Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to access exclusive content and expert insights.

subscribe now subscribe cover image
Avanti Dalal profile imageAvanti Dalal

Removing make-up without causing redness or irritation can be a task. We pick the best formulas that effortlessly get rid of any residue

These 8 cleansing formulas will take all your make-up off

Removing make-up without causing redness or irritation can be a task. We pick the best formulas that effortlessly get rid of any residue

It’s really fun to put it on, but taking make-up off can be really annoying—especially if you have to scrub at a waterproof mascara or ultra long-wear lip stain. But if you have a good make-up remover, it doesn’t have to be that painful, and all these work best to get rid of any residue without causing irritation or redness in the process.

DHC Deep Cleansing OilShop here₹ 1,990This cult-favourite cleansing oil is chock-full of olive oil, which is a great hero ingredient in a deep cleanser. The oleic acid from olive oil clings onto make-up and sebum, leaving your skin feeling balanced and fresh after you’ve rinsed it off. Unlike other oil cleansers that can leave behind traces of residue, this one washes off completely and sets up your skin perfectly for your second cleanse.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Shop here

₹ 1,990

This cult-favourite cleansing oil is chock-full of olive oil, which is a great hero ingredient in a deep cleanser. The oleic acid from olive oil clings onto make-up and sebum, leaving your skin feeling balanced and fresh after you’ve rinsed it off. Unlike other oil cleansers that can leave behind traces of residue, this one washes off completely and sets up your skin perfectly for your second cleanse.

Simply Nam Makeup Remover TowelsShop here₹ 990Want to remove all your make-up with no elbow grease, and no actual grease at all either? This towel has small microfibres, each 50-100 times smaller than human hair, to ensure that even the smallest particles of make-up are lifting from your skin’s surface. For best results, wet the towel with warm water and swipe it across the face in circular motions. 

Simply Nam Makeup Remover Towels

Shop here

₹ 990

Want to remove all your make-up with no elbow grease, and no actual grease at all either? This towel has small microfibres, each 50-100 times smaller than human hair, to ensure that even the smallest particles of make-up are lifting from your skin’s surface. For best results, wet the towel with warm water and swipe it across the face in circular motions. 

Bioderma Sensibio H2OShop here₹ 1,598This micellar water is a classic product that most dermatologists, make-up enthusiasts and beauty editors will have on their top shelves. The micelles in micellar water are able to cling to dirt, oil and make-up and then dissolve them, leaving behind a hydrated finish and ultra-cleansed skin. 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O

Shop here

₹ 1,598

This micellar water is a classic product that most dermatologists, make-up enthusiasts and beauty editors will have on their top shelves. The micelles in micellar water are able to cling to dirt, oil and make-up and then dissolve them, leaving behind a hydrated finish and ultra-cleansed skin. 

Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar WaterShop here₹ 2,258If you want the lightweight cleansing quality of a micellar water and the soothing qualities of a lotion, this nourishing two-in-one has ultra-mild micelles along with replenishing fatty acids that work to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier while dissolving away make-up and dirt. It’s particularly great for the super-sensitive eye area, so you can get mascara off without causing any dryness or irritation.

Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water

Shop here

₹ 2,258

If you want the lightweight cleansing quality of a micellar water and the soothing qualities of a lotion, this nourishing two-in-one has ultra-mild micelles along with replenishing fatty acids that work to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier while dissolving away make-up and dirt. It’s particularly great for the super-sensitive eye area, so you can get mascara off without causing any dryness or irritation.

LANCÔME Bi-Facil Eye Makeup RemoverShop here₹ 2,800Bi-phase cleansers are a great two-in-one–they have an aqueous and an oil-based phase, that when you move it together, the water and oil mix to create an effective cleanser that will get rid of all waterproof make-up. The former dissolves make-up, while the aqueous phase wipes away the oily film. 

LANCÔME Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover

Shop here

₹ 2,800

Bi-phase cleansers are a great two-in-one–they have an aqueous and an oil-based phase, that when you move it together, the water and oil mix to create an effective cleanser that will get rid of all waterproof make-up. The former dissolves make-up, while the aqueous phase wipes away the oily film. 

Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil CleanserShop here₹ 2,150If you don’t have a dramatic red lip or glitter eyeshadow on, a milk-oil cleanser like this one efficiently removes everyday make-up while softening the skin. It is spiked with white leaf tea extract, which is an antioxidant, as well as meadowfoam and jojoba oils to lock in moisture.

Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser

Shop here

₹ 2,150

If you don’t have a dramatic red lip or glitter eyeshadow on, a milk-oil cleanser like this one efficiently removes everyday make-up while softening the skin. It is spiked with white leaf tea extract, which is an antioxidant, as well as meadowfoam and jojoba oils to lock in moisture.

Biore Makeup Remover Facial Sheets Shop here₹ 400We don’t quite love make-up wipes—they generate a lot of waste, and they’re more likely to smear dirt and make-up around your face instead of really getting rid of all of it. But if you’re on a flight, in the car or between meetings without access to a washroom, getting your make-up off in some way is better than not at all. These are moisturising, so you won’t have to drag them across your face, and they’re your best bet when you’re on the go.

Biore Makeup Remover Facial Sheets 

Shop here

₹ 400

We don’t quite love make-up wipes—they generate a lot of waste, and they’re more likely to smear dirt and make-up around your face instead of really getting rid of all of it. But if you’re on a flight, in the car or between meetings without access to a washroom, getting your make-up off in some way is better than not at all. These are moisturising, so you won’t have to drag them across your face, and they’re your best bet when you’re on the go.

Aminu Melting Balm CleanserShop here₹ 1,200While some cleansing balms emulsify into oils when massaged in, this one turns into a creamy milk—just use a dime-size amount on dry skin and massage with wet fingertips into the skin to see it transform. It prioritises moisturising agents like argan oil and calming ones like manuka oil and myrrh. Plus, it is formulated with gentle sugar-based surfactants to further protect the barrier. 

Aminu Melting Balm Cleanser

Shop here

₹ 1,200

While some cleansing balms emulsify into oils when massaged in, this one turns into a creamy milk—just use a dime-size amount on dry skin and massage with wet fingertips into the skin to see it transform. It prioritises moisturising agents like argan oil and calming ones like manuka oil and myrrh. Plus, it is formulated with gentle sugar-based surfactants to further protect the barrier. 

Also Read: 5 dermatologists on the worst beauty mishaps they’ve ever had to treat

Also Read: Sheet masks, essences and ampoules: How K-beauty became a global phenomenon

Also Read: Why are mushrooms finding their way into beauty and wellness products?


Subscribe for More

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to access exclusive content and expert insights.

subscribe now