The 14 Best Eye Makeup Removers, Tested and Reviewed
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Mary Kay wiped away the competition
People / Jessica Juliao
There’s a sense of dread when you look in the mirror after a long day and realize you still have to take your makeup off. Those woes don’t exist when you have a good eye makeup remover handy — one that won’t leave you with irritated lids or take 10 swipes to get all of your eye makeup off.
“When buying a makeup remover, it’s important to consider both your skin type and the type of makeup you are using,” board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner tells PEOPLE. In terms of skincare, board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD says she prefers products that are “effective at removing makeup without being too harsh.”
Pro Tip
Makeup remover wipes are sometimes too rough on the skin, and create friction that can cause "potential irritation," says Board Certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu. To minimize irritation, opt for soft cotton rounds or a soft reusable towel instead.
We set out to find the best picks among popular eye makeup removers, letting our testers create a full glam eye look, and then take it off (tragic). Looking at qualities like feel, residue, and overall performance, our team found 14 eye makeup removers that most effectively cleaned our testers’ skin without causing upset to the area.
After a day of glam in the lab, these 14 eye makeup removers were considered the best that PEOPLE Tested.
Best Overall: Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Star Qualities
Oil-free formula works on all skin types
Gentle on skin
Removes even waterproof makeup
Doesn’t leave behind a film or residue
Red Flags
It’s bigger than the carry-on limit for travel liquids
When it came to taking off eye makeup, the Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover proved to be one of our favorites. The eye makeup remover felt soothing on the skin and did an amazing job removing makeup, leaving our skin feeling refreshed, clean, and hydrated without any irritation.
The gentle and oil-free formula makes this a great remover option for all skin types, leaving no greasy residue on the skin. It removed makeup easily and quickly, and we only needed a couple of swipes with this product applied on a cotton round to fully remove all of the testing makeup.
We wouldn’t change a thing about this product, though we noticed at 3.75 fluid ounces, it is bigger than the standard travel size, so it’s not as portable as other options. That being said, it’s decently priced, and removes even the most adhesive makeup, like waterproof mascara, without being harsh on your skin. This eye makeup remover is a clear winner.
Size: 3.75 fl. oz./ 100mL | Oil-free: Yes | Type: Liquid
Best Budget: e.l.f Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Star Qualities
Budget-friendly
No residue leftover
Hydrates the skin while removing makeup
Red Flags
Not oil-free so might not work for oily skin types
For being a more affordable option, this eye makeup remover from e.l.f. delighted us with its gentle formula, overall performance, and lack of residue left on the skin after use. We loved the feel of the balm, which felt soft and soothing on the skin. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides, this eye makeup remover works to clean your skin without leaving greasy residue behind.
You apply this balm on your face like a mask, lathering it up to absorb the makeup, and then wash it away with water. However, we observed that we didn’t even use water with it, and when applied on a cotton round, it effectively took off all the eyeshadow that we applied in only a few swipes. We loved that there was no leftover residue, which feels rare for this type of product.
Size: 2 oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Balm
Best Splurge: Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
Star Qualities
Effective at removing makeup
Worked well with sensitive skin
No residue unless you use more than the suggested amount
Red Flags
Not super portable
This luxury eye makeup remover from Tata Harper offers a gentle oil formula with alfalfa, vitamin A, and squalane to lift makeup while also nourishing your skin. This product felt really nice and smooth, and helped remove the eyeshadow with very little pressure. Even those of us with sensitive skin experienced no irritation at all with this product.
We did have a bit of a learning curve with this product — the first time we tried it, we used to much and experienced slight residue. But, after using a smaller amount of product on our next try, we experienced no residue at all. With a tiny amount applied to the eyelid, we were able to easily remove all the eyeshadow and primer.
Size: 4.1oz./ 125mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Oil/liquid
Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
Star Qualities
Gentle on sensitive skin
Effective at removing makeup
Left skin smooth and soft
Red Flags
No cons detected during testing
This makeup remover from Clinique treats skin with a gentleness that leaves no redness or irritation in its wake. The product feels like a soft gel and takes our makeup off easily with no burning.
We were impressed with the lack of residue after the remover was applied and how moisturized our eyelids felt after use — leaving the skin with a soft texture. After swiping this product over our lids, all of the eyeshadow and primer were completely removed without any need for scrubbing. Overall, we wouldn't change a thing!
