These Top-Tested Makeup Removers Won't Leave You With Racoon Eyes

We updated this article in October 2022 to add seven new product recommendations and more information about each featured product, based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, plus expert commentary.

Anyone who wears makeup knows that removing it can be the worst part — until you find the right makeup remover. "Makeup removers work on the principle of 'like dissolves like'," explains GH Beauty Lab chemist Danusia Wnek. For longwear cosmetics and waterproof makeup, "exposing it to water won’t move the formula that much — an oil-based product is needed to remove it, which is why makeup removers work so well at removing stubborn makeup."

That said, there are so many types of makeup removers from cleansing balm to liquids, wipes, pads and micellar waters for skin types from oily and acne-prone to mature, dry skin and sensitive skin. Which ones actually work? To find out, the GH Beauty Lab evaluates makeup removers in a variety of formulas across price points to gauge their efficacy both in the Lab using scientific protocols and on consumers in real life.

Here, the best GH Beauty Lab-tested and expert-recommended makeup removers you can buy: