Non-Toxic Makeup Remover
Incorporate non-toxic makeup remover into your nightly skin care routine to take off your makeup the healthy way. From makeup wipes to oil-based remover to acne-safe formulas, I’ve found the best non-toxic makeup remover brands for face and eye makeup.
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If you want healthy and radiant skin, going to bed without removing your makeup is a major no-no. In fact, removing your makeup should be an integral part of your nightly skin care routine. By incorporating makeup removal into your nightly routine, you help to maintain healthy, clear, and youthful-looking skin.
Why is Removing Makeup Before Bed So Important?
It prevents clogged pores
Makeup can clog your pores if not removed at night, which can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts.
It allows skin to breathe
Skin undergoes a renewal process at night. Leaving makeup on may prevent the skin from regenerating effectively, potentially leading to dullness and other skin issues.
It reduces risk of infections
Sleeping with makeup on can increase the risk of bacterial infections, especially around the eyes. Who wants redness, irritation, styes or conjunctivitis from sleeping with makeup on?
It prevents premature aging
Makeup and environmental pollutants can contribute to oxidative stress on the skin, leading to the breakdown of collagen. This can accelerate the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
It maintains skin hydration
Many makeup products can be drying if left on the skin overnight.
It Enhances the Effectiveness of Skincare Products
Clean skin allows better absorption of nighttime skincare products like serums and moisturizers, enhancing their effectiveness.
It prevents eye irritation
Eye makeup can cause irritation or allergic reactions if left on overnight. It can also lead to lash breakage and weaken the delicate skin around the eyes.
What is Makeup Remover?
Makeup remover is a skincare product specifically designed to dissolve and remove makeup from the skin, including the face, eyes, and lips. It helps ensure that all traces of makeup are thoroughly cleaned off, preventing clogged pores and allowing the skin to breathe and regenerate.
Different Types of Makeup Removers
Cleansing Oils are oil-based removers that lift makeup out of the pores and dissolve makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. They are particularly effective for dry or sensitive skin, and they work really well for removing waterproof makeup. To use, apply a few pumps to your hand and work the product around your face, including your eyes. Rinse well.
Micellar Water is a gentle, water-based cleanser that contains micelles (tiny oil molecules) suspended in soft water. It’s effective for removing light makeup and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. To use, saturate a cotton round with micellar water and gently wipe away makeup. For stubborn eye makeup, hold a saturated cotton ball on your eye for 15-20 seconds, then swipe away, There’s no need to rinse!
Cleansing Balms are solid cleansers that melt into an oil upon contact with the skin, effectively removing makeup and impurities. They work well for dry skin and heavy makeup.
Makeup Removing Wipes are moistened wipes that provide a convenient option for removing makeup quickly. They may not be as thorough as other methods and can sometimes cause irritation or dryness if used frequently. They’re also not very earth-friendly, so use them if you’re just too tired for your full skincare routine at night.
Cleansing Milks are creamy, gentle cleansers that effectively remove makeup while providing moisture to the skin. They are suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
Foaming Cleansers create a lather when mixed with water and are effective for removing makeup and deep cleansing. They are better suited for oily or combination skin.
What’s The Difference Between Cleanser And Makeup Remover?
A cleanser is used to wash away dirt, makeup, oil and other impurities from the skin and sometimes contain more astringent ingredients that can strip away the skin’s natural oils. Some cleansers are designed to both cleanse and remove makeup.
Clean skin allows better absorption of nighttime skincare products like serums and moisturizers, enhancing their effectiveness.
Makeup remover is specifically designed to remove makeup from the skin. Makeup remover typically contains ingredients like oils and emollients that dissolve and break down makeup.
What Ingredients To Avoid In Makeup Remover
When choosing a non-toxic makeup remover, it’s important to be aware of potentially harmful chemicals that can negatively affect your skin and overall health. Here are some chemicals to avoid (find more information about why these chemicals are harmful in the FAQ at the end of this post):
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Synthetic Fragrance
- Formaldehyde Releasing Agents
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs)
- Artificial dyes
- Mineral Oil
- BHA & BHT
- Phenoxyethanol
Whether you’re removing clean eyeliner, clean & non-toxic mascara, or any other non-toxic makeup, it’s important to use non-toxic makeup remover and face cleanser in order to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals. Look below for clean and non-toxic makeup removers that are formulated with gentle, toxin-free ingredients that work to remove even your most stubborn makeup.
Non-toxic Makeup Remover
Beauty by Earth
Beauty by Earth Makeup Remover
Cost | $21.99 for 4.7 oz ($4.68 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains no pore clogging ingredients
Formula | not oil-based
Highlights | This natural makeup remover features sweet orange oil, aloe vera, witch hazel, green tea extract and cucumber fruit extract and is carefully formulated to gently and naturally remove makeup.
