10 Gentle Makeup Removers Your Skin Will Love

Experimenting with makeup is one of life’s small joys, but let’s face it: the fun typically ends when it’s time to take it off. But there are options out there that make it so much better. Nowadays, makeup removers can be a pleasure to use, melting away stubborn makeup without irritating the skin and leaving it hydrated and soft. And there’s something satisfying about going from full glam to squeaky clean skin in just a few minutes.

How to pick a makeup remover

The perfect formula for you will depend on your skin type and the kind of makeup you wear daily. Oil-based cleansers, like cleansing oils and cleansing balms, are incredibly hydrating and well-suited to sensitive skin. They cut through stubborn makeup easily, so there’s no rubbing required.

Micellar waters are another popular choice, especially for those with oily skin who prefer to avoid oil-based formulas. They don’t need to be rinsed, so they’re perfect for a first cleanse on a full face of makeup or a quickie face wash.

Not all removers can take off waterproof makeup, so be sure to look at the packaging carefully if you’re a fan of long-wear mascara, liner and lipstick.

The best makeup removers to shop in 2025

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $25

Bioderma's bestselling micellar water is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and it's easy to see why it's been a crowd favourite ever since it came onto the scene. Specifically made for sensitive skin, this gentle, no-rinse formula whisks away makeup and debris without any irritation.

Bubble First Class Oil Cleanser, $23

Known for its gentle and highly effective products, ultra-affordable skincare brand Bubble just landed on the shelves of Shoppers Drug Mart. The oil cleanser is a standout, and it takes off mascara, liner and eyeshadow quickly and thoroughly, without that greasy feeling some oil-based removers leave behind.

Garnier SkinActive Gentle Peeling Water, $15

If you're looking for a product that can do it all, look no further. Suitable for all skin types, this micellar water contains a gentle cocktail of PHA and glycolic acid for daily exfoliation. It doesn't need to be rinsed off, so it's perfect for travelling—just pre-soak a couple of cotton rounds and seal them inside a Ziploc bag.

E.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, $14

For a luxurious experience on a budget, try this affordable balm. The silky formula turns into an oil as you work it into the skin, then into a milky cleanser with the addition of water. A blend of hyaluronic acid and peptides, it leave skin feeling hydrated.

Oceanly Solid Oil-to-Milk Cleanser, $20

Looking for an eco-friendlier way to remover your makeup at the end of the day? This solid oil-to-milk facial cleanser by Canadian brand Oceanly is housed in a handy paper tube that makes for a mess-free and easy application. It's extremely gentle but best used on light makeup days, when a powerful remover isn't required.

Marcelle Gentle Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover, $11

Known for being gentle and effective on even the most sensitive eyes, this classic dual-phase makeup remover by Canadian brand Marcelle contains cucumber extract to hydrate and caffeine to depuff. It's incredibly effective, meaning you won't have to rub the delicate eye area to get every last trace of makeup off. We found it easily removes dirt, oil and all sorts of other gunk in a single swipe.

Dermalogica Oil-to-Foam Total Cleanser, $82

Consider this oil-to-foam cleanser a double cleanse in a single step. The oil has a lightweight, gel-like texture with zero greasy feel and then lathers up into a foam to quickly break down makeup and sunscreen. Once rinsed off, skin is surprisingly hydrated.

The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm, $10

Made with soothing colloidal oatmeal, this viral cleansing balm has earned a stellar reputation by making light work of full-coverage and waterproof makeup without causing irritation. It's best used as the first step in a double-cleansing routine.

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Get Unblocked Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil, $53

Soft and silky as can be, this blend of grapeseed, jojoba, avocado and plum kernel oils makes for a luxurious experience. We love using the oil as the first step in a double-cleanse routine, followed by the brand's equally excellent foaming cleanser.

Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil, $68

This sumptuous cleanser is a splurge, but a little goes a long way. It's also the ultimate way to treat yourself after a long day. Camellia oil is the star ingredient, pulling double duty by making quick work of waterproof makeup while hydrating skin deeply.