Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer

Updated on Feb 10, 2024

The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

As much as we love to apply makeup, we're well aware of the drawbacks of sleeping with makeup on. Moreover, leaving makeup on for longer hours can have an adverse effect, especially on sensitive skin. Yes, taking off makeup is grueling and requires a lot of effort, but not if you have the best makeup remover for sensitive skin. If you are used to dreadful days of removing makeup only to end up with a burning sensation, irritate skin, redness, and other discomfort, you need to crossover to the makeup remover for sensitive skin.

 As per dermatologist Jenny Liu, "Not removing makeup at day end can clog pores, increase skin aging, break down the skin barrier, increase skin inflammation, and flame your underlying skin conditions" Although it's essential to remove makeup yet some of these products might leave your skin itchy, red, or tight. This calls for an immediate need to look for the best makeup remover for sensitive skin. We know that not all makeup removers have the same composition, that’s why we have gone through the most effective ones and shortlisted the most suitable ones for sensitized skin.                                           

We've narrowed down our favorite picks to help those of you who have sensitive skin. Scroll ahead to put an end to your makeup removal woes and give your sensitive skin the royal treatment that it deserves.

Our top picks

16 Best Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin for Gentle Care

Loved worldwide by skin experts, makeup artists, beauty fanatics, etc, this non-greasy makeup remover for sensitive skin is a brilliant sunscreen. Preserving your natural skin barriers, this super gentle cleanser prevents the stripping of natural oils from your skin as well. Infused with the presence of fatty acid esters and constituent element of micelles, the physiological formulation effortlessly removes all the dirt, grime, dust, etc present on your skin along with the makeup products.

Pros

• Travel-friendly
• No need to be rinsed off
• Super-hydrating
• Affordable buy
• The bottle contains an ample quantity
• Soothing

Cons

• Might be bothersome for those with sensitive skin around the eyes

2

most Hydrating Formula

Olay Daily Facials Makeup Remover Wipes for Clean Sensitive Skin

This multi-purpose cleansing cloth from Olay combines the power of an effective cleanser, toner, scrub, mask, and makeup wipes for sensitive skin, saving you from the clutter of managing multiple products in your vanity. The velvety soft design can easily tackle even the heaviest party makeup or post-workout grime, without irritating your skin. Infused with the goodness of aloe vera extract, the cleansing cloth provides your skin with a calming and refreshing sensation.

Pros

• Compact size
• Suitable for all skin types
• Deeply cleans your skin
• Moisturizing
• All-in-one cleansing cloth
• Exfoliates skin well

Cons

• The cleansing cloth is slightly thin

3

Best for Waterproof Makeup

Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover

Dermatologically approved, this formulation by Cetaphil is one of the best drugstore makeup removers for sensitive skin. The hypoallergenic and fragrance-free cleanser is an ideal choice for removing makeup that’s hard to get rid of, especially your eye makeup that leaves messy traces behind. The blend of green tea, ginseng, and aloe vera present in the makeup remover works amazingly well to calmly remove makeup from your skin without leaving any residue behind. Our team observed through using this product that, it does not cause any redness or irritation to your skin.

Pros

• Oil-free
• Uber-gentle cleanser
• Fragrance-free
• Dermatologist & Ophthalmologist tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Mild yet extremely effective

Cons

• Dries out faster

4

Best Oil-free Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

This oil-free eye makeup remover for sensitive skin is a tried-and-tested cleanser that has received raving reviews from customers worldwide. For those of you who struggle with removing your eye makeup with a micellar or wipes, this lightweight remover will work like magic for you, helping you remove all sorts of eye makeup including waterproof products as well. The ophthalmologist-tested product is infused with cooling agents such as cucumber and aloe vera.

Pros

• Suitable for removing both eye and face makeup
• Budget-friendly
• No need for scrubbing or harshly rubbing your skin
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Fragrance-free
• Contains a minimal amount of alcohol

Cons

• A bit sticky

5

BEST MAKEUP REMOVER FOR EYES

La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Specially formulated for sensitive skin and eyes, this makeup remover by La Roche-Posay is devoid of nasties such as alcohol, mineral oil, and phthalates. The formula is so efficient that you can forget the nuisance of rubbing your eyes, like you may experience with over-the-counter products. Adding to that, it is a lean formula that doesn’t expose your skin to too many chemicals, thereby preventing reasons for irritation and redness. It is a product you can count on for dissolving waterproof mascaras and heavy eyeshadows.

