Finding the perfect eye-makeup remover shouldn’t feel like a personal odyssey, but if you wear mascara and have sensitive eyes, you already know it absolutely can be. I’ve spent years testing formulas that promised to be gentle, only to end up with watering eyes, stinging lids or residue all over my contact lenses. And on the other end of the spectrum are the removers that are soothing, but require so many cotton pads and so much rubbing that the whole process becomes a chore. That fine line between comfort and efficacy is exactly what can make finding the best eye makeup remover a tough task.
We talk endlessly about long-wear formulas in makeup—the waterproof mascaras, the 24-hour eyeliners, and the no-fade shadows, but what we sometimes forget is that long-wear makeup doesn’t just disappear. It has to come off, and the more durable your eye makeup, the smarter and harder-working your remover needs to be. The last thing you want at the end of a long day is a formula that has you scrubbing at your lashes with a flannel, or that leaves a tell-tale smudge in the morning because it didn’t finish the job.
For anyone (but those of us with reactive eyes in particular), the ideal remover needs to check three very specific boxes at once: quick and easy to use, effective at breaking down waterproof formulas and long-lasting pigments and soothing enough to avoid redness, stinging, or irritation. You’d think this trifecta would be standard by now, but in actual fact, finding a formula that nails all three is surprisingly rare.
I tested a wide range of eye-makeup removers, from pharmacy staples to luxe bi-phase blends and newer hybrid formulas to find the ones that actually deliver. Whether you’re someone who wears a single coat of mascara or you’re committed to a full-glam eye-makeup look, there’s an option here that will melt your makeup away without compromising the delicate skin around your eyes.
Why Is It Important to Remove Eye Makeup Properly?
"It's really important for your eye, eyelash and eyelid health to remove makeup correctly," says ophthalmology advanced clinical practitioner, Bridie Bukorovic-Shipman. "The immediate eye area is a very well-balanced ecosystem, in that we have little oil glands in between each eyelash that produce oil. This area is also home to microscopic mites that live on the skin and eat the oil we produce. If this oil isn't removed or if you get a buildup of oil due to poor eye hygiene and not removing eye makeup properly, this can cause problems."
In addition, Bukorovic-Shipman advises that leaving mascara and eyeliner on for too long can block the oil glands, leading to congestion along the lash line, which then results in an overpopulation of mites, which causes irritation and redness, and can lead to sore, dry eyes and problems with lash growth. "Eyeliner is particularly important to remove because it's right at the base where the mites live, but this also means it can be harder to remove," she adds.
How Should You Choose an Eye Makeup Remover?
"The best eye-makeup removers to use are bi-phase or oil-based formulas, which can remove oil-based debris and break down waterproof makeup," says Bukorovic-Shipman. "These are much more gentle on the eye, and because they're so effective, you don't need to scrub at the eye area, which can itself cause irritation."
"Providing that you have no allergy to tea tree, a tea tree oil-based eye-makeup remover can be great as the ingredient is particularly effective against the mites, but be sure to use an eye-specific product as tea tree can cause irritation itself," she adds. "And above all, make sure everything you use is ophthalmologist-approved, as this will mean it is at the right pH for the eye and is less likely to sting or cause any problems."
How Should You Remove Eye Makeup?
Bukorovic-Shipman recommends soaking your cotton pad in the remover and hold it on each eyes for 30 seconds in order to melt the makeup off rather than rubbing at the eye. "For particularly stubborn makeup along the water line, use a cotton bud to weave in between lashes and along the lash line."
The Best Eye-Makeup Removers
- Best Overall Eye-Makeup Remover: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Eye Makeup Remover
- Best for Sensitive Skin and Eyes: La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
- Best Affordable Eye-Makeup Remover: Sephora Collection Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
- Best Luxury Eye-Makeup Remover: Chanel Démaquillant Yeux Intense Gentle Biphase Eye Makeup Remover
- Best Multi-Tasking Eye-Makeup Remover: Glossier Milky Oil Dual-Phase Waterproof Makeup Remover
- Best for Waterproof Eye-Makeup: Origins Well Off Fast and Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
- Best for Sore and Irritated Eyes: Optase Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Cleansing Gel
1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Eye Makeup Remover
Much like the brand's cult makeup-removing micellar water, this eye makeup remover is a great all-rounder. Effective and powerful when it comes to breaking down mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow, yet gentle and soothing on eyes—it's perfect for all skin types and for removing all (including stubborn and waterproof) eye makeup formulas.
Pros
- Gentle and soothing
- No greasy residue
Cons
- None
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Respectissime Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover
While this eye makeup remover effectively removes waterproof and long-wear eye makeup (thanks to its bi-phase formula), it's also one of the best options for those with sensitive, easily-irritated eyes or anyone who has particularly delicate and reactive skin in the eye area.
Pros
- Extremely gentle, even for sensitive eyes and contact lens-wearers
Cons
- Smaller bottle size than many drugstore removers
3. Sephora Collection Express Waterproof Makeup Remover
If you wear mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow frequently or prefer a heavy eye makeup look, then chances are you want a cheap and cheerful formula that you don't need to be frugal with. At just £5, this is the perfect option for daily use, but it may not be suitable for those with sensitive eyes and skin.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sufficient for everyday makeup removal
Cons
- May struggle with truly waterproof or long-wear eye makeup
- Can cause stinging on sensitive eyes
4. Chanel Démaquillant Yeux Intense Gentle Biphase Eye Makeup Remover
Chanel's eye makeup remover has something of a cult following from makeup obsessives—it works quick and breaks down even stubborn waterproof formulas. The effectiveness and comfortable feel totally justify the premium price point.
Pros
- Luxury feel and high-quality bi-phase formula
- Leaves eyelids feeling soft, clean, and comfortable
Cons
- High price point
- Contains fragrance
5. Glossier Milky Oil Dual-Phase Waterproof Makeup Remover
This soothing formula combines micellar water and light oil to break down and remove eye makeup effectively but gently. It can also be used across the face to remove foundation, so if you're a one-and-done kind of person, this one is for you.
Pros
- Doesn’t sting or leave greasy residue
- Can be used all over the face
Cons
- May not be as effective at removing waterproof mascara
- Small bottle size
6. Origins Well Off Fast and Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
This underrated formula earns a spot because it's gentle yet effective at removing eye makeup quickly, including heavy application, false lash glue and waterproof mascara—and it doesn't sting or leave a greasy residue.
Pros
- Quick removal process
Cons
- Expensive price point
7. Optase Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Cleansing Gel
If you're prone to eye irritation or currently experiencing issues then a pharmacy formula like this will soothe and calm your eyes as well as helping with long-term eye health. It's not strictly a makeup remover, so won't remove heavy and waterproof formulas, but is fine for everyday use.
Pros
- Very effective at improving issues like irritation, itchiness and chronic eyelid conditions
Cons
- May not be enough to remove heavy waterproof formulas
How We Tested
To find the best eye makeup removers, we tested each product over several weeks on a range of skin and eye sensitivities, makeup types and daily routines. We used the removers on light, everyday makeup as well as long-wear and waterproof formulas to assess speed, effectiveness and residue. We considered texture, scent, ease of use and any irritation or stinging.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.