Makeup removal is one of those skincare steps that sounds boring – until you skip it once and wake up with clogged pores, irritated eyes, and mascara smudged halfway down your pillow. Whether you’re wearing a full beat with waterproof eyeliner or just sunscreen and brows, finding the best makeup remover for your skin type makes all the difference. From cleansing balms that melt everything off in minutes, to gentle cleansing milks perfect as a makeup remover for sensitive skin, here’s a curated list of tried-and-tested favourites – including real feedback from long-term users – plus expert-backed picks inspired by beauty editors worldwide.
Best makeup remover (2026): Tried-and-tested picks that actually take everything off
1. Best overall makeup remover for heavy & waterproof makeup: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)
Key ingredients: Papaya Fruit Extract, Butyl Ester of Jojoba Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) | Suitable for: All skin types
If there’s one product that converts people into lifelong cleansing balm loyalists, this is it.
Jena has been using Banila Co’s Clean It Zero for over 10 years – and counting. She’s tried oils, wipes, and multiple variations of the balm (dark green for pore clarifying and oily skin, purple for sensitive skin), but always comes back to the original.
Why it works so well:
- Melts everything, including waterproof mascara, liquid eyeliner, and matte liquid lipstick
- Gentle massaging – no tugging, no cotton pads, no irritation
- Extremely economical (one coin-sized scoop for a full face)
“I simply massage the product gently over my face, spending a little extra time on the eyes and lips (especially when removing liquid matte lipstick) before emulsifying it with water. This method is far gentler on the skin compared to cotton pads or makeup wipes, which can tug and cause unnecessary friction when dealing with stubborn makeup. Removing a full face takes about 5 minutes, while light makeup comes off in roughly 2.” She also ditched makeup wipes entirely after learning they mostly move makeup around rather than remove it — making this balm not just effective, but more environmentally friendly too.
2. Best makeup remover for sensitive skin: MAKE P:REM Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Milk
Key ingredients: Soy Protein, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Safflower Seed Oil | Suitable for: Dry and sensitive skin
If your skin turns red at the slightest provocation, this one’s for you.
Designed for ultra-sensitive skin, this cleansing milk doesn’t foam – which can feel suspicious at first – but delivers a surprisingly thorough cleanse. Shermyn, whose reactive skin flares up easily and who usually only trusts dermatologist-approved staples like Cetaphil or QV, didn’t jump on this lightly. She only decided to try it after seeing MAKE P: REM repeatedly pop up on TikTok, and even then, cautiously.
Why it’s sensitive-skin approved:
- pH-balanced and non-stripping
- Uses soy protein to keep skin hydrated
- Clinically proven to reduce fine particles by 97.67%
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and irritation-tested
“From the first use, it felt different. The milky texture is really soft and smooth, and instead of that tight, squeaky-clean feeling, my skin feels calm and comfortable. I just massage it in for about a minute, and it removes my makeup and daily dirt easily. After cleansing, my skin still feels hydrated and relaxed, with zero redness.” This best makeup remover pairs well with a gentle foam cleanser for double cleansing; Shermyn’s pick is the Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Foam because it’s low pH, non-stripping, and just as kind to sensitive skin – so it cleans thoroughly without undoing the calming effect of the cleansing milk (you can find out more about it in our guide to the best Korean skincare!).
3. Double cleanse combo for brightening: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil + Centella Ampoule Foam
Key ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Olive Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil | Suitable for: Normal skin type
If you’re into double cleansing (or curious about how to remove makeup more thoroughly), this Korean skincare duo is a solid place to start.
Jia Qi, who has normal skin with hyperpigmentation, swears by this SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella set – especially for days with long-wear makeup and sunscreen. After learning that a cleansing oil helps melt away makeup and buildup, followed by a foam cleanser to wash everything off cleanly, she started using this duo last year and hasn’t looked back.
Why she loves it:
- Cleansing oil melts makeup and debris without drying
- Foam cleanser removes leftover oil cleanly
- Centella helps calm, brighten, and even skin tone
“t’s been really effective at removing all the makeup and debris from the day, and it never feels drying. It’s especially good at getting rid of my stubborn waterproof mascara. I only need a small pump of each, and even after a year, there’s still so much left in the bottle.” She also likes pairing it with the brand’s centella serum for an extra boost of brightening and calming care.
