Best Cruelty Free Makeup Removers for 2026
Hello beautiful people! Today I’m sharing the best cruelty free makeup removers for 2026. I have dry, sensitive skin and rosacea, so I’m picky about what I use to take my makeup off. I first published this list in 2015, and I’ve rebuilt it around what I use now, plus more cruelty free options at every price. You’ll also find how I remove my makeup, which picks are vegan, which ones have no added fragrance, and answers to the most common questions about cruelty free makeup removers.
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The Quick Answer
The best cruelty free makeup removers for 2026 are the Douglas Collection Essential Cleansing Face Make-up Removing Gentle Bi-Phase for eye makeup, The Original MakeUp Eraser cloth, and KimChi Chic Beauty Rice Rice Baby Foaming Makeup Removing Face Wash. Those three are what I use all the time. For a cleansing balm, look at NYX The Face Unglue Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm. For a drugstore eye makeup remover, look at Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover.
Quick Picks
Here are my quick picks by type. Prices were accurate when I updated this in November 2026.
- What I use on my eyes (sold in Europe): Douglas Collection Essential Cleansing Face Make-up Removing Gentle Bi-Phase, €6,99
- The cloth I use every day: The Original MakeUp Eraser, $20
- My face wash: KimChi Chic Beauty Rice Rice Baby Foaming Makeup Removing Face Wash, $18
- For fixing mistakes: Half Magic Flik Eraser Makeup Correcting Pen, $25
- Cleansing balm: NYX The Face Unglue Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm, $10
- Budget cleansing balm: L.A. Girl Cleansing Balm Melting Makeup Remover, $7
- Drugstore eye makeup remover: Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover, $4.99
- Cleanser and makeup remover in one: ILIA The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover, $32
- Wipes for travel (sold in Europe): Douglas Collection Essential Make-Up Removing Micellar Wipes, €2,09
- Multi-use oil: coconut oil, but not for acne prone skin
- For nail polish: Zoya Remove Plus, $12
The Best Cruelty Free Makeup Removers for 2026
Every brand on this list is cruelty free. I’ve noted which picks are vegan and which ones have added fragrance.
1. Douglas Collection Essential Cleansing Face Make-up Removing Gentle Bi-Phase – €6,99
This is what I use all the time now. I put it on a MakeUp Eraser cloth and use it to take off my eye makeup. It’s a two-phase remover, which means it has an oil layer and a water layer that you shake together before you use it. The oil is what breaks down waterproof makeup. It also has cornflower water, which Douglas says calms the skin around your eyes. The ingredient list is short, with no added perfume. Douglas doesn’t label it vegan.
Douglas says it works on your face, eyes and lips, and you don’t need to rinse it off. Douglas is a European beauty retailer, and this is a Douglas exclusive, so this pick is for my European readers. It’s €6,99 for 200ml, and there’s a 50ml mini for €2,79 if you want to try it first. In the US, the closest pick on this list is the Essence Lash Princess remover, which is also a two-phase formula.
2. The Original MakeUp Eraser – $20
I’ve been using MakeUp Eraser cloths for about a decade, and yes, I count them as a makeup remover. The brand says the cloth removes makeup with just warm water, including waterproof mascara. I like to pair mine with a remover or a cleanser. I use it with the Douglas bi-phase remover for my eyes, and with my cleanser for the rest of my face. I use these cloths instead of cotton rounds or makeup wipes.
The cloth is double sided. The short fibers take off your makeup, and the long fibers exfoliate. It’s machine washable, and the brand says one cloth lasts 3 to 5 years and replaces about 3,600 makeup wipes. It’s vegan and has no fragrance. Wash it before you use it for the first time.
3. KimChi Chic Beauty Rice Rice Baby Foaming Makeup Removing Face Wash – $18
KimChi Chic Beauty Rice Rice Baby Foaming Makeup Removing Face Wash has been my face wash for the past 3 years. It’s a foaming cleanser with rice extract, centella asiatica and witch hazel, plus hydrolyzed collagen. It removes makeup without stripping my skin, which is the whole battle for a cleanser when you have dry skin, and it makes my skin softer. It’s PETA approved cruelty free. It isn’t labeled vegan, and it does contain fragrance.
KimChi Chic Beauty is a US brand that you can find at Ulta and CVS. It isn’t sold in the Netherlands, so when I finish it, I’m trying Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker next. You can see the rest of my routine in my fall skincare routine for dry skin.
4. Half Magic Flik Eraser Makeup Correcting Pen – $25
I love the Half Magic Flik Eraser Makeup Correcting Pen for fixing my wings. It’s a pen with a paddle-shaped tip and a micellar formula, so you can sharpen a wing or correct the angle of your eyeliner without smearing the rest of your makeup. Half Magic says it removes even waterproof mistakes. It’s vegan and fragrance free. Tap the tip on a tissue after each swipe to keep it clean. In the US, it’s sold at Ulta.
