Removing your makeup at the end of the day may not be as fun as putting it on, but it’s an essential part of a good skincare routine. Making sure that you sleep with a clean face can mean the difference between finally achieving your skin goals or suffering from a breakout. So if you’re a makeup enthusiast or just getting started, you should invest in a good makeup remover.
You’ll find a lot of brands and variations of this product both in online stores and physical stores. But since you won’t have the luxury of asking a sales attendant for advice when you buy online, we’ve prepared a buying guide to help you choose which product would best work for your specific needs.
These are the Best Seller Makeup Removers in 2023
Once you know what to look for, you can then browse through our list of the top-rated makeup removers you can buy online.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Prices / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Pond’s Makeup Remover, Cold Cream, 9.5 oz
You may get the impression that cold creams are a thing of the past which only your grandmother or mom use. Yeah, you may want to reconsider that opinion because there’s a reason why the Pond’s Makeup Remover in cold cream form is still gaining fans year in and year out: it works, and it works well. Not only that, but it can also function as a moisturizer for people with particularly dry skin types.
Aside from effectively removing your makeup from your foundation to your waterproof mascara, this cold cream makeup remover will also leave your skin feeling extra clean, soft and glowing.
Another great thing about this product is that it doesn’t clog your pores unlike other makeup removers of this kind. What more, it won’t break the bank as it is very affordable especially if you buy more than one container at the time.
- Can remove both oil-based and waterproof makeup
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Affordable
- Doubles as a moisturizer
9. KOSE SOFTYMO Speedy Cleansing Oil 230ml
Asian skincare and beauty products are gaining popularity in the west for the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. Unlike its western counterparts, they are relatively gentler and more nourishing for the skin.
One example of a popular Asian skincare product is the Kose SoftyMo Speedy Cleansing Oil. As its name implies, it’s an oil-based cleanser. It can be used as both a regular facial cleanser and makeup remover.
This cleansing oil offers deep cleansing for the skin with its active ingredients like Jojoba seed oil and mineral oil. We recommend this for people who are looking for a makeup remover which will also serve as a facial cleanser. This will fit well in the oil cleansing portion of the common 10-step Korean skincare routine (although this product is Japanese).
We also recommend the Kose SoftyMo Speedy Cleansing Oil to people with combination skin types as it can handle both dry spots and oily skin.
- Dual function as a facial cleanser and makeup remover
- Offers deep cleansing for the ski
- Great for combination skin types.
8. Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
If you’re one of those lucky people blessed with normal skin and minimal skin issues, the Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover may be your best bet.
This affordable product is favorite in the beauty community because of its proven effectivity. With its gentle and soothing ingredients, one generous helping of this product on a cotton pad is surely enough to get even the most stubborn of waterproof makeup products off and leave your skin feeling smooth and squeaky clean.
What more, it’s also a great fit for most skin types (yes, even sensitive skin) being both dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. People with acne-prone skin would also find this non-comedogenic product a perfect fit for their skin type.
- Affordable
- Non-comedogenic
- Fits all skin types
- Can remove waterproof makeup
7. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Solution
We have another amazing product for people with sensitive skin. If you’re not a fan of makeup remover wipes, you can try the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water which offers both cleansing and makeup removing functions.
Since it’s water-based and alcohol-free, you won’t have to worry about this Bioderma micellar water getting in your eyes or irritating your skin. It also works well with other skin types like oily and combination types.
However, we don’t recommend that you use this product as the only cleanser in your beauty routine as it may not get every last trace of makeup on your skin. This Bioderma micellar water is best used in a double cleansing skin routine where an oil cleanser is used first. But if you don’t wear that much makeup or don’t use makeup at all, it’s definitely enough to clean your face.
- Made for sensitive skin
- Water-based and alcohol-free
- Works well with other skin types
- Not enough to clean off heavy makeup
6. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, For Waterproof Makeup, 13.5 fl. Oz.
The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is one of the most popular beauty products not only on this list but also in the makeup community. It comes in two formulas, but the one we’re reviewing here is the waterproof one (comes in the blue container).
This formula is popular because unlike other micellar water makeup removers, this Garnier SkinActive one can take off waterproof makeup as well. All it takes are a few drops of this micellar water and a cotton pad to remove light eye makeup along with your foundation.
What more, it’s also both oil-free and alcohol-free which makes it suitable for a variety of skin types from oily skin to dry skin. Lastly, it is a cheaper alternative to the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water which we reviewed before this product.
- Oil-free and alcohol-free formula
- Can remove waterproof makeup
- Affordable price
- Suitable for many skin types
5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, 5.5 Fl. Oz
If you’re the type of person only to wear eye makeup, you may want to give the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. It boasts of a gentle formula which is safe to use over the eyes even for those of you who wear contact lenses.
What more it can also thoroughly remove waterproof makeup. You know what that means– no more panda eyes in the morning because of that pesky waterproof mascara.
This Neutrogena makeup remover is also very easy to use. Just shake the container first (to activate the product’s ingredients) and apply it over your eyes using a cotton pad.
Once you’ve removed your eye makeup you can then wash your face with water. We recommend this alcohol-free Neutrogena makeup remover for people with dry or oily skin.
- Alcohol-free formula
- Can remove waterproof makeup
- Can accommodate oily and dry skin types
- Easy to use
- Effectively removes traces of makeup
- Only recommended for eye makeup removal
4. Banila Co Clean It Zero Makeup Remover, 3.38 Ounce, 100 ml
Here we have another cult favorite among members of the online beauty community. We know a lot of makeup enthusiasts and beauty gurus who swear by the Banila Co Clean It Zero Makeup Remover. Although it’s relatively more expensive than the other products on this list, it remains popular because, well it works really well.
Similar to the Pond’s cold cream makeup remover, this product comes in a cream form which moisturizes and cleanses the skin of makeup and other impurities.
But what this Banila Co has over the Pond’s cream it its abundance of antioxidant-rich ingredients like mineral oil, papaya fruit extract and acerora extract which nourishes the skin while cleansing and leaves it soft and smooth.
- Tried and tested by the beauty community
- Acts as both moistrizer and cleanser
- Filled with antioxidants
- Effectively removes traces of makeup
- Relatively more expensive than other makeup removers
3. Olay Eye Makeup Remover Wipes by Olay Daily Facials
The Olay Eye Makeup Remover Wipes by Olay Daily Facials are the ultimate multi-functional facial wipes that every beauty and skincare enthusiast should try at least once. The product has gained quite a large following because of its 4-in-one purpose as a cleanser (makeup remover), mask, toner, and scrub.
You lazy girls out there will surely love to have this handy product on your bathroom counters. Save up on time and money by opting for this ultimate skincare product.
What more, thses Olay wipes won’t break the bank as their pretty affordable (they’re actually one of the cheapest ones on our list). One downside though is that it contains alcohol which might not be suitable for people with extremely dry skin.
- Affordable price
- All-in-one cleanser, toner, scrub and mask
- Comes in wipe form
- Saves both time and money
- Not alcohol-free
2. Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz
With witch hazel gaining popularity as a beauty remedy, it’s no surprise that the Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel is a popular choice as a makeup remover for a lot of people.
Aside from being very affordable, the product is also tried and tested to be effective in removing makeup and dirt off the face. Another great advantage of this product is that it can also fade acne scars after weeks of continuous use in your skincare routine. However, we don’t recommend this product for people with dry skin as witch hazel is a very drying liquid.
- Affordable and effective
- Can remove all traces of makeup or dirt
- Can fade acne scars with regular use
- Can be drying
1. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes Makeup & Waterproof Mascara, 25 ct (Pack of 6)
Topping our list of the best makeup removers of 2023 is the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Despite its gentle formula, this Neutrogena product effectively removes all traces of makeup on your face even something as stubborn as waterproof mascaras to leave your skin feeling fresh and clean afterward.
What more, using these towelettes is sufficient enough for you routine’s cleansing stage so you won’t need to wash your face with water or other cleansers anymore.
- Removes all traces of makeup and dirt
- Leaves skin fresh and clean
- Functions as the makeup remover and facial cleanser
- Gentle formula
- Can remove waterproof makeup
Factors to consider when buying a Makeup Remover
To get the full benefits that a makeup remover has to offer, you should pick one that would both suit your needs and skin type. Here are some of the factors you need to consider when choosing the best makeup remover.
This is perhaps the most important thing you need to consider when looking for a makeup remover or any skin product for that matter. While there are certain products which cater to almost all skin types, certain makeup removers are specially formulated to cater to specific ones from oily to sensitive to dry.
Once you identify what kind of skin you have, buy products for it accordingly especially if you’re acne-prone or have very sensitive skin. Doing this would ensure that using the product would lead to the best possible results and prevent unwanted skin reactions.
You can check out the product’s skin type specialty by looking at its packaging. If you can’t find any indication there, you can look through its reviews online to see on which skin types it works well.
Makeup removers can in many forms from liquid ones to towelettes to wipes. Each type has its own perks and downsides and would work better with certain skin types than with others. Here are some of them and their benefits.
As its name implies, this type of makeup remover comes in wipes soaked in product. Wipes are the perfect companion for travelers or for those who’d like to have something to use on the go.
They’re very convenient as they come in spill-free packages (like baby wipes do). You won’t need to carry a separate set of cotton pads to use. Just take them out from the package and use directly on the face.
However, these wipes usually contain some harmful and drying chemicals that may be too harsh for people with sensitive skin.
Micellar water and other water-based makeup removers and cleansers have gained popularity within the beauty community in the US recently. The product has been a popular choice among the French due to its refreshing effect and mild cleansing abilities.
What sets it apart from other makeup types is that it doesn’t need to be cleaned off the face after applying. It also has a very minimal and mild formula which effectively gets rid of makeup and other dirt on your face. It’s best applied with cotton pads and can’t be applied by hands.
We recommend cream-based types for people with extremely dry skin. These creams have a rich texture and milky appearance which also acts as an excellent moisturizer combined with a makeup remover.
Creams are usually lathered on the skin to break down the makeup products on it. It can then be wiped off with a towel or washed off with water.
Soap-based makeup removers are often lumped together with other facial cleansers because they both foam up and need to be washed off with water. The advantage of using soap-based makeup removers is that they can take off makeup products faster than other types.
However, they can often be extremely drying to the skin and won’t be able to remove mascaras and lipsticks fully.
Some beauty gurus say that oil-based makeup removers are the overall best kind because of their nourishing and makeup dissolving properties. They work well with almost all skin types, even oily ones, and aren’t as harsh as other types as well.
While not all skin products containing alcohol is bad (contrary to popular belief), those which have alcohol as the main ingredient have been proven to be actually damaging.
We only recommend products with lots of alcohol content to people with oily skin as they might need the extra degreasing boost that these makeup removers offer. However, people with normal and dry skin should avoid products with alcohol in them.
Conclusion
We hope this guide and product reviews have been helpful to you. Just follow our buying tips, and we’re sure you’ll find the perfect makeup remover for your skin type and skincare routine.
