There’s one thing about an suave smoky eye, a daring lip, and a filter-finish basis that makes us really feel unstoppable! However relating to taking off high-impact glam, that’s one other story. As somebody who loves her long-wear matte lipstick and liquid eyeliner simply as a lot as her (very thorough) skincare routine, I do know the wrestle nicely. Sure, it may be a trouble to brush away each scrap of make-up earlier than I can lastly hit the hay, however the different—zits flare-ups, oily pores and skin, and smudged sheets—is way much less interesting. Enter considered one of my favourite skincare heroes: oil-free make-up remover.
Oil-free make-up remover is a delicate but efficient answer that simply dissolves make-up, dust, and impurities with out disturbing the steadiness of your pores and skin. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko explains, it’s the optimum alternative for these with delicate, mature, or mixture pores and skin sorts. “It’s higher to decide on an oil-free make-up remover versus an oil-based one, as oil can clog pores if it’s not completely eliminated with an extra cleanser,” she advises. “This helps forestall the incidence of zits and different undesirable irritation.” Whereas some oil-free make-up removers are designed to be rinse-free, she recommends following up with a light cleanser to make sure that each final little bit of make-up and dirt is gone.
Oil-free make-up remover is available in many kinds, from micellar waters and gels to foams and wipes, which implies there’s a wealth of choices for each kind of routine. Along with testing a number of formulation myself, I turned to 2 board-certified dermatologists to assist me spherical up the easiest choices for clear, refreshed pores and skin. Learn on to see which oil-free make-up removers made the reduce.
The perfect oil-free make-up removers, at a look:
Finest total: Bioderma, Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Make-up Remover, $16
Runner-up: IS Scientific, Cleaning Advanced, $48
Finest splurge: Perricone MD, No Rinse Micellar Cleaning Remedy, $49
Finest drugstore possibility: Garnier, SkinActive Micellar Cleaning Water, $12
Finest for acne-prone pores and skin: Avene, Cleanance Cleaning Gel, $23
Finest for delicate pores and skin: SkinBetter Science, Cleaning Gel, $48
Finest for greasy pores and skin: La Roche-Posay, Effaclar Micellar Cleaning Water for Oily Pores and skin, $18
Finest for mature pores and skin: Paula’s Alternative, Mild Contact Make-up Remover, $19
Finest for eyelash extensions: Velour Lashes, Lash Clear Oil-Free Make-up Remover, $23
Finest wipes: Aveeno, Positively Radiant Oil-Free Make-up Elimination Facial Wipes (2-Pack), $14
Finest foam: ILIA, The Cleanse Mushy Foaming Cleanser + Make Up Remover, $32
Finest clear formulation: Milk Make-up, Hydro Ungrip Make-up Remover + Cleaning Water, $32
What to search for in an oil-free make-up remover
Dermatologists agree that it’s necessary to search for oil-free make-up removers which can be water-based and comprise humectants, aka components that entice moisture and pull it into the pores and skin. You’ll discover humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and propylene glycol featured all through our choices. If in case you have dry, delicate, or acne-prone pores and skin, be cautious about merchandise with lively components like AHAs (suppose glycolic and lactic acids), which exfoliate the floor of the pores and skin. Whereas these may be useful in small doses, it’s simple to overdo it—particularly you probably have a number of merchandise with AHAs in your lineup.
As Dr. Reszko notes, “it’s at all times necessary to think about the lively components in a skincare product to make sure you’re not overly treating the pores and skin. Scan your product labels to verify for lively components, and do not forget that relating to make-up remover and cleansers, less complicated is mostly higher.”
Store 12 of the perfect oil-free make-up removers
![bioderma micellar water, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bioderma-micellar.webp)
Finest total: Bioderma, Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Make-up Remover — $16.00
The crown jewel of French pharmacy skincare, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is without doubt one of the highest micellar waters you should purchase. Beloved by dermatologists and make-up artists alike, this ultra-gentle formulation incorporates micelles that immediately entice make-up and draw out impurities within the pores and skin. It’s the make-up remover I flip to at any time when my pores and skin wants a tough reset, whether or not that’s resulting from irritation, zits, or lively ingredient fatigue. Bioderma’s micellar water formulation is elegantly easy and consists of fructooligosaccharides, that are pure plant-based humectants. It’s additionally hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, making it a secure and efficient possibility for all pores and skin sorts. Better of all, it removes cussed make-up like a attraction—and it’s secure to make use of on eyelash extensions, too!