Size: 2.5oz/ 75mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Creamy gel
Best for Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Star Qualities
Moisturizing formula
Oil formula didn’t leave residue
Comes with a spoon to reduce contamination
Red Flags
Somewhat pricey
Drunk Elephant is known for impeccable skincare products, and this butter cleansing balm is no exception. This formula felt buttery smooth and incredibly moisturizing. Although there is oil in the formula, it didn't get in our eyes and sting, which is a big plus for those who wear contacts.
In terms of performance, this makeup remover left no residue on our skin and took makeup off easily while leaving the skin soft, smooth, and not irritated in the slightest. We loved that it came with a spoon to eliminate any cross-contamination or bacteria from grubby fingers. This product also comes with an exfoliating powder, but that wasn’t part of our testing. The oil removed my eye makeup quickly and effectively, with no irritation or residue.
Size: 3.88 oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Balm
Best for Oily Skin: Chanel Demaquillant Yeux Intense Gentle Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover
Star Qualities
Highly effective at makeup removal
Doesn’t leave oil residue behind
Lightweight consistency
Red Flags
Has a fragrance, which might be a con for some
Somewhat pricey
Chanel brings the touch of designer flair to an eye makeup remover that’s great for those with oily skin. This product has a watery consistency, and though it contains oil, it doesn’t have a greasy or slimy feeling.
We loved that this product left no residue on our eyelids after using it and that we didn’t feel the need to wash it off with a cleanser. The performance of this remover also stood out to our team. The bi-phase formula removed every speck of shadow and mascara with one good swipe. In line with other Chanel products, this one is lightly fragranced, which could be a pro for some and a con for others, depending on scent preference.
Size: 3.4oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Liquid
Best for Waterproof Makeup: Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover
Star Qualities
Effective at removing even waterproof makeup
No residue left behind
Worked well even when wearing contact lenses
Red Flags
Has a fragrance
When it comes to taking off makeup, this Clarins remover is a cut above. We used this remover against a waterproof mascara that’s always difficult to take off, and it still got the job done.
In terms of performance, this eye makeup remover scored well across all categories. We noted that the product felt nice on the skin, leaving it smooth and soft without any residue after use. It wiped away dark eyeshadow easily. The only fault we could find was that it's lightly scented, but fragrance could be a pro or con, depending on preference. That aside, we were blown away by how well this eye makeup remover worked.
Size: 4.2 fl oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Liquid
Best Hydrating: Glossier Milky Oil
Star Qualities
Super hydrating
Effectively removed eye makeup
Budget-friendly
Red Flags
Not oil free, might not work for oily skin
For a little skincare benefit while you’re removing your makeup, try this pick from Glossier. It’s extremely hydrating and leaves the skin feeling super nourished. In our tests, we noted that it didn't feel greasy at all.
Our team was impressed with the feeling of this product and how effectively it removed makeup. We were able to use the same cotton round for both eyes and didn't even need to apply more product to remove makeup from both eyes — it took all of the makeup off after three swipes per eye. Given the low price and efficacy of this makeup remover, all of our testers were exceedingly pleased with this one.
Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Oil
Best Soothing: Laura Mercier Soothing Eye Makeup Remover
Star Qualities
Extremely gentle formula
No leftover residue
Portable size
Red Flags
No cons detected during testing
Laura Mercier brings us this bi-phase formula that’s partially water-based and contains soothing oils to help calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It’s also infused with cornflower, which is rich in antioxidants. When applied, the remover felt smooth and calming on the skin.
We appreciated how this eye makeup remover was easy to use and didn’t cause issues or irritate the skin. This product completely removed the makeup without too much effort and had no residue issues — meaning it didn’t leave the greasy film on the surface of the skin that some remover products tend to leave behind. And as an added benefit, it’s travel-friendly, given the size.
Size: 3.4 fl. oz./100mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Liquid
Best Lightweight: Nivea Eye Make-Up Remover Double Effect
Star Qualities
Highly effective makeup remover
Refreshing, residue-free feel
Good price point
Red Flags
We couldn't find any cons with this product
If you’re looking for an easy remedy to makeup removal that won’t leave your skin feeling tired, greasy, and heavy, the Double Effect eye makeup remover from Nivea should be on your radar. This makeup remover easily took off our makeup with just two drops of product.
We were completely impressed with the performance and the lightweight and refreshing feel. The product left behind no residue. It's priced well and works exactly as promised. All that is to say, there's nothing that we'd change about this cleanser.
