12 Derm-Approved Oil-Free Makeup Removers for Your Gentlest Cleanse Yet
There’s something about an artful smoky eye, a bold lip, and a filter-finish foundation that makes us feel unstoppable! But when it comes to taking off high-impact glam, that’s another story. As someone who loves her long-wear matte lipstick and liquid eyeliner just as much as her (very thorough) skincare routine, I know the struggle well. Yes, it can be a hassle to sweep away every scrap of makeup before I can finally hit the hay, but the alternative—acne flare-ups, oily skin, and smudged sheets—is far less appealing. Enter one of my favorite skincare heroes: oil-free makeup remover.
- Anetta Reszko, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Azza Halim, MD, board-certified physician and anesthesiologist
Oil-free makeup remover is a gentle yet effective solution that easily dissolves makeup, dirt, and impurities without disturbing the balance of your skin. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko explains, it’s the optimal choice for those with sensitive, mature, or combination skin types. “It’s better to choose an oil-free makeup remover as opposed to an oil-based one, as oil can clog pores if it’s not perfectly removed with an additional cleanser,” she advises. “This helps prevent the occurrence of acne and other unwanted irritation.” While some oil-free makeup removers are designed to be rinse-free, she recommends following up with a mild cleanser to ensure that every last bit of makeup and grime is gone.
Oil-free makeup remover comes in many forms, from micellar waters and gels to foams and wipes, which means there’s a wealth of options for every type of routine. In addition to testing several formulas myself, I turned to two board-certified dermatologists to help me round up the very best options for clean, refreshed skin. Read on to see which oil-free makeup removers made the cut.
The best oil-free makeup removers, at a glance:
Best overall: Bioderma, Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover, $16
Runner-up: IS Clinical, Cleansing Complex, $48
Best splurge: Perricone MD, No Rinse Micellar Cleansing Treatment, $49
Best drugstore option: Garnier, SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $12
Best for acne-prone skin: Avene, Cleanance Cleansing Gel, $23
Best for sensitive skin: SkinBetter Science, Cleansing Gel, $48
Best for oily skin: La Roche-Posay, Effaclar Micellar Cleansing Water for Oily Skin, $18
Best for mature skin: Paula’s Choice, Gentle Touch Makeup Remover, $19
Best for eyelash extensions: Velour Lashes, Lash Clean Oil-Free Makeup Remover, $23
Best wipes: Aveeno, Positively Radiant Oil-Free Makeup Removal Facial Wipes (2-Pack), $14
Best foam: ILIA, The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Make Up Remover, $32
Best clean formula: Milk Makeup, Hydro Ungrip Makeup Remover + Cleansing Water, $32
What to look for in an oil-free makeup remover
Dermatologists agree that it’s important to look for oil-free makeup removers that are water-based and contain humectants, aka ingredients that attract moisture and pull it into the skin. You’ll find humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and propylene glycol featured throughout our selections. If you have dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, be cautious about products with active ingredients like AHAs (think glycolic and lactic acids), which exfoliate the surface of the skin. While these can be beneficial in small doses, it’s easy to overdo it—especially if you have several products with AHAs in your lineup.
As Dr. Reszko notes, “it’s always important to consider the active ingredients in a skincare product to ensure you’re not overly treating the skin. Scan your product labels to check for active ingredients, and remember that when it comes to makeup remover and cleansers, simpler is generally better."
Shop 12 of the best oil-free makeup removers
The crown jewel of French pharmacy skincare, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is one of the very best micellar waters you can buy. Beloved by dermatologists and makeup artists alike, this ultra-gentle formula contains micelles that instantly attract makeup and draw out impurities in the skin. It’s the makeup remover I turn to whenever my skin needs a hard reset, whether that’s due to irritation, acne, or active ingredient fatigue. Bioderma’s micellar water formula is elegantly simple and includes fructooligosaccharides, which are natural plant-based humectants. It’s also hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, making it a safe and effective option for all skin types. Best of all, it removes stubborn makeup like a charm—and it’s safe to use on eyelash extensions, too!
Key ingredients: Micellar water, fructooligosaccharides, propylene glycol, cucumber fruit extract
Fragrance: None
Product type: Liquid
Pros:
- Gentle and effective formula
- Free of fragrance, parabens, alcohol, and oil
- Safe for all skin types
- No-rinse formula
Cons:
- Large bottle is not ideal for travel
- Liquid formula requires a cotton round
Another excellent oil-free option and a personal favorite of mine, IS Clinical Cleansing Complex is a makeup remover and cleanser in one. Its award-winning formula contains a blend of soothing chamomile flower and white willow bark extracts, along with anti-aging bio-nutrients and antioxidants. This gel gently dissolves makeup and thoroughly cleanses the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. I reach for this product whenever my skin is feeling oily or congested, and I’m always pleased with its pore-refining results. The only downside is that the bottle is relatively small for the price point, but that’s one flaw I can easily overlook.