Key components: Micellar water, fructooligosaccharides, propylene glycol, cucumber fruit extract
Perfume: None
Product kind: Liquid
- Mild and efficient formulation
- Freed from perfume, parabens, alcohol, and oil
- Protected for all pores and skin sorts
- No-rinse formulation
- Giant bottle is just not superb for journey
- Liquid formulation requires a cotton spherical
![is clinical cleansing complex, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/is-clinical-cleansing-complex_18857347_41392313_1000.jpg)
Runner-up: IS Scientific, Cleaning Advanced — $48.00
One other glorious oil-free possibility and a private favourite of mine, IS Scientific Cleaning Advanced is a make-up remover and cleanser in a single. Its award-winning formulation incorporates a mix of soothing chamomile flower and white willow bark extracts, together with anti-aging bio-nutrients and antioxidants. This gel gently dissolves make-up and completely cleanses the pores and skin, leaving it feeling comfortable and hydrated. I attain for this product at any time when my pores and skin is feeling oily or congested, and I’m at all times happy with its pore-refining outcomes. The one draw back is that the bottle is comparatively small for the worth level, however that’s one flaw I can simply overlook.
Key components: Sugar cane extract, chamomile flower extract, white willow bark extract, salicylic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol
Perfume: None
Product kind: Gel
- Mild and efficient formulation
- Protected for all pores and skin sorts
- Very best for acne-prone pores and skin
- Accommodates anti-aging components
- Pricier than different choices
- Small bottle for the fee
![perricone md micellar water, one of the best oil free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/perriconemd.jpg)
Finest splurge: Perricone, MD No Rinse Micellar Cleaning Remedy — $49.00
Perricone MD’s cleaning remedy pulls triple responsibility as a make-up remover, cleanser, and toner. The micellar answer makes eradicating make-up a breeze, however the advantages don’t cease there. This super-gentle formulation is infused with L-Carnitine (a sebum-regulating agent that helps to strengthen the pores and skin’s barrier) and humectants like vitamin B5 and urea, which work to hydrate and soften your pores and skin. It’s secure for all pores and skin sorts, however significantly good for these with delicate or dry pores and skin. Whereas it’s a little bit of a splurge at $49, this make-up remover is so filled with useful components that it’s nicely well worth the worth.
Key components: Micellar water, l-carnitine, vitamin B5, urea
Perfume: None
Product kind: Liquid
- Mild and efficient formulation
- Freed from perfume, parabens, gluten, and oil
- Very best for delicate pores and skin
- No-rinse formulation
- Pricier than different choices
- Small bottle for the fee
![garnier micellar water, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/garnier-micellar-water.webp)
Finest drugstore possibility: Garnier, SkinActive Micellar Cleaning Water — $12.00
I’m a longtime fan of Garnier’s hair merchandise, however this was my first foray into the model’s skincare line—and I’ve to say, I used to be impressed! This micellar water is a good stand-in for Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water (even the packaging is analogous), nevertheless it’s value noting that it doesn’t embody the identical pure humectants as our high runner. Nevertheless, it’s a wonderful product in its personal proper, containing moisturizing glycerin and delicate surfactants that lightly cleanse pores and skin. Its micellar formulation makes it a top-notch make-up remover—I discovered that it effortlessly swept away each waterproof mascara and lip stain. Whereas this product is designed to be rinse-free, I recommend following up with a standard cleanser to realize that ultra-clean feeling.
Key components: Micellar water, glycerin
Perfume: None
Product kind: Liquid
- Mild and efficient formulation
- Protected for all pores and skin sorts
- No-rinse formulation
- Freed from perfume, parabens, silicone, sulfates, and oil
- Giant bottle is just not superb for journey
- Liquid formulation requires a cotton spherical
![avene cleanance, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/avene-cleanance.jpg)
Finest for acne-prone pores and skin: Avene, Cleanance Cleaning Gel — $23.00
These with acne-prone or hypersensitive pores and skin understand how difficult it may be to search out merchandise that concurrently deal with blemishes whereas bettering the pores and skin’s total steadiness. Zits remedies are sometimes formulated with “oil-controlling” (learn: drying) components, which may immediate the pores and skin to overcorrect and produce much more oil. Dry pores and skin also can result in blocked pores, persevering with the vicious zits cycle.
Fortunately, Avène’s Cleanance Cleaning Gel takes a distinct method. Fairly than counting on harsh exfoliants like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, this purifying make-up remover and cleanser incorporates comedoclastin, an extract derived from milk thistle that soothes pores and skin and reduces the looks of blemishes. Mild surfactants like zinc assist to take away make-up and extra oil, whereas citric acid encourages cell turnover for a renewed and wholesome complexion. You need to use this cleanser for each face and physique, so give it a spot in your bathe and use it day by day, whether or not post-workout or after an evening out.