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Well-emulsified
• Great for contact lens wearers
• Rich in emollients
• Sulfate-free

Cons

• No extraordinary benefits

6

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Purifying Cleansing Balm

Enriched with excellent properties of seven botanical herbs such as centella, chamomile extract, and green tea extract, the Banila makeup remover balm for sensitive skin calms and balances your sensitive skin like no other skincare product. The balm also consists of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C and E, that provide your skin with radiant and healthy complexion. Free from all sorts of harsh chemicals and artificial coloring, this product is a boon for your sensitive skin.

Pros

• Alcohol-free
• Paraben and sulfate free
• Instantly calms your irritated skin
• Doesn’t dry skin
• Fragrance-free
• Apt for all skin types

Cons

• Has an unpleasant smell

7

Best Choice for Travel

Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Towelettes

Made using 60% repurposed cotton, these facial cleansing towelettes remove all traces of face and eye makeup with accurate precision without causing any skin irritation or redness. Consisting of all, cotton, and rice extracts, the facial towelette gently soothes your sensitive skin and leaves it hydrated, soft, and gentle. Based on our observations, the hypoallergenic and fragrance-free wipes are a perfect choice for removing clogged-up dirt, grime, and oil from your skin. These disposable wipes are easy to carry around in your wallet for quick use whenever required.

Pros

• Travel-friendly
• Easy to dispose of
• Dermatologist approved
• Paraben-free
• Infused with the super-effective hyaluronic acid
• Combats acne naturally

Cons

• Wipes dry out soon when exposed

8

Most Time-Saving Choice

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes

For those of you who find the lengthy evening skincare routine of scrubbing and rinsing makeup off gruesome and annoying, these zero-irritation makeup-removing wipes for sensitive skin are meant for you. Removing excess oil, dirt, impurities, and dust from your skin with ease, these facial wipes leave your skin feeling rejuvenated. Free from harsh chemicals, artificial perfumes, alcohol, and dyes, the wipes are effective for all sorts of makeup removal including the waterproof ones that are the messiest to get rid of. Skin-loving ingredients such as Vitamin B5 and E are present in abundance in these wipes.

Pros

• Non-comedogenic
• Ophthalmologist approved
• Hypoallergenic
• Aqua-lock ensures each wipe remains fresh
• Perfect on-the-go use wipes
• Suitable for waterproof makeup as well

Cons

• Wipes aren’t that soft

9

Best Makeup Remover for Eyes

Marcelle Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover Pads for Sensitive Eyes

Designed especially for sensitive eyes, this friendly formulation will remove your long-wearing eye makeup without any fuss. This super gentle makeup remover for sensitive skin consists of convenient pads that are a must-have item for your night-time routine. Leaving no residue behind, these efficient pads make the removal of eye makeup a breeze. Just dab the pads on your closed eyes and lashes, and you’ll have makeup-free eyes without any aggressive rinsing. Consisting of 85 pads, the makeup remover is a great choice for contact wearers as well.

Pros

• Cruelty-free
• Leaves no residue behind
• Fragrance-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Works on waterproof formulas as well
• Leaves skin feeling soft and fresh

Cons

• Pads are small in size

10

NATWAG Reusable Makeup Removing Microfiber Cloth for Sensitive Skin

This multi-purpose reusable microfiber cloth effortlessly takes care of removing your complete makeup in a safe and healthy manner. Crafted with the utmost care, the cloth is made from premium-quality, ultra-fine microfibers, possessing unique resilience and high water absorption capabilities. The eco-friendly facial towel is free from all sorts of harmful substances and works on all types of skin including the most sensitive skin. Adding this cloth to your everyday makeup removal routine is a great way of embracing sustainability as well since it’s reusable.

Pros

• Easy to carry around
• Appropriate size towel
• Environment-friendly
• Reusable
• Supports both hand wash and machine wash
• Available in four colors

Cons

• Not a great choice for removing eye makeup

11

Best Makeup Remover for Wipes

AMIIR Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes

Simplify your skincare and cleansing regime with these soft makeup wipes for sensitive skin that combine the power of eye and facial makeup remover along with facial cleansing. The hassle-free makeup removal process is done within minutes, without flaring up your sensitive skin. Infused with the richness of natural plant ingredients, and botanical extracts, the wipes will leave your skin with an invigorating iced cool sensation. Catering to all skin types, the wipes will hydrate your skin, and leave it rejuvenated.  

Pros

• Has a subtle scent of plants
• Compact design
• Alcohol-free
• Travel-friendly
• Provides a calming sensation
• Saves time and effort

Cons

• Might cause a stinging sensation in the eyes

12

Best Makeup Remover Oil

Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil

The 2-in-1 oil-based makeup remover for sensitive skin and pore cleansing oil gently exfoliates your skin aiding to eliminate dead skin cells and stubborn blackheads. The naturally derived plant oils present in the formulation remove all the clogged-up dirt and sebum from beneath your skin along with the multiple layers of makeup. We determined through our tests that the thoughtfully formulated product formulated with PHA is an excellent skincare product, especially for weak and sensitive skin types. The inclusion of jojoba, grapeseed, and olive oils, along with aloe vera and tea tree extract ensures uber-moisturized skin post-application.