4. Best makeup remover for combination skin: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Key ingredients: Micellar Cleansing Agents, Cucumber Extract and Purified Water | Suitable for: Combination skin
Jaia has been using Bioderma Sensibio H2O for three years, and it’s her most reliable makeup remover – especially after stage gigs. Despite having combination skin and wearing heavy stage makeup, she finds that it removes makeup easily without drying her skin out, which is crucial after long performance nights.
Why she loves it:
- Never leaves skin feeling dry or tight
- Gentle enough for frequent use
- Reliable option for late nights and tired skin
Jaia also shares: “I always make sure to wash my face after using this, but on some nights when I’m completely exhausted after a performance, I’ll usually just wipe my face with this one. It cleans effectively and never dries out my skin!”
5. Gentle option for light makeup: Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil
Key ingredients: Plant-Based Oils (Soybean, Hazelnut, Grape Seed, Olive, Jojoba), Rice Ferment Filtrate | Suitable for: Combination skin, sebum control
Jaia has also been using the Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil for three years, and it’s actually her most-used cleanser on a daily basis. She finds it especially effective for removing light makeup and excess sebum without ever drying out her skin – making it ideal for everyday wear.
Why she loves it:
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Effectively removes makeup and excess oil
- Doesn’t strip or dry out combination skin
- Very economical
Jaia notes: “I use this daily more than micellar water. It removes light makeup and sebum really well, but never dries my skin out.” One pump is enough for her entire face, so a single bottle lasts a long time.
6. Budget-friendly makeup remover: Garnier Micellar Water
Key ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate | Suitable for: All skin types
With slightly sensitive skin, Xinyue prefers gentle products and avoids anything too harsh. She’s been using micellar water ever since she started wearing makeup and finds it a fuss-free way to remove makeup before double cleansing with a face wash. Xinyue explains: “My skin is slightly sensitive, so I don’t really dare to use products that are too strong. I find micellar water really handy, and this one feels quite hydrating too.”
Why she loves it:
- Very affordable for the size
- Easy to use and beginner-friendly
- Gentle enough for daily makeup removal
- Easy first cleanse before face wash
For only around $11 for a 400 ml bottle, it delivers gentle makeup removal that’s hard to beat at this price point. The lightweight formula lifts away foundation, sunscreen, and light eye makeup without harsh surfactants or strong fragrances, making it ideal for daily use. The 50ml size is a major plus – small enough for carry-on luggage, making it especially convenient for travel or quick clean-ups.
7. Best makeup remover for eyes and lips: L’Oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Make-Up Remover
Key ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane and Isohexadecane | Suitable for: Waterproof mascara, stubborn eye and lip makeup
When micellar water isn’t enough, Xinyue reaches for this oil-based remover specifically for tougher areas like the eyes. Xinyue shares: “I use this to remove more stubborn debris like my waterproof mascara. It works very effectively, but since it’s oil-based, I’ll always wash my face after.”
Why she loves it:
- Helps minimise tugging around the eyes
- Ideal as a targeted eye and lip remover
- Reliable option for stubborn makeup days
Because it is oil-based, she uses it as a targeted remover and always follows up with a face wash.
8. Designed for quick emulsification: Bioré Make Up Remover Oil
Key ingredients: Mineral Oil–based Cleansing Agents, Lightweight Emollients | Suitable for: Heavy makeup, waterproof mascara, long-wear products, double cleansing routines
Bioré Make Up Remover Oil is Janica’s pick for days when makeup is heavy and long-lasting. She finds it extremely effective even in small amounts. Janica shares: “My sister uses it on days when she has heavy makeup on, then double-cleanses with a mild face wash. It even removes mascara with ease – and it smells nice too.”
Why she loves it:
- Removes heavy and waterproof makeup easily
- Very economical – only a few drops needed
- Works well as the first step of double cleansing
Because it’s oil-based, Janica notes that it works best when followed up with a face wash – otherwise the skin can feel oily after. That said, once double-cleansed, skin feels clean and refreshed.
9. Best makeup remover for dry/dehydrated skin: Bioderma Hydrabio Micellar Cleanser
Key ingredients: Micellar Cleansing Agents, Glycerin, Hydrating Complexes | Suitable for: Sensitive skin, dry or dehydrated skin, light makeup, one-step cleansing
Bioderma Hydrabio Micellar Cleanser focuses more on comfort than strength, making it ideal for light makeup days or when skin feels dry or sensitive. The hydrating formula removes base products like foundation and powder while maintaining moisture balance, so skin feels calm and comfortable after cleansing rather than tight.
