Removing Makeup Can Feel Like a Chore—These Under-$20 Options Make It Effortless

This iconic French pharmacy product is beloved by makeup artists and beauty editors alike since it effectively removes makeup without leaving a trace behind. It's also incredibly gentle on the skin and requires no rubbing. It's all thanks to micelles or tiny clusters of mild surfactants that are suspended in water.

"It effortlessly removes makeup and cleanses without leaving a film or making my skin feel parched," says Who What Wear beauty director Erin Jahns. "It's been in my routine for years as the first step in my double cleanse and my mom (who's nearly 50 years older than me!) does the same. I know people with all skin types who swear by it—you just can't go wrong!"

Pros: No rinsing required, gentle on skin

Cons: None

Key ingredients: Cucumber extract

Skin type: Sensitive skin

Fragrance:

Customer review: "It's gentle and didn't irritate my dry/combination skin which can be very sensitive at times. It didn't leave an oily residue on my skin and left it feeling nice and fresh looking. It took off my makeup easily and performed better than the makeup wipes I use. I am really impressed with this product and will start using it more often."

This cleansing balm starts out solid, but the second you start massaging it onto the skin, it melts into a luxurious milky texture. It's a dream product for dry skin thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. 

Pros: Hydrating formula, melts fast

Cons: Not ideal for eye makeup

Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides. 

Skin type: All

Fragrance: Yes

Customer review: "I got this to start double cleansing—it hasn't broken me out, works well, and I think it smells nice so no complaints here; especially concerning the price compared to other cleansing balms."

This makeup remover is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, so it's gentle enough on sensitive skin—even redness-prone skin like mine. It even has aloe vera, ginseng, and green tea extracts for extra soothing powers. 

Pros: Oil-free, safe for sensitive skin, won't clog pores

Cons: Some say it can have a greasy feel to it

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, ginseng, green tea

Skin type: All (especially combination)

Fragrance: Yes

Customer review: "I love this stuff. It's so gentle on your eyes and strong enough to remove waterproof makeup. It's the only makeup remover I buy!"

With no artificial fragrance—just a delightful scent due to naturally antibacterial eucalyptus and clove oils—this cleansing balm works like others that are double (if not triple) its price. The best part is that it doesn't leave a thick residue behind like other cleansing balms; it rinses away easily with a milky texture. 

Pros: Lightweight, safe around eyes, smells great

Cons: Some say it leaves a film

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, jojoba oil, clove leaf oil 

Skin type: All

Fragrance: Yes (non-artificial)

Customer review: "This is the best cleanser I've ever used. I have sensitive eyes and this does not hurt them. Plus, it removes my makeup."

If you have sensitive eyes that tear up when you use makeup remover, you need to try this. It's oil-free and incredibly gentle, yet it removes stubborn eye makeup (even waterproof formulas). I like using it when I wear eyeliner on my waterline. It dissolves it away without causing redness or irritation. 

Pros: Budget-friendly, gentle, doesn't clog pores

Cons: Can be harsh on sensitive eyes

Key ingredients: Aloe and cucumber extracts

Skin type: All (especially oil or acne-prone)

Fragrance: Yes

Customer review: "This is my favorite waterproof makeup remover. It's very gentle on my skin and eyelashes, and it doesn't leave any residue like some other brands."

Okay, this technically isn't a drugstore brand, but you can get it for a drugstore price, so I'm counting it. It's formulated with 3% oat-kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal, so it moisturizes the skin while visibly reducing redness and irritation. Plus, the texture is soft and rich, so it feels like a luxe experience even though it doesn't have a luxe price tag.

Pros: Soothes redness, treats dullness

Cons: Some users don't like the scent

Key ingredients: Oat kernel oil 3%, colloidal oatmeal

Skin type: Normal to dry

Fragrance: Yes

Customer review: "This made removing my makeup so much easier. It literally melted my makeup, and I didn't have to use much product, and it kept my skin from needing to be scrubbed."

This eye makeup remover is incredible. First off, it's ophthalmologist tested and suitable for sensitive skin and contact wearers. Second, its lightweight, milky texture removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. Third, it doesn't leave even a whisper of residue behind. 

Pros: Sensitive skin-friendly, hydrating, lightweight

Cons: Can be irritating for some

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Skin type: All (especially sensitive)

Fragrance: No

Customer review: "This eye makeup remover is one of the best I have ever used. There is no scent making this perfect for sensitive skin! … I wear waterproof mascara, and it removes the mascara with ease, and I do not lose tons of lashes like with most makeup removers."

This version of Garnier's micellar water is specifically formulated for use on waterproof makeup. So if you regularly wear sweatproof foundations, waterproof mascara, or any other tough-to-remove product, this one's for you. 

Pros: Removes waterproof makeup easily, cleanses skin

Cons: May be too strong for sensitive skin

Key ingredients: Micellar

Skin type: All

Fragrance: Yes

Customer review: "I used to always get the regular micellar water, and my under-eyes were always still a little dark even after removing my mascara, then I tried this one, and OMG the difference is insane. My under-eyes are so much brighter, and they feel softer and less rough, which also helps when I use concealer."

Honestly, classic French skincare brands just do micellar water best, and this one from La Roche-Posay is no exception. It's formulated specifically for sensitive skin, so rest assured it will remove makeup without adding irritation into the mix. 

Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, doesn't leave skin dry

Cons: Some say there's a slightly sticky finish

Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, glycerin

Skin type: All (especially sensitive)

Fragrance: Yes (mild)

Customer review: "I've been using this micellar water for years. I'm a fan of the brand overall, but this water is just amazing. It removes makeup super easy and quickly, but your skin isn't irritated or left dry. I have very dry skin and am sensitive, so for me the after-feeling is important. This water does it all. Highly recommend!"