There isn’t enough verified evidence here to name ten products responsibly. Good Housekeeping’s tested roundup identifies four picks, and British Vogue’s separate expert-informed guide adds three distinct options. Together they offer useful choices for everyday makeup, waterproof eye makeup, and different skin needs—but the recommendations are not all based on the same kind of testing.
How these makeup remover picks were chosen
Good Housekeeping says its recommendations draw on two recent tests covering 40 makeup removers. Its lab measured how many swipes products took to remove eyeliner; 241 consumer testers used products for at least three days and rated factors including application, rinse-off, texture, scent, effectiveness, irritation or breakouts, and how their skin felt. These findings belong to Good Housekeeping’s testing, not an independent test of all the products below. Read Good Housekeeping’s roundup.
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The other three recommendations come from British Vogue’s January 2026 editorial guide. They are editorial picks, not results from the Good Housekeeping tests. Clinician guidance below explains general ways to choose and use removers; it does not establish that a product will suit every person.
Four picks from Good Housekeeping’s testing
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm — Best Overall
Good Housekeeping named this its Best Overall pick. The publication reported that the balm averaged 3.3 swipes in its 2022 lab test and that 100% of that test’s testers found it washed off easily and did not cause breakouts or irritation. Some testers found using it messy. The result is a reported finding from that test—not a guarantee of individual results.
#1 Best Overall
- NOURISHING CLEANSING BALM: Watch your makeup melt away! It’s solid cleansing balm that melts into a luxurious oil and turns into a nourishing milk texture that rinses off clean.
- INFUSED WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides leaving your skin feeling silky smooth and plumped with hydration.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: The Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is perfectly compatible with all skin types.
- BEAUTY TIP: Double cleanse for that extra clean feel with your favorite e.l.f. cleanser such as the Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser.
- We're proud to support Get Blue, part of a global movement through Water.org - helping bring safe water and sanitation to families around the world. To support Get Blue, e.l.f. has made a direct donation to Water.org.
Balm is suited to a dry-skin application: massage it over a dry face to loosen makeup, rinse, and use a facial cleanser afterward if needed. That extra step may be less convenient if you want a no-rinse routine.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water — Best Value
Good Housekeeping describes this as a lightweight, one-step option. Its recommended application uses a cotton pad, so factor in pads or a reusable cloth when judging convenience and ongoing cost. Micellar water can work well for everyday makeup, but heavy or waterproof products may require another cleanser.
Rank #2
- Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm: This cleansing balm has been formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to cleanse & gently remove all types of longwear makeup: eye, lips, face & sunscreen residue. Use as a morning face cleanser & a makeup remover in the evening
- Cleanses With 24H Hydration: Thanks to its formula powered by Hyaluronic Acid, our cleansing balm makeup remover leaves skin looking plumper instantly and over time. This facial cleanser leaves skin hydrated for 24H with non-greasy finish
- For Best Use: To remove makeup & cleanse skin, massage a generous amount of cleansing balm into dry skin using circular motions. Add water to create a milky lather & rinse clean with warm water. Use as a face mask by applying to clean skin for 10 minutes
- Garnier Commits to Greener Beauty: Garnier is approved by Cruelty Free International. This makeup remover balm is free of fragrance, sulfates and silicones and is non-comedogenic and won't clog pores
- Garnier carries an array of products for your hair and skin care needs, from shampoos, color care and styling products to formulas that cleanse, moisturize and help protect your skin
Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover — Best for Waterproof Mascara
Good Housekeeping identifies this as a bi-phase remover. Shake it before use, then apply with a cotton pad. For eye makeup, press the pad gently against the closed eyelid before wiping; avoid tugging at the skin.
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Garnier Micellar Water with Salicylic Acid — Best for Oily Skin
Good Housekeeping reports an average of 4.7 swipes to remove non-waterproof eyeliner in its most recent test. That figure applies to non-waterproof eyeliner in the publication’s test; it does not establish performance on waterproof makeup or a clinical benefit for acne. The publication positions it for oily skin.
Rank #3
- An uncomplicated list of only 10 ingredients
- Rinses clean, leaving zero residue
- Non-irritating ingredients lend a fresh scent
- Japanese Pearl Barley Magic+ nourishes and help keep your skin soft
- Key Ingredients--Pearl Barley: Our star ingredient, that hydrates and nourishes the skin, and refines texture; Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that prevents aging
Three additional editorial picks from British Vogue
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water — Vogue’s best micellar water
British Vogue named this its best micellar water and described it as fragrance-free. That makes it an option to consider if you prefer a fragrance-free formula, but the editorial recommendation is not a clinical finding that it will prevent irritation. See British Vogue’s guide.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ — for dry, easily irritated skin
Vogue recommends this cleansing oil for dry, easily irritated skin and lists shea butter and niacinamide among its key ingredients. Its recommendation is editorial; it does not establish that those ingredients or this formula will suit every sensitive or dry complexion.
Rank #4
- [ CLEANSING BALM FOR FACE ] CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, enriched with three essential ceramides, removes stubborn makeup without a greasy residue, ideal as a travel makeup remover
- [ EYE MAKEUP REMOVER WITH JOJOBA OIL ] This gentle yet effective makeup remover balm incorporates jojoba oil, leaving skin smooth, soothed, and radiant. Effective on waterproof makeup and mascara
- [ FOR SENSITIVE SKIN ] Designed for sensitive skin, this makeup cleansing balm combines jojoba oil for face and ceramides for hydration without irritation. Free from fragrance, parabens, and soap, it's non-comedogenic and allergy-tested
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Featuring a trio of essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), this makeup remover cleanser helps sustain the skin’s natural barrier. Great christmas gifts for women
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe’s makeup balm remover is suitable for various skin types, including dry, oily, and acne-prone skin. It ensures effective cleansing while maintaining skin health
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Respectissime Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover — bi-phase option
Vogue includes this as a bi-phase option for difficult waterproof eye makeup. As with other eye removers, apply gently rather than rubbing repeatedly.
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Choose by makeup type and skin needs
| Need | Format or pick to consider | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday makeup and a light routine | Micellar water, such as Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water or Bioderma Sensibio H2O | Usually applied with a pad or cloth. Heavy or waterproof makeup may need a second cleanser. |
| Waterproof mascara or stubborn eye makeup | Bi-phase eye remover, such as Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Respectissime | Shake if instructed, press a pad gently on the eyelid, then wipe without tugging. |
| Makeup over dry skin | Balm or oil, such as Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm or La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ | Massage over dry skin and rinse; cleanse afterward if needed. |
| Oily or acne-prone skin | An oil-free, non-greasy formula; Good Housekeeping identifies Garnier Micellar Water with Salicylic Acid for oily skin | This is a broad selection consideration, not a diagnosis or assurance that a particular product will not cause breakouts. |
| Sensitive skin | A mild, fragrance-free formula, such as the fragrance-free Bioderma Sensibio H2O described by Vogue | Fragrance-free does not guarantee irritation-free; individual responses vary. |
Cleveland Clinic explains that micellar water contains clusters of cleansing molecules called micelles that attract and lift dirt, oil, and makeup. Dermatology resident Sadia Tahir, MD, says, “Because it’s so gentle, micellar water cleans without stripping away much of your skin’s natural oils,” while noting that very heavy or waterproof makeup may call for an additional oil- or water-based cleanser. Read Cleveland Clinic’s explanation of micellar water.
Best Value
- HYGIENIC & EASY TO USE : This cleansing balm has an innovative grinding mechanism built into the packaging and a sorbet-like texture to ensure hygienic and convenient use without direct hand contact with the product.
- ONE-STEP CLEANSER : Effortlessly remove sunscreen, makeup, and even waterproof products with just a small amount. Cleanse both the surface and deep layers of your skin in one step, so no need for multiple cleansers!
- CLEANSE & HYDRATE : Enriched with Madecassoside and plant-based oils, our formula not only excels in cleansing but also enhances your skincare routine by leaving your skin nourished and moisturized so you can enjoy a hydrated, non-tightening finish.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES : Formulated with 14 essential ingredients for a gentle cleanse, even on sensitive skin. Suitable for all skin types, making it a perfect choice for all skin types.
- WHY CHOOSE DR.ALTHEA : We are rooted in a strong commitment to clean, natural products to consistently focused on minimalist formulations inspired by nature in order to carefully develop effective yet gentle skincare that addresses sensitive skin concerns and supports long-term skin health.
How to remove makeup without unnecessary rubbing
Micellar water
- Apply it to a cotton pad or reusable microfiber cloth.
- Wipe gently over the makeup, using a clean section or pad as makeup transfers.
- If heavy or waterproof makeup remains, use an additional cleanser rather than repeatedly scrubbing the same area.
Bi-phase eye remover
- Shake the bottle to combine its phases.
- Wet a cotton pad and hold it gently against the closed eyelid for a moment.
- Wipe away makeup without tugging. Repeat gently with a clean pad if needed.
Balm or cleansing oil
- Massage the product over a dry face to loosen makeup.
- Rinse it off.
- Follow with a facial cleanser if needed to remove remaining residue.
What “tested” and “doctor-backed” mean here
“Tested” applies to Good Housekeeping’s reported lab and consumer testing, not to every item in this article. The 3.3-swipe result is from its 2022 test of Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm; the 4.7-swipe result is from its more recent test of Garnier Micellar Water with Salicylic Acid on non-waterproof eyeliner. Vogue’s three selections are editorial recommendations, not Good Housekeeping test winners.
Clinician-backed information here is general advice attributed to Cleveland Clinic’s dermatology resident Sadia Tahir, MD, about micellar water and the possible need for an additional cleanser. It is not a doctor’s endorsement of these products or individualized skincare advice. Broad guidance to consider oil-free formulas for oily or acne-prone skin and mild, fragrance-free formulas for sensitive skin should likewise be treated as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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