6 Best Eye Makeup Removers For Dry Eyes – 2024, As Per A Makeup Artist
Easily wipe off makeup without affecting your beautiful eyes with good cleansers.
Alysha Tucker is a certified permanent makeup artist, specializing in brows and lips. She is also the owner of Blush Baby Los Angeles. After graduating in 2018 from Elite Permanent Makeup in Santa Monica, CA, Alysha, has worked alongside so... read full bio
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... read full bio
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... read full bio
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... read full bio
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Smokey, kohl-rimmed eyes look effortless, glamorous, and fit all occasions. But taking them off is another story. Your regular makeup remover cannot break down the color and leave your eyes stinging. The best eye makeup removers for dry eyes are those cleansers that melt makeup while keeping your eyes healthy and irritation-free. Also, with these makeup removers, you do need to tug or pull your lashes or irritate the delicate undereye skin.
With that in mind, here are the best eye makeup removers for dry eyes that are worth investing in.
In This Article
6 Best Eye Makeup Removers For Dry Eyes
1. Best Overall:Heyedrate Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Oil With Tea Tree And Vitamin E
The mild, vitamin-infused, hypoallergenic eye cleanser from Heyedrate is infused with nourishing grapeseed oil and jojoba oil that breaks down stubborn mascara and eye makeup with ease. Additionally, reviewers have revealed that they hydrate and soften the skin, lighten dark circles, and fade scars and exhibit a calming effect. Antioxidant-rich vitamin E helps fight free radical damage, while tea tree oil soothes inflammation and prevents Demodex eyelash mites from breeding. If you have dry skin, this can be a great option for you.
Key Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree Oil
Pros
- Moisturizes eyes
- Soothes eye inflammation
- Fight free radical damage
- Neutralizes Demodex eyelash mites
- Formulated by optometrists
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Comes with money-back guarantee
Cons
- Can sting eyes
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Quick TipBuy Now From Amazon
2. Best Gel Cleanser:Chrissanthie Eyelid & Eyelash Cleanser Gel With Tea Tree
This gel-to-foam eyelid and eyelash cleanser removes traces of makeup from your delicate skin without breaking down the eyelash adhesive glue. And tea tree oil in the formula neutralizes mite dermatitis, keeping the eyes fresh and infection-free. Reviewers love this mild cleanser, as it is suitable for contact lens wearers and has a good eye makeup residue removal capability.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree leaf oil
Pros
- Lathers up well
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Developed by ophthalmologist
- Neutralizes blepharitis
- Suitable for rosacea-battered skin
- Residue-free
- Doubles up as a makeup brushes cleanser
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
3. Best Vegan Formula:Laboratories Klorane Eye Make-Up Remover
The Laboratories Klorane Eye Make-Up Remover infused with eye-soothing cornflower water instantly dissolves stubborn make-up from the skin. The expertly crafted formula further helps strengthen the lashes and improve your eye health. The ultra-gentle formula does not sting or irritate your eyes and is suitable for contact lens wearers.
Key Ingredients: Cornflower water
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Does not sting the eyes
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-drying
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Does not work on waterproof makeup
Pro TipHeyedrate Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Oil With Tea Tree And Vitamin E Best Overall | Chrissanthie Eyelid & Eyelash Cleanser Gel With Tea Tree Best Gel Cleanser | Laboratories Klorane Eye Make-Up Remover Best Vegan Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | - | Sensitive | - |
| Dimensions | - | 2.56 x 1.97 x 0.79 inches | 1.9 x 1.9 x 5.9 inches |
| Weight | - | 1.1 Ounces | 6.88 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 287 | 348 |
| Price | $21.97 | $23.99 | $16 |
4. Best Drugstore Option:Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
The multipurpose Micellar Cleansing Water from Garnier is an all-in-one solution for gently removing makeup from the eyes, lips, and face without rubbing or rinsing. This water-based, hypoallergenic formula is infused with micellar technology, where the micelles help lift makeup, dirt, and grime from the pores without irritating or over-drying the skin. The disodium cocoamphodiacetate present in the dermatologist-tested formula is a mild cleansing agent that helps remove traces of makeup from the pores, while glycerin moisturizes the skin. This popular eye makeup remover is a must-have for makeup enthusiasts!
