13 Best Makeup Removers, According to Celebrity Dermatologists (2025)

When it comes to skincare, makeup removal is the first step in maintaining healthy, glowing skin.After all, how many times have you fallen asleep in your makeup, only to wake up to enlarged pores, a brand-new blemish or a cluster of fine lines where your mascara flakes were sleeping rent-free all night? That leads us to a list of the very best makeup removers.

Even if you've mastered the art of taking your makeup off, how can you be sure you're using the best products for the job? With more balms, wipes and bars flooding the market than ever before, knowing which to buy has never been harder.

This is why we turned to a group of trusted celebrity dermatologists to help make the decision easier. According to their expert advice, the best makeup removers are not only effective in eliminating stubborn makeup but also gentle on the skin.

From hydrating micellar waters to oil-based cleansers, these 13 makeup removers promise to leave your skin calm and clean—without stripping your barrier.

Related: 'I'm a Celebrity Dermatologist and This Is the One Thing I Never, Ever Do When It Comes to My Skin'

"I personally swear by the double-cleansing method," saysDendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist andMohs surgeonwho works with stars like Sofia Vergara andElle Macpherson.

She recommends starting with a cleansing oil, followed by your usual cleanser. "This technique ensures that all makeup and impurities are thoroughly removed without the need for harsh rubbing or tugging at the skin," she explains.

As for removing makeup around the delicate eye area, Dr. Engelman stresses the importance of being gentle.

"The skin here is thin and sensitive, so it’s essential to avoid pulling or scrubbing," she advises. She also cautions against using harsh products, such as certain physical exfoliants, which can irritate and damage the skin, particularly around the eyes.

Fact: Not all makeup removers are created equal, so it's important to read the labels carefully.

Dr. Engleman advises avoiding removers with aggressive chemicals like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers and added fragrances, as these can irritate the skin and trigger rashes.

When it comes to a do-it-all product that's great for makeup removal, celebrity dermatologist and founder ofNicholsMD of Greenwich,Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD swears by SkinCeuticals Simply Clean.

"This cleansercombines effective cleansing with gentle exfoliation, making it ideal for thoroughly removing makeup, excess oil and impurities," she explains. "Its gel-based formula contains hydroxy acids that help refine skin texture while dissolving makeup without stripping the skin."

What's more, botanical extracts like chamomile and aloe soothe and calm the skin, making it suitable for all skin types.

Waterproof mascara, especially around the delicate eye area, can be tough to remove and potentially damaging to both the skin and eyelashes, explains Dr. Nichols.

She recommends Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, which combines oil and water to gently yet effectively remove even the most stubborn makeup, sharing, "The oil dissolves makeup, while the water cleanses without leaving any greasy residue."

Dr. Engelman is also partial to Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oilwhich is loaded with essential lipids, including omega 3, 6 and 9, plus vitamin E.

"I love that this cleansing oil thoroughly removes impurities while being gentle enough for sensitive skin," she says, adding that the conditioning formula delivers antioxidants with a blend of apricot oil, safflower oil and olive oil.

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While the double cleanse approach might be the most skin-friendly, we can also relate to those who want to keep things simple (and cost-effective) with one step. In this case,Dr. Engleman recommendsNeutrogena’s Oil-Free Makeup Remover.

"The ophthalmologist-tested formula effectively dissolves even waterproof makeup, and it’s super gentle on the skin," she shares. "I also like that it doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue."

"This formula is packed with nourishing, antioxidant-rich plant oils to support a healthy skin barrier, along with castor oil to help with lash growth," says Dr. Engleman, who notes this is great for anyone looking to elongate their fringe.

Another bonus? Caudalie's luxe oil is extremely enjoyable to use, given its sweet almond scent.

Our experts unanimouslyrecommend this product for oily and acne-prone skin because its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula cleanses without clogging pores, making it ideal for preventing breakouts.

"Further, this micellar water maintains the skin’s pH balance while using zinc and copper sulfate to purify and reduce excess sebum," says Dr. Nichols.

Simply soak a cotton pad with the solution and gently remove any makeup from your face and eyes—no rinsing required.

Most makeup remover wipes get a bad rep, but theseophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested wipes are infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and replenish the skin while removing makeup, dirt and other impurities.

Fragrance-free, sensitive skin safe and vegan, we also love their XL size to effectively clean the face, neck and decolletage in one swipe.

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Dr. Engelman is a big fan of celebrity esthetician and trusted skincare expert Renée Rouleau's do-it-all balm, whichdoubles as a cleanser with just one application. Thanks to the dual-phase formula, it starts as a makeup-dissolving oil and then transforms into a milky gel cleanser.

"This gentle balm is great for mature skin because it removes makeup without any need for scrubbing or tugging," she says.

It also leaves the skin feeling super hydrated.

Cetaphil’s Gentle Makeup Remover is a wise choice for acne-prone skin, according to Dr. Engelman.

"I like that it’s clinically- and dermatologist-tested, and found to be safe for all skin types—even sensitive," she says. "The formula is oil-free and gentle, with aloe vera, green tea botanicals and ginseng to calm and nourish the skin barrier."

This dermatologist-approved farm-to-face skincare brand is known for itsstrict list of "no-no" ingredients they avoid using, likeparabens, sulfates, phthalates and mineral oils.

So, you can rest easy knowing the dreamy tropical scent of their me balm isn't from synthetic fragrance, but rather due to arefreshing blend of lime, bergamot and orange essential oils.

Plus,papaya extract helps to retexture the skin's surface and gently shed dry flakes.

Dealing with dry skin? Harsh soaps and detergents are designed to strip away oil, but they also deplete your skin’s moisture. Instead, use gentle soap alternatives that cleanse without compromising your skin’s natural oils.

NYC-based celebrity dermatologistHadley King, MD, recommends using a creamy cleansing balm like GoodJanes that offers excellent hydration, with ingredients like sunflower seed andargan kernel oils, shea and cocoa butter.

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According toS. Manjula Jegasothy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist atMiami Skin Institute,Garnier's all-in-one micellar formula issuitable for all skin types andeffective in removing even the thickest makeup off your face.

"Although you may use a considerable amount to get your skin squeaky clean, the price point allows for large-scale use," she says. "Best of all, this micellar water leaves skin perfectly primed to receive all of the great ingredients from your favorite skincare products to follow."

When applied and gently wiped off with a non-fragranced tissue, Dr.JegasothysaysNeocutis' Lumière Illuminating Eye Creamis best for removing eye makeup—particularly for dry or sensitive skin types.

"You can anti-age your eye area while applying this soothing, makeup-emulsifying cream to your delicate upper and lower eyelid skin," she advises. "It's a win-win!"