The 12 Best Eye Makeup Removers That Dissolve Eyeliner and Mascara Fastest
Even waterproof cosmetics disappear with these magic picks.
Tested by Chiara ButlerBeauty and Personal Care Lab Reviews Analyst
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Best for Sensitive Eyes and Skin
Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Oil Free Waterproof Makeup Remover
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Like many people who wear eye makeup regularly, I can attest that rubbing and tugging your eye area to wrestle off mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow is the last thing anyone wants to do after a long day. But don't be tempted to skip it: "Removing eye makeup before bed is crucial, as leaving it on overnight can cause eye infections, irritation, eyelash brittleness that can lead to lash loss, skin dryness and signs of aging from inflammation and collagen breakdown, clogged pores and milia, among other issues," says Thomas Stokkermans, O.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.O., Director of the Optometry Division at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.
Make it easy for yourself by choosing a product created to do the job. "Eye makeup removers are specifically formulated to dissolve and cleanse away eye makeup, usually using oil-based ingredients to break down makeup and emulsifiers that can be rinsed off with water," explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.
Unfortunately many of us have experienced eye makeup remover disappointment: stinging or burning, oily residue, leftover makeup smudges, the list goes on. That's where the GH Beauty Lab comes to the rescue, rigorously (literally!) testing a range of makeup remover formulas, from drugstore bargains to luxury finds both in the Lab using a standardized swipe test and on consumer testers for their at-home use feedback. In the most recent test, Butler collated a total of 1,025 swipe test counts and tester survey responses to find the winners that melt away even waterproof makeup in no time — and won't irritate sensitive eyes or skin.
Pros
- Tied for fastest eye makeup removal in Lab test
- Not irritating or sticky
- Works as a full face makeup remover and cleanser
Cons
- Doesn't claim to remove waterproof makeup
Formula: Micellar water liquid | Key ingredients: Glycerin, salicylic acid | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 13.5 oz.
What made it a winner: This lightweight liquid Garnier micellar water took the top prize in the GH Beauty Lab's makeup remover test, outperforming all other formulas for speedily whisking off eye makeup with no tugging or rubbing.
It tied for removing eyeliner fastest, in an average of 4.7 swipes, in the Lab's makeup removal swipe test. An impressive 100% of testers agreed the no-rinse formula wasn't sticky, didn't irritate skin or eyes, and left skin feeling smooth and moisturized. Note that this product doesn't claim waterproof eye makeup removal.
Tester said: "Normally I have to tissue off my mascara after washing my face, but it wasn't necessary with this product," a user remarked. "It made my skin look amazing." (Below, see before and after eye makeup removal with the product.)
RELATED: Best Micellar Waters
Pros
- Quickly and effectively removed eye makeup in Lab tests
- No skin or eye irritation
- Leaves skin feeling clean
- Bargain price
Cons
- Some said their skin felt dry after use
Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Key ingredients: Aloe, glycerin | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 5.5 oz.
What made it a winner: Neutrogena's gentle drugstore formula, at less than $6, is both a past GH Beauty Lab eye makeup remover test winner and ophthalmologist-recommended. It came out on top of the Lab's test of eyeliner removal, requiring the least number of swipes to dissolve the makeup and didn't cause skin or eye irritation.
Testers said: Consumer testers liked that it left skin feeling "clean." Dr. Stokkermans suggests this for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, praising that it is "ophthalmologist-tested and oil-free, but removes waterproof makeup." Some users said it left their skin feeling dry, however.
Pros
- 100% of testers found it didn't burn or irritate eyes or skin
- Not messy
- No tacky residue
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Smaller size bottle for the price
Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Key ingredients: Aloe, glycerin, green tea |Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 4.3 oz.
What made it a winner: This mild Paula's Choice eye makeup remover lived up to its name in GH Beauty Lab testing, proving to be the gentlest formulation evaluated. It earned perfect scores for not stinging or irritating skin or eyes, being mess-free and no tacky feel on skin. Two caveats: A tester noted that it didn't remove all of their mascara and another felt the bottle was small.
Testers said: Many commented that they didn't experience any irritation using this and one even said it "felt cool on skin." They loved that it left skin "silky" and "smooth," not "tight or dry."
Pros
- Thoroughly removes makeup, including waterproof
- Works fast
- Not messy
- Didn't irritate skin or eyes
Cons
- Can leave an oily residue on skin
Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Key ingredients: Lipids, emollients | Fragrance-free: No | Size: 6.7 oz.
What made it a winner: The classic Lancôme eye makeup remover solidified its gold standard status in GH Beauty Lab testing by thoroughly melting away even stubborn waterproof makeup, including mascara and eyeliner. Testers gave it a perfect score for fully removing makeup, and 100% agreed it wasn't messy, worked quickly and didn't aggravate skin or eyes.
Although many eye makeup removers are fragrance-free, this has a floral scent that testers rated highly. Two drawbacks are the higher price and that testers found it left their skin oily.
