Top makeup removers that actually work (2025)

With seemingly endless makeup removers on the market, it can be confusing to find the best one for your skin. To take the guesswork out of makeup remover shopping, we’ve rounded up some of the best options in some of the most popular skin categories. From cleansing waters to wipes and pre-cleanse treatments, we look at each product’s features and what skin type they’re best for.

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Summary of the best makeup removers

Best overall: Bioderma Sensibo H20 Micellar Water Cleansing And Makeup Remover
Best for acne-prone skin: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water
Best for sensitive skin: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Wipes
Best for mature skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Best for makeup corrections: B. Beautiful Makeup Wipes
Precleanse: Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil
Best for lids, lashes and lips: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

Best makeup removers explained

Best overall: Bioderma Sensibo H20 Micellar Water Cleansing And Makeup Remover

Features: This all-in-one cleansing water and makeup remover is formulated to instantly soothe the skin. As a result, this Micellar Water Cleansing And Makeup Remover gently cleanses impurities and pollution while preserving your skin’s biological balance.

What it’s best at: Bioderma prides itself on going skin deep, in which the brand’s products are formulated according to the ecobiology principles. This means that your skin is not only being cleansed but it’s also being protected because the collection of micelles is working to prevent pollutants from further penetrating or irritating the skin. Good for sensitive skin.

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Price: $17
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart |Amazon

Ideal for acne-prone skin: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water

Features: Formulated with charcoal and salicylic acid, this micellar jelly water is perfect for acne-prone skin. Its gentle formula deeply purifies and clarifies the skin, drawing out impurities and for a refreshed and revitalized complexion.

What it’s best at: As a longstanding player in the game, Garnier is a brand that is highly regarded for its lineup of safe and healthy skincare solutions. This is the ideal makeup remover for acne-prone skin because it’s oil-free and leaves behind no greasy or oily residue. Plus, it helps wipe away pore-clogging impurities.

Price: $9
Where to buy: Amazon

Best for sensitive skin: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Wipes

Features: Cleanse and refresh your face in a few simple swipes thanks to the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Wipes. Perfect for all skin types — especially sensitive skin — these wipes are powerful yet gentle when used.

What it’s best at: Garnier is a must-try brand when it comes to innovative and affordable skincare. These makeup wipes are not only budget-friendly, but they also feature micelle technology which helps attract and remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Plus, they’re oil-free and fragrance-free which eliminates skin sensitivity and reaction upon application.

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Price: $13
Where to buy: Amazon

Must-Have for mature skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Features: If you have mature skin, this is a definite add-to-cart. This is because this cleansing balm is specially enriched with essential nutrients collagen and Vitamin E to help with smoothing and nourishing skin. These nutrients will ultimately help re-energize the skin.

What it’s best at: The brand’s formulas and products have been tried, tested and loved which helps build credibility. As a result, this cleansing balm has been tested under dermatological control to further evaluate and ensure efficacy.

Price: $54
Where to buy: Sephora

Best for makeup corrections: B. Beautiful Makeup Wipes

Features: Featuring 25 wipes per pack, these makeup wipes are ideal for removing makeup at the end of the night yet gentle and precise enough to be used for any makeup corrections. That’s right, you can count on these makeup wipes for the long haul and in a pinch if you mess up your eyeliner or foundation application.

What it’s best at: This Toronto-based beauty studio was created by a professional esthetician and accredited brow specialist who knows a thing or two about what you should be using on your face. Developed from experience, these makeup wipes can be used for makeup removal or makeup corrections.

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Price: $28
Where to buy: B. Beautiful Beauty

Precleanse: Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil

Features: Great for all skin types, this cleansing oil helps remove waterproof makeup, SPF, debris and oil thanks to a specific blend of lightweight plant-based oils that don’t clog pores or strip your skin of its natural oils. Top ingredients include; Vitamin E and Rice Bran Extract, which help to moisturize, soothe and soften skin.

What it’s best at: As a top brand for skin care professionals on a worldwide scale, Dermalogica continues to dominate the industry with its collection of innovative skincare solutions. This precleanse is an iconic formula from the brand’s lineup and is the first step to your double cleansing routine. After applying and rinsing off the product, simply follow up with a cleanser for ultra-clean results.

Price: $69
Where to buy: Sephora

Best for lids, lashes and lips: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

Features: This is a gentle makeup remover that is tough on long-lasting makeup. It’s also been a long-lasting favourite, as it doesn’t leave any makeup behind, even waterproof mascara. It’s made without parabens, sulphatesand phthalates.

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What it’s best at: The eye and lip makeup remover takes off all residue without having to rub the areas. It doesn’t irritate the skin nor does it sting. It just gently removes the makeup and leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean.

Price: $35
Where to buy: Clinique | Sephora

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