5. NYX The Face Unglue Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm – $10
NYX The Face Unglue Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm is a cleansing balm made with shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E. NYX describes it as a buttery balm that dissolves makeup, oil and sunscreen. To use it, massage it into dry skin, add water, and rinse. It’s vegan, and there’s no fragrance on the ingredient list. It’s $10 for 1.7 oz at Ulta and Target, and you can find it in Europe too.
6. L.A. Girl Cleansing Balm Melting Makeup Remover – $7
L.A. Girl Cleansing Balm Melting Makeup Remover is a balm that melts into an oil as you massage it in, according to L.A. Girl. It’s made with jojoba seed oil, shea butter, canola oil and colloidal clay, and it comes with a spatula. There’s no fragrance on the ingredient list. L.A. Girl doesn’t label it vegan. It’s $7 for 1.05 oz at Ulta, or $9.50 direct from L.A. Girl.
7. Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover – $4.99
Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover comes from the same line as the Lash Princess mascaras. It’s a two-phase formula with chamomile flower water, and it’s vegan. It’s $4.99 for 3.38 oz at Ulta and Target, or about €2,49 in Europe. It does contain fragrance, so keep that in mind if scented products bother your eyes.
Reviews are mixed on the most stubborn waterproof mascaras, so give it time to work. Hold the soaked cloth or cotton pad on your closed eye for several seconds, tapping your fingers like you’re playing a piano, before you wipe.
8. ILIA The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover – $32
ILIA The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover is a foaming cleanser and a makeup remover in one. It’s vegan, fragrance free and pH balanced. ILIA says it removes makeup, mineral sunscreen and pollution without stripping your skin, and that it’s safe for sensitive eyes and skin. If fragrance is a trigger for you and you want one step instead of two, this is the splurge. It’s $32 for 6.76 oz.
9. Douglas Collection Essential Make-Up Removing Micellar Wipes – €2,09
Wipes are handy for travel and for nights when you can’t get to a sink. These are soaked in a mild micellar lotion with aloe vera, cornflower water and lemon balm, and the formula is vegan. A pack of 10 is €2,09, which makes it an easy travel size. They do contain perfume, so patch test first if your skin reacts to fragrance.
Like the bi-phase remover, they’re sold at Douglas in Europe. In the US, the wipes that worked on my sensitive skin were Bliss Makeup Melt Wipes.
10. Coconut Oil
Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
While you can certainly use any coconut oil you like, I love this one and use it in a ton of different ways. I like to use it to remove makeup and moisturize in between swatching products on my hands and lips. I also will end a swatching session by using it to remove the makeup, washing my hands, and then applying more coconut oil to the skin. It’s good for my cuticles and hair. It’s gentle on the eyes, lips and face. (vegan)
One warning: coconut oil is not for acne prone skin. It’s highly comedogenic, which means it can clog your pores and cause breakouts. If you use it on your face, wash it off with a gentle cleanser afterward.
11. Zoya Remove Plus for Nail Polish – $12
Zoya Remove Plus
Absolutely nothing compares to Zoya Remove Plus for nail polish remover, nail prep and nail conditioner. It cleans the nails and preps them, along with moisturizing them, so that it helps to extend your nail polish wear. It also removes nail polish quicker and more effectively than anything else I’ve tried. It is a MUST HAVE product! I buy the large bottles and refill my smaller flip top bottle.
Zoya Remove Plus is vegan, and the 8 oz bottle is $12 at Ulta. It’s for nail polish only, not for your face.
What I’m Trying Next: Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker
Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker is the cleanser I bought to try when I finish my KimChi Chic face wash. It’s a non-foaming jelly cleanser that’s vegan and free of fragrance and essential oils. Geek and Gorgeous says it dissolves water-soluble makeup and doesn’t sting your eyes, and it suggests using it as a second cleanse if you wear long-wearing makeup. It’s €9,50 for 150ml. I haven’t used it yet, so it isn’t a numbered pick.
All 11 at a Glance
| Makeup remover | Type | Added fragrance? | Vegan? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Collection Gentle Bi-Phase | Two-phase eye makeup remover | No | Not labeled vegan | €6,99 |
| The Original MakeUp Eraser | Reusable cloth | No | Yes | $20 |
| KimChi Chic Beauty Rice Rice Baby | Foaming face wash | Yes | Not labeled vegan | $18 |
| Half Magic Flik Eraser | Correcting pen | No | Yes | $25 |
| NYX The Face Unglue | Cleansing balm | No | Yes | $10 |
| L.A. Girl Cleansing Balm | Cleansing balm | No | Not labeled vegan | $7 |
| Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover | Two-phase eye makeup remover | Yes | Yes | $4.99 |
| ILIA The Cleanse | Foaming cleanser | No | Yes | $32 |
| Douglas Collection Micellar Wipes | Wipes | Yes | Yes | €2,09 |
| Coconut oil | Oil | No | Yes | Varies |
| Zoya Remove Plus | Nail polish remover | Yes | Yes | $12 |
The fragrance notes come from each product’s ingredient list. Formulas change, so check the label if fragrance is a trigger for you.