Key components: Thermal spring water, comedoclastin, zinc coceth sulphate, citric acid
Perfume: None
Product kind: Gel
- Very best for acne-prone, oily, and delicate pores and skin
- Mild and efficient formulation
- Perfume- and paraben-free
- Has a slight medicinal scent
![Skinbetter science cleansing gel, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/skinbetter-science.jpeg)
Finest for delicate pores and skin: SkinBetter Science, Cleaning Gel — $48.00
With regards to delicate pores and skin, delicate or easy formulation are at all times your finest guess. Having struggled with it myself after a bout of utilizing too many lively components, I turned to Dr. Reszko for an answer. Her suggestion: SkinBetter Science Cleaning Gel. “This cleanser could be very delicate but efficient,” she says. “It removes all traces of make-up with out stripping the pores and skin, and I typically suggest it to sufferers who’ve simply accomplished a microneedling or laser session. It’s additionally nice for many who use lively components day by day.” After a couple of weeks of paring again my skincare routine to only this cleanser and a handful of Cerave merchandise, I’m completely satisfied to report that my pores and skin is smoother, more healthy, and way more hydrated. I’ve this formulation’s mix of light cucumber extract, aloe, and glycerin to thank for that!
Key components: Matricaria flower extract, glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cucumber fruit extract
Perfume: None
Product kind: Gel
- Very best for delicate pores and skin
- Freed from perfume, sulfates, parabens, dyes, and oil
- Mild and efficient formulation
- It’s pricer than different choices on this record
![la roche posay efficlar micellar water, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LRP-efficlar-micellar-water.webp)
Finest for greasy pores and skin: La Roche-Posay, Effaclar Micellar Cleaning Water for Oily Pores and skin — $18.00
La Roche-Posay has earned its cult-favorite standing amongst skincare consultants for good cause—you’d be hard-pressed to discover a line with extra dermatologist-recommended merchandise at your native pharmacy. The model’s micellar water is considered one of Dr. Halim’s high decisions for a make-up remover, resulting from its light and non-comedogenic formulation. “That is an reasonably priced and extremely efficient cleanser for greasy and regular pores and skin sorts,” she says. “It incorporates glycerin, so it’s non-drying, nevertheless it’s not as superb for these with dry or delicate pores and skin.” Made with micelles that sweep away dust and make-up, together with oil-controlling zinc, it is a nice alternative for these seeking to steadiness oil and reap the advantages of soothing mineral water.
Key components: Micellar water, glycerin, zinc
Perfume: Sure
Product kind: Liquid
- Non-comedogenic and allergy-tested
- Very best for regular to oily pores and skin
- Mild and efficient formulation
- Freed from parabens, alcohol, and oil
- Not superb for these with delicate or dry pores and skin
- Giant bottle is just not superb for journey
![paula's choice gentle touch, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/paulas-choice-gentle-touch.jpg)
Finest for mature pores and skin: Paula’s Alternative, Mild Contact Make-up Remover — $19.00
Mature pores and skin requires a delicate contact, which is precisely what this make-up remover delivers. Its extra-mild formulation shortly dissolves all sorts of make-up together with long-wearing and waterproof merchandise and leaves pores and skin feeling tremendous hydrated. A mix of allantoin, aloe, and inexperienced tea helps to appease irritation, whereas glycerin helps to lock in moisture for a silky-soft really feel. It’s additionally designed to be light across the eyes, making it superb for these with eyelash extensions or delicate pores and skin.
Key components: Allantoin, aloe leaf extract, inexperienced tea, glycerin
Perfume: None
Product kind: Liquid
- Very best for mature pores and skin
- Made with skin-soothing components
- Freed from fragrances and oil
- Giant bottle is just not superb for journey
- Liquid formulation requires a cotton spherical
![velour lashes lash clean, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/velour-lashes-makeup-remover.webp)
Finest for eyelash extensions: Velour Lashes, Lash Clear Oil-Free Make-up Remover — $23.00
Lash extensions are an exquisite strategy to improve your pure options, and with the right care, they’ll last as long as six weeks! Whether or not or not you add mascara to your lashes, conserving them clear is necessary to keep away from the buildup of merchandise, dust, and oil. A conventional make-up remover isn’t the reply on this case, as oil-based formulation can weaken the bond between your extensions and your pure lashes.
There are a handful of make-up removers particularly designed to maintain extensions in tip-top form, and Velour Lashes makes the easiest. Utilizing light surfactants comparable to sodium lauryl glucosides and hydroxypropyl sulfonate, this non-irritating formulation gently removes make-up and different particles whereas sustaining the power of every delicate bond. It’s additionally nice for cleansing false lash strips so you’ll be able to put on them on repeat!
Key components: Water, sodium lauryl glucosides, hydroxypropyl sulfonate
Perfume: None
Product kind: Liquid
- Particularly designed for lash extensions
- Mild and efficient formulation
- Freed from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and oil
- Vegan and non-toxic
- Small bottle for the fee
![aveeno wipes, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/aveeno-wipes.jpg)
Finest wipes: Aveeno, Positively Radiant Oil-Free Make-up Elimination Facial Wipes (2-Pack) — $14.00
Whether or not you’re touring or just wish to take away your make-up on the go, facial wipes are an absolute should. I prefer to preserve them in my health club bag for a post-workout refresh, they usually’re simple to throw into my carry-on for weekend journeys too. Aveeno makes my favourite oil-free face wipes—they’re additional light on my delicate pores and skin and freed from drying components like alcohol. Infused with soothing soybean protein and glycerides, they go away my pores and skin feeling clear and hydrated and not using a hint of sticky residue. I additionally love that they’re additionally created from plant-based material that’s 100% compostable.
Key components: Water, dimethicone, glycerides, glycine soja (soybean protein)
Perfume: Sure
Product kind: Wipe
- Handy compostable wipe format
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Protected for all pores and skin sorts
- No-rinse formulation
- Full package deal may be cumbersome
![ilia the cleanse, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ilia-foam-makeup-remover.webp)
Finest foam: ILIA, The Cleanse Mushy Foaming Cleanser + Make Up Remover — $32.00
Foaming cleanser may be hit and miss for me, however I like ILIA’s formulation. It creates comfortable, pillowy suds that shortly dissolve make-up, whether or not it’s waterproof mascara or flashy glitter (I’ve been recognized to bask in wild glam sometimes!). I’ll caveat that it’s vital to use twice when eradicating cussed merchandise, however that is nonetheless the perfect foaming make-up remover I’ve tried. It’s particularly designed to keep up the pores and skin’s pH steadiness and incorporates a hydrating sugar advanced that locks in moisture. Appropriate for all pores and skin sorts from delicate to oily and acne-prone, it delivers a balanced cleanse that by no means feels tight or drying.
Key components: Water, glycerin, citric acid
Perfume: None
Product kind: Foam
- Non-drying foam answer
- Mild and efficient formulation
- Perfume-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Generally requires a second software
![milk hydro, one of the best oil-free makeup removers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/milk-makeup-remover.webp)
Finest clear formulation: Milk Make-up, Hydro Ungrip Make-up Remover + Cleaning Water — $32.00
So far as consciously crafted make-up removers go, Milk hits all the correct notes. Its vegan and cruelty-free formulation is infused with soothing blue agave extract and nourishing aloe, together with moisturizing hemp seed extract and hyaluronic acid. These superhero components are suspended in micellar water, which grips make-up and impurities like a magnet. That mentioned, watch out across the eyes; some customers report it may be irritating. The recyclable bottle can also be designed with a pump that makes it simple to use to cotton rounds with out the chance of spills—a genius characteristic that ensures you’ll get probably the most out of each final drop.
Key components: Micellar water, blue agave extract, hemp-derived hashish seed extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe
Perfume: None
Product kind: Liquid
- Protected for all pores and skin sorts
- Handy (recyclable) pump for cotton rounds
- Vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free
- No-rinse formulation
- Could also be irritating across the eyes
Methods to use oil-free make-up remover
Make-up remover is finest used initially of your cleaning routine as a result of it dissolves make-up and primes the pores and skin for cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. “I at all times recommend that my sufferers use a double-cleanse method that begins with an oil-free remover or micellar water, adopted by a water-based cleanser that can completely take away any dust and impurities,” says Dr. Halim. In case your make-up remover is in liquid type, apply it to a few cotton pads and gently sweep throughout your eyes, brows, and lips. If it’s a gel, use your make-up remover as you’ll a standard cleanser and observe up with a secondary cleanser as wanted.
Is micellar water oil-free?
Micellar water itself is oil-free, however some formulations are infused with emollients comparable to castor oil. Be sure you learn via the product’s components earlier than including it to your routine, particularly if you’re delicate to grease or fruit extracts. “Micellar waters make the most of micelles, that are clusters of tiny molecules that entice make-up, dust, and particles like a magnet,” says Dr. Reszko. “They’re appropriate for all pores and skin sorts, together with these with oily pores and skin, as micelles assist to emulsify sebum with out clogging pores.” She notes that you will discover micellar water make-up removers in liquid type in addition to wipes that are perfect for cleaning on the go. “The comfort of pre-soaked towelettes in micellar answer makes them a wonderful possibility for journey.”
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