Key Ingredients: Disodium cocoamphodiacetate and Glycerin
Pros
- Refreshes skin
- Oil-free
- Non-irritating
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May trigger breakouts in some
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 45,820 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
5. Best For Waterproof Makeup:Kiko Milano Pure Clean Eyes & Lips Two-Phase Waterproof Make Up Remover
Does removing waterproof mascara require muscle work? Not anymore. The Kiko Milano Pure Clean Eyes & Lips Two-Phase Waterproof Make Up Remover gently wipes off stubborn waterproof makeup without leaving an oily residue. The refreshing formula is infused with hydrating sweet almond oil and antioxidant-rich cherry blossom flower extract that offer exceptional results to your skin.
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, Lactic acid, and Cherry blossom flower extract
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Melts waterproof makeup
- Dermatologically tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Refreshing fragrance
Cons
- None
Quick Tip6. Best Cleansing Balm:Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser And Bamboo Booster Exfoliant
This premium cleanser from Drunk Elephant is a versatile superstar. Use it on its own to melt your makeup’s waterproof formula or mix it with Bamboo Booster Exfoliant from the same brand to buff off dead skin cells from your face with ease. The organic cleanser is infused with skin-friendly oils – baobab seed, marula, mongongo, ximena, Kalahari melon seed. As per online reviews, the oils gently melt the makeup and give way to a clean, fresh face for enhanced beauty. Plus, the hero ingredient in the formula, vitamin C helps brighten the skin and leaves behind a dewy glow.
Key Ingredients: Marula, Baobab seed, Safflower seed oil, Vitamin C, Strawberry seed extract, Blueberry seed oil, Kalahari melon seed, Mongongo, and Ximena oil
Pros
- Hydrating
- Refines pores
- Hypoallergenic
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Refreshing fragrance of marula oil
Cons
- Expensive
Eye makeup is an essential part of any makeup regime but removing eye makeup can be a task at the end of the day! Washing and rubbing will only cause the makeup to smudge and stain the eyelids and the area around. What you need is an effective and gentle eye makeup remover! Dry eyes need special care so you must follow the below given guidelines while choosing makeup removers for dry eyes.
Things To Consider While Choosing Eye Makeup Removers For Dry Eyes
Remover Type
Gel to foam removers come in a gel form in a tube and lather up into a foam on application. If you have skin that has suffered rosacea or is extra dry, these types of makeup removers are gentle on the skin and glides off makeup easily. Pick a hypoallergenic, residue-free product since it is close to the eyes and the remover should not produce adverse effects.
Micellar cleansing water removes dirt and grime along with eye makeup. The deep cleanser reaches the pores without causing dryness or irritation. Look for a formula with mild cleansing agents along with glycerin to keep the eyelids moisturized. Cornflower water is also used in water-based eye makeup removers and cleansers which dissolve dried and sticky makeup. It also strengthens the eyelashes. The water-based formulas are suitable for contact lens users and do not sting the eye.
Oil-based makeup removers keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. Look for nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and grapeseed oil. These soften and break down hard makeup easily. The oil keeps the skin soft and minimizes dark circles. This is especially good for mature skin as rich antioxidants in vitamin E formulas reverse radical damage. The natural oils can also keep away eyelash mites.
Organic cleansers made with botanical butters like shea, baobab, kalahari melon seed marula, safflower seed oil, fruit extracts brighten your eyes while cleansing them thoroughly. The butter cleanser will keep the eyelids soft and nourished.
Soft cotton pads, pre-soaked in alcohol or cleansing liquids, work wonders as well. They come in compact, air-tight boxes with lids. These are easy for quick makeup removal and very travel-friendly.
