The 12 Best Makeup Removers to Wipe Away Even Waterproof Mascara

This micellar water by French brand Bioderma can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin, for cleaning, removing makeup and soothing your skin, making it a multi-tasker you want on your counter. One reviewer said, “You will be amazed at how much gunk and dirt Bioderma will remove. I use several cotton pads with the Bioderma until the last pad is white. I let the Micellar water dry by itself on my face, then use my creams and serums, or apply my makeup. And it also removes makeup like magic. Including the most stubborn mascara and will NOT burn your eyes. Leaves your skin soft, plump, and hydrated. Super gentle.”

Tested by both dermatologists and ophthalmologists, this Cetaphil makeup remover is gentle enough to be used all over the face, even around the eyes. It’s oil and fragrance free, and non-irritating. It’s also formulated with antioxidant-rich ingredients like aloe vera, ginseng, and green tea to keep your face feeling cool and fresh.

First thing to note about this makeup remover: You have to shake the bottle well before use to activate the double-action (aka bi-phase) effect of this makeup remover. The lipid phase lifts makeup, and the water phase cleans your face. Aside from that, it's a breeze. It’s lightweight, yet surprisingly effective and safe to use around your eyes—and even if you’re wearing contact lenses.

Some days (okay, most days), you’re looking for the quickest, easiest way to clean your face. Look no further than these Burt's Bees micellar wipes, which not only remove a full face of makeup but also can cleanse your face of dirt and oil in a pinch. They’re super soft against your skin, too, thanks to their 100 percent plant-based cloth, which comes from upcycled cotton T-shirts.

You’ve heard of farm to table, now experience farm to face. This makeup balm is made with only naturally derived ingredients such as papaya enzyme, sunflower and ginger root oils and turmeric extract to exfoliate and lift and remove impurities and makeup. It has no parabens, synthetic fragrances or phthalates, and the jar is also 100 percent recyclable.

Pond’s has been around since 1907, and you probably remember seeing jars of it on your mom’s (or grandma’s) dressers. The cold cream features a nourishing blend of oil and water that coddles your skin, while clearing it of any makeup or debris from the day. It’s so affordable too, that you won’t mind slathering it on your face morning and night.

This oil- and alcohol-free makeup remover was made for oily skin, and the micellar water removes dirt, excess oil and makeup while leaving the skin hydrated but not overly shiny. There’s also no rinsing needed—apply to your face with a cotton pad and you’re good to go.

Even though it comes in the form of a balm, once you put it on your face, it turns into a gentle oil that completely dissolves makeup and sunscreen. Like its name says, it’ll take the day off (of your face) but not strip it of moisture. One reviewer said, “It was very gentle and worked great! My skin is **extremely** sensitive, so I was hesitant, but this takes everything off and just washes it down the drain without a greasy feeling or stripping natural oils.”

Combining micellar water and an oil mix, Glossier’s milky oil dissolves even waterproof eye makeup. You can use it with cotton rounds or squeeze some directly into your hands, and wipe away your makeup without aggressively rubbing or tugging on your skin. One reviewer said, “I used this daily on my somewhat heavy makeup, and it wasn't stripping, didn't feel like it was killing my face by stripping it but was hydrating it! FANTASTIC at getting my makeup off in just 1 swipe of a cotton round! 10/10.”

Like butter, this cleanser melts makeup, sunscreen and dirt from your face. It’s formulated with fruit extracts and an oil blend to soothe and moisturize while it cleans. And the balm comes with a bamboo and charcoal booster you can use for extra exfoliation.

Before double-cleansing became popularized in recent years, wiping oil on your face at the end of the day might have seemed crazy, but now we know it's actually a more effective way to remove makeup and sunscreen. This Japanese import uses organic olive oil, rosemary leaf oil and vitamin E to leave your skin feeling clean and soft without any residue.

This budget-friendly pick is both a cleanser and makeup remover. The micellar water removes both face and eye makeup, and it’s paraben-, oil- and fragrance-free to be gentle on the skin. No harsh rubbing, no rinsing, just a nice, clean face.