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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Anyone interested in skincare will know how important it is to properly remove your makeup each day. But the caveat for sensitive skin types is that some makeup removers can leave the complexion feeling tight, itchy, stripped, or irritated—not exactly what we’re after.
That’s why—if you’re sensitive—it’s paramount to seek out a product that removes makeup, dirt, and debris without compromising the skin. That however is easier said than done, which is why we’ve done the work and curated a dozen makeup removers that are effective and safe for easily-irritated complexions.
Meet the Expert
Melanie Grant is an esthetician, facialist, skin expert, and the founder of Melanie Grant Skin Health, a clinic with outposts in Sydney, Melbourne, and Los Angeles.
Keep scrolling to shop the best makeup removers for sensitive skin.
Best Overall
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
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Walgreens
Gentle
Doesn't need to be rinsed off
Great for travel
Heavy makeup will require an additional cleanse
Who else recommends it? Allure, Insider, and CNN all picked Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water.
What do buyers say? 85% of 33,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.
This iconic French product is loved by skin experts, makeup artists, and beauty aficionado’s world over for its ability to gently remove makeup, skincare, and sunscreen. Simply saturate a reusable cotton round and sweep it across the face, neck, and chest for clean (not stripped) skin.
“Sensibio H2O is the first and only dermatological micellar water perfectly compatible with the skin,” Grant tells us. “Formulated with fatty acid esters and constituent elements of micelles, it works to gently saponify sebum, grime, dirt, and pollution without disrupting the delicate acid mantle. This rinse-free cleanse is the perfect travel companion, pre or post-cleanse, and/or makeup remover tolerated by even the most sensitive eyes.”
Price at time of publish: $17
Type: Micellar water | Size: 16.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Budget
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
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Amazon
Affordable
Even heals blemishes
Doesn't strip protective oil barrier
May leave skin a bit greasy
Much like Bioderma’s iteration, Garnier’s micellar water is a cleansing solution that whisks away dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and skincare without rubbing, tugging, or rinsing. The ingredients differ slightly (there’s no cucumber extract or fatty acid esters), but it still delivers on the promise of clean skin, sans irritation.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Micellar water | Size: 13.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Drugstore
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
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Courtesy of Amazon
Hydrating
Fragrance-free
Creates softness
Can leave a film on the skin
Not ideal for oily complexions
While all French pharmacy brands cater towards sensitive complexions, La Roche-Posay’s Toleraine Dermo-Cleanser is especially gentle when it comes to removing makeup and skincare without disrupting the delicate acid mantle. The milky fluid contains glycerin, a humectant that improves hydration and promotes healthy barrier function. Try massaging it into dry skin before tissuing off.
Price at time of publish: $26
Type: Fluid cleanser | Size: 6.76 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Waterproof Makeup
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser
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Ulta
Hydrating
Breaks down waterproof makeup
Exfoliating
Expensive
Rich in fruit, nut, and seed oils, this buttery cleanser from Drunk Elephant is hard-working, dissolving even the most stubborn waterproof makeup and sunscreens. But because of the high oil content, it’s wonderful for protecting the barrier, preventing irritation and redness. It also comes with an exfoliating powder that can be added to the balm to exfoliate the skin.
Price at time of publish: $34
Type: Balm | Size: 3.88 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Cosmedix Purity Clean
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Amazon
Reduces acne bacteria
Exfoliating
Lightweight
Heavy makeup will require an additional cleanse
“This cleaning gel is amazing for congested and acne-prone complexions,” says Grant. “It’s rich in lactic acid and tea tree oil to support the demarcation process and reduce the incidence of acne-causing bacteria. And because it’s a light fluid-gel, it’s a wonderful first cleanse to remove makeup.”
With ongoing use, this formula will assist with removing dead skin cells and promoting a smooth, even texture.
Price at time of publish: $42
Type: Gel | Size: 5.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Dry Skin
Biologique Recherche Lait U
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Vicki Morav
Hydrating
Breaks down waterproof makeup
Non-greasy
Expensive
“Formulated with nourishing almond oil, this emollient cream cleanser is suitable for those prone to inflammatory skin instants such as sensitivity, redness, rosacea, and acne,” says Grant. “It’s gentle enough to be taken over the eyes for breaking down waterproof makeup, leaving the skin comfortable and replenished.”
Type: Milk | Size: 8.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Balm
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
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Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Boosts radiance
Transforms from a balm to silky oil
Must be rinsed off with water
Few makeup removers have as many rave reviews as Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. The formula is made on a base of safflower oil, and when it comes into contact with the skin, it transforms into a light, silky texture that cuts through makeup (even waterproof mascara) with ease. It doesn't have any fragrance, alcohol, or sulfates, so it’s a great pick for sensitive skin types. Simply massage it into dry skin, and emulsify it with warm water. You’ll be left smooth, glowy, and clean.
