best Calm Dry:Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser Makeup Remover

4.4

Image: Aveeno Ultra-calming Foaming Cleanser

BUY ON AMAZON | $77.65

One can’t deny how therapeutic it is to take makeup off, especially with a gentle yet highly effective cleanser or makeup remover. Aveeno’s foaming cleanser comes with the calming feverfew extract, which leaves your face feeling refreshed and removes signs of redness. This facial cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup without drying your skin. For best results, wash it off with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft cotton towel.

20. Best Radiance-Boosting Qualities:RMS Beauty The Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes

4.3

Image: Rms Beauty

BUY ON AMAZON | $22

These wipes are perfect for travel or as a quick fix to wipe off makeup and dirt when you are on the go. They are infused with raw coconut cream that melts makeup in seconds for a pure cleansing experience. It also softens and moisturizes your skin and has incredible radiance-boosting qualities. These nourishing and conditioning wipes are safe to use on the eye area and wipe off mascara from the lashes. They help soothe rashes and sunburn and are safe for infants.

Before purchasing a makeup remover or cleanser that’s best for you, look at these helpful pointers.

How To Choose A Makeup Remover For Sensitive Skin

• Check The List Of Ingredients

Go for expertly crafted makeup removers with gentle formulas that contain natural ingredients, such as aloe, oatmeal, honey, pro-vitamin B5, rosemary, glycerin, and allantoin to keep your skin safe. Avoid harsh ingredients like drying alcohols, fragrances, dyes, and sulfates that can cause skin irritation.

• Choose A Product That Can Soothe Irritation

Ceramides, non-fragrant plant oils, antioxidants, and fatty acids are a great addition to makeup cleansers. Not only do they soothe and moisturize your skin, but they also boost the cleansing abilities of a makeup remover in dissolving makeup and other substances from the skin.

• Buy A Separate Eye Makeup Remover

Irrespective of your skin type, choose an eye makeup remover that is specially designed for the eyes. Eye makeup removers are formulated to be gentler than the ones meant for the face so that there is no irritation. However, if you are constantly on the go and need to wipe off your makeup more than once a day, it is good to invest in hypoallergenic facial wipes.

Now, let’s have a look at the right way to remove makeup from sensitive skin.

How To Use A Makeup Remover On Sensitive Skin

• Avoid alcohol-based removers as they may burn and irritate sensitive skin.
• Avoid using a cleanser around your eyes or your lashes unless it is specifically designed to do so.
• Don’t scrub your face with cotton pads or towels too harshly.
• Look for makeup removers that won’t clog your pores.
• Wipe or rinse off the cleanser properly.
• Avoid using it more than twice a day.

Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Makeup Removal For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is prone to irritation and dryness. Therefore, when removing makeup, you need to be extra careful, as a simple mistake like excessive rubbing may cause a burning sensation and redness. In the infographic below, we have listed some dos and don’ts of makeup removal for sensitive skin. Have a look!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get makeup off sensitive skin?

Use a makeup remover or a cleanser with a gentle formula, without any harsh ingredients, specially formulated for fragile skin. Don’t scrub your face too harshly while removing the makeup, and once you’re done, make sure you wipe off the cleanser thoroughly and use a mild moisturizer.

How can I remove makeup without irritating the skin?

Buy a makeup remover well-suited for your skin type. Take your time and use flat cotton pads instead of cotton balls. Clean the edges of your eyelids gently in circular motions. Wash your face and follow up with a face serum or a moisturizer.

Is micellar water good for sensitive skin?

Yes, micellar water is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. It is packed with oil molecules that attract dirt, grime, makeup residues, and other impurities from your skin. It can be used as a cleanser as well as a toner. The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water is the best for sensitive skin.

What is the best thing to use to remove makeup?

You can remove makeup using makeup remover wipes, micellar water, or oil-based makeup cleansers. Try to use a product that is free of harmful ingredients like sulfates, phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrances as it can irritate your skin further after makeup removal.

What is the best eye makeup remover for sensitive eyes?

The Bioderma Face And Eyes Sensibio H2O Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution, the Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion, and the La Roche-Posay Respectissime Eye Makeup Remover are some of the best for sensitive eyes.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Srijita De, is a beauty and makeup enthusiast who loves trying products that take your makeup and beauty routine a notch higher. Especially when it comes to sensitive skin, she urges you to use nothing but the best. After browsing through multiple sites and customer reviews, she brings you this specially curated list of the top makeup removers for sensitive skin. These products not only come in handy to cleanse your face of makeup but are also formulated with skin-benefiting ingredients to keep your skin naturally soft and healthy.

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Stephanie G-MMakeup Artist

     

Stephanie G-M is a green makeup artist. She has worked at Fashion Weeks in London and New York and boasts of a clientele including Alexa Chung, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cara Delevingne, Elle Macpherson, Labrinth, Little Dragon, Morcheeba, and Suki Waterhouse.

Read full bio of Stephanie G-M

Srijita DeCommerce Writer

 

Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

Read full bio of Srijita De

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

Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury