The 13 Best Eye Makeup Removers, Tested by PEOPLE

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Mary Kay wiped away the competition

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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.”

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.

Oil-free formula works on all skin types

Gentle on skin

Removes even waterproof makeup

Doesn’t leave behind a film or residue

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

Felt calming and gentle on the skin

Hydrates the skin while removing makeup

Didn't require wiping with water afterward

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

Worked well on sensitive skin

No residue unless you use more than the suggested amount

A little goes a long way

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

Moisturizing

Oil formula didn’t irritate eyes

Comes with a spoon to reduce contamination

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

Felt nice on our skin

Wiped away dark shadow effectively

Easily removed mascara with one swipe

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

Nourished the skin

Felt smooth and not greasy

Budget-friendly

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

Extremely gentle formula

Easy to use

Portable size

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

Refreshing feel

Took just two drops and minimal effort to remove makeup

Good price point

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

Effective on waterproof makeup

Gentle on sensitive skin

Includes botanicals to nourish skin

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

Removed all makeup easily

No residue left over

Eyelids were clean and felt fresh after use

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

One bottle lasts a long time

Works quickly

Very little product required to effectively remove makeup

Available in two sizes

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

Removed every speck of makeup in one swipe

Ideal consistency

Didn't feel oily or greasy

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

No strong scent

Removed makeup easily with no residue

Eyelids were completely smooth and dry immediately after use

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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