Pros

• Combats breakouts and acne flare-ups
• Nourishes your skin
• PHA ensures exfoliation with ease for delicate skin
• Multi-purpose
• Hydrating
• Lightweight formula

Cons

• Overwhelming fragrance

13

Amisley Disposable Face Towel

The disposable face towel is the ultimate choice for those who’re dealing with messy makeup removal situations and inflamed sensitive skin issues. Made with 100% biodegradable, all-natural fabric, these dry wipes are a much better choice than your everyday bathroom towel that harbors dirt, grime, and whatnot. Resisting bacterial growth, the towel also claims to have excellent tensile strength and high water absorption capacity. The portable design of the eco-friendly pack makes it an ideal choice for travel purposes.

Pros

• Easy to store
• Eco-friendly
• Apt for all skin types
• Lint-free
• Cruelty-free
• Free from fragrance

Cons

• The size is really small

14

Best Multi-purpose Makeup Remover

Curel Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Oil for Face

Designed to cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural ceramides, the cleansing oil effortlessly removes your makeup with its milky texture without any need for intense scrubbing. The hydrating formulation caters best to the needs of dry, and sensitive skin, leaving it soft, dewy, and rejuvenated after each use. Free from fragrance, colorant, and all sorts of alcohol, the gentle oil-based makeup remover clears away all the build-up residue from your skin apart from getting every last bit off of your makeup.

Pros

• Weightless
• Milky texture requires no heavy rubbing
• Perfect for dry skin
• Fragrance-free
• Gentle-formula
• Versatile

Cons

• Not suitable for oily skin

15

JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

This sherbet-like cleansing makeup remover balm for sensitive skin has a smooth, rich texture that provides a satisfying cleansing experience for your skin. The balm effectively melts away multiple layers of your cakey makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities from your skin in a non-aggressive manner. Combining the nourishing properties of Japanese Pearl barley with vitamin E, the antioxidant-rich formula leaves your skin refreshed, smooth, and uber-soft. Free from all harsh ingredients, the makeup remover is a great addition to your everyday skincare regime as it aids in skin brightening too!

Pros

• Reduces hyperpigmentation
• Extremely smooth texture
• No toxic ingredients
• Contains antioxidants
• Refines texture
• Doesn’t clog pores

16

FARMACY GREEN CLEAN Makeup Remover

You can melt that makeup with this smooth makeup remover by Farmacy. The sunflower and ginger root oils easily remove the toughest of makeup, including mascara. Its non-drying, hydrating, and silky-smooth formula is a hit among customers. Additionally, the natural papaya enzymes present in it help in exfoliating the skin for a radiant glow. The naturally-derived cleansing balm also contains turmeric extracts and moringa tree extracts. It not only helps in removing makeup but also helps in fighting pollution and keeping the skin looking young.

Pros

• Free from sulfates
• No artificial coloring
• Has anti-aging properties
• Hydrates the skin
• Includes spatula for application

An effective makeup remover is indeed a great solution for all your messy and time-consuming makeup removal troubles. But it’s even more essential to choose the best product from the different available options, especially if you have sensitive skin. Check ahead some important factors to consider before making your choice of a makeup remover for your sensitive skin. 

Essential Factors to Consider While Selecting the Best Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

• Choose a product that can soothe irritation

The key to understanding a good makeup remover is to look at the back of the product. It should contain plant oils, ceramides, rosemary, glycerin, and fatty oils, that can calm the skin and keep it feeling clean and healthy. It also helps in dissolving the makeup easily, thereby reducing tugging and pulling.

• Buy a separate eye makeup remover

Although a regular makeup remover works in removing eye makeup, there are often traces of makeup left. So, to remove stubborn eye makeup, use a gentle eye makeup remover like Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. Also, it’s good to have a milder makeup remover for those who wear contact lenses.

Determining your skin type can help you narrow down your options and save all the hassle of going through multiple options. Your sensitive skin can be either dry, oily, or a combination, depending on which you must make your choice. While an oil-free cleanser is an ideal choice for oily skin, a moisturizing formula is recommended for dry-skinned people. 

• Ingredients 

Check the list of ingredients of a formula before finalizing it. Hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, plant oils, aloe vera, tea tree, etc add to the effectiveness of any cleansing makeup remover. Also, steer clear of any product that has harmful ingredients such as paraben, colorant, alcohol, artificial dye, sulfate, etc present in them. 

