TL;DR
Our top pick is the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water for its gentle cleansing properties that wipe away grime, dirt, makeup, and sunscreen while hydrating the skin. If you're looking for an affordable pick, you can't go wrong with the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water or the Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover—each is a drugstore option that gets the job done while treating skin gently.
Anyone interested in skincare will know how important it is to properly remove your makeup each day. But the caveat for sensitive skin types is that some makeup removers can leave the complexion feeling tight, itchy, stripped, or irritated—not exactly what we’re after.
That’s why—if you’re sensitive—it’s paramount to seek out a product that removes makeup, dirt, and debris without damaging the skin barrier. That however is easier said than done, which is why we’ve done the work and tested the most popular makeup removers to find those safe for sensitive skin. After evaluating their formulas, paying attention not only to active ingredients, but also what each formula is free from (like potential irritants), and consulting with aesthetician Melanie Grant, we narrowed down our picks and landed on the best in show.
Our Top Picks
Best for Waterproof Makeup:
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser at Amazon$38
Best for Waterproof Makeup, Runner-Up:
Best for Dry Skin:
Best Liquid:
What We Like
Gentle
Doesn't need to be rinsed off
Great for travel
What to Consider
Heavy makeup will require an additional cleanse
Type: Micellar water | Size: 16.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This iconic French product is loved by skin experts, makeup artists, and beauty aficionado’s world over for its ability to gently remove makeup, skincare, and sunscreen. Simply saturate a reusable cotton round and sweep it across the face, neck, and chest for clean (not stripped) skin.“Formulated with fatty acid esters and constituent elements of micelles, it works to gently saponify sebum, grime, dirt, and pollution without disrupting the delicate acid mantle," say says Grant. "This rinse-free cleanse is the perfect travel companion, pre or post-cleanse, and/or makeup remover tolerated by even the most sensitive eyes.” We also loved that it didn’t leave behind any residue.
What We Like
Affordable
Even heals blemishes
Doesn't strip protective oil barrier
What to Consider
May leave skin a bit greasy
Type: Micellar water | Size: 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Much like Bioderma’s iteration, Garnier’s micellar water is a cleansing solution that whisks away dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and skincare without rubbing, tugging, or rinsing. The ingredients differ slightly (there’s no cucumber extract or fatty acid esters), but it still delivers on the promise of clean skin, sans irritation. FYI, it can feel slightly more oily, though it didn’t leave behind any residue.
What We Like
Affordable
Fragrance-free
Hydrating
What to Consider
Can leave a film on the skin
Not ideal for oily complexions
Type: Fluid cleanser | Size: 6.76 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
While all French pharmacy brands cater towards sensitive complexions, La Roche-Posay’s Toleraine Dermo-Cleanser is especially gentle when it comes to removing makeup and skincare without disrupting the delicate acid mantle. The milky fluid contains glycerin, a humectant that improves hydration and promotes healthy barrier function. Try massaging it into dry skin before tissuing off.
Best for Waterproof Makeup
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
What We Like
Breaks down waterproof makeup
Hydrating
Exfoliating
What to Consider
Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Type: Balm | Size: 3.88 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Rich in fruit, nut, and seed oils, this buttery cleanser (we couldn’t get over how moisturizing it was) from Drunk Elephant is hard-working, dissolving even the most stubborn waterproof makeup and sunscreens. But because of the high oil content, it’s wonderful for protecting the barrier, preventing irritation and redness. It also comes with an exfoliating powder that can be added to the balm to exfoliate the skin, as well as an included spoon applicator, which we greatly appreciated for hygiene reasons.
Best for Waterproof Makeup, Runner-Up
Tata Harper Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
What We Like
Easily removes waterproof makeup
Very conditioning
Large bottle
What to Consider
Pump top bottle does have potential for leakage
Type: Oil | Size: 4.1oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Here’s another great choice for taking off even the most stubborn of waterproof makeup. We loved that a tiny amount went a long way, as well as the fact that it didn’t cause any irritation on our very sensitive skin. The oil is loaded with a host of good-for-your skin ingredients, too; think antioxidant-rich sacha inchi oil and hydrating squalane, just to name a few.
