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15 eye makeup removers that melt away stubborn mascara, even on sensitive eyes – tried and tested
They start as little as £2.25
If you’re sick of fighting the good fight against waterproof mascara (so, everyone), it’s time to bag yourself an eye makeup remover that does all the hard work for you – without causing any irritation to your super delicate under-eye area.
It’s important you know that when it comes to waterproof mascara, long-wear eyeliners and other products that pass the test of time with flying colours, your regular micellar water may not be enough to cut it (albeit a few exceptions, see below).
Best makeup removers to remove stubborn mascara...
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Makeup slayers come in many different guises; from waters to balms, and bi-phase [they have a water and oil phase to remove makeup] to pampering oils.
First, you need to decide on the best formula for your skin type, and then you need to put it to the test with the hardiest mascara in your collection.
If you have to scrub or drag in order to free your lashes, then it’s really not worth your hard-earned pennies. The best remover will melt away mascara without any harsh rubbing required.
Finding the right product is even more critical if you suffer from eye sensitivity, so avoid removers containing harsh detergents such as sodium laureth sulfate in their ingredients list. Instead, find formulas that say “fragrance-free” and “hypoallergenic” on the bottle.
I’ve given more than my fair share of removers a go and settled on these winners. So wave goodbye to uncomfortable rubbing and tugging until your eyes are red, because these easily melt makeup. I also spoke with Nicola Alexander, Optometrist, Founder and CEO of Peep Club, to answer the FAQs when it comes to eye makeup removers and eye health.
Pros
- Feels gentle on the skin while thoroughly removing makeup
- Don't need to rinse off
- Affordable
Cons
- Will need to double cleanse if wearing a full face of makeup or SPF
What they say: “Our gentle Micellar Water cleanses skin of dirt, oil, SPF, pollution and dead skin cells. The gentle micelle technology helps remove up to 100% of your makeup in just 1 easy step.”
What we say: “Amongst so much exciting innovation, I still reach for a good ol’ bottle of Garnier Micellar Water – you just can’t go wrong with it! I mean, it’s dermatologist tested, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and Leaping Bunny Certified. Tick, tick, tick.
Soaked into a cotton round, I find this gentle formula sweeps away makeup (even waterproof) and always leaves my skin feeling refreshed. It also never makes my eyes sting, which many eye makeup removers fall guilty of.
I find it’s the easiest way to remove makeup when you’re feeling tired or pushed for time. And, beauty writer tip – I always find the best price on Amazon.
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid micellar water |
|---|
Removing mascara with the Garnier Micellar Water Cleansing Water
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Pros
- Melts away makeup and sunscreen
- Removes waterproof makeup and mascara
- Keeps the skin feeling hydrated – never stripped – after use
Cons
- May leave a film if not washed off properly
What they say: “The gentle yet effective formula nourishes the skin as it detoxifies. Featuring rice extracts and ginseng, the glow-boosting balm provides lasting hydration to the skin, while balancing and clarifying its appearance.”
What we say: “This pot of creamy, hydrating goodness removes every morsel of makeup with one swipe. I warm up a bit of the balm with my finger tips (probably about the size of a grape) and then massage it over my face and eyes. As I mix in a little warm water, you can see my foundation and waterproof mascara melting away from my face.
It also feels more balmy rather than oily, so it doesn’t leave behind a greasy slick but leaves my skin feeling wonderfully soft and plump. It also does a stellar job at breaking down my mascara. I just use a reusable cotton round to wipe it off my eyes.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Balm |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Rice extracts and ginseng |
Clare removing mascara with the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Pros
- The jelly-like texture is very hydrating and soothing
- Is suitable for sensitive and rosacea skin types
- Gently removes eye makeup with no need to rub
Cons
- It can sting slightly if product gets into the eyes
- The jelly texture can get a little messy when applying to a cotton round
What they say: “This micellar gel gently cleanses all types of impurities, immediately soothes and refreshes the skin, and lastingly reduces visible redness. It is specifically formulated for reactive sensitive skin, to help regulate the causes and and so the consequences of rosacea right from the cleansing stage.”
What we say: “This gel makeup remover is specifically formulated for those with sensitive skin or rosacea, and I can see why. Without diving into the ingredients list, I can tell how much the formula hydrates and soothes my skin as it swipes off makeup – plus, it has a refreshing sensation too. This is down to the brand’s Rosactiv 2.0 patented technology which targets redness and discomfort so you can cleanse without flaring up.
