13 Gentle Makeup Removers That Actually Work on Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin

Even though I’ve narrowly escaped the perils of winter breakouts, sensitivity is still something I along with a lot of other people face. Retinol has been a gift and a curse to my face. Yes, it made my complexion even-toned and smooth AF, but now I can’t throw just any face mask on at the end of the day. What’s even worse is that makeup wipes have become pretty much obsolete in my bathroom because they literally hurt to the touch. So now here I am, doing the leg work for you and I by tracking down gentle makeup removers that actually work.

But first things first. According to Cayli Cavaco Reck, Founder and Creator of Knockout Beauty, what causes acne and sensitivity to flare aren’t inadequate makeup removers. It’s actually good old fashioned improper cleansing. “Leftover cleanser or residue is a great way to ensure you will break out,” she says. “The best way to ensure you won’t break out is to wash your face morning and night.” She also reiterates that a makeup wipe or remover does not wash your face. You still need to cleanse after, preferably with a pH-balanced formula to dry skin.

For sensitive or acne-prone skin specifically, cleansing oils or waters combined with a cleanser are the easiest and safest route. “I really only like the pre-cleansing oil from Environ for serious makeup removal, but honestly I need to wear a lot of makeup on set and I never use a makeup remover,” says Reck of her recommendations. “I just use a great cleanser like January Labs Pure and Gentle Cleansing Gel ($32), Kat Rudu Coco Cleanser ($48), Environ Low Foam, or the Colbert MD Gel ($60), which is amazing.”

Pair any of these gentle formulas with Reck’s go-to cleansers and you’re as good as gold. 

Environ.

Environ Pre-Cleansing Oil

$39.99 at Concept Skin Care

Garnier.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

$8.99 at Ulta

Dermalogica.

Dermalogica Precleanse Balm

$45 at Dermalogica

Caudalie.

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water

$28 at Sephora

Clinique.

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover

$19.50 at Clinique

Avene.

Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion

$24 at Dermstore

Tatcha.

Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil

$48 at Tatcha

REN Skincare.

REN Gentle Cleansing Milk

$32 at Sephora

Lancome Paris.

Lancome Paris Bi-Facil Micellar Water

$40 at Lancome

Farmacy.

Farmacy Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

$34 at Farmacy

Paula’s Choice.

Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover

$12.80 at Paula’s Choice

Glossier.

Glossier Milky Oil

$12 at Glossier

Origins.

Origins Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly

$23 at Sephora