8 Best Natural Makeup Removers for Taking The Day Off

by Katie Andrade April 27, 2022

It's finally that time of day. You're rocking your favorite sweatsuit, taking up your spot on the couch, and binge-watching the latest Netflix series only to realize you still haven't taken off your makeup—yikes!

You likely do one of two things: force yourself up to grab a single-use makeup wipe from the bathroom for a quick (dare we say, lazy) fix, or you spend a solid few minutes tugging at your face and eyes (hello waterproof mascara!) with your old-school makeup remover that just isn't cutting it.

Or, worst-case scenario—you can't even be bothered to use a makeup remover or wash your face and head to bed as is.

If you have said yes to any of these scenarios, it's time to rethink how you remove your makeup—it is the first and most essential step of any evening skincare routine and should be treated as such!

Not removing your makeup properly before applying your skincare can lead to other problems, such as breakouts, buildup, and dullness, and can even set skin up for signs of premature aging (oh no!). And no one appreciates a pillow full of makeup streaks and mascara boogers in the morning.

Since water itself doesn't do the trick (if only it were that easy!), makeup removers rely on solvents—often oil-based—to dissolve makeup. While that works great, most makeup removers also contain sensitizing chemicals, natural dyes, and drying alcohols that only further sting your eyes and irritate your skin.

The clean beauty world has your solution to your makeup remover-woes—natural formulas that harness the power of pure oils and nourishing botanicals to slough away stubborn makeup without impacting the state of your skin.

Ready to look forward to taking your makeup off at the end of the day? Check out our list of the best makeup removers!

Best Cleansing Makeup Remover

True Botanicals - Ginger Tumeric Cleansing Balm

Price: $48

After a long day, taking your makeup off can feel like a chore. Luckily, this soothing cleansing balm does it all in one simple step so you can get back some time at the end of a busy day. If you’re a fellow lazy girl like me, this is the product for you. What’s not to love about a 3-in-1 formula that effectively eliminates makeup, SPF, dirt and impurities— all while hydrating your skin?! It may sound too good to be true, but trust us, this works wonders!

Taking your makeup off shouldn’t strip your skin. This cleansing balm is packed with gentle exfoliants and plant-based nourishing ingredients to feed your face with vitamins. Yucca extract clears impurities and congestion while brightening turmeric and ginger root imparts a deep dose of antioxidants to ensure your complexion stays clean and clear.

Dare I say you may even look forward to taking your makeup off?



Best Natural Makeup Remover Wipes

Kaia Naturals - The Vitamin Cleanse Wipes

Price: $10

Review: 4.7/5

Can't quit the single-use makeup remover wipe but trying to limit the constant toss-out? We've got just the solution!

Crafted from 100% biodegradable and compostable unbleached bamboo, these vitamin-rich and sunflower oil-soaked makeup remover wipes from Kaia Naturals gently sweep away makeup and impurities while refreshing your complexion.

Perfect on the go, thanks to the brand's nifty 10-pack and safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, these wipes will become your new go-to whenever you need a quick-fix—think travel, work, or the gym.

The best part? You can plant the used makeup remover wipe afterward to decompose.

Talk about a no-waste wonder!





Best Natural Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

MV Skintherapy - Gentle Cream Cleanser

Price: $52

Review: 4.9/5

After cleansing and using a makeup remover, does your skin turn red, irritated, and dry? Not all hope is lost—you just need to invest in a good cream cleanser.

This gentle, cult-favorite formula from the sensitive-skin friendly brand, MV Skintherapy , features a luscious, buttery-rich texture that comforts and soothes irritated skin.

A trio of natural oils—organic coconut oil, camellia oil, and olive oil—dissolve eye makeup with ease while cleansing the skin.

Then there's the calming blend of essential oils (hi, rose, chamomile, and mandarin) that sets the mood for an evening pampering session.

Perfect for all skin types and textures, we love massaging it onto the face and then using damp, warm-to-hot muslin cloth as a compressor ( the one from MV is the best), giving yourself a mini facial, and using it to wipe away the excess product.

And unlike other cream cleansers, it does not leave behind any residue or greasy feel.

A true staple in any routine!





Best Natural Makeup Remover for Oily Skin

Odacité - Blue Aura Cleansing Water

Price: $39

Review: 4.7/5

Have you ever used a makeup remover only to find that it leaves an oil-slick feel on your skin that enhances your oily complexion? Time to try cleansing water.

This powerful, rinse-free cleanser from the French-California brand, Odacité , is your solution to removing makeup without the inevitable greasy residue that follows.

Energized by purifying Ayurvedic herbs plus aloe vera juice, it instantly sweeps away dirt, makeup, and pollution in one easy step.

It's also infused with oil-soluble salicylic acid and naturally astringent witch hazel to help stop pore-clogging bacteria in its tracks, making it effective for acne-prone skin.