It’s great to use all over, but it does an impressive job at removing eye makeup. My advice is to soak a cotton round, hold it over your eye for a few seconds and gently wipe off excess mascara without rubbing.”
Key Specifications:
| Type | Micellar water |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Water and cucumber fruit extract |
Clare removing mascara with the Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Gel Soothing Makeup Remover.
Pros
- Gently breaks down mascara without needing to rub
- Feels incredibly hydrating and conditioning on the skin
- Doesn't cause stingy or irritated sensations
- It's a no-rinse formula
Cons
- Doesn't quite live up to the one-swipe claim in my opinion, but it's not far off
What they say: “Offering a one-swipe formula, the blend effortlessly removes all traces of foundation, mascara and lipstick. Enriched with ceramides, the makeup remover soothes as it cleanses, nourishing the skin to prevent it from feeling dry or stripped.”
What we say: “This has to be one of the most hydrating, gentle makeup removers I’ve come across. The silky lotion feels so delicate and creamy that you wouldn’t believe it does such a good job at removing makeup – yes, even mascara.
I wouldn’t say I get everything removed in one swipe, but it only requires a handful of gentle wiping (not rubbing) to remove all traces of makeup, mascara, dirt and sweat. It’s packed with ceramides and never makes my skin feel tight or eyes sting. Plus, you don’t have to rinse it off!”
Clare removing mascara with the Curél Hydrating Makeup Cleanser.
Pros
- It’s affordable
- Can be used on both face and eyes
- It’s super nourishing and gently melts off makeup
Cons
- Can leave a film over the eyes, only for a few seconds
What they say: “A solid cleansing balm that melts into a luxurious oil to easily melt away makeup.”
What we say: “I’ve always been a fan of this e.l.f. Holy Hydration Melting Cleansing Balm – I seriously think it rivals some of the spennier players on the market. It does a superior job at melting away foundation while leaving the skin feeling plump and hydrated, but it really impresses when it comes to removing eye makeup.
Mascara gently slips off the lashes with only a few soft rubbing motions, and then easily glides off with a wet flannel. My only gripe is the oil leaves a slight film over my eyes – which is common with cleansing balms – but this quickly fades after a few minutes.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Balm |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides |
Clare removing mascara with the e.l.f. Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Pros
- It's suitable for those with sensitive eyes
- Gently removes eye makeup, even waterproof
Cons
- It leaves a slight oily residue over the eyes
What they say: "Removes even waterproof mascara and soothes the delicate eye area, our makeup remover is gentle on your eye area. Made with the perfect blend of skin loving ingredients and added pro-vitamin B5, its gentle yet effective."
What we say: This has been a staple product on my shelf for years. It's amazingly refreshing and leaves your skin super soft after every use - never dry or tight. It never irritates my eyes, but it's super effective, so I never have to rub or pull at my lashes, even when I'm wearing waterproof mascara. Helps that you can pick one up in almost any shop, too.
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Vitamin E and B5 |
Clare removing mascara with the Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make Up Remover
Pros
- Gently removes eye makeup without irritation
- Dermatologist approved
- Free from fragrance
Cons
- The packaging doesn’t “wow” on the shelf
What they say: “A makeup remover specifically formulated for sensitive eyes that is extra-gentle and effectively removes makeup.”
What we say: “Okay so this may not be the best eye makeup remover in terms of ~ vibes ~ as it looks like something your dermatologist may approve of. Well, that’s because, they do. Formulated without preservatives and fragrances, this gentle water melts away eye makeup effectively, while keeping they eyes soothed and free from irritation.”
Features at a Glance
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, pro vitamin B5, and manuka honey |
Pros
- Contains comfrey root extract and pro-vitamin B5 to nourish while you remove makeup
- Melts off waterproof makeup
Cons
- You only get 100ml of product
What they say: "This non-oily cleanser gently removes makeup in seconds and conditions lashes and lids. It is light and soothing. Fragrance and colour-free."