Why she loves it:
- Hydrating and gentle, even on sensitive skin
- Comfortable finish with no tightness
- Easy, one-step makeup removal
Janica explains: “It’s like a lazy girl makeup remover because it’s just one step. It doesn’t really remove gel eyeliners that well, but it’s good for light makeup like foundation and powder. My face doesn’t feel dry or oily after using it, which I really like.”
Other best makeup removers you should still know about
10. Best makeup remover for oily skin: Bioderma Sébium H2O
Key ingredients: Zinc Gluconate, Copper Sulfate and Glycerin | Suitable for: Oily skin, Combination skin
This version of Bioderma’s micellar water is formulated specifically for oilier skin types. While it still removes makeup gently, it also helps regulate excess sebum and keep pores feeling fresh rather than greasy. Unlike harsher clarifying cleansers, Sébium H2O cleans without over-drying – which is key for preventing rebound oil production.
Why people love it:
- Removes makeup while helping control shine
- Leaves skin feeling clean, not stripped
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Popular among those with clogged or congested skin
Customer y*****a wrote: “Bioderma products work really well for my acne-prone, sensitive combination skin. I already use their moisturiser and cleanser, and this is my first time trying this one – it feels gentle, with no heavy alcohol or fragrance.” It’s a reassuring option for anyone who wants effective cleansing without unnecessary irritants.
11. Makeup artists’ long-time favourite: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
Key ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane and Isohexadecane | Suitable for: All skin types, sensitive eyes
Lancôme Bi-Facil is specifically for one job: removing stubborn eye makeup with minimal effort. The bi-phase formula breaks down waterproof mascara and long-wear eyeliner quickly, so you don’t have to rub repeatedly – which is crucial for protecting lashes and the delicate eye area. This is the best eye makeup remover professionals rely on backstage because it’s fast, effective, and predictable.
Why people love it:
- Dissolves waterproof mascara without tugging
- Gentle on lashes and lash extensions
- Doesn’t leave eyes feeling greasy or irritated
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
This makeup remover has earned 5-star ratings on Shopee, with many top reviews noting repeated purchases and long-term use of the brand. Customer c*****1 also mentioned that “it’s especially effective at removing waterproof mascara.”
12. Best makeup remover for acne-prone skin: Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
Key ingredients: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil | Suitable for: Dull skin, Dry skin
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm is a favourite among those who want deep makeup removal without triggering breakouts. The balm melts into an oil that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup, while gentle exfoliating ingredients help lift impurities without irritating acne-prone skin. Despite its rich texture, it rinses clean and doesn’t leave a heavy residue.
Why people love it:
- Effortlessly removes makeup and SPF in one step
- Super greens blend of moringa, holy basil, and arugula delivers natural antioxidants for healthier-looking skin
- Skin feels softer and more hydrated after just one cleanse
- 3× gentler on skin as compared to makeup wipes
Shopee customer Dehwee commented: “My go-to cleansing balm. I’ve tried Heimish and Clinique before, but I always find myself reaching for this one. I love the scent – lime, bergamot, and orange. Such a pleasant experience compared to other brands.””
How to remove makeup properly?
The most effective way to remove makeup is to dissolve it first, then cleanse the skin — not scrub it off.
Dermatologists generally recommend:
- Using a makeup remover that breaks down makeup (like a cleansing balm, oil, micellar water, or cleansing milk)
- Following up with a gentle facial cleanser to remove residue and impurities
This approach removes makeup thoroughly while reducing friction, which helps protect your skin barrier and prevent irritation.
What is the best thing to remove makeup with?
The best makeup remover depends on how much makeup you wear and your skin type:
- Heavy or waterproof makeup: cleansing balms or oils
- Sensitive or redness-prone skin: micellar water or cleansing milk
- Oily or acne-prone skin: lightweight micellar water or oil-based cleanser that rinses clean
- Eye makeup: a dedicated eye makeup remover to avoid tugging
Finding the best makeup remover for your routine
The best makeup remover is one that matches both your skin type and how much makeup you actually wear. From cleansing balms for long-wear looks to gentle micellar waters for everyday use, choosing the right remover helps protect your skin barrier and prevent irritation. And whether you’re using bold, long-lasting products from Chinese makeup brands or lightweight, climate-friendly formulas from Thai makeup brands, the right makeup remover makes all the difference in keeping your skin healthy and happy.