Key ingredients: Sugar cane extract, chamomile flower extract, white willow bark extract, salicylic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol
Fragrance: None
Product type: Gel
Pros:
- Gentle and effective formula
- Safe for all skin types
- Ideal for acne-prone skin
- Contains anti-aging ingredients
Cons:
- Pricier than other options
- Small bottle for the cost
Perricone MD’s cleansing treatment pulls triple duty as a makeup remover, cleanser, and toner. The micellar solution makes removing makeup a breeze, but the benefits don’t stop there. This super-gentle formula is infused with L-Carnitine (a sebum-regulating agent that helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier) and humectants like vitamin B5 and urea, which work to hydrate and soften your skin. It’s safe for all skin types, but particularly good for those with sensitive or dry skin. While it’s a bit of a splurge at $49, this makeup remover is so packed with beneficial ingredients that it’s well worth the price.
Key ingredients: Micellar water, l-carnitine, vitamin B5, urea
Fragrance: None
Product type: Liquid
Pros:
- Gentle and effective formula
- Free of fragrance, parabens, gluten, and oil
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- No-rinse formula
Cons:
- Pricier than other options
- Small bottle for the cost
I’m a longtime fan of Garnier’s hair products, but this was my first foray into the brand’s skincare line—and I have to say, I was impressed! This micellar water is a decent stand-in for Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water (even the packaging is similar), but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t include the same natural humectants as our top runner. However, it’s an excellent product in its own right, containing moisturizing glycerin and mild surfactants that gently cleanse skin. Its micellar formulation makes it a top-notch makeup remover—I found that it effortlessly swept away both waterproof mascara and lip stain. While this product is designed to be rinse-free, I suggest following up with a traditional cleanser to achieve that ultra-clean feeling.
Key ingredients: Micellar water, glycerin
Fragrance: None
Product type: Liquid
Pros:
- Gentle and effective formula
- Safe for all skin types
- No-rinse formula
- Free of fragrance, parabens, silicone, sulfates, and oil
Cons:
- Large bottle is not ideal for travel
- Liquid formula requires a cotton round
Those with acne-prone or hypersensitive skin know how challenging it can be to find products that simultaneously treat blemishes while improving the skin’s overall balance. Acne treatments are often formulated with “oil-controlling” (read: drying) ingredients, which can prompt the skin to overcorrect and produce even more oil. Dry skin can also lead to blocked pores, continuing the vicious acne cycle.
Thankfully, Avène’s Cleanance Cleansing Gel takes a different approach. Rather than relying on harsh exfoliants like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, this purifying makeup remover and cleanser contains comedoclastin, an extract derived from milk thistle that soothes skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes. Gentle surfactants like zinc help to remove makeup and excess oil, while citric acid encourages cell turnover for a renewed and healthy complexion. You can use this cleanser for both face and body, so give it a spot in your shower and use it daily, whether post-workout or after a night out.
Key ingredients: Thermal spring water, comedoclastin, zinc coceth sulphate, citric acid
Fragrance: None
Product type: Gel
Pros:
- Ideal for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin
- Gentle and effective formula
- Fragrance- and paraben-free
Cons:
- Has a slight medicinal scent
When it comes to sensitive skin, mild or simple formulas are always your best bet. Having struggled with it myself after a bout of using too many active ingredients, I turned to Dr. Reszko for a solution. Her recommendation: SkinBetter Science Cleansing Gel. “This cleanser is very mild yet effective,” she says. “It removes all traces of makeup without stripping the skin, and I often recommend it to patients who have just completed a microneedling or laser session. It’s also great for those who use active ingredients daily.” After a few weeks of paring back my skincare routine to just this cleanser and a handful of Cerave products, I’m happy to report that my skin is smoother, healthier, and much more hydrated. I have this formula’s blend of gentle cucumber extract, aloe, and glycerin to thank for that!
Key ingredients: Matricaria flower extract, glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cucumber fruit extract
Fragrance: None
Product type: Gel
Pros:
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Free of fragrance, sulfates, parabens, dyes, and oil
- Gentle and effective formula
Cons:
- It’s pricer than other options on this list
La Roche-Posay has earned its cult-favorite status among skincare experts for good reason—you’d be hard-pressed to find a line with more dermatologist-recommended products at your local pharmacy. The brand’s micellar water is one of Dr. Halim’s top choices for a makeup remover, due to its gentle and non-comedogenic formula. “This is an affordable and highly effective cleanser for oily and normal skin types,” she says. “It contains glycerin, so it’s non-drying, but it’s not as ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin.” Made with micelles that sweep away dirt and makeup, along with oil-controlling zinc, this is a great choice for those looking to balance oil and reap the benefits of soothing mineral water.
Key ingredients: Micellar water, glycerin, zinc
Fragrance: Yes
Product type: Liquid
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic and allergy-tested
- Ideal for normal to oily skin
- Gentle and effective formula
- Free of parabens, alcohol, and oil
Cons:
- Not ideal for those with sensitive or dry skin
- Large bottle is not ideal for travel
Mature skin requires a gentle touch, which is exactly what this makeup remover delivers. Its extra-mild formula quickly dissolves all types of makeup including long-wearing and waterproof products and leaves skin feeling super hydrated. A blend of allantoin, aloe, and green tea helps to soothe irritation, while glycerin helps to lock in moisture for a silky-soft feel. It’s also designed to be gentle around the eyes, making it ideal for those with eyelash extensions or sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Allantoin, aloe leaf extract, green tea, glycerin
Fragrance: None
Product type: Liquid
Pros:
- Ideal for mature skin
- Made with skin-soothing ingredients
- Free of fragrances and oil
Cons:
- Large bottle is not ideal for travel
- Liquid formula requires a cotton round
Lash extensions are a beautiful way to enhance your natural features, and with the proper care, they can last up to six weeks! Whether or not you add mascara to your lashes, keeping them clean is important to avoid the buildup of products, dirt, and oil. A traditional makeup remover isn’t the answer in this case, as oil-based formulas can weaken the bond between your extensions and your natural lashes.
There are a handful of makeup removers specifically designed to keep extensions in tip-top shape, and Velour Lashes makes the very best. Using gentle surfactants such as sodium lauryl glucosides and hydroxypropyl sulfonate, this non-irritating formula gently removes makeup and other debris while maintaining the strength of each delicate bond. It’s also great for cleaning false lash strips so you can wear them on repeat!
Key ingredients: Water, sodium lauryl glucosides, hydroxypropyl sulfonate
Fragrance: None
Product type: Liquid
Pros:
- Specifically designed for lash extensions
- Gentle and effective formula
- Free of parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and oil
- Vegan and non-toxic
Cons:
- Small bottle for the cost
Whether you’re traveling or simply want to remove your makeup on the go, facial wipes are an absolute must. I like to keep them in my gym bag for a post-workout refresh, and they’re easy to throw into my carry-on for weekend trips too. Aveeno makes my favorite oil-free face wipes—they’re extra gentle on my sensitive skin and free of drying ingredients like alcohol. Infused with soothing soybean protein and glycerides, they leave my skin feeling clean and hydrated without a trace of sticky residue. I also love that they’re also made from plant-based fabric that’s 100 percent compostable.
Key ingredients: Water, dimethicone, glycerides, glycine soja (soybean protein)
Fragrance: Yes
Product type: Wipe
Pros:
- Convenient compostable wipe format
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Safe for all skin types
- No-rinse formula
Cons:
- Full package can be bulky
Foaming cleanser can be hit or miss for me, but I adore ILIA’s formula. It creates soft, pillowy suds that quickly dissolve makeup, whether it’s waterproof mascara or flashy glitter (I have been known to indulge in wild glam from time to time!). I will caveat that it’s necessary to apply twice when removing stubborn products, but this is still the best foaming makeup remover I’ve tried. It’s specifically designed to maintain the skin’s pH balance and contains a hydrating sugar complex that locks in moisture. Suitable for all skin types from sensitive to oily and acne-prone, it delivers a balanced cleanse that never feels tight or drying.
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, citric acid
Fragrance: None
Product type: Foam
Pros:
- Non-drying foam solution
- Gentle and effective formula
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Sometimes requires a second application
As far as consciously crafted makeup removers go, Milk hits all the right notes. Its vegan and cruelty-free formula is infused with soothing blue agave extract and nourishing aloe, along with moisturizing hemp seed extract and hyaluronic acid. These superhero ingredients are suspended in micellar water, which grips makeup and impurities like a magnet. That said, be careful around the eyes; some users report it can be irritating. The recyclable bottle is also designed with a pump that makes it easy to apply to cotton rounds without the risk of spills—a genius feature that ensures you’ll get the most out of every last drop.
Key ingredients: Micellar water, blue agave extract, hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe
Fragrance: None
Product type: Liquid
Pros:
- Safe for all skin types
- Convenient (recyclable) pump for cotton rounds
- Vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free
- No-rinse formula
Cons:
- May be irritating around the eyes
How to use oil-free makeup remover
Makeup remover is best used at the start of your cleansing routine because it dissolves makeup and primes the skin for cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. “I always suggest that my patients use a double-cleanse approach that begins with an oil-free remover or micellar water, followed by a water-based cleanser that will thoroughly remove any dirt and impurities,” says Dr. Halim. If your makeup remover is in liquid form, apply it to a couple of cotton pads and gently sweep across your eyes, brows, and lips. If it’s a gel, use your makeup remover as you would a traditional cleanser and follow up with a secondary cleanser as needed.
Is micellar water oil-free?
Micellar water itself is oil-free, but some formulations are infused with emollients such as castor oil. Be sure to read through the product’s ingredients before adding it to your routine, especially if you are sensitive to oil or fruit extracts. “Micellar waters utilize micelles, which are clusters of tiny molecules that attract makeup, dirt, and debris like a magnet,” says Dr. Reszko. “They are suitable for all skin types, including those with oily skin, as micelles help to emulsify sebum without clogging pores.” She notes that you can find micellar water makeup removers in liquid form as well as wipes that are ideal for cleansing on the go. “The convenience of pre-soaked towelettes in micellar solution makes them an excellent option for travel.”
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