7 Best Gentle Makeup Removers For Acne-Prone Skin – 2023

Gentle and safe formula for acne-prone skin that doesn’t leave any line behind.

Reviewed by Stephanie G-M, Makeup Artist
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Edited by Krati Darak, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Asmita De  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

While you may be careful about what makeup you use to cover up your acne, scars, and blemishes, You will also need a good makeup remover for acne-prone skin to prevent future breakouts. Along with letting your bare skin breathe at the end of the day, acne-prone skin needs that extra bit of cleansing and balancing of your natural facial oils as well. A makeup remover specially formulated for acne-prone skin not only draws out the makeup, dirt, and grime but also helps unclog your pores and soothe your skin after the cleansing process. Stephanie G-M, a celebrity and fashion makeup artist says, “When dealing with acne-prone skin you want to be sure you use a product with ingredients that will focus on balancing and cleansing pores without stripping your skin. Very astringent products that strip your skin can mean your skin will start overproducing sebum and can lead to more breakouts.” To help you choose one, we have shortlisted the 7 best options for you.

Top PicksCheck Price
Banila Co Clean It ZeroPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
DHC Pore Cleansing OilPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing WipesPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Almay Makeup Remover Cleansing WipesPrice on Amazon
Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Make-up RemoverPrice on Amazon
Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting CleanserPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Paula's Choice Pore Normalizing CleanserPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart

7 Best Gentle Makeup Removers For Acne-Prone Skin

1. Banila Co Clean It Zero

The Banila Co Clean It Zero is a purifying cleansing balm that removes makeup for a clean face. It emulsifies with water and dissolves makeup from your skin without stripping its natural moisture balance. It offers double cleansing with a sherbet-like balm to oil texture. This formula is infused with balancing ingredients that soothe and calm sensitive skin. The blend of seven natural stress-relieving herbs offers stress relief and comfort to acne-prone skin. It helps reduce the chances of breakouts, redness, and blemishes. This video will give you more insights into the product.

Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, Licorice root extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Rosemary leaf extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Chamomile flower extract, and Polygonum cuspidatum root extract

Pros

  • All-natural purifying ingredients
  • Smells good
  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Artificial color-free

Cons

  • May feel greasy

protip_icon Quick Tip
Massage the balm gently in circular movements with your fingertips to remove makeup and residue. Add water to emulsify the oil and massage again before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 7,784 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Price at the time of publication: $23.25

2. DHC Pore Cleansing Oil

The DHC Pore Cleansing oil melts away stubborn makeup, unclogs pores, and gets rid of sebum. It cleanses leftover, makeup making your complexion bright, balanced, and revitalized. The soothing calendula flower extracts in this formula protect the skin against free radicals, while the antioxidant-rich citrus extracts brighten the skin tone. The cleansing oil efficiently dissolves dirt, dead cells, and other impurities on the skin without leaving behind an oily residue.

Key Ingredients: Calendula and Citrus extracts

Also Recommended By: The DHC Pore Cleansing Oil has also made it to the lists by Bustle.[1]The 5 Best Makeup Removers For Acne-Prone Skin. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/p/the-5-best-makeup-removers-for-acne-prone-skin-18798231 Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Smells good
  • No oily residue
  • Non-irritating

Cons

  • May sting the eyes
Price at the time of publication: $27

3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes

Thoroughly cleanse your face with the Neutrogena Oil-free Cleansing Wipes. These facial cleansing towelettes remove impurities, dirt, and makeup from the skin. They are ideal for acne-prone skin and come in a pack of easy-to-store 25 pre-moistened wipes. Each wipe is formulated with naturally-derived pink grapefruit, which removes all pore-clogging impurities. It leaves the skin feeling light, clean, and rejuvenated. So don’t wait anymore and grab these cleansing wipes at an affordable price today!

Key Ingredients: Pink grapefruit and Salicylic acid

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Dermatologist-approved
  • Allergy-tested
  • Easy to carry
  • Nice fragrance

Cons

  • Contains alcohol
Price at the time of publication: $6.67

4. Almay Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes

4.2

Get clean, clear, and breathable skin with Almay Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes. These effective and convenient towelettes are safe and soft on your skin as they remove makeup, get rid of impurities, clean pores, and also exfoliate dead cells from the skin. They are made of biodegradable fibers and are safe for the environment as well. They are gentle on the skin and ideal for daily use without causing rashes or irritation.

These cleansing wipes are great for oily and acne-prone skin as they remove excess dirt and sebum from the pores. This helps improve breathability and elasticity of the skin while offering a youthful glow. These towelettes are non-comedogenic as they do not clog pores. They keep the skin supple, hydrated, and free from breakouts. The wipes are hypoallergenic, free from artificial fragrances, and dermatologically-tested.

Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, Benzoic acid, and Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Pros

  • Oil-free formula
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Offers deep cleansing
  • Controls sebum production
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Dermatologist-approved

Cons

  • Not chemical-free

protip_icon Pro Tip
Soak a cotton pad with this solution and gently wipe your face to remove makeup, dirt, and debris. Use twice a day for the best results.

Price at the time of publication: $5.33

5. Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Make-up Remover

4.2
Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Image: Aveneusa

The Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Make-up Remover has an aqueous gel formula devoid of any oil content. It is specially crafted to remove makeup gently from the delicate area around the eyes. The deep cleanser offers hydration and soothes and calms the skin without drying it out. The remover is mild and spreads evenly and efficiently removes stubborn, long-lasting mascara and other eye products.

Key Ingredients: Avene thermal spring water and Sorbitol

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Gentle
  • No scrubbing
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • Does not work well for waterproof mascara

protip_icon Pro Tip
Pour the solution into a soft cotton pad and gently sweep it over the eyelids and eyelashes to remove makeup around the eyes.

Price at the time of publication: $21.61

6. Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser

The Algenist Genius Ultimate Melting Cleanser melts into a milky emulsion with water to gently lift away all traces of makeup and dirt from the face. It is infused with avocado, microalgae oil, and hyaluronic acid that nourish the skin and replenish its pH balance. This cleanser minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and makes the skin smooth, bright, and youthful.

Key Ingredients: Avocado, Hyaluronic acid, and Microalgae oil

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Gentle
  • Nice scent
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Less quantity
Price at the time of publication: $38

7. Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser

4.5
Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser Image: Paula's Choice

Upgrade your daily skin care routine with the Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser. This salicylic acid cleansing gel ideal for acne and blemish-prone skin and leaves it feeling clean, refreshed, and comfortable. The salicylic acid in the formula dissolves impurities that clog pores and cause breakouts without drying the skin or causing flaking. It smoothens uneven skin tone and reduces dullness. The facial cleanser gently removes makeup, dirt, and sebum from the skin with a soothing gel-like texture that calms irritation and redness.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Non-drying
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-irritating

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: There are more than 4,777 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Price at the time of publication: $15

Acne-prone skin is sensitive to products, so here are some points to consider while buying a makeup remover for such skin types.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Makeup Remover For Acne-Prone Skin

  • Skin Type: All products are formulated with specific skin types in mind as one-suits-all does not work. Check your skin type – dry, oily, sensitive, or combination – and pick a makeup remover specific to it. This will reduce the chances of allergies and irritation. For example, if your skin is oily, go for a water-based or oil-free cleanser.
  • Ingredients: Some cleansers may contain chemicals that may irritate the skin. This could also be harmful to the skin in the long run. For example, a cleanser with carcinogens may eliminate accumulated bacteria but could also have various side effects. Hence, it is always advisable to go for natural formulas or clean products as they are less likely to cause breakouts and allergies.
  • Alcohol-free: Alcohol is a common ingredient in makeup removal wipes or cleansers due to its antibacterial properties. But it can dry the skin out. Hence, look for alcohol-free products to maintain its moisture balance.

Infographic: Types Of Makeup Removers For Acne-Prone Skin

Acne-prone skin is highly sensitive. Therefore, it is important to use the right skin care products that do not aggravate the condition. But with so many makeup removers available online, how do you choose the right one? Check out the below infographic that breaks down the types of makeup removers best suited for acne-prone skin.

Types Of Makeup Removers For Acne-Prone Skin (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

Acne-prone skin needs a special cleansing process and products to clean the makeup. Specially formulated makeup removers can thoroughly remove the impurities, dead skin cells, and makeup effectively without triggering a breakout. Also, alcohol-free, dermatologically-tested, non-irritating, and oil-free makeup removers can work phenomenally on the skin. However, you must consult a dermatologist if your acne worsens due to makeup. They help you choose the best makeup remover that matches your skin and makeup needs.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She has curated this list of the best makeup removers for acne-prone skin after carefully browsing through online reviews on several e-commerce websites. She picked only top-rated products that will help you control dirt and grime on your skin. These makeup removers are made with natural ingredients, soothe your skin, and don’t leave any oily residue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dermatologists recommend micellar water?

Yes, dermatologists recommend micellar water as a cleanser for acne-prone skin. It penetrates deep into the layers of the skin to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin without clogging the pores or causing greasiness. It also reduces the chances of acne and keeps the skin healthy.

Can makeup removers cause acne?

No, makeup wipes will not directly cause acne. However, makeup removers might leave a residue, clogging pores and triggering acne, especially for people with sensitive skin types.

Can I use micellar oil water to remove makeup if I have acne-prone skin?

Yes. Micellar water is gentle on acne-prone skin and does cause irritations while cleansing. Also, oil-based micellar water leaves good microbes and bacteria that help prevent skin infections like acne.


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