Shop | Beauty by Earth Makeup Remover
Acure
Acure Seriously Soothing Jelly Milk Makeup Remover
Cost | $11.79
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | jelly formula, not oil-based
Highlights | This gentle cleanser dissolves oil, dirt and water-proof makeup while keeping skin conditioned and soft.
Shop | Acure Seriously Soothing Jelly Milk Makeup Remover
Hero
Hero Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm
Cost | $17.99 for 2.2 oz ($3.51 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains no pore clogging ingredients
Formula | not oil-based
Highlights | Dissolve Away is the daily cleansing balm that gently helps remove makeup, grime, and excess oil. It’s suitable for acne-prone skin and won’t clog pores.
Shop | Hero Dissolve Away Cleansing Balm
Honest
Honest Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser
Cost | $19.99 for 4 oz ($5.00 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains no pore clogging ingredients
Formula | gel formula, not an oil-based formula
Highlights | This gel-to-milk cleanser is the perfect first step in your double-cleansing routine. It effortlessly melts away makeup and impurities from your face, and leaves skin feeling healthy and moisturized. Rose essential water soothes the skin.
Shop | Honest Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser
withSimplicity
withSimplicity Makeup Remover
Cost | $26 for 4 oz ($6.50 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | oil-based formula
Highlights | This gentle, oil-based formula effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Sweet almond oil and jojoba oil work together to hydrate and soothe your skin while effectively removing even the toughest of makeup, while chamomile and lavender essential oils calm the skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Shop | withSimplicity Makeup Remover
One Love Organics
One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Cost | $42 for 4 oz ($10.50 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | oil-based formula
Highlights | This non-stripping, clean-rinsing oil cleanser that lifts away makeup and impurities while upholding the skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance. Designed with dry, dehydrated skin in mind yet effective for all skin types, it leaves the skin feeling truly fresh, clean and makeup-free.
Shop | One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Ilia
Ilia Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover
Cost | $32 for 6.76 oz ($4.73 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains no pore clogging ingredients
Formula | foaming formula, not oil-based
Highlights | This foaming facial cleanser removes makeup, mineral SPF, and pollution without stripping. Respects pH for a healthy skin barrier. Replenishes hydration that’s normally lost during cleansing. Rinses clean to leave skin soft and refreshed.
Shop | Ilia Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover
Dore
Dore Micellar Botanical Cleansing Water
Cost | $24 for 14.3 oz ($1.68 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains no pore clogging ingredients
Formula | not oil-based
Highlights | A soothing rinse-free everyday micellar cleansing water formulated with antioxidant properties to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup, while soothing tired, puffy, irritated skin with a gentle burst of hydration. La Micellaire contains cleansing micelles that powerfully attract dirt particles and leaves your skin feeling hydrated with no stickiness. EWG verified.
Shop | Dore Micellar Botanical Cleansing Water
Grown Alchemist
Grown Alchemist Detox Eye Makeup Remover
Cost | $35 for 3.38 oz ($10.36 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | oil-based formula
Highlights | A highly effective 100% natural, dual-activated formulation that dissolves and removes waterproof mascara and make-up without causing dryness while detoxing and noticeably protecting sensitive facial skin around the eyes from premature aging.
Shop | Grown Alchemist Detox Eye Makeup Remover
Suntegrity
Suntegrity Organic Makeup Oil Cleanser & Remover
Cost | $39 for 2 oz ($19.50 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | oil-based formula
Highlights | Wash away stubborn mineral sunscreen, makeup and dirt without damaging your skin’s natural protective barrier with this makeup remover. Formulated with certified organic olive, jojoba, sunflower and camellia oils, this vegan-friendly cleanser is extra gentle on delicate skin and eye area.
Shop | Suntegrity Organic Makeup Oil Cleanser & Remover
Fitglow
Fitglow Makeup Cleansing Oil
Cost | $48 for 2.7 oz ($17.78 per ounce)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | oil-based formula
Highlights | This makeup remover leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated, and is formulated with nourishing and antioxidant-rich ingredients like cloudberry, known for its ability to deeply moisturize and visibly improve redness and irritation. Lightweight camellia oil lends a calming and soothing feel, while watermelon seed oil gives skin a detoxified sensation and clear, radiant appearance.
Shop | Fitglow Makeup Cleansing Oil
Dr. Alkaitis
Dr. Alkaitis Restoring Eye + Face Makeup Remover
Cost | $55 for 2 oz ($27.50)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | oil-based formula
Highlights | This all-in-1 makeup remover, containing 7 deeply regenerative 100% cold pressed edible plant oils, effectively cleanses and removes makeup from even the most sensitive and delicate skin.
