These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (2024)

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (1)

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

Makeup wearers understand the universal relief of removing a day’s worth of worked-through (maybe even cried-through) foundation, eyeshadow, and mascara. They also understand the frustration of a makeup remover fighting back, leaving skin burning, sensitized, and red instead of soft and clean. If the latter experience rings true for you, it might be time to switch to a makeup remover for sensitive skin.

Meet the Experts: Jeannette Graf, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Ian Michael Crumm, licensed esthetician based in New York City, and Jodi LoGerfo, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., F.N.P.-B.C., a doctor of nursing practice certified in dermatology and family medicine.

Believe it or not, not all makeup removers are created equal. Reactions to certain formulas can occur “due to presence of harsh chemicals, fragrances, or ingredients that can damage the skin’s barrier,” explains Jeannette Graf, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. She adds that some makeup removers simply may not do their job, resulting in the need for excessive rubbing and scrubbing, which can also lead to irritation.

Our top picks

The last thing your skin needs is more barrier compromise than the environment (i.e. the sun, pollution) does alone. So, experts helped us round up the best makeup removers—micellar waters, cleansing balms, oils, and more—that (when paired with a good cleanser) will leave your skin feeling clean, content, and ready for the next day of glam.

1

Best Overall Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (8)

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (9)

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (10)Affordable
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (11)One bottle lasts a long time
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (12)Non-drying
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (13)Some users say it’s hit or miss with waterproof makeup

A best-seller for a reason, this micellar water is affordable, gentle, and effective, which is why both Graf and licensed esthetician Ian Michael Crumm recommend it. The formula uses micelles, a surfactant that gently lifts dirt and oil like a magnet, and added glycerin leaves the skin hydrated and smooth. “It’s shown to remove dirt, makeup, and sunscreen without rubbing or rinsing,” says Crumm. “But it’s still advised to do a proper cleanse after makeup removal. Don’t rely on a makeup remover only.”

TypeMicellar water
Size13.5 oz

2

Best Makeup Removing Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Face Cleanser for Face & Eyes

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (14)

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (15)Hydrating
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (16)Sustainable
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (17)Doubles as a cleanser
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (18)Pricey

“This makeup remover is super gentle on the skin and packed with glycerin, a humectant that promotes a healthy skin barrier,” says Crumm. Graf, who also recommends it, adds that it’s free of harsh chemicals and fragrance and contains calming niacinamide. To use, Crumm advises applying it to dry skin and wiping away with a damp cloth. You can double cleanse using the same product, or follow up with a separate wash to make sure your skin is squeaky clean.

TypeCleanser
Size6.8 oz.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3

Best Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes

Eye Scrub Sterile Makeup Remover and Eyelid Cleansing Pads

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (19)

Jodi LoGerfo, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., F.N.P.-B.C., a doctor of nursing practice certified in dermatology and family medicine recommends these for sensitive eyes and calls them her “favorite.” The sterile pads form a gentle lather when activated with a gentle rub, and the hypoallergenic, pH-balanced formula melts away makeup. Just hold it over the eye for a few seconds and softly swipe it all away. “They work fantastic as a makeup remover and are great for travel,“ one Amazon reviewer wrote.

TypePads
Size30 pads per pack

4

Best Makeup Removing Wipes for Sensitive Skin

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Towelettes

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (24)

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (25)

Although the tugging that wipes require may cause your skin unnecessary aggravation, if you need to reach for a quick cleanse in a pinch, these, formulated especially for sensitive skin, should minimize irritation. They contain aloe vera, cotton extract, and glycerin to keep things calm and moisturized, and are made of upcycled cotton, which makes them a touch easier to buy than other single-use towelettes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5

Best Drugstore Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (26)

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (27)

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (28)Fragrance-free
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (29)Affordable
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (30)Rave reviews
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (31)Some users find it greasy

A tried-and-true, this oil-free, aloe- and glycerin-packed makeup remover is ophthalmologist-tested and approved for use around the sensitive eye area. It’s also under $10, and cuts through the strongest of long-wearing makeup. “I’ve been using this makeup remover for a long time and I can’t imagine using anything else,” a reviewer wrote.

TypeMakeup remover
Size8 oz.

6

Best Makeup Removing Stick for Sensitive Skin

Jones Road Beauty The Cleansing Stick

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (32)

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (33)Simple ingredients
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (34)Natural citrus scent
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (35)Great for dry skin
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (36)Pricey

Perfect for travel, this conveniently compact solid oil stick was created by makeup artist Bobbi Brown. It doesn’t strip away moisture like some traditional cleansers do, and it melts away makeup with ease with vitamin-enriched sunflower, jojoba, and avocado oils. All you have to do is swipe it on, emulsify the formula with water, and rinse everything away. “If you have dry skin like I do, this cleanser is a game changer,” Brown said on Instagram.

TypeOil cleansing stick
Size32.5 g

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Makeup Removing Balm for Sensitive Skin

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (38)Simple, natural ingredients
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (39)No wipes or pads needed
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (40)Ultra-moisturizing
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (41)May not be ideal for oily skin

“This inexpensive balm is rich in almond oil (to nourish), oat kernel (to retain moisture), and sunflower oil (to moisturize). It’s gentle and very moisturizing but unlikely to cause irritant reactions,” Sheilagh Maguiness, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of the Stryke Club previously told Prevention.