Ingredients
You may require moisturizing dry eyes, so choose removers with richly moisturizing agents like shea butter, aloe vera, or jojoba oil. Avoid products that come with sulfates, paraben, soy, dairy, gluten, phthalate, formaldehyde, dyes, and artificial fragrances. These chemicals can cause redness in the eyes and irritate your skin. The remover should be non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic as well.
Added Benefits
Choose eye makeup removers that can reduce redness, inflammations, and fight radical damage. Go for ophthalmologist-tested products that comprise hypoallergenic formulas. Make sure that the product does not leave any white cast or residue after removal. Also consider the type of makeup you wish to remove- daily lighter makeup, waterproof makeup, glitter, etc., before you choose an eye makeup remover.
These makeup removers can come in many forms – lotion, balm, or water. They gently buff off the stubborn traces of heavy eye makeup from your delicate eyes, leaving them clean and fresh. But how to correctly remove eye makeup for maximum effect? Here is the answer to that.
How To Correctly Remove Eye Makeup?
- Firstly, wash your hands to prevent bacteria and dirt from transferring to your eyes or face.
- Now, dab the makeup remover on the eyes and gently massage it in a circular motion with your fingers or a cotton pad.
- Next, wash your face with a foamy cleanser or soap. This step helps remove makeup residue and traces of makeup remover from the face, making it squeaky clean.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Using Eye Makeup Removers For Dry Eyes
Taking care of your eyes while removing makeup is essential, especially if you have dry eyes. Whether you wear makeup daily or occasionally, knowing the pointers to consider and avoid while using eye makeup removers can make a big difference. The infographic below lists these. Check it out to know more!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Eyes are sensitive, and so is the skin surrounding the eyes. While we all prefer waterproof products to curate our favorite celebrity-inspired looks, getting them off of our skin can be quite the task without a proper makeup remover. Most often a regular makeup remover cannot remove the products and can leave your eyes stinging. For stubborn, waterproof eye makeup, you need a good quality eye makeup remover to wipe off traces of mascara or a shimmery eyeshadow without too much rubbing. They are available in many forms, such as lotion, balm, cream, and liquid. The Heyedrate Makeup Remover Oil contains vitamin E for moisturization and antioxidants to prevent free radical damage, while the Chrissanthie Eyelid & Eyelash Cleanser Gel is hypoallergenic and has antibacterial benefits. If you are looking for an all-in-one makeup cleanser, try the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. These effective makeup removers will not pull or irritate your lashes but melt the makeup to keep your dry eyes healthy. These are vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic. Always remember to check the ingredients’ list of the makeup remover and avoid skincare products with chemicals and overpowering fragrances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eye makeup cause dry eyes?
Yes, eye makeup can cause dry eyes. This is due to certain eye makeup products that thin out your tear film and make a tears evaporate more quickly.
Why does makeup remover make my eyes dry?
Makeup remover contains alcohol that can strip off moisture from the skin under the eyes, making them dry and rough.
Is micellar water safe to remove eye makeup?
Yes. Micellar water is a soothing substance that works well to dissolve makeup and can be used on both face and the sensitive eye area.
Is Vaseline good for removing eye makeup?
Yes. Vaseline helps rmeove any makeup easily as it is petroleum-based and gives a natural slip to the skin.
Is it okay to remove eye makeup with baby oil?
Yes, baby oil can be used as an eye makeup remover. It’s a safe option as it doesn’t harm the sensitive skin around the eyes.
Can I wear mascara if I have dry eyes?
You may find it challenging to put on eye makeup if you have dry eyes. It can also damage your tissues and strain your eyes when mascara and eyeliner are applied on the internal surface of the eyelash.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She believes that non-comedogenic eye makeup removers help swipe off the eye makeup without stinging your eyes, unlike the regular options available on the market. So, she went through various online platforms to read hundreds of user reviews to provide you with the best eye makeup remover for dry eyes. These makeup removers keep your eyes hydrated while removing the makeup.