Simply saturate a cotton pad (we recommend these reusable ones ) and sweep it over your face to cleanse—we don't blame you for finding pleasure in seeing all the impurities on the pad afterward.

It's also a great first step in a double-cleanse routine, following it with either a non-drying gel or foaming face wash to really deep clean post-makeup removal.

Heads up: The brand does caution avoiding use around the eye area so you'll need to sub in an eye makeup remover if required!





Best Natural Makeup Remover for Dry Skin

Province Apothecary - Moisturizing Cleanser + Make Up Remover

Price: $20

Review: 4.7/5

An oil cleanser for a makeup remover? Truly game changing.

Since oil dissolves oil, it's the best way to take the day off without drying out your skin or throwing off your skin's natural ph.

This best-selling cleanser from Canadian-darling, Province Apothecary , contains a blend of natural oils, including raspberry oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil, that clears makeup and congestion without stripping essential moisture.

Lavender helps heal blemishes, while a blend of aromatherapeutic essential oils helps calm any nerves, setting you up for a relaxing evening ahead.

Warm a few drops in the palm of your hand and massage into your skin using circular motions. Remove it with a damp face cloth for a residue-free finish and light exfoliation—win-win!





Best Natural Makeup Remover for Waterproof Mascara

Living Libations - Best Skin Ever - Seabuckthorn

Price: $60

Review: 4.8/5

So you're taking off your makeup, and everything is going well until you get to your eyes—eek!

From pesky waterproof mascara to heavy eyeliner, it sometimes feels impossible to get it all off with traditional makeup remover without scrubbing and tugging on your eyelids (which is a faux pas for the delicate skin around the area!)

It's time to switch your approach and opt for an oil cleanser to dissolve eye makeup without as much effort.

Think about it—most eye makeup is formulated with lots of emollient, oil-rich ingredients and oil dissolve oil, so it's a no-brainer.

This all-around favorite from Living Libations is a whiz at cleansing, removing, and moisturizing skin all in one product.

Bioavailable ingredients like sea buckthorn oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil sink deeply into the skin's lipid layer, delivering antioxidants, omegas, and fatty acids to dull tissue and bringing unwanted impurities to the surface.

Perfect for balancing your skin's pH and supporting cellular turnover, it's golden oil you've been looking for.

Your eyelids and lashes will thank you!





Best Natural Makeup Remover for Contact Lenses

Ere Perez - Ginkgo Micellar Water

Price: $30

Review: 4.6/5

Micellar waters have been all the rage ever since our chic friends from France introduced them as a way to cleanse the skin without the harsh effects of hard water taking a toll.

Combining purified water and hydrating ingredients that naturally group to form molecules called micelles, micellar water effortlessly pulls makeup and impurities from the skin with no need to rinse.

Sounds ideal, right? Well, there are still many formulas with harsh chemicals and alcohols that can further strip and irritate our skin but don't worry, we've got just the clean alternative for you.

This natural micellar water from beloved Australian makeup brand, Ere Perez , removes face and eye makeup with ease while gently cleansing skin—talk about a true multitasker!

A duo of hydrating aloe vera and antioxidant-rich ginkgo Biloba (an ancient Chinese tree renowned for its healing capabilities) nourishes and protects the moisture barrier, leaving skin balanced and calm.

The best part? It's 100% alcohol-free and safe enough for sensitive skin, including those wearing contacts who require extra special care around the eye area.





Best Natural Makeup Remover Overall

One Love Organics - Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover

Price: $42

Review: 4.8/5

If there's one product we'd recommend for all your makeup removing needs, it would be this beloved cleansing oil from One Love Organics .

With almost 400 five-star reviews on our site, it's clearly a crowd-pleaser and lives up to its makeup remover claims.

What are those claims, you ask? Effortlessly rinses away makeup, toxins, and impurities without stripping your skin.

It features a skin-softening base of sunflower oil, plus naturally exfoliating papain and other naturally cleansing oils (hi, papaya and pumpkin!)

The result? Skin that feels polished, refreshed, and nourished without a trace of makeup or residue in sight.

Universal enough for all skin types to enjoy, it's best applied to dry skin first and then activated with warm water to turn it into satisfying milk.

Once you've massaged it into the skin, rinse clean with water or use it alone on a cotton square to remove makeup—no rinsing required!

So what are you waiting for? It's time you experience the hype yourself.


How we chose the best makeup removers on this list

These natural makeup removers were meticulously curated by our team of experts based on their innovation, performance, and buzz-worthiness. At the Detox Market, all of the products we carry have pure ingredients, exceptional performance, and cruelty free formulations. We've been the trusted clean beauty experts for over a decade, cutting through the clean beauty noise and providing you with nothing but the best in green beauty. You can learn more about our commitment to clean beauty here .

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