Price at time of publish: $26
Type: Balm to Oil | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Wipe
Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Towelettes
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Courtesy of Amazon
Great for travel
Made from repurposed cotton
Doesn’t need to be rinsed off
Not for daily cleansing or makeup removal
Facial wipes aren’t our top choice when it comes to makeup removal, but sometimes they’re just too easy to pass up. Enter the Burt’s Bees Sensitive Cleansing Towelettes. Made without any harmful parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum, they are simple, effective, and swiftly remove all traces of makeup without the need for water or rinsing. Each wipe is even made from 60% repurposed cotton.
Price at time of publish: $17
Type: Wipes | Size: 30 pre-moistened wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Liquid
Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
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Amazon
Dermatologist-tested
Oil- and fragrance-free
Designed for sensitive skin
Doesn’t have any skin cleansing properties
Simple, effective, and formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this liquid makeup remover from Cetaphil is the ideal first cleanse—especially if you’re wearing stubborn eye makeup. It’s fragrance-free, dermatologically tested, and contains botanicals like green tea and aloe vera to prevent redness or irritation.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Liquid | Size: 6 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Splurge
Chanel Sublimage Gel-to-Oil Cleanser
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Nordstrom
Luxurious formula
Soothing
Enriched with two light-enhancing ingredients
Expensive
Often, makeup removers that suit sensitive skin aren’t luxurious or overly special to use, but Chanel’s Sublimage Gel-to-Oil Cleanser is the exception. The creamy formula is like silk on the skin, turning into a light, frothy oil when it comes into contact with water. While the price tag is substantial, if you’re into the finer things in life, this is gold class.
Price at time of publish: $110
Type: Gel to Oil | Size: 5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Eyes
Neutrogena Oil-Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover
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Walmart
Breaks down waterproof makeup
Affordable
Ophthalmologist-tested
Not for daily cleansing or makeup removal
This bi-phase liquid contains an oily component to cut through oil-based makeup, removing it quickly and efficiently. To combine the formula, give it a shake before dispensing it onto a cotton round (even better if it’s reusable). Because of the oily layer, there’s no need to pull, rub or tug—a great feature for sensitive eyes. The drugstore price point is a bonus!
Price at time of publish: $6
Type: Bi-phase liquid | Size: 5.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Extremely Reactive Skin
Eau Thermale Avene Trixera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleanser
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Dermstore
Full of lipid-rich ingredients
Tackles itchiness
Prevents moisture loss
Not ideal for oily complexions
If your skin is extremely fussy with makeup removers (we’re talking redness, watery eyes, and that burning feeling), you need a cleansing formula that’s effective enough to melt through makeup and sunscreen but won’t trigger any irritation. Avene’s Trixera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid is all of that and more, designed to strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss through the inclusion of plant-based ceramides. Post-cleanse, face complexion should feel soft, clean, and replenished. It’s also soap-free and comes in a shower-friendly pump bottle.
Price at time of publish: $29
Type: Oil | Size: 13.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water for its gentle cleansing properties that wipe away grime, dirt, makeup, and sunscreen while hydrating the skin. If you're looking for an affordable pick, you can't go wrong with the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water (view at Amazon) or the Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover (view at Amazon). Finally, if you're wearing heavy, waterproof makeup, try a rich balm like the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser (view at Amazon) or the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (view at Amazon).
What to Look for in a Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin
Common Irritants
Grant says that whether your skin is chronically sensitive or just irritated due to changes in weather, air travel, or the misguided use of actives, certain ingredients should be avoided at all costs. “Alcohol, fragrance, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate are harsh on delicate skin, so be sure to check the ingredients listings thoroughly.”
Hydrating Ingredients
On the other hand, Grant recommends finding a cleanser that contains restorative, hydrating ingredients. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and plant oils are a few good ones to look out for.
Milks, Gels, Waters, Lotions, and Creams
Finally, Grant advises that for sensitive skin, it’s best to steer clear from gritty scrubs or harsh, foaming makeup removers that will strip the skin of essential moisture. Instead, look for light, creamy formulations that leave your face feeling clean but comfortable.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Emily Algar is an experienced freelance journalist and has over five years of experience writing about all things beauty and skincare. Aside from Byrdie, her work can be found in Popsugar, Vogue Australia, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, and more.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any makeup removers for sensitive skin from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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