If you have sensitive or reactive skin, even removing your makeup can feel like a risk and a chore. I'm definitely speaking from experience when I say this. As someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin, finding makeup removers that work without irritation hasn't always been easy. After some trial and error, I finally found a few solid balms and micellar water removers that truly work wonders. However, what works for my skin may not necessarily work for others. That's why I called in the experts. I asked two dermatologists for the best makeup removers for sensitive skin types. Board-certified dermatologists Azadeh Shirazi, MD, and Lauren Penzi, MD, share some insight below. Keep scrolling to see what they said.
How to Remove Makeup Without Damaging the Skin
If you have highly sensitive skin that reacts to things easily, Penzi says it's important to do an at-home patch test before using anything new. "Take your new product and apply a small amount to your inner forearm for about two to three nights in a row," she says. "If no reaction occurs, then you should feel comfortable to start using the product on your face."
You'll also want to avoid rubbing, tugging, and pulling at your skin too hard when removing makeup, as this can also cause irritation. There are also a few ingredients sensitive folks might want to avoid. "Fragrance is definitely the first thing to avoid, as this is the most common irritant and contact allergen," says Penzi.
"Preservatives are another thing to watch out for. Some common ones in cosmetic products include Methylchloroisothiazolinone/ Methylisothiazolinone (aka Kathon CG) and parabens. Be sure your makeup remover has no retinol or retinoid products in it because that can certainly be irritating. Also, watch out for formaldehyde releasers in your makeup remover and other potentially irritating ingredients like tea tree oil."
Overall, Shirazi recommends using gentle micellar water for those who are sensitive. "Micellar water is soap-free containing tiny micelles (oil molecules) that dissolve and remove dirt, makeup, and oil. It's light and great for those who have oily skin or are prone to milia and clogged pores. It's safe to use around the eyes and very gentle for those with sensitive skin." Take a peek below for some of their favorite formulas.
Best Overall: Bioderma Sensible H2O Micellar Water
"This is a super-popular makeup remover option that is perfect for those with extra sensitive skin due to its no-frills ingredients. This gentle product preserves your natural skin barrier and avoids stripping the natural oils in your skin."—Penzi
Customer Review: "Prior to purchasing this, I had always used oil or balm cleansers as my first cleansing step in my nightly double cleanse routine. I've recently been struggling with acne and have been trying to avoid using oils on my face when possible, so I bought this to replace my beloved cleansing balm. I cannot BELIEVE I hadn't tried this sooner. It does a wonderful job of removing makeup and is so gentle on my skin. It has no smell and doesn't irritate my eyes or cloud my vision after using it to remove eye makeup, and it doesn't leave any residue/film on my skin after use the way some other micellar waters I've tried have. So many people love this product [and] for good reason. It's definitely going to be a staple in my skincare routine from here on out."
2. Albolene Face Moisturizer & Makeup Remover
"Albolene's moisturizing cleanser is a personal favorite of mine. It is very effective at removing stubborn makeup and dirt yet leaves your skin feeling soft, supple, and moisturized due to its mineral oil base. I love using this product first when I double cleanse."
"Note: this may not be the best option for sensitive and acne-prone skin since it has mineral oil in it. Mineral oil is meant to lock moisture into the epidermis, but it can also potentially trap acne-causing bacteria. It's more suited to those with dry, sensitive skin. Those with acne might want to avoid it." — Penzi
Customer Review: "I've been using Albolene for years. It's not expensive compared to other products and is so effective. There isn't a scent. It seems to clean completely, and it does leave a light film after washing it off. I don't usually need any other cream on top of it. The 12 oz. jars are a little bit too big for one person because it takes too long to use up. There are also smaller containers, and now they have it in tubes."
3. Living Libations Best Skin Ever Sea Buckthorn Facial Cleansing Oil
"This is another favorite of mine. This versatile oil can be used to remove makeup and as a cleanser and moisturizer for the skin. It leaves my skin clean, moisturized, and glowy."—Penzi
Customer Review: "I have been using this oil for a couple years now, and I have to admit, I don't think I will ever take it out of my skincare routine. Everybody who has tried it through me feels the same. I believe I heard 'liquid gold' referenced a few times. Definitely worth it."
4. Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes
"These are a great option for those on the go. I am normally not a huge fan of wipes for makeup removal, as most contain harsh ingredients, but these are gentle enough for daily use." — Penzi
Customer Review: "I have been searching for years for a gentle but thorough makeup remover wipe, and I have finally found it! These Cetaphil wipes are truly amazing! I have very sensitive skin, and other makeup wipes have always been irritating. But these are really gentle. I think everyone can relate that some nights we are tired or in a hurry, and at those times, I only use the wipes to quickly remove my makeup. Two wipes take care of it all! But if I am not in a hurry, I first apply the Cetaphil liquid cleanser or Albolene balm, and then I take one wipe to remove it. Both ways work really well in removing every bit of my face and eye makeup. And my skin is never red or irritated, as was the case with other makeup wipes. I really love these!"
5. L'Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water
L'Oréal's cleansing water is great for dry sensitive skin because it's gentle, hydrating, and free of harsh alcohol, soaps, and oils. Shirazi loves this formula because it's "great at removing heavy makeup and sunscreen as a first cleanser." There's also a version of this formula for oily skin, too.
Customer Review: "This product works really well, and since I have sensitive skin and eczema, it's the best choice for my situation. Great job, guys!"
6. CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
"CeraVe's cleaning balm is another fantastic option. It contains ceramides and jojoba oil and is suitable for all skin types. I also love using this product first when I double cleanse." — Penzi
Customer Review: "I stumbled upon this balm accidentally when looking at the other CeraVe products. I read the label and thought I would give it a try. I could not be more pleased with it. All mascara, eyeliner, brow wax/product—poof! Gone. It is very clean-feeling and washes off with [face] wash nicely."
7. La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water
Infused with La Roche-Posay's mineral-rich thermal spring water, this noncomedogenic cleanser is a favorite of Shirazi for sensitive skin. It's gentle, removes even the toughest of makeup, and hydrates the skin with ingredients like glycerin.
Customer Review: "My skin is sensitive and acne-prone, and this product has really been a game changer for my skincare routine. This product is gentle and never [irritates] my skin."
8. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Farmacy's Green Clean is a staple in my makeup-removing kit and has been for some time now. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, and this clean noncomedogenic formula works well. It removes all my makeup in a jiff and never feels heavy or leaves a residue when I wipe it off. I like to use it as a first step in my double-cleansing routine.
Customer Review: "Removes makeup better than any other product without drying out my mature skin. [I] love that it is great for my mature skin. Originally received this as a sample and since have repurchased."
9. Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover
Paula's Choice quickly removes waterproof mascara and other long-wear makeup. It's carefully formulated to be gentle enough for the eye area, including your lashes. Soothing ingredients like aloe and green tea calm redness and soothe the skin.
Customer Review: "I love this makeup remover—it is so gentle and effective! I never have any leftover makeup residue!"
Best Eye Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena's classic eye-makeup remover is oil-free and works well for sensitive eyes. Sometimes, a cleansing balm or micellar water just doesn't get it all—that's when this comes in handy. I use this myself, and I still think it's one of the best eye makeup removers on the market. A lot of other formulas are just eh.
Customer Review: "This eye makeup remover literally removes everything! I love it so much and have been using it for years now. Couldn't find anything to replace it, and nothing beats the price."
Another great option for sensitive eyes, Avène is known for its gentle yet effective formulas that remove stubborn, waterproof makeup without stinging or burning.
Customer Review: "This doesn't sting my eyes at all and is very gentle. I have purchased two bottles so far. It takes several passes to get waterproof and hard-to-remove mascara off completely, so not perfect, but I haven't found a gentler product."
This herbal formula with chamomile, calendula, and lavender is an organic makeup remover that soothes irritation, disinfects, and lightly cleanses.
Customer Review: "I know, I know, it's just a makeup remover. How could it be better than any other makeup remover out there? Well, first of all, the distribution of the product. This is the first makeup remover I have found where you don't have to bend it over and get an obscene amount of product on the end of your cotton swab. I love the pump control at the top of the product and the ability to control the amount of product that comes out. Works great! Removes everything. 10 out of 10!"
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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