What We Like
Reduces acne bacteria
Exfoliating
Lightweight
What to Consider
Heavy makeup will require an additional cleanse
Type: Gel | Size: 5.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
“This cleaning gel is amazing for congested and acne-prone complexions,” says Grant. “It’s rich in lactic acid and tea tree oil to support the demarcation process and reduce the incidence of acne-causing bacteria. And because it’s a light fluid gel, it’s a wonderful first cleanse to remove makeup.” With ongoing use, this formula will assist with removing dead skin cells and promoting a smooth, even texture.
What We Like
Deeply hydrating and conditioning
Doesn’t feel greasy, even though it’s an oil
Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
What to Consider
Smaller bottles than others
Type: Oil | Size: 3.4oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
There’s truly not one thing that we didn’t like about this deeply hydrating formula. True to the name, it’s a creamy oil, so it’s extra moisturizing but doesn’t feel in the least bit greasy. (And that’s even the case if you don’t rinse it off.) Not to mention that it’s so effective that we only had to use one cotton round saturated with the product to fully remove makeup from both of our eyes—color us impressed. Top tip: It is a dual-phase formula, so make sure to give it a good shake before use.
What We Like
Transforms from a balm to silky oil
Boosts radiance
Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
What to Consider
Must be rinsed off with water
Type: Balm to Oil | Size: 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Few makeup removers have as many rave reviews as Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. The formula is made on a base of safflower oil, and when it comes into contact with the skin, it transforms into a light, silky texture that cuts through makeup (even waterproof mascara) with ease. It doesn't have any fragrance, alcohol, or sulfates, so it’s a great pick for sensitive skin types. Simply massage it into dry skin, and emulsify it with warm water. You’ll be left smooth, glowy, and clean—so much so, that we found that it took off nearly 100% of our (dark colored) eye makeup in one go, without smearing or smudging all over our face. Plus, a little goes a long way.
What We Like
Great wipe for travel
Made from repurposed cotton
Doesn’t need to be rinsed off
What to Consider
Not for daily cleansing or makeup removal
Type: Wipes | Size: 30 pre-moistened wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Facial wipes aren’t our top choice when it comes to makeup removal, but sometimes they’re just too easy to pass up. Enter the Burt’s Bees Sensitive Cleansing Towelettes. Made without any parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum, they are simple, effective, and swiftly remove all traces of makeup without the need for water or rinsing. Each wipe is even made from 60% repurposed cotton.
What We Like
Liquid removes makeup in one wipe
Oil- and fragrance-free
Designed for sensitive skin
What to Consider
Doesn’t have any skin cleansing properties
Type: Liquid | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Simple, effective, and formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this liquid makeup remover from Cetaphil is the ideal first cleanse—especially if you’re wearing stubborn eye makeup. It’s fragrance-free, dermatologically tested, and contains botanicals like green tea and aloe vera to prevent redness or irritation. It also works extremely well; it seamlessly removed our eye makeup in one swipe without us having to tug or rub and further stress out our skin.
What We Like
Safe for sensitive eyes and skin
Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested
Oil-free option for those with oily skin
What to Consider
Not cruelty-free
Type: Liquid | Size: 3.75 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If there’s going to be one area of your face where you’ll want to use a makeup remover, it’s your eyes. This particular pick was our favorite for that purpose, a revamped version of a best-selling classic. We loved both how effective it was, along with the fact that it not only didn’t irritate skin or eyes, it actually felt soothing. Plus, unlike so many picks, it’s oil-free, a nice choice if you have oily skin or are worried about breakouts.
What We Like
Ophthalmologist-tested
Affordable
Breaks down waterproof makeup
What to Consider
Not for daily cleansing
Type: Bi-phase liquid | Size: 5.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This bi-phase liquid contains an oily component to cut through oil-based makeup, removing it quickly and efficiently. To combine the formula, give it a shake before dispensing it onto a cotton round (even better if it’s reusable). Because of the oily layer, there’s no need to pull, rub or tug—a great feature for sensitive eyes. The drugstore price point is a bonus, as is the fact that you only need a tiny bit of product to completely take off makeup, one of our favorite features.