How I Remove My Makeup
Here’s what I do.
- Eyes: I put the Douglas bi-phase remover on a MakeUp Eraser cloth, hold it on my eyes for about 30 seconds, and tap my fingers gently like I’m playing a piano while I wait for my mascara to let go. Then I gently pull down to remove the makeup.
- Face: I wash my face with a cleanser and a MakeUp Eraser cloth. For the past 3 years, that cleanser has been KimChi Chic Beauty Rice Rice Baby.
- Mistakes: I fix my wings with the Half Magic Flik Eraser.
Cruelty Free Makeup Remover FAQ
What is the best cruelty free makeup remover?
It depends on what you’re removing. For eye makeup, I use the Douglas Collection Gentle Bi-Phase. For my whole face, I use KimChi Chic Beauty Rice Rice Baby face wash with a MakeUp Eraser cloth. If you like a cleansing balm, look at NYX The Face Unglue or the L.A. Girl Cleansing Balm.
What is the best cruelty free eye makeup remover?
For eye makeup, I like a two-phase remover, especially for waterproof mascara and eyeliner. In Europe, I use the Douglas Collection Gentle Bi-Phase. In the US, Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover is a two-phase formula for $4.99. For small fixes, the Half Magic Flik Eraser cleans up eyeliner without taking off the rest of your eye makeup.
What is the best vegan makeup remover?
The vegan picks on this list are The Original MakeUp Eraser, NYX The Face Unglue Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm, Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover, ILIA The Cleanse, the Douglas micellar wipes, the Half Magic Flik Eraser, coconut oil and Zoya Remove Plus. Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker is vegan too. Cruelty free and vegan are not the same thing, so check the label if vegan matters to you.
What are the best cruelty free makeup remover wipes?
In Europe, the Douglas Collection Essential Make-Up Removing Micellar Wipes are vegan and cost about €2 for a pack of 10. In the US, Bliss Makeup Melt Wipes are the ones that worked on my sensitive skin, and they’re vegan too. If you want to stop buying wipes, a MakeUp Eraser cloth is reusable, and the brand says one cloth replaces about 3,600 wipes.
Is Lancôme Bi-Facil cruelty free? What about Clinique Take the Day Off?
No. Lancôme and Clinique are not cruelty free, so Bi-Facil and Take the Day Off are out for me. The same goes for makeup removers and micellar waters from L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline, MAC, Dior and Sephora Collection. For a two-phase remover like Bi-Facil, try the Douglas Collection Gentle Bi-Phase or Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover. For a cleansing balm like Take the Day Off, try NYX The Face Unglue or the L.A. Girl Cleansing Balm.
Is Garnier Micellar Water cruelty free? What about Neutrogena makeup remover wipes?
Garnier is cruelty free. The whole brand is Leaping Bunny approved by Cruelty Free International, so Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is an easy option to find at the drugstore. Neutrogena is not cruelty free, so its makeup remover wipes are out for me. For cruelty free wipes, see my picks above.
What’s the difference between a two-phase remover, a cleansing balm and micellar water?
A two-phase remover, also called a bi-phase remover, is oil and water that you shake together. It’s the best choice for waterproof eye makeup. A cleansing balm is a solid oil cleanser that melts on your skin and rinses off with water, so it’s good for a full face of makeup and sunscreen. Micellar water is a gentle, water-based cleanser for lighter makeup, and micellar wipes are soaked in the same kind of formula.
Can you remove makeup with just water?
With the right cloth, yes. The Original MakeUp Eraser is made to remove makeup with just warm water. I still like to pair mine with a remover for my eyes and a cleanser for my face.
Can you use coconut oil to remove makeup?
Yes. Coconut oil breaks down makeup, including waterproof formulas, and I like it for taking off swatches on my hands and lips. It is not for acne prone skin, though. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, so it can clog pores and cause breakouts. If you use it on your face, follow it with a gentle cleanser.
What is the best makeup remover for sensitive skin?
Look for a short ingredient list and no added fragrance. Fragrance is the number one thing that makes my skin break out or flare, so I try to avoid it. The picks on this list with no added fragrance are the Douglas Collection Gentle Bi-Phase, The Original MakeUp Eraser, NYX The Face Unglue, the L.A. Girl Cleansing Balm, ILIA The Cleanse and the Half Magic Flik Eraser. Patch test anything new before you use it near your eyes. For more on my skin, see When Rosacea Flares Up.