Size: 4.4 fl. oz./ 125mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Liquid
Best Clean: Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
Star Qualities
Effectively removes makeup, even waterproof
Gentle on skin, even sensitive
Includes botanicals to nourish skin
Red Flags
Faint residue left over
Size doesn’t meet carry-on travel requirements
Cetaphil is a favorite for everyday skincare, and this waterproof makeup remover lives up to its reputation. With botanicals like aloe vera, ginseng, and green tea, this product works to nourish the skin while breaking up makeup, even waterproof mascara, and lifting it from the skin. It’s a bi-phase water-based formula that targets dryness, irritation, rough texture, tightness in the skin, and any weaknesses in the surface of the skin.
This product seamlessly removed the shadow from our eyelids and felt nice and calming on the skin without causing any irritation. It took most of the makeup off in one gentle swipe. It’s also oil-free and fragrance-free, making it a gentle alternative to some makeup removers. We noticed a slight residue after use that felt lightly oily, not unlike micellar water. That said, we loved how well it worked, and the light residue didn't bother us enough to change that opinion.
Size: 6 fl. oz./ 177mL | Oil-free: Yes | Type: Liquid
Best Oil: Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Star
Removes makeup easily
No residue left over
Little goes a long way
Qualities
Oil formula is a little messier to apply
Not super portable
Oil makeup removers work really effectively because they break up the makeup’s pigment, yet this one doesn’t leave a greasy residue that some oils do. This product is super soft and felt great on the skin. Even our testers who typically steer clear from oil-based products liked this makeup remover.
It was supremely easy to remove our makeup with this product applied on a cotton pad. It did not burn at all, and our eyelids didn't feel greasy after removal either. The instructions on the package suggested using your hands to apply the oil, but we found this to be messy and preferred to use a cotton round. Overall, this product left our skin feeling soft and smooth with no irritation and no trace of makeup left over, making this a new holy grail cleanser.
Size: 5 fl. oz./150mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Oil
Best Pads: Marcelle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads
Star Qualities
No strong scent
Residue-free
Highly functional for makeup removal
Red Flags
Could potentially dry out over time
These oil-free pads from Marcelle are pre-soaked so you can swipe them right over your eyelid to remove makeup with ease. Just one wipe took off the entirety of our makeup during our tests. The pads are just moist enough to remove product without leaving residue behind. The product dried quickly, and our eyelids were left feeling smooth, soft, and not sticky.
These pads proved highly effective at makeup removal, and didn’t leave residue, have a strong scent, or cause redness/irritation. We wondered if these pads would dry out over time given that they weren’t overly soaked upon use, but we appreciated how easy this remover product was to use. With 85 pads included in this package, it should last you a while, and if you’re worried about them drying out, consider storing the package upside down so the fluids thoroughly soak every pad.
Quantity: 85 pads | Oil-free: Yes| Type: Pads
Best Water-Based: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Star Qualities
Little goes a long way
No oily residue
Removes waterproof makeup
Red Flags
Packaging is difficult to open
Too big for easy travel
This water-based formula from Neutrogena offers a quick and easy removal solution to get your eye makeup off at the end of the day. We didn't feel any residue when applying this product onto the cotton pad and wiping our makeup away. It only took two swipes to remove all of our eye makeup.
The product performed quickly, which impressed our team, and we appreciated that a little goes a long way. The oil-free formula also removes waterproof mascara which is a huge plus. However, one point of concern is the packaging, which is hard to open if your hands are wet and comes in two sizes that are both too big for carry-on travel requirements.
Size: 5.5 fl. oz./162mL | Oil-free: Yes | Type: Liquid
People / Jessica Juliao
What to Know About Eye Makeup Remover
Skin Type
You should consider your skin type when buying a product for facial skin. The skin around the eyes is extra sensitive, so you’ll want to appease your skin type by using products that won’t cause irritation. “Harsh surfactants can be effective at removing dirt, sebum, and makeup,” says Dr. Liu, who cautions that it can also remove the “skin's natural oil, and thereby can be too harsh and drying.”
For those with dry skin, you might prefer a more hydrating remover like the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, and those with oily skin might consider an oil-free option. Dr. Liu prefers “more gentle cleansers with ingredients that are oil-soluble surfactants (like fatty alcohol and fatty acids) that help to dissolve makeup but also function at nourishing skin at the same time.” Examples could be emollients like oat or almond oil to help soothe and nourish your skin. Also, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides if you want an anti-aging formula.
Related: The Best Makeup for Older Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Remover Type
There are many types of makeup removers — wipes, pads, oils, water-based solutions, and more. So when you’re considering adding a new product to your routine, you should think about which one will work best for your skin type and the kind of makeup you want to remove.
“Oil-based makeup removers may be preferred if you’re using heavy makeup,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Water-based removers might do the job for lighter makeup. Towelettes are quick and easy to use, but don’t often remove makeup fully and can lead to irritation in people who are sensitive.” If you have sensitive skin, the rubbing motion across your lids to take off makeup might be uncomfortable and cause redness, so consider a gentle remover like micellar water — or for instance the Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover. This is especially important if you consistently wear false lashes. Choose a product that will dissolve lash glue easily without putting more stress on your eyelids and lashes. Those who wear contact lenses might be wary of a water-based product, and might instead try a traditional wipe to remove makeup.
Pricing
Eye makeup remover is one of those products that spans the gambit in pricing, with some options hitting close to $10, and others approaching $100. The good news is regardless of your budget, there are high-quality eye makeup removers out there that can clean all your makeup off without irritation. It’s worth paying a higher price for an oil or liquid since it will likely last longer than a package of pads or wipes that run the risk of drying out.
Behind the Scenes
To find the best eye makeup remover, we tested 29 of the most popular removers on the market against each other. Each product was put to the test in our PEOPLE-tested labs by real people, who evaluated the products for the following qualities:
Makeup Removal: To figure out which remover performed better than the rest, we started by having our testers apply makeup to their eyes, including eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Then, we tried each makeup remover using either a cotton round soaked the in product, or using any included wipes that were a part of the product. We let the makeup remover (via wipe or pad) sit on the eyelid and lashes to help break up the product, and then gently swiped it across to remove the makeup. With about five or so passes across each eyelid, we determined which removers actually worked to remove all of the eye makeup with no residual makeup leftover.
Feel: We've often found that eye makeup removers can leave behind a greasy film, so we took careful note of how our skin felt during and after product application. After the makeup was removed, we considered how our skin looked and felt (greasy? clean? irritated?).
Value: Lastly, we considered whether the performance of the product felt worth it's price. We considered how much product was needed to remove makeup, and how many ounces of product came in each package.
At the end of the testing session, 14 eye makeup removers proved the best on all fronts, with certain options being better for different skin types and forms of makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to use a wipe or something with micellar water?
It comes down to your preference, and what kind of makeup you’re trying to remove, as well as your skin type. Dr. Liu says she prefers micellar water because “it's way more gentle and less irritating.”
“Micellar technology is a great option for people who are sensitive,” Dr. Zeichner adds. “It’s generally considered to be among the most gentle of the cleansing technologies. Generally speaking, wipes are considered by most experts to be more drying and irritating to the skin than traditional makeup removers. They often lack the hydrating ingredients found in other products that help respect the skin barrier.”
And as Lobell suggests, if you’re taking off a whole face of makeup, wipes might be a more efficient way to go, but for small touch-ups and sensitive areas, a little micellar water is your best bet.
What is the best makeup remover for sensitive skin?
“For people with sensitive skin, stay away from products that contain fragrances,” suggests Dr. Zeichner. “Makeup removers, like traditional cleansers, contain ingredients known as surfactant which are the molecules that actually grab onto and pull away makeup from the skin. In some cases, the surfactant can disrupt the skin barrier, which is why it is important to use gentle products with hydrating ingredients, as not to damage the outer skin layer.”
Keeping this in mind, we selected the Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover as best for sensitive skin because it’s 100 percent fragrance-free, and is designed to be gentle on the skin so it won’t cause harsh irritation.
Can cleanser be used to remove eye makeup?
Technically yes, but not as effectively. Cleansers are designed to “cleanse” and as such, they have to have access to your skin. If you have a layer of makeup on top of the skin, the cleanser might remove some of the makeup, but it won’t clean your skin thoroughly and would require a second wash to do so (if the makeup is even gone after one pass, which is unlikely). It’s more efficient to use a makeup remover to remove products like eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow, mascara, heavy foundation, and more, and leave the cleanser to actual cleansing once you’re finished.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is an experienced commerce writer who covers beauty, home, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Real Simple, Health, Martha Stewart, and elsewhere. To compile this review, she consulted our testers about eye makeup removers and sought their comments about various considerations, such as skin type, remover type, and price. In researching eye makeup removers, we spoke with Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD, and celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell.
Meet Our Experts
Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified dermatologist and the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified dermatologist and skincare influencer with over the 850K followers across Instagram and TikTok.
Jeanine Lobell is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with stars including Jessica Alba, Natalie Portman, and Cate Blanchett
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Want more product recommendations? Check out all of our PEOPLE Tested content.
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