Our Favorite CeraVe Makeup Removers Based on Your Skin Type

What Is Makeup Remover?

While makeup has its own uses and benefits, it’s not always the easiest to remove at the end of the day. This is especially true in the case of long-lasting, waterproof cosmetics, which can be hard to remove by normal facial cleansing alone. Stubborn makeup may cause you to scrub, rub, and tug at your skin, which can disrupt your skin’s protective barrier—especially around the delicate eye area. Plus, going to bed with makeup on can cause a build-up of pore-clogging residue and bacteria that may lead to skin concerns like acne blemishes and dullness.

Makeup removers are specifically formulated to break down and remove makeup, excess oil, and dirt from your skin—making them the ideal choice for removing makeup gently and efficiently. They come in many forms, giving you plenty of different options to consider when it comes to finding a makeup remover that fits your skin type, skin concerns, and lifestyle.

When should I use makeup remover in my skincare routine?

We recommend using makeup remover as the first step in your nighttime skincare routine, before cleansing. Some makeup removers need to be washed off after application, while others—like most liquid makeup removers—do not. Choosing your ideal product type can depend on when and where you plan to remove your makeup. Like with any skincare product, it’s important to only apply makeup remover per the instructions on the label, and avoid direct contact with your eyes.

Choosing a Makeup Remover by Makeup Type

Always check to determine whether your makeup remover is formulated to remove eye makeup, face makeup, or both. Since research shows that the skin around your eyes is the thinnest (and therefore the most delicate) skin on your face,¹ the best eye makeup removers are formulated to carefully address the needs of this area. Although it is possible for a face makeup remover to also be suitable for use around the eyes, some may be made with ingredients in concentrations that are too harsh for the delicate eye area. Additionally, some may require you to scrub in order to thoroughly remove your makeup. For this reason, we recommend that you choose a waterproof mascara remover that is formulated specifically as an eye makeup remover.

Choosing a Makeup Remover by Skin Type

In addition to choosing your preferred makeup remover type, it’s important to also choose one that’s formulated for your skin type, whether you have dry, normal, combination, or oily skin. For example, if you have dry or sensitive skin, it’s especially important to look for alcohol-free and fragrance-free formulas that won’t leave your skin feeling dry or stripped.

For skin that is oily or acne-prone, look for makeup removers that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores or trigger acne breakouts. CeraVe’s makeup-removing products meet all of the criteria mentioned above and more—making them suitable for many skin types and needs, including as a makeup remover for sensitive skin.

CeraVe Makeup Removers

CeraVe makeup removers are available in a range of options, including our makeup wipes, makeup-removing cleansing balm, and micellar water. Our makeup removers help skin to feel moisturized and nourished with hydration. They support a clean, healthy-looking complexion, while maintaining the protective skin barrier. Whatever your makeup-removing preferences are, there’s a CeraVe makeup remover to suit your needs. Below, you’ll find  a simple breakdown of each type of CeraVe makeup remover.

Our Pick for the Eye Area: Comforting Eye Makeup Remover

CeraVe Comforting Eye Makeup Remover is a gentle eye makeup remover for all skin types that comforts the skin, while effortlessly removing even the most stubborn eye makeup. This bi-phase formula features a gentle, milky texture that leaves your skin looking and feeling refreshed, without any greasy residue left behind. It’s also ophthalmologist-tested, allergy-tested, and suitable for use by contact lens wearers. For best results, use this bi-phase water and oil makeup remover as the first step in your CeraVe skincare routine to remove eye makeup before cleansing.

Our Favorite No-Rinse Micellar Water: Hydrating Micellar Water

As an ultra-gentle way to remove eye makeup, excess oil, and dirt without having to rinse, we recommend CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water. This 3-in-1 cleansing water effectively cleanses, hydrates, and removes makeup, while helping to maintain your protective skin barrier. Ophthalmologist-tested and gentle enough to use around sensitive eyes, CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water can be used in the morning and evening by shaking the bottle, saturating a cotton pad, and gently applying over your skin until it’s completely free of makeup and impurities.

Our Favorite Makeup-Removing Wipes: Hydrating Makeup Removing Plant-Based Wipes

Our Hydrating Makeup Removing Plant-Based Wipes make the perfect portable makeup remover option for all skin types. In addition to cleansing your skin of makeup, dirt and oil, these facial wipes help lock in hydration, leaving your skin feeling clean, moisturized, and refreshed—without a sticky or greasy feeling. Even better, CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Removing Plant-Based Wipes are accepted by the National Eczema Association, and are also biodegradable in a properly- maintained home compost.

Our Favorite Ultra-Gentle Towelette: Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths are a convenient, no-rinse makeup remover option that make taking off your makeup and washing your face simple. These ultra-gentle cloths effectively cleanse, while removing face and eye makeup—including waterproof mascara. They are also ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin. To use CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths, gently wipe your face with a towelette to remove dirt, face, and eye makeup—no need to rinse.

Our Favorite Cleansing Balm: Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm

Cleansing balms—like CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm—are commonly used as the first step in the popular two-step “double cleansing” method. Our cleanser balm is suitable for all skin types, with three essential ceramides and  jojoba oil. It features a pleasant texture that works to effectively dissolve long-wear makeup and foundation—with no greasy residue left after rinsing. After using this cleansing balm, follow with a water-soluble cleanser to complete your double cleansing routine, and the rest of your usual skincare steps—such as an anti-aging serum and moisturizer (with SPF for daytime).

Our Favorite Foaming Cleanser: Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser offers the best of both worlds when it comes to makeup-removing face cleansers: the benefits of a hydrating cream cleanser combined with a foaming formula that provides a refreshing skin feel. This cleanser begins as a cream before transforming to a soft foam when you lather it onto your skin with water. Suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin), this cleanser effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture or leaving it feeling tight and dry. In a consumer study, 100% of women* agreed that it instantly removes dirt, oil, pollution and facial makeup.

Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist for the best personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have around choosing the best makeup remover for your skin type and individual needs. To learn more about how to read CeraVe skincare labels, check out “Non-Comedogenic, Fragrance-Free, and Allergy-Tested Explained by the Experts.”