How do you remove waterproof mascara without rubbing?
Use a two-phase remover and give it time. Shake the bottle, soak a cloth or cotton pad, and hold it against your closed eye. I hold mine for about 30 seconds. Then gently pull down. Don’t rub. Repeat with a clean part of the cloth if you need to.
Do you need to wash your face after using makeup remover?
Yes, I recommend it. A makeup remover takes off your makeup, and a cleanser takes off what’s left, including sunscreen. Using a makeup remover first and a cleanser second is called double cleansing. I use a remover on my eyes and a cleanser on my face.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to give up gentle, effective makeup removal to stay cruelty free. If you only try one thing from this list, make it a MakeUp Eraser cloth. I’ve used them for about a decade, and they work with whatever remover or cleanser you already love.
What are your must-have makeup removers? Any cruelty free ones I need to check out?
My Original 2015 Picks
I first published this post in April 2015. Here’s the original image, plus what I wrote back then about the rest of my original picks. Most of these have been discontinued.
Looking for more? Check out
Looks like UD has discontinued this remover; which gives me the sads as it was one of only two I had found that did not irritate my eyes but removed liquid liner nicely. The other was MUFE but since going CF they’re off the table. Any recommendations for something to fill that void?
It’s still available at Urban Decay’s website 🙂 Also, I highly recommend coconut oil. It works to remove anything waterproof and doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. Have you tried the Paula’s Choice? that one is great too.
Ahhhh, I’m in Canada. Looks like it’s just no longer carried here. (Yay.)
Have not tried the Paula’s Choice yet, but I may give it a try! Just picked up some coconut oil, too. Thanks!
Omg thank-you so much for this blog post. I’m about to buy the Embryolisse one.
You’re welcome!
I never thought to use coconut oil! I am going to try that as well as some of these other ones you mentioned! I can’t believe that I have not tried the Paula’s Choice one yet! Must try it!
Coconut Oil is really good at breaking everything down
Coconut Oil is definitely my favorite makeup remover of all time. I need to try that Alba one… I see it in stores and always wondered about it.
Love this list. I thought that Cetaphil was cruelty free, but maybe it is not. I use the Australian QV cleanser range – that is cruelty free.
So many makeup removers I want to try now- especially the Embryolisse.
I have to try Embryolisse!
That UD Meltdown Makeup Remover is calling my name. I love that it comes in a tube; I always spill the bottled ones.
I really want to try the Urban Decay one. Thanks for sharing your picks! I really am enjoying what everyone enjoys! <3
Oooh good to know.
I used olive oil for a long time but switched to coconut oil a few months ago. Works wonderfully!
Remove+!!!!
My coconut oil has been sitting unused! Will def try as a makeup remover now! Thanks!
I looked at your graphic and wondered why you’d use Zoya Remove on your eyes. Then I read the title. I got worried about you for a second Phyrra. I should add the Paula’s Choice one into my next PC order to try it out.
Yeah i count nail polish as makeup and Zoya is the best nail polish remover!
I’m excited to hear about the Alba wipes – I love wipes for travel!
I hate hate hate the Alba Botanica wipes. They smell sickly sweet and they make my face feel sticky. Not a fan. I usually go for the Yes to Cucumbers wipes.
Aww, they’re the first wipes I’ve been able to use in years! Sorry you don’t like them. Most wipes cause me to break out and irritate my eyes and face.
I’ve tried a few, and the Yes to Cucumbers has just worked out the best for me. With Alba Botanica and Burt’s Bees I couldn’t handle to smell and the stickiness. BH Cosmetics has some, but they feel like bubble solution.
I love Urban Decay. Their products never fail to impress me.
It’s definitely one of the best removers out there.
I’m a big fan of The Body Shop’s chamomile cleansing balm, personally!
I need to try that one! Thanks for the rec!
What a wonderful collection of makeup removers! The only one that i have tried is Organic Coconut Oil, but I see others here to put on my list!
Happy to hear it 🙂
Zoya’s remove plus is the best, bar none. Glad to hear good things about the Alba towelettes. I generally like Alba products but the cleanser stings my eyes so badly, I’ve been afraid to try the wipes
Eek that’s no good! Stinging is never good.
I go through the giant $25 bottles of remove plus like there’s no tomorrow. I finish a full bottle a week! Best. Stuff. Ever.
Wow! Yeah it really is the best
I really need to check out the Zoya remove! I use the Burts Bees makeup removing wipes 🙂
I need to check those out!
Zoya Remove+ Truly is fabulous! I had NO IDEA about the UD?! I need to check it out!!
It’s great and no one ever mentions it!