Shop | Dr. Alkaitis Restoring Eye + Face Makeup Remover
Honest
Honest Makeup Remover Facial Wipes
Cost | $6.64 for 30 wipes ($0.22 per wipe)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | not oil-based
Highlights | These gentle, plant-based cloths remove makeup (even waterproof!) and dirt + oil from the face and eye area with ease. They’re gentle on eyes and skin and hypoallergenic, and made with sugar-derived surfactant and plant-based cloth. Made for all skin types.
Shop | Honest Makeup Remover Facial Wipes
Clean Skin Club
Clean Skin Club Makeup Removing Towelettes
Cost | $8.95 for 30 wipes ($0.30 per wipe)
Pore Clogging checker | contains no pore clogging ingredients
Formula | not oil-based
Highlights | These wipes are nearly double the size of conventional face wipes, and twice as thick. Formulated without harsh additives, these wipes are made with ingredients that are 100% safe and won’t cause irritation, burning, or stinging. They’re gentle on even the most sensitive skin types, and are great for children and babies. The Clean Wipes feature dual-sided fabric, with a smooth side and textured side to lightly exfoliate and remove stubborn dirt and makeup.
Shop | Clean Skin Club Makeup Removing Towelettes
Ogee
Ogee Gentle Glow Cleansing Cloths + Makeup Remover
Cost | $25.20 for 20 wipes ($1.26 per wipe)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | not oil-based
Highlights | These multi-tasking, plant fiber cloths gently cleanse and exfoliate with botanically derived Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to refresh and stimulate regeneration. Each microporous cloth drenches skin in a nourishing formula of Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera juice for maximum moisturization and makeup removal.
Shop | Ogee Gentle Glow Cleansing Cloths + Makeup Remover
RMS Beauty
RMS Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes
Cost | $15.84 for 20 wipes ($0.79 per wipe)
Pore Clogging checker | contains pore clogging ingredients
Formula | oil-based formula
Highlights | These simple and convenient makeup wipes remove daily makeup with coconut oil. They melt away your makeup while softening and hydrating, and the wipes are biodegradable.
Shop | RMS Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes
Makeup Eraser
Makeup Eraser
Cost | $19
Pore Clogging checker | contains no pore clogging ingredients
Formula | not oil-based
Highlights | Patented, water-activated, cloud-soft fibers gently & easily remove all makeup & sunscreen from pores. One side erases makeup & one side exfoliates skin. This non-irritating and non-drying cloth is perfect for sensitive skin, and is non-comedogenic, safe for lash extensions, & entirely oil-free. To use, wet with warm water and use gentle circular motions to erase makeup with the short fiber side.
Shop | Makeup Eraser
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use makeup remover or cleanser first?
Remove your makeup first, before cleansing your skin. Your makeup remover removes all of your makeup first, but there may be some left over residue from the makeup remover. After removing your makeup, use a cleanser to remove dirt, debris, sweat, pollutants and dead skin.
What Health Risks Are Associated With Exposure To harmful Chemicals In Makeup Remover?
- Parabens– Parabens are a type of preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of lip balm, deodorant, lotion, and other beauty products. The most commonly used are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Based on a study conducted at the University of California Berkeley, researchers found that parabens were able to stimulate breast cancer cell growth, even at concentrations 100 times lower than the natural growth factor heregulin. These findings suggest that paraben exposure doesn’t have to be high to lead to cancer growth. The European Union banned the use parabens in cosmetics in 2012.
- Phthalates- Phthalates are used to increase the flexibility and transparency in plastics. They’re also found in beauty products, and they enhance product absorption, help products stick to your skin and keep fragrance smelling fresh. Phthalates mimic hormones, interrupting hormone production. A 2018 review found that current human exposure to phthalates may have effects on the male reproductive system.
- Polyethylene glycol– Polyethylene glycol is used to make lotion thicker and better able to transport moisture to the skin. The manufacturing process and introduce impurities and by-products, such as ethylene oxides and 1,4-dioxane, which are known carcinogenic materials.
- Synthetic fragrance- Beauty products can list fragrance as one ingredient and don’t have to disclose the fact that these formulations may contain hundreds of ingredients. Synthetic Fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals.
- BHA and BHT- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA) (5) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) (6) are preservatives derived from petroleum and found in some mascara formulas. BHA is an endocrine disruptor and a possible carcinogen. BHT is a respiratory irritant and is considered toxic or harmful to human organ systems.
- Ethanolamine compounds (labelled as DEA, TEA and MEA)- Ethanolamines may be contaminated with nitrosamines (9), which are cancer-causing chemicals.
- Formaldehyde- Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, DMDM hydantoin, methenamine and quarternium-15 are formaldehyde-releasing preservatives found in cosmetics. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen as well as a skin irritant (10).
- Phenoxyethanol, Steareth, & Other Ethoxylated Ingredients- The “-eth” is a good indication that ethoxylation has been used. Ethoxylated ingredients can contain the impurities ethylene oxide and/or 1,4-dioxane, which are associated with reproductive, developmental and endocrine effects, as well as cancer.
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