We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Products Makeup The 13 Best Eye Makeup Removers, Tested by PEOPLE Mary Kay wiped away the competition By Madison Yauger Madison Yauger Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE.com with eight years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 31, 2024 10:05AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Jessica Juliao There’s a sense of dread when you look in the mirror after a long day and realize you still have to take off your makeup. Those woes don’t exist when you have a good eye makeup remover handy — one that won’t leave your lids irritated or take 10 swipes to remove all your eye makeup. “When buying a makeup remover, it’s important to consider both your skin type and the type of makeup you're using,” board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., FAAD, tells PEOPLE. In terms of skincare, board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu, M.D., FAAD, says she prefers products that are “effective at removing makeup without being too harsh.” Experts Say Makeup remover wipes are sometimes too rough on the skin and create friction that can cause "potential irritation," explains Liu. To minimize irritation, opt for cotton rounds or a soft reusable towel instead. We set out to find the best picks among popular eye makeup removers, letting our testers create a full glam eye look, and then take it off (tragic). Looking at qualities like feel, residue, and overall performance, our team found the eye makeup removers that most effectively cleaned the skin without causing upset to the area. These are the best eye makeup removers PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover at Amazon $24 Jump to Review Best Budget: e.l.f Cosmetics Cleansing Balm at Amazon $11 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Tata Harper Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser at Amazon $88 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best for Waterproof Makeup: Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover at Amazon $33 Jump to Review Best Hydrating: Glossier Milky Oil at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Soothing: Laura Mercier Soothing Eye Makeup Remover at Amazon $29 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Nivea Eye Make-Up Remover at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best Clean: Cetaphil Waterproof Makeup Remover at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Oil: Caudalie Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Overall Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover PHOTO: Mary Kay $24 $23 at Amazon View on Marykay.com Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Oil-free formula works on all skin types Gentle on skin Removes even waterproof makeup Doesn’t leave behind a film or residue Red Flags Bigger than the carry-on limit for travel liquids During testing, Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover felt soothing and did an amazing job removing makeup, leaving our skin feeling refreshed, clean, and hydrated without any irritation. The gentle and oil-free formula makes this a great remover option for all skin types, and it leaves no greasy residue on the skin. It removed makeup easily and quickly, and we only needed a couple of swipes with this product applied on a cotton round to fully remove all of the testing makeup. We wouldn’t change a thing about this product, though we noticed at 3.75 fluid ounces, it is bigger than the standard travel size (max 3.4 fluid ounces), so it’s not as portable as other options. That being said, it’s decently priced, and removes even the most adhesive makeup, like waterproof mascara, so it's a clear winner. Size: 3.75 fl. oz. | Oil-Free: Yes | Type: Liquid PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best Budget e.l.f Cosmetics Cleansing Balm PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $19 $11 at Target $12 at Walmart Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Felt calming and gentle on the skin Hydrates the skin while removing makeup Didn't require wiping with water afterward Red Flags Might not work for oily skin types This affordable option from e.l.f. delighted us with its gentle formula, overall performance, and lack of residue on the skin after use. We loved the feel of the balm, which felt soft and soothing on the skin. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides, this eye makeup remover works to clean and hydrate your skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. You apply this balm on your face like a mask, lathering it up to absorb the makeup, and then wash it away with water. However, we observed that when applied on a cotton round, it effectively took off all our eyeshadow in only a few swipes. Size: 2 oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Balm PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: people / Tamara Staples Best Splurge Tata Harper Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser PHOTO: Amazon $88 at Amazon $88 at Sephora $88 at Bloomingdales Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Worked well on sensitive skin No residue unless you use more than the suggested amount A little goes a long way Red Flags Not super portable This luxury eye makeup remover from Tata Harper offers a gentle oil formula with alfalfa, vitamin A, and squalane to lift makeup while also nourishing your skin. This product felt really smooth and helped remove eyeshadow with very little pressure. Even those of us with sensitive skin experienced no irritation at all. We did have a bit of a learning curve with this product — the first time we tried it, we used too much and experienced slight residue. But, after using a smaller amount on our next try, there was no residue at all. With a tiny amount applied to the eyelid, we were able to easily remove all our eyeshadow and primer. Size: 4.1 oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Oil/liquid PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best for Dry Skin Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser PHOTO: Sephora $38 at Amazon $38 at Sephora $38 at Ulta Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Moisturizing Oil formula didn’t irritate eyes Comes with a spoon to reduce contamination Red Flags Somewhat pricey for a daily-use product Drunk Elephant is known for impeccable skincare products, and this cleansing balm is no exception. This formula felt buttery smooth and incredibly moisturizing. Although there is oil in the formula, it didn't get in our eyes and sting, which is a big plus for those who wear contacts. In terms of performance, this makeup remover left no residue on our skin and took makeup off easily while leaving the skin soft, smooth, and not irritated. We love that it comes with a spoon to eliminate any cross-contamination or bacteria. This product also comes with an exfoliating powder, but that wasn’t part of our testing. Size: 3.88 oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Balm PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best for Waterproof Makeup Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover PHOTO: Sephora $33 at Amazon $33 at Clarinsusa.com View on Bloomingdales Our Ratings Feel 4.5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Felt nice on our skin Wiped away dark shadow effectively Easily removed mascara with one swipe Red Flags Has a fragrance This Clarins remover is a cut above. We used it on a waterproof mascara that’s always difficult to take off, and it still got the job done. In testing, this eye makeup remover scored well across all categories. We noted that it felt nice on the skin, leaving it smooth and soft without any residue after use. It wiped away dark eyeshadow easily, even while we were wearing contact lenses. The only fault we could find was that it's lightly scented, but fragrance could be a pro or con, depending on preference. That aside, we were blown away by how well this eye makeup remover worked. Size: 4.2 fl oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Liquid PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best Hydrating Glossier Milky Oil PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $18 at Sephora $18 at Glossier.com Our Ratings Feel 4/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 4/5 Star Qualities Nourished the skin Felt smooth and not greasy Budget-friendly Red Flags May be too oily for some For a little skincare benefit while you’re removing your makeup, try this pick from Glossier. It’s extremely hydrating and leaves the skin feeling super nourished. In our tests, we noted that it didn't feel greasy at all. Our team was impressed with the feeling of this product and how effectively it removed makeup. We were able to use the same cotton round for both eyes and didn't even need to apply more product to remove makeup — it took all of the makeup off after three swipes per eye. Given the low price and efficacy of this makeup remover, all of our testers were exceedingly pleased with this one. Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Oil PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best Soothing Laura Mercier Soothing Eye Makeup Remover PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $24 at Walmart $29 at Bloomingdales Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Extremely gentle formula Easy to use Portable size Red Flags No cons detected during testing Laura Mercier brings us this bi-phase formula that’s partially water-based and contains soothing oils to help calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It’s also infused with cornflower, which is rich in antioxidants. When applied, the remover felt smooth and calming on the skin. We appreciated how this eye makeup remover was easy to use and didn’t cause issues or irritate the skin. This product completely removed makeup without too much effort and had no residue issues — there was no greasy film like some remover products tend to leave behind. And as an added benefit, it’s travel-friendly, given the size. Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Liquid PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best Lightweight Nivea Eye Make-Up Remover PHOTO: Amazon $14 $12 at Amazon $23 $15 at Walmart Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Refreshing feel Took just two drops and minimal effort to remove makeup Good price point Red Flags We couldn't find any If you’re looking for an easy remedy to makeup removal that won’t leave your skin feeling tired, greasy, and heavy, the Double Effect eye makeup remover from Nivea should be on your radar. This makeup remover easily took off our makeup with just two drops of product. We were completely impressed with the performance and the lightweight and refreshing feel. The product left behind no residue. It's priced well and works exactly as promised. All that is to say, there's nothing that we'd change about this remover. Size: 4.4 fl. oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Liquid PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best Clean Cetaphil Waterproof Makeup Remover PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $17 $10 at Walmart Star Qualities Effective on waterproof makeup Gentle on sensitive skin Includes botanicals to nourish skin Red Flags Faint residue left over Cetaphil is a favorite for everyday skincare, and this waterproof makeup remover, which contains botanicals like aloe vera, ginseng, and green tea, nourishes the skin while breaking up makeup, even waterproof mascara, and lifting it from the skin. The bi-phase water-based formula targets dryness, irritation, rough texture, tightness in the skin, and any weaknesses in the surface of the skin. This product seamlessly removed the shadow from our eyelids and felt nice and calming on the skin without causing any irritation. It took most of the makeup off in one gentle swipe. It’s also oil-free and fragrance-free, making it a gentle alternative to some makeup removers. We noticed a slight residue after use that felt lightly oily, sort of like micellar water. That said, we loved how well it worked, and the light residue didn't bother us enough to change that. Size: 6 fl. oz. | Oil-Free: Yes | Type: Liquid PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best Oil Caudalie Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Sephora $30 at Amazon $30 at Sephora $30 at Kohls.com Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Removed all makeup easily No residue left over Eyelids were clean and felt fresh after use Red Flags Oil formula is a little messy to apply Oil makeup removers work effectively because they break up the makeup’s pigment, yet this one doesn’t leave a greasy residue like some oils do. This product was super soft and felt great on the skin. Even our testers who typically steer clear of oil-based products liked this makeup remover. It was easy to remove our makeup with this product applied on a cotton pad. It didn't burn at all, and our eyelids didn't feel greasy after removal. The instructions on the package suggested using your hands to apply the oil, but we found this to be messy and preferred to use a cotton round. Overall, this product left our skin feeling soft and smooth with no irritation and no trace of makeup left over. Size: 5 fl. oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Oil PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best Water-Based Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover PHOTO: Amazon $11 $7 at Amazon $8 at Target $10 at Walmart Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities One bottle lasts a long time Works quickly Very little product required to effectively remove makeup Available in two sizes Red Flags Can be difficult to open with wet hands This water-based formula from Neutrogena offers a quick and easy removal solution to get your eye makeup off at the end of the day. We didn't feel any residue when applying this product onto the cotton pad and wiping our eye makeup away. It only took two swipes to remove it all. The product performed quickly, which impressed our team, and we appreciated that a little goes a long way. The oil-free formula also removes waterproof mascara, which is a huge plus. However, one point of concern is that the bottle may be hard to open if your hands are wet. It comes in two sizes, but both are too big for carry-on travel requirements. Size: 3.8, 5.5 fl. oz. | Oil-Free: Yes | Type: Liquid People / Jessica Juliao Best for Oily Skin Chanel Eye Makeup Remover PHOTO: Amazon View On Chanel $40 at Nordstrom $40 at Ulta Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities Removed every speck of makeup in one swipe Ideal consistency Didn't feel oily or greasy Red Flags Has a fragrance, which might be a con for some Chanel brings the touch of designer flair to an eye makeup remover that’s great for those with oily skin. This product has a watery consistency, and though it contains oil, it doesn’t have a greasy or slimy feeling. We loved that this product left no residue on our eyelids and that we didn’t feel the need to wash it off with a cleanser. The performance of this remover also stood out to our team. The bi-phase formula removed every speck of shadow and mascara with one good swipe. In line with other Chanel products, this one is lightly fragranced, which could be a pro for some and a con for others, depending on scent preference. Size: 3.4 oz. | Oil-Free: No | Type: Liquid PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Best Pads Marcelle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Marcelle.com Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Residue 5/5 Performance 5/5 Star Qualities No strong scent Removed makeup easily with no residue Eyelids were completely smooth and dry immediately after use Red Flags Could potentially dry out over time These oil-free pads from Marcelle are pre-soaked so you can swipe them right over your eyelid to remove makeup with ease. Just one wipe took off the entirety of our makeup during our tests. The pads are just moist enough to work well without leaving residue behind. The product dried quickly, and our eyelids were left feeling smooth, soft, and not sticky. These pads proved highly effective and didn’t have a strong scent or cause redness or irritation. We wondered if these pads would dry out over time given that they weren’t overly soaked upon use, but we appreciated how easy this remover product was to use. With 85 pads included in this package, it should last you a while, and if you’re worried about them drying out, consider storing the package upside down so the fluids thoroughly soak every pad. Quantity: 85 pads | Oil-Free: Yes | Type: Pads PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Add to Cart Picked an eye makeup remover to add to your cart? Consider including these highly recommended PEOPLE-Tested products that won us over in our beauty lab testing with their standout performance. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser $16 $14 at Amazon $9 at Walmart View on Vitacost Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub View On Tula $34 at Amazon $34 at Target Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré $29 at Amazon $29 at Walmart $29 at Dermstore Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate $115 at Amazon $115 at Dermstore $109 at Isdin.com What to Know About Eye Makeup Remover Skin Type Consider your skin type when buying a product for the extra delicate and sensitive skin around the eyes. “Harsh surfactants can be effective at removing dirt, sebum, and makeup,” says Dr. Liu, but, she cautions, can also remove the “skin's natural oil, and thereby can be too harsh and drying.” For those with dry skin, you might prefer a more hydrating remover like the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, and those with oily skin might consider an oil-free option. Dr. Liu prefers “more gentle cleansers with ingredients that are oil-soluble surfactants (like fatty alcohol and fatty acids) that help to dissolve makeup but also function at nourishing skin at the same time.” Examples include emollients like oat or almond oil to help soothe and nourish your skin. Also, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides if you want an anti-aging formula. The Best Makeup for Older Women of 2024, Tested by Real Women Remover Type There are many types of makeup removers — wipes, pads, oils, water-based solutions, and more. Think about which one will work best for your skin type and the kind of makeup you want to remove. “Oil-based makeup removers may be preferred if you’re using heavy makeup,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Water-based removers might do the job for lighter makeup. Towelettes are quick and easy to use, but don’t often remove makeup fully and can lead to irritation in people who are sensitive.” If you have sensitive skin, the rubbing motion across your lids to take off makeup might be uncomfortable and cause redness, so consider a gentle remover like the Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover. This is especially important if you consistently wear false lashes. Choose a product that will dissolve lash glue easily without putting more stress on your eyelids and lashes. Those who wear contact lenses should be wary of oil-based products, and might instead try a traditional wipe to remove makeup. Pricing Eye makeup remover is one of those products that spans the gamut in pricing, with some options hitting close to $10 and others approaching $100. The good news is that regardless of your budget, there are high-quality eye makeup removers out there that can clean all your makeup off without irritation. It’s worth paying a higher price for an oil or liquid since it will likely last longer than a package of pads or wipes that run the risk of drying out. Behind the Scenes To find the best eye makeup remover, we tested 29 of the most popular removers on the market. Each product was put to the test in our PEOPLE-tested labs by real people. Makeup Application: To figure out which remover performed better than the rest, we started by having our testers apply makeup to their eyes, including eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.Makeup Removal: Then, we tried each makeup remover using either a cotton round soaked in the product, or using any wipes or pads that were included. We let the makeup remover sit on the eyelid and lashes to help break up the makeup and then gently swiped it across to remove the makeup. With about five or so passes across each eyelid, we determined which removers actually worked to remove all of the eye makeup with no residual makeup remaining.Feel: We've often found that eye makeup removers can leave behind a greasy film, so we took careful note of how our skin felt during and after product application. Was it greasy? Clean? Irritated?Value: Lastly, we considered whether the performance of the product felt worth its price. We considered how much product was needed to remove makeup and how many ounces of product came in each package. At the end of the testing session, the eye makeup removers featured here proved the best on all fronts, with certain options being better for different skin types and forms of makeup. Frequently Asked Questions Is it better to use a wipe or something with micellar water? It comes down to your preference, and what kind of makeup you’re trying to remove, as well as your skin type. Dr. Liu says she prefers micellar water because “it's way more gentle and less irritating.”“Micellar technology is a great option for people who are sensitive,” Dr. Zeichner adds. “It’s generally considered to be among the most gentle of the cleansing technologies. Generally speaking, wipes are considered by most experts to be more drying and irritating to the skin than traditional makeup removers. They often lack the hydrating ingredients found in other products that help respect the skin barrier.”And, as celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell suggests, if you’re taking off a whole face of makeup, wipes might be a more efficient way to go, but for small touch-ups and sensitive areas, a little micellar water is your best bet. What is the best makeup remover for sensitive skin? “For people with sensitive skin, stay away from products that contain fragrances,” suggests Dr. Zeichner. “Makeup removers, like traditional cleansers, contain ingredients known as surfactants which are the molecules that actually grab onto and pull away makeup from the skin. In some cases, the surfactant can disrupt the skin barrier, which is why it is important to use gentle products with hydrating ingredients, so as not to damage the outer skin layer.” Can cleanser be used to remove eye makeup? Technically yes, but not as effectively. Cleansers are designed to cleanse and as such, they have to have access to your skin. If you have a layer of makeup on top of the skin, the cleanser might remove some of the makeup, but it won’t clean your skin thoroughly and would require a second wash to do so (if the makeup is even gone after one pass, which is unlikely). It’s more efficient to use a makeup remover to remove products like eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow, mascara, heavy foundation, and more, and leave the cleanser to actual cleansing once you’re finished. Why Trust PEOPLE? Madison Yauger is an experienced commerce writer who covers beauty, home, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Real Simple, Health, Martha Stewart, and elsewhere. To compile this review, she consulted our testers about eye makeup removers and sought their comments about various considerations, such as skin type, remover type, and price. In researching eye makeup removers, we spoke with dermatologists Joshua Zeichner and Jenny Liu and celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell. Our Expert Panel Joshua Zeichner, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Jenny Liu, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and skincare influencer with over 850K followers across Instagram and TikTok. Jeanine Lobell is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with stars including Jessica Alba, Natalie Portman, and Cate Blanchett. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.