Testers said: Dr. Stokkermans recommends this "professional-grade" formula for waterproof and long-wear makeup and likes that it "requires one shake to activate and leaves skin conditioned." Consumer testers marveled at how fast this dissolved their eye makeup: "It took my mascara and eyeliner off with one to two swipes of a cotton ball," one said. Another echoed: "I only needed one swipe to remove my makeup."
RELATED: Best Waterproof Eyeliners
Pros
- Removed eye makeup in 3 swipes on average in Lab tests
- Rinses off effortlessly
- Doesn't cause breakouts or irritation
- Works as a full face cleanser and makeup remover
Cons
- May leave a residue on eyes after rinsing
Formula: Balm | Key ingredients: Plant oils | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 3.8 oz.
What made it a winner: Clinique's decadent cleansing balm was ace at getting rid of eye makeup in past GH Beauty Lab makeup remover testing. The solid formula got the best overall score in Lab testing for dissolving eyeliner, in only 3.3 swipes on average.
Despite its rich formula, 100% of testers agreed it washed off easily (although some noted it left residue on eyes) and didn't cause breakouts or irritation. The balm has a 100% SkinSafe score, which means it doesn't contain any of the top common allergens known to cause skin sensitivity.
Testers said: "My skin felt fresh and clean afterward and so soft!" a tester exclaimed. Another said: "This has earned a permanent place in my skincare routine." Dr. Stokkermans adds that this works for all skin types, including sensitive and "dissolves makeup without stripping skin."
RELATED: Best Cleansing Balms
Pros
- Doesn't irritate skin
- Applies easily and not tacky
- Leaves skin feeling smooth
Cons
- May not totally remove mascara
Formula: Oil | Key ingredients: Plant oils | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 5 oz.
What made it a winner: If you like the skin-pampering feel of oil cleansers, Curél is for you; the formula was a top performer in past GH Beauty Lab makeup remover testing. It scored best for not leaving skin sticky or irritated, although some users commented that it didn't fully remove their mascara.
Testers said: "I used a toner after this and there was no trace of makeup left on the cotton round," a tester revealed. Another raved about "the smoothness of application and of skin after using it."
RELATED: Best Cleansing Oils
Pros
- Easily and effectively removes regular and waterproof eye makeup
- Not drying on skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes
Cons
- Not created for full face application
Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Key ingredients: Skin conditioners | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 3.75 oz.
What made it a winner: A longtime industry favorite that's backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, Mary Kay's oil-free eye makeup remover effectively erases both regular and waterproof cosmetics. In studies, it easily removed eye makeup without tugging or pulling, felt comfortable on skin and no users experienced eye reactions, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed.
The formula is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin, but note that it's not meant for use all over the face.
Tester said: This "lightweight," "non-drying" remover is a beauty editor go-to; one who is a heavy makeup wearer has had it as part of her routine for years.
Pros
- Removes eye makeup fast
- Leaves skin feeling smooth
- No oily or tacky residue
- Works as a full face makeup remover and cleanser
Cons
- Doesn't claim to remove waterproof makeup
Formula: Balm | Key ingredients: Plant oils | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 2.2 oz.
What made it a winner: Coddle delicate mature skin with this "creamy" Hero Cosmetics cleansing balm, a top performer in the Beauty Lab's makeup remover test that received raves from testers. An impressive 100% of users agreed it dissolved makeup quickly and left skin feeling smooth after application yet not greasy or sticky. (Be aware that the formula doesn't claim to remove waterproof makeup.)
Testers said: There were many exclamations about this product in the tester comments, including "Love at first feel!" and "I could not believe how easily all of my makeup came off and my skin did not feel dry or taut!" Several also said that they would purchase it.
Pros
- Testers found it removes makeup quickly
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized
- Works as a full face makeup remover and cleanser
Cons
- May take time to remove from skin
Formula: Oil | Key ingredients: Plant oils | Fragrance-free: No | Size: 6 oz.
What made it a winner: Infused with several botanical oils (rice bran, evening primrose, jojoba), Mario Badescu's cleansing oil completely melts away even waterproof makeup while softening dehydrated skin. Testers gave it perfect marks for speedily dissolving makeup and leaving skin smooth, and 100% of users agreed it made skin feel hydrated. The oil-based formula could take more effort to remove and leave a greasy film behind.
Testers said: "My face didn't feel dry or tight," one noted, while another commented that it left her skin "smooth and moisturized."
Pros
- Tied for removing eye makeup quickest in Lab test
- 100% of testers said it didn't leave skin greasy
- Easy to apply and rinse
- Works as a full face makeup remover and cleanser
Cons
- Doesn't claim to remove waterproof makeup
Formula: Gel | Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5 | Fragrance-free: No | Size: 6.3 oz.
What made it a winner: No fear of greasy skin using this Neutrogena gel makeup remover and cleanser. In the Beauty Lab's makeup remover test, it tied for the best score for removing eyeliner quickly, in an average of 4.7 swipes. (See below for before and after eye makeup removal with the product.)
A full 100% of testers agreed it didn't leave skin feeling oily, spread smoothly on skin with no need for rubbing or tugging, rinsed easily and wasn't messy. Know that it doesn't claim to remove waterproof makeup and one tester reported it left their skin feeling dry.