• Type of makeup remover

Different varieties of makeup removers are available out there some of which are wipes, towelettes, balm, micellar water, cleansing oil, etc. Consider all the options and opt for the one that’s most convenient for you. Just make sure not to select any formulation that requires excessive rubbing of the skin as it could lead to inflamed and irritated skin. 

• Consumer reviews

Take time to go through online consumer reviews of the product that you’re interested in as it could help you understand if it’s working for fellow sensitive-skin people or not. Those who’ve tried and tested the product can provide honest reviews about it, also highlighting whether it works for delicate skin or not. 

• Multipurpose

Choosing a makeup remover that’s multifunctional and can also be used for other skincare benefits can help you clear your vanity from all the clutter of overflowing products. Some makeup removers are also effective in treating acne and can be used as sunscreen or a moisturizer.  

• Dermatologist approved

Those who have sensitive skin must be extra cautious while choosing any skin care product, especially a makeup remover. Make sure to look for a remover that has been tested by a dermatologist and approved for use on sensitive skin. This minimizes the risk of allergies and side effects on sensitive skin. 

How to Remove Makeup Without Damaging the Skin?

To make sure you don’t err in your skincare and beauty journey, we want to equip you with information on how to properly use makeup remover on the face and eyes.

- Make sure your pores don't get clogged by the makeup removers.
-Steer clear from liquid makeup removers or cotton pad removers that contain alcohol.
- Oil cleansers that contain mineral oils, and plant oils are good for effective makeup removal but they might leave a greasy residue that can cause breakouts on sensitive, acne-prone skin. So, opt for these only if you don't have any acne issues.
-To remove long-wear makeup, or heavy makeup, use blams and creamy makeup removers that don’t dry your skin.
-Take care not to scrub or rub your makeup remover too harshly as it can cause skin abrasion and irritation.

Conclusion

Leaving your skin makeup free and bare at day’s end is an extremely crucial step to assure glowing and blemish-free skin. This journey to achieving flawless skin starts with the inclusion of an effective makeup remover in your skincare routine. The best makeup remover for sensitive skin will strip it free from all those heavy layers of foundations, compact, powder, mascara, and whatnot that have been clung to your skin throughout the day. 

Choose a reliable option for yourself from the list that we’ve carefully handpicked, keeping the needs of your sensitive skin in mind. Tale care of all those makeup emergencies with any of these makeup removers that’ll ensure fresh, radiant, smudge-free, and glowing skin. So, all you sensitive skin pals, wait no more and pamper your skin like never before.

Contributor: Jenny Liu,dermatologist

FAQ's

What makeup remover do dermatologists recommend drugstore?

Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil, Marcelle Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover Pads, and Bioderma - Sensibio are some popular makeup removers that dermatologists recommend.

Is it OK to use moisturizer as a makeup remover?

It may not be strong enough to remove the makeup and occasionally it may also seep into the pores with the makeup residue. However, you can use a moisturizer after using a makeup remover.

Should I use makeup remover or cleanser?

If you have heavy makeup, you should definitely use a makeup remover and follow it with a cleanser. Using a cleanser alone would be sufficient if you have light makeup or are just washing your face after a long day.

How often should you use makeup removers for sensitive skin?

It can be used every day, provided it’s a gentle makeup remover for sensitive skin and does not dry the skin.

Do makeup removers for sensitive skin expire?

Yes, check the expiry date. But if your product has changed color, smell, or texture, throw it in the trash.

What is the best eye makeup remover for sensitive eyes?

Neutrogena Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover is the most popular one for sensitive eyes.

Are oil-based makeup removers suitable for sensitive skin?

If the oil cleansers do not have problematic ingredients like chemicals, scents, and comedogenic attributes, it’s safe to be used for sensitive skin.

Can micellar water be used as a makeup remover for sensitive skin?

Micellar water for sensitive skin is a great choice as it helps in removing dirt, light makeup, oil, and grease.

Can I use a cleansing balm for sensitive skin as a makeup remover?

Yes, cleansing balms are highly effective in removing greasy residue and impurities, even for sensitive skin types.

What should I do if a makeup remover causes irritation?

Wash your skin immediately and apply a cold compress. Do not use the product again.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Anoushka is a certified skincare professional who pays extra detail to the little things that can be done to get glowing skin. It is after thorough research that she has curated this list of the best makeup removers that are ideal for sensitive skin. 

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

Author BIO

Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sbXNpK2ipJyWe6S7zGiqnqSVmMFwrsSsq2alkaCytryMq5ymp6aav26yzqtkrJ2eqLa1tdWeZKyjmaN6cn6WcG1qaw%3D%3D