Best Splurge
Chanel Sublimage Gel-to-Oil Cleanser
What We Like
Luxurious formula
Soothing
Enriched with two light-enhancing ingredients
What to Consider
Contains fragrance
Type: Gel to Oil | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Often, makeup removers that suit sensitive skin aren’t luxurious or overly special to use, but Chanel’s Sublimage Gel-to-Oil Cleanser is the exception. The creamy formula is like silk on the skin, turning into a light, frothy oil when it comes into contact with water. While the price tag is substantial, if you’re into the finer things in life, this is gold class.
What We Like
Gentle yet effective removes SPF
Skin feels soft after use
Exfoliates
What to Consider
Small bottle
Type: Balm | Size: 1.7 / 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Balms are excellent for cleansing without stripping skin, but they can sometimes leave a film that feels less than squeaky clean. This makeup-removing balm is a solid choice for the way it softens skin without leaving a greasy residue. It's particularly great for removing sunscreen from your face, which can often be a challenge with gentler cleansers. It's great if you have an uneven skin tone or a rough texture, as it gently exfoliates and polishes skin. Finally, it shouldn't cause irritation because it glides onto the skin with zero tugging or pulling.
What We Like
Oil unclogs pores and hydrates
Doesn't aggravate redness or breakouts
Available in multiple sizes
What to Consider
Strong scent
Type: Oil | Size: 1 / 5.1 / 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If your skin is on the drier side, using a pre-cleansing oil like this one from Dermalogica is a good way to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil without irritating your skin. With vitamin E and essential oils, it gently helps to unclog pores and soften skin, preparing it for a deeper cleanse. A little of this rich oil-based cleanser goes a really long way, so you can be sure you'll get plenty of use even from the smallest size.
What We Like
Vegan and mineral oil-free formula
Packaging is recyclable
What to Consider
May require a bit more product to take off waterproof makeup
Type: Oil | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We couldn’t get over just how non-oil-like this cleansing oil felt, both during application and after the fact. It also didn’t sting our eyes or leave any residue (either from makeup or the oil itself). The vegan formula is loaded with hydrating plant-based oils; sweet almond, grapeseed, and sunflower oil, just to name a few. Bonus points for the castor oil in the mix, great for helping promote healthy lashes.
What to Look for in a Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin
- Common Irritants: Grant says that whether your skin is chronically sensitive or just irritated due to changes in weather, air travel, or the misguided use of actives, certain ingredients should be avoided at all costs. “Alcohol, fragrance, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate are harsh on delicate skin, so be sure to check the ingredients listings thoroughly," says Grant.
- Hydrating Ingredients: On the other hand, Grant recommends finding a cleanser that contains restorative, hydrating ingredients. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and plant oils are a few good ones to look out for.
- Texture: Finally, Grant advises that for sensitive skin, it’s best to steer clear from gritty scrubs or harsh, foaming makeup removers that will strip the skin of essential moisture. Instead, look for light, creamy formulations that leave your face feeling clean but comfortable.
FAQ
How do you use makeup removers for sensitive skin?
This really depends on your cleanser of choice, but generally speaking, you should massage your cleanser into damp skin, concentrating on the t-zone. Emulsify with a little warm water before removing gently it with a damp cloth. Balms on the other hand should be working into dry skin for best results.
If you’re using micellar water, be sure not to tug or pull at the skin.A final tip from Grant is to use tepid water (not hot) as it’s less likely to cause further irritation.
How often should you use makeup removers for sensitive skin?
A dedicated makeup remover or makeup removing cleanser should be used any time you’re wearing makeup or a dedicated sunscreen. For some people, this might look like your first cleanse of an evening.
Grant also notes, however, it’s important not to over-cleanse sensitive skin just for the sake of it.
Do makeup removers for sensitive skin expire?
Grant advises to check your product to determine the expiry, but as a general rule, throw anything that has changed color, texture, or scent.
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Algar is an experienced freelance journalist and has over five years of experience writing about all things beauty and skincare. Aside from Byrdie, her work can be found in Popsugar, Vogue Australia, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, and more.
- Melanie Grant is an esthetician, facialist, skin expert, and the founder of Melanie Grant Skin Health, a clinic with outposts in Sydney, Melbourne, and Los Angeles.
According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any makeup removers for sensitive skin from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us atcontact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.