Testers said: "Not heavy at all," "removed makeup totally," and "left my face feeling clean," three users commented.
RELATED: Best Face Washes for Oily Skin
Pros
- Effortless, mess-free application
- Removes makeup well (can be used on the full face and as a cleanser)
- Leaves skin feeling clean and fresh
- No greasy residue
Cons
- May take more than one application to get mascara off
Formula: Micellar water | Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5 | Fragrance-free: No | Size: 6.76 oz.
What made it a winner: Refresh and purify skin of cosmetics and grime by splashing on this no-rinse Vichy micellar water, which came out on top in past GH Beauty Lab makeup remover testing. It ranked highest for making skin feel clean and scored well for easy, no-mess application, effectively removing makeup (though it may take multiple applications to dissolve mascara), and not leaving an oily residue on skin.
Testers said: "It worked great to remove waterproof eyeliner and made my skin feel fresh," one reported. Two others noted that their skin felt "very clean" after use.
Pros
- Easily removed eye makeup in Lab tests
- Balm formula applies effortlessly
- Made skin look smooth
- Works as a full face makeup remover and cleanser
Cons
- Two testers reported breakouts after use
Formula: Balm | Key ingredients: Plant oils, peptides, ceramides |Fragrance-free: No | Size: 2 oz.
What made it a winner: Rich in skincare ingredients, e.l.f.'s buttery solid cleansing balm excelled at removing eye makeup with ease in past GH Beauty Lab testing. It wiped away eyeliner in 3.7 swipes on average in the Lab's assessment. A full 100% of testers agreed it spread on easily, left skin looking smooth and didn't sting eyes.
Testers said: Although two users found it caused breakouts, others raved that it left "no trace of raccoon eyes" and made skin look "clean and bright."
How we test eye makeup removers
The GH Beauty Lab tests eye makeup removers both in the Lab using scientific protocols and on consumer testers. In the most recent test, Beauty Lab experts narrowed 185 makeup remover submissions with a range of price points and formulas down to the top contenders.
These products were label-masked to prevent brand bias, then distributed to 59 testers, who used them in their routines for a set time period. Tester then report their feedback on product attributes (like scent and texture), ease of use, performance and effects on skin and eyes.
In the Lab, our scientists conduct a standardized swipe test to determine how many swipes are needed to fully remove both regular and waterproof eyeliner from skin using a precisely-measured amount of each makeup remover on a cotton pad (below). The test was repeated three times for each product and the recorded number of swipes for full makeup removal was averaged to determine which removed the makeup fastest.
To identify the winning products, Butler tallied the results of 39 swipe tests and 986 consumer survey responses, a total of 1,025 data points.
What to look for in the best eye makeup removers
GH Beauty Lab scientists and ophthalmologists suggest the following when picking the best eye makeup remover for you:
✔️ Seek out eye-specific claims. "Look for a product that says it can be used in the eye area," Butler says. "It's a good idea to use a separate eye makeup remover if you use eyeshadows, eyeliners or mascaras that are water-resistant or waterproof because they can be more difficult to remove." If you do use those, pick a remover with waterproof makeup-removing claims on the packaging.
✔️ Know the different formulas. Here are common types of eye makeup removers to choose from:
-Micellar waters: "These contain tiny oil molecules suspended in water that attract makeup and dirt," Dr. Stokkermans says.
-Oil-based liquids: Made with oils like jojoba and grapeseed, "they are particularly effective for waterproof makeup," he notes.
-Creams or lotions: "These formulations tend to be more hydrating and less likely to strip skin's natural oils," Dr. Stokkermans says.
-Balms: Solid formulas usually made with waxes and/or oils, they have a richer texture, Butler explains.
✔️ Consider your skin type.
-If you have dry or mature skin, oil-based, balm, lotion and cream formulas tend to be more hydrating, Dr. Stokkermans says; look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and plant oils.
-Those with sensitive skin or eyes should opt for eye makeup removers labeled "hypoallergenic" (meaning they've been tested for sensitivity), "fragrance-free" and "ophthalmologist-tested," he recommends.
-For oily skin, try a micellar water or gel, as they are "lightweight and non-greasy," Dr. Stokkermans says, or a formula labeled "oil-free."
✔️ Do a patch test. Before using any new eye makeup remover, patch test a dab of any new eye makeup remover on your wrist to check for irritation, he suggests.
What's the best way to remove eye makeup?
Dr. Stokkermans recommends this technique for thorough eye makeup removal:
- Apply eye makeup remover to a cotton pad or reusable cloth.
- Press gently against closed eye for 20 to 30 seconds to dissolve makeup (allow more time for waterproof eye makeup if needed).
- Wipe softly downward for upper lids and lashes, then upward for lower lashline.
- If needed, dip a clean cotton swab in the makeup remover then glide along the lashline to remove any remaining makeup.
- Rinse skin with lukewarm water, then pat it dry with a clean towel.
Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty and Personal Care Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she’s been doing hands-on testing of beauty products since 2022. She also covers aesthetic treatments like injectables and lasers. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims. When not at GH, you can find her wandering the beauty aisles of the drugstore.
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