TypeCleansing balm
Size5 oz.

8

Best Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (44)Hybrid makeup remover and cleanser
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (45)Safe for all skin types
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (46)Antioxidant-rich
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (47)Pricey

Dry, sensitive skin types can really benefit from removing makeup with an oil-based cleanser—one that will leave behind more moisture than it takes away. This one from Tatcha is particularly luxurious and gentle, containing vitamin-rich Japanese camellia oil, which is why reviewers love it. “After washing it off you feel soft and hydrated but not oily or greasy at all,” one happy customer wrote.

TypeOil cleanser
Size5.1 oz.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (48)

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (49)

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (50)One bottle lasts a long time
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (51)Affordable
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (52)Hydrating
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (53)Not sustainable if paired with cotton balls

This customer-favorite micellar water gets the job done without any fuss. It’s non-greasy, and you don’t even have to rinse it off, though experts recommend double cleansing with any makeup remover just to ensure all impurities are gone. The simple, gentle formula is safe for all skin types. To make daily use more sustainable, you can pick up some reusable cotton rounds.

TypeMicellar water
Size8.4 oz.

10

Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (54)

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (55)Cuts through waterproof and long-wearing makeup
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (56)Non-greasy
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (57)Gentle
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (58)Some users say it’s basic for the price

A shake of this solution activates its makeup-dissolving power, one that’s strong enough to effortlessly cleanse but gentle enough not to cause eye stinging—the worst side effect of a bad makeup remover. Its key ingredients are calming allantoin⁠, aloe leaf juice extract⁠, green tea, and glycerin. “I love this makeup remover! I wear contacts, so can’t use an oily remover,” one reviewer raved. “I easily get sties, so I have to be very careful with my eye products. This one is perfect for me!”

TypeMakeup remover
Size4.3 oz.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

11

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (60)Fragrance-free
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (61)Cuts through waterproof and long-wearing makeup
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (62)No oily residue
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (63)Pricey

LoGerfo recommends this classic remover that’s been around for years and will always get the job done. It’s formulated without any irritants, fragrance, or parabens, and reviewers say it even dissolves lash glue without leaving any residue behind.

TypeMakeup remover
Size4.2 oz.

12

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (64)

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (65)

Pros
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (66)Nourishing
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (67)Contains brightening vitamin C
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (68)Affordable
Cons
  • These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (69)Contains fragrance

Packed with papaya, vitamin C-rich cherry, and herbal extracts, this cleansing balm effectively removes makeup, dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells without leaving it feel tight and dry. Plus, it smells delicious—just like cherries, which is partially why it has over 8,000 five-star Amazon reviews. One said it “has a nice texture, emulsifies nicely once you mix it with water, takes makeup off easily, and doesn’t leave a residue on the skin.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How to choose the best makeup remover for sensitive skin

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (70)

In short, check your ingredients labels. Dr. Graf recommends avoiding essential oils, retinoids or chemical exfoliants, high levels of vitamin C, alcohol, artificial fragrances, sulfates, and parabens, all of which can be irritating. Instead, look for skin replenishing ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, cucumber, green tea, and natural oils like coconut, jojoba, and almond to remove and soothe, she suggests.

What is best product to remove makeup for sensitive skin?

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (71)

Micellar waters, cleansing oils, and cleansing balms are most recommended by experts for gently removing makeup from reactive, sensitive skin.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How do dermatologists recommend moving makeup?

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (72)

Dr. Graf recommends avoiding textured, tuggy makeup wipes and opting instead for soft cotton pads paired with either a cleansing balm or micellar water. “Avoid tugging the skin too hard,” she says. “It’s also important to rinse the skin thoroughly with warm water after removing the makeup.” Crumm recommends following any makeup removal step with an additional cleanse to ensure no trace of pore-clogging dirt or oil is left behind.

“Many makeup removers are marketed as a one-stop shop, but as an esthetician, I advise properly cleansing after using makeup removers,” he says.

What is the least damaging way to remove makeup?

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (73)

Massaging a soft, moisturizing oil or cleansing balm into the skin to dissolve, then rinse away makeup creates far less potential for irritation than say, tugging at your skin with makeup wipes. If you need to wipe the skin, use a soft cloth or reusable cotton pad instead.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How we chose the best makeup removers for sensitive skin

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (74)

We spoke with dermatologists, an esthetician, and consulted customer reviews to narrow down the best makeup removers for sensitive skin.

Why trust us

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (75)

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (76)

Kayla Blanton

Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer-editor who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics for various publications including Prevention, Everyday Health, SELF, People, and more. She’s always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University with specializations in women, gender, and sexuality studies and public health, and is a born-and-raised midwesterner living in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and two spoiled kitties.

These Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin Won’t Leave Your Face Irritated or Dry (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Last Updated:

Views: 6259

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Birthday: 1998-01-29

Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

Phone: +5819954278378

Job: Construction Director

Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.