Proper makeup removal is essential for healthy, glowing skin. Leaving traces of makeup on overnight can clog pores, cause breakouts, and accelerate signs of aging. However, not all makeup removers are created equal.
Here are the best products to effectively dissolve makeup without drying out or irritating your skin based on our research and testing many product releases throughout the years..
Facial Cleansers
You can’t rely on your regular face wash alone to remove every bit of makeup at the end of the day. Even the most hardcore cleansers can leave behind traces of product. That’s where double cleansing comes in.
This two-step process first uses a dedicated makeup remover, like micellar water or cleansing balm, to dissolve and break down cosmetic products. Then, you follow up with your regular face cleanser to give your skin a truly deep clean and clear away any leftover impurities.
According to dermatologists, double cleansing is the ultimate way to ensure you’ve removed every last speck of makeup, dirt, and oil from your pores before applying the rest of your skincare routine.
When it comes to that second purifying cleanse, in our experience you can’t go wrong with Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser, a staple product from the brand’s gentle face cleanser range. This gentle yet effective formula harnesses the power of amino acid-rich soy proteins to dissolve impurities and sweep away any remaining grime.
Unlike harsher cleansers that can leave your skin feeling tight and stripped, the Soy Face Cleanser maintains your natural moisture barrier. You’re left with a clean, radiant, healthy glow without any dryness or disruption.
Double cleansing may seem like an extra step, but it’s worth it for a truly thorough clean that won’t leave your skin feeling raw.
Cleansing Waters
Cleansing waters are popular as they offer a gentle, no-rinse way to remove makeup. All you have to do is soak a cotton pad in the cleansing water and swipe it across your face. The liquid will effortlessly dissolve and lift away all traces of makeup, from long-wearing foundations to waterproof mascaras.
Among beauty insiders and celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O is a cult classic for good reason. This French pharmacy brand uses micelle technology, which features tiny lipid molecules that act like a magnet to capture and dissolve makeup and impurities. It’s incredibly gentle yet highly effective at breaking down even the most stubborn products.
But you don’t have to drop major coins to experience the magic of good cleansing water.
Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is just as hardworking for a fraction of the cost. It uses the same micelle technology to whisk away makeup with a few swipes, leaving you with a perfectly clean, fresh base for the rest of your skincare routine.
Here are some other popular yet affordable cleansing water brands:
- L’Oreal Paris
- CeraVe
- Simple
Cleansing Balms
Cleansing balms are renowned for melting away stubborn makeup, which you may opt for if you are wearing a full face. As you massage the balm onto dry skin, the oils easily cut through tenacious products like waterproof mascara and liquid lipsticks that often leave frustrating residue behind. The best part is that after you’ve worked the now oil-like balm into your skin, you just need to rinse with some water and watch as all the impurities quickly get washed away.
One cleansing balm that’s gained cult status, especially among Korean beauty obsessives, is Banila Co’s Clean It Zero. This hypoallergenic formula swiftly removes makeup while being gentle enough for sensitive skin types. Just scoop out a little balm, massage it in, then rinse off for a fresh, purified complexion.
If you’d prefer to splurge a little, Elemis makes a luxurious Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm that’s a real treat to use. The sumptuous balm-to-oil texture feels incredibly pampering as it melts away makeup. Plus, it’s packed with anti-aging nutrients like elderberry, starflower oil, and mimosa to nourish skin.
Oil Cleansers
If you’re a fan of that ultra-satisfying, pristine, clean feeling after removing every last bit of makeup, you need to get on the oil cleanser train. These liquid oils are just as excellent as cleansing balms at dissolving all that gunk — foundation, mascara, you name it — thanks to oil’s ability to cut through other oil-based products.
The process is super simple: just massage the cleansing oil onto your dry face using your fingertips. As you work it in, you’ll feel it breaking down and liquefying all that makeup residue. Then, add a little splash of water, which allows the oil to emulsify and rinse everything away, leaving you with a fresh, squeaky clean slate.
One affordable gem that’s popular among beauty lovers is the Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil from Japan. This drugstore buy gets the job done quickly yet gently, clearing away impurities without leaving any greasy residue behind.
Nourish Your Skin
The most important thing is to find products that work for your skin type and properly cleanse every night. Leaving makeup on can accelerate aging, clog pores, cause irritation, and create a dull complexion. With the proper remover, you can easily dissolve every last trace of makeup while nourishing your skin.