10 Natural Makeup Removers Dermatologists Recommend (2024)

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Board-Certified Dermatologist

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• MarieHayag, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics.
• Nydia Figueroa is a professional makeup artist andVaultBeautymember.
• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAADis a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is also the founder of Skincare Junkie.
• Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting in Pennsylvania.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil may be the most versatile product in your beauty stash. We've found that the natural oil works as a moisturizer, hair treatment, cooking ingredient, and effective makeup remover. Just massage it into your skin like a cleansing balm and rinse with warm water, wiping the excess with a wet washcloth. It's also a great pick for heavier makeup-wearers: "Coconut oil is the best, in my opinion, to remove waterproof makeup," says makeup artist Nydia Figueroa. Saedi agrees that coconut oil can effectively remove makeup, "Coconut oil can be used to remove makeup effectively; however, if you have acne-prone skin, I will use it cautiously because it can clog your pores."

Jojoba Oil

"Jojoba oil is a better option for acne-prone skin because it is non-comedogenic," explains Hayag. This nourishingcarrier oilis a favorite for mixing with essential oils, but it also has about a million skincare uses on its own, including its ability to remove makeup and "regulate sebum production," she adds. Rich in vitamins A, E, and D, plus antioxidants and fatty acids, jojoba oil treats the skin while removing products as stubborn as waterproof mascara. Just apply it to the face, wait a minute for it to penetrate, and wipe it off with a reusable makeup remover pad.

Sweet Almond Oil

Like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins A and E and promises to deeply cleanse the skin without causing breakouts. Plus, it's incredibly mild, meaning it's safe to use on the most temperamental of skin types. Just beware: "If you are choosing some sort of oil as a makeup remover, choose one that is cold-pressed and unrefined," says Hayag. "In other methods of manufacturing, chemicals used to extract the oil can bind to it and lead to a lesser quality oil." Saedi pointed out something to remember when using nut oils, "Almond oil has been used to moisturize and cleanse the skin. It has anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, but I would be cautious with anyone with a nut allergy."

Witch Hazel

Alcohol-free witch hazel has been used to cleanse the skin for centuries. Use it alone with a cotton round or try mixing one-part witch hazel with one-part water and jojoba oil for a super-gentle, homemade makeup remover. Figueroa and Hayag agree that witch hazel is an especially good option for those with oily skin. "It has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an astringent, which helps fight against acne," says Hayag.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is anti-inflammatory and moisturizing, and it is also full of fatty acids and antioxidants. In other words, it does wonders for the skin. Double cleansing has been known to thoroughly remove makeup, and the first step is using an oil cleanser. Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil removes impurities while nourishing your skin all in one.

Cucumber

Whether you're snacking or slathering on your face, cucumber holds the secret to glowing skin. "It gently exfoliates the skin while having anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe[it]," explains Figueroa. She recommends trying Cucumber Herbal ConditioningCleanser by Kiehls, which helps makeup melt away.

Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose MD, the cosmetic and medical dermatologist behind the vegan brand Skincare Junkie, also sings the praises of cucumber. "Cucumber naturally soothes the skin while lending a spa-like scent—without [having a] potentially irritating synthetic fragrance," she notes. From her range, the makeup-removing Skincare Junkie Gentle Jelly Facial Cleanser draws on cucumber to reduce irritation and support the skin barrier.

Grapeseed Oil

If you haven't introduced grapeseed oil into your beauty routine yet, what are you waiting for? The ingredient "is high in linoleic acid, which aids in skin barrier repair functions," says Hayag. And while you can take the DIY route with plain store-bought grapeseed oil, those with acne-prone or reactive skin may want to exercise caution. "Ultimately, cosmetically formulated makeup removers are going to be a better option for most people because they are gentle, more effective, and are less likely to clog pores and cause acne," she adds.

Dr. Saedi recommends grapeseed oil for all skin types, adding, "Unlike coconut oil, grapeseed oil is non-comedogenic so it can be used on all skin types. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects."

Olive Oil

Do like the ancient Greeks and incorporate more olive oil into your life. This liquid gold does wonders for skin and hair, moisturizing, hydrating, and removing makeup. Dr. Saedi explained, "Olive oil is becoming increasingly trendy in skincare. It can be effective for removing makeup and tough, waterproof makeup. Olive oil has antioxidants and is an emollient. However, it should be avoided if you are acne-prone." Using a small amount, massage onto your face for a couple of minutes, add water, and continue rubbing gently for another minute or two before rinsing clean.

Shea Butter

You may already be using shea butter to moisturize dry skin, but have you ever considered using it as a natural makeup remover, too? It's non-comedogenic and stuffed with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins to the gills, making it great for all skin types. While the moisturizing benefits are endless, Saedi pauses using it with acne-prone skin: "Shea butter is moisturizing, but I would be careful in people who are acne-prone as an extra precaution."

Rub a small amount into fingertips and/or hands to warm up and gently massage into the skin. Rinse with water to clean.

A Mix of Oils

"So many popular cleansing balms contain questionable ingredients like polyethylene glycols, so I was delighted when I discovered Youth to the People’s Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm," says Murphy-Rose. "This natural balm contains nutrient-rich sunflower, moringa, and jojoba seed oils to remove makeup gently. Superberries provide antioxidant benefits to nourish and protect skin."