What we say: “I can’t rave about this eye makeup remover enough. Not only does it do what it says on the tin, aka remove every last trace of makeup in one single swipe, but it’s also enriched with pro-vitamin B5 and comfrey root extract, which nourish and hydrate as they clean. I love that it comes in a travel-sized bottle too, so I can bring it anywhere I go.”
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Milky cleanser |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Pro-vitamin B5 and comfrey root extract |
Pros
- Quickly and gently dissolves waterproof makeup
- Contains pro‑vitamin B5 to condition the lashes
Cons
- It's not cheap!
What they say: "For heavy or water-resistant makeup. A bi-phase lotion which instantly removes all traces of eye makeup, including long-wearing and waterproof formulas."
What we say: This is one of the most effective eye makeup removers out there – it swipes stubborn makeup off without rubbing. The only downside is that it's been recently reformulated with a light fragrance.
While this has that lovely luxe association of the brand, it's not necessarily what you want to apply to your eyes - though it may not bother some people.
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Yellow gentian extract, panthenol, cornflower extract |
Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup Melting Cleanser
Pros
- The jelly-to-oil consistency helps to remove stubborn makeup
- It doesn’t leave a greasy slick or cloud up the eyes
Cons
- It's a spennier option
What they say: "A unique jelly texture that transforms into a lightweight oil that sloughs away everything from makeup to sunscreen to dirt, all without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight."
What we say: The plump jelly-like formula left skin feeling refreshed and silky-smooth, while effectively powering through everything from waterproof mascara to long-wear liquid eyeliner speedily – no excessive rubbing of your eyes happening with this guy. The best bit? It didn't cloud up my contact lenses after using; a rarity in the world of cleansers, trust.
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Jelly-to-oil cleanser |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Kalahari melon, castor, sunflower and baobab oils – and shea butter |
Vichy Pureté Thermale Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover
Pros
- A gentle and effective eye makeup remover that even works on waterproof mascara
- Contains Vichy Thermal Spa Water to protect and nourish the lashes
Cons
- It's a small, 100ml bottle
What they say: "A non-greasy bi-phase eye makeup remover that can dissolve even waterproof formulas with zero irritation."
What we say: A refreshing formula that removed my waterproof mascara with far more ease than other pricer formulas. It's also great for removing stubborn liquid lipsticks.
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Taurine, arginine and Vichy’s Mineralizing Thermal Water |
Pros
- It does a stellar job at melting mascara, just keep in mind it leaves a slight oily residue
Cons
- It isn't as effective on heavier eye makeup
What they say: "Gently lifts away even waterproof make-up, without rubbing, over-drying or uncomfortable tightness. Fortified with naturally derived arginine to protect and care for your lashes, you can experience a purified, cleansed eye area."
What we say: This hybrid formula fortifies your lashes as it sweeps away stubborn makeup like it's nothing. It is quite oily, but I reckon that's why it's so effective at getting everything off. If the residue is a bit much for you, just sweep it off using a cotton pad covered in micellar water.
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Arginine (an amino acid) |
Pros
- It melts away all kinds of makeup
- Leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturised
- It is fragrance-free
Cons
- It sits on the expensive side – but can be used as an eye and facial cleanser
What they say: "Formulated with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and oils to help soothe, plus a nourishing African oil blend, Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser cleanses and moisturises without any irritants or sensitisers."
What we say: A balm-like consistency that glides on like a dream and emulsifies well with a few drops of water. Take the time to massage it in using your fingertips, and be prepared for some lingering residue on the skin once you’ve washed it off (which you’ll appreciate if cleansing usually leaves you tight and dried out). If you have sensitive skin and worry about stripping its natural oils, you’re in safe hands with this buttery delight.
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Balm, butter |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Fatty acids, omegas, vitamins, and antioxidants |
Pros
- Gently dissolves makeup in only a few swipes
- It's affordable and accessible
Cons
- It may feel a little drying on those with sensitive skin
What they say: "The two-phase formula removes even waterproof eye makeup and won't irritate the sensitive eye area. The clever aqueous phase protects and cares for the eyes and lashes, and leaves zero oil residue."
What we say: This zaps all eye makeup without having to rub your eyes to death, is a total winner for seriously sensitive eyes, is fragrance-free (as it should be) and leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean, without that annoying greasy feeling. Oh, and did I mention it's under £5? Job done.
Key Specifications:
| Type: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | B7 vitamin and cornflower extract |
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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