The 11 Best Eye Makeup Removers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

5

View On Marykay.com

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

Of all the eye makeup removers we tested, this is our favorite. It’s a lightweight, bi-phase liquid that works to gently remove all traces of makeup without stripping the skin or leaving an oily residue behind. All you need to do is shake the bottle to mix the formula, apply it onto a cotton pad, and swipe away your makeup. It doesn’t require a sink, making it a great option if you’re on the go, and we love that it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It’s also hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and safe for contact lens wearers. 

Our tester found that it was easy to use, got the job done quickly, and left her skin feeling comfortable and ready for the next steps in her skincare routine.  

Price at time of publish: $18

Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Byrdie Clean: Not known | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget

Neutrogena Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover

5

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

Whether you’re looking for a great option at an affordable price, or you’re traveling and forgot to bring makeup remover (we’ve been there many times), this is a solid option for you. We love that you can snag it at pretty much any drugstore for an affordable price, but the performance makes it stand out. 

The bi-phase liquid works to dissolve makeup in seconds without drying or irritating the skin in the delicate eye area. It’s also a very potent formula, meaning that a little bit goes a long way—so you won’t have to worry about having to constantly repurchase it. 

Aside from noticing how little product she needed to remove her makeup thoroughly, our tester shared that the formula felt comfortable on her skin and she didn’t see any residue. However, it’s worth noting that while the formula is oil-free, some people find that the consistency resembles that of lightweight oil. 

Price at time of publish: $7

Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Splurge

Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser

4.8

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5

Cleansing oils can be highly effective when trying to remove heavy makeup. The idea behind this is that oil dissolves oil—meaning that oil-based makeup removers will work to dissolve oil-based makeup. So, if you’re wearing heavy foundation or a face of cream makeup, reaching for a cleansing oil like this one is a great option. 

This luxe formula is excellent for people with dry skin because it contains nourishing squalane. While it’s not the most convenient or mess-free formula, we love that it doesn’t need to be used in conjunction with a cotton pad, making it a sustainable option. 

After applying the product onto his hands and gently massaging it around his eye area, our tester found that it easily dissolved his eyeshadow and mascara. He also noted that a little bit goes a very long way, which is a plus considering its hefty price tag. 

While we appreciate the beautiful glass bottle it comes in, some online reviewers say that the pump is faulty, so keep that in mind.

Price at time of publish: $88

Formula: Cleansing Oil | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sensitive Eyes

Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

5

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

If you have sensitive eyes, then you know how uncomfortable it can be to get liquid makeup remover in them. That’s why a balm or lotion formula, like this one from Clinique, can be a great alternative because they have thicker formulas that are easier to control. 

This lotion formula can be applied with your fingertips or a cotton pad, and it works to break down makeup while leaving the skin feeling hydrated. It’s dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, safe for contact lens wearers, and allergy tested. 

If you’re like our tester and feel hesitant about using a cream formula around your eyes, hopefully, her experience will reassure you that it’s a great option. She said that it easily removed her eye makeup without creating sticky residue, and she found that the creamy formula was comfortable and non-irritating in the area. She also appreciated that she didn’t need to rub too much to get the formula to work its magic. 

Our tester found that it effectively removed all of her makeup, but it’s worth noting that some online reviewers say it could do a better job at breaking down stubborn mascara. 

Price at time of publish: $23

Formula: Lotion | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Lightweight

Nivea Eye Make-Up Remover Double Effect

5

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

If you can’t stand the feeling of heavy skin care products, you’ll love this fluid makeup remover. The lightweight formula works to dissolve stubborn makeup—even waterproof mascara—in just a few seconds. Despite its ability to break down waterproof makeup, it’s not overly stripping or harsh on the skin or eyelashes. 

Our tester shared that she was able to remove her entire eye makeup look using just two drops of the formula, and she noted that all that was left on her skin was a refreshing feeling—no residue. 

Despite the lightweight consistency, some people have said that they find the formula to feel slightly greasy to the touch. If this bothers you, we recommend washing your face after removing your makeup. 

Price at time of publish: $11

Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Soothing

Laura Mercier Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

5

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

The eye area is sensitive, to begin with, so add in rubbing to get your makeup off, and irritation can be hard to avoid. But with this liquid eye makeup remover, you’ll be able to remove eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara without needing to tug at the area. It gets the job done quickly, and the formula is infused with cornflower, which is known for its calming properties. 

Our tester found the formula to be easy to work with, residue-free, and soothing on their skin. Plus, tons of online reviewers say it’s non-greasy, gentle, and highly effective. It is worth noting that while it gets incredible reviews, one con we’ve seen is that it could be better at removing waterproof mascara. 

Price at time of publish: $27

Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Hydrating

Glossier Milky Oil

5

View On Amazon View On Glossier.com

Our Ratings

• Feel
  4/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  4/5

We love a good liquid makeup remover—especially for removing eye makeup—but they can be messy. With this one, the micellar water and lightweight oil formula are housed in a squeezable bottle with a pointed nozzle at the top, which makes dispensing just the right amount of product easy. 

Aside from the excellent packaging, we love that it’s a gentle formula containing soothing ingredients, like vitamin B5, and you only need a few drops to fully remove makeup. 

In addition to wishing that it was more accessible by being available at other retailers besides Glossier (we’re waiting patiently to see it on shelves at Sephora come 2023), it’s also worth mentioning that it only comes in one 100ml size which is pretty small when compared to similar products.  

Price at time of publish: $14

Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

CHANEL Demaquillant Yeux Intense Gentle Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover

5

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

Understandably, not everyone will be able or willing to splurge on a luxury eye makeup remover, but if you can, this one is a great option—especially if you have oily skin. People with oily skin often find makeup removers to be overly greasy and although this one does have oil, it’s an incredibly lightweight, water-like consistency. We also love that it’s infused with ​​cornflower extract and rose extract, two ingredients known for their soothing qualities. 

Our tester raved about how quickly it removed all of her eye makeup, and she said it has a perfect consistency. “It was a watery formula but not drippy. And though it contains oil, it wasn't greasy or slimy-feeling,” she explained. 

Price at time of publish: $37

Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Balm

e.l.f Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

5

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

Melting off your face of makeup with a creamy cleansing balm is ultra-satisfying—and these types of formulas are also really effective. This one starts as a soft solid and emulsifies into a creamy oil before turning into a milky consistency when mixed with water. It works to gently break down makeup without you needing to tug at the skin. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides for an added boost of hydration. 

Despite the creamy texture, our tester appreciated that it didn’t leave behind an oily residue. She said it effectively removed all of her makeup and was gentle on her delicate eye area. Considering that it delivers on its claims at an affordable price, we can’t recommend this option enough. 

Price at time of publish: $11

Formula: Balm | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Pads

Marcelle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads

5

View On Amazon View On Marcelle.com

Our Ratings

• Feel
  5/5
• Residue
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

Makeup pads and wipes aren’t the most sustainable choice, but they’re a great option when you’re on the go. These small circular pads are soaked in a micellar makeup remover formula that works to dissolve all traces of makeup without over-drying the skin or leaving behind a greasy film. 

Our tester explained that the pads are just saturated enough to get the job done without being too wet and dripping into her eyes. With just one pad, she was able to completely remove her makeup. She also appreciated that it left her skin feeling normal—not dry and not coated in oil. We also love that the small container comes with 85 pads, and the formula is fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested.  

Price at time of publish: $13

Formula: Pads | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes