Makeup Removers Compared: Micellar Water, Cleansing Oil, Balm or Makeup Cleanser?
Micellar water, cleansing oil, balm, milk or a micellar face wash: each removes makeup differently. How the formats compare, which suits your makeup and skin, and how to use each properly.
There is no single best makeup remover, because "makeup" covers a lot of ground. A tinted sunscreen and a swipe of brow gel come off very differently from long-wear foundation and waterproof mascara. Your skin type matters too: what feels clean and light on oily skin can leave dry skin tight, and a rich balm that suits dry skin may feel like too much on a humid evening.
The useful question is which format suits your makeup and your skin. Once you know that, choosing a product within the format is easy.
This guide compares the main options: micellar water, cleansing oil, cleansing balm, cleansing milk, micellar face wash and dedicated eye and lip removers. If you are mainly deciding between micellar water and a regular face wash, our guide on micellar water or face cleanser covers that specific choice.
Quick guide: which format for which situation
Light makeup, sunscreen only, sensitive skin: micellar water.
Full makeup, long-wear base, water-resistant sunscreen: cleansing oil or balm.
Dry or easily irritated skin: cleansing milk or balm.
Waterproof mascara and long-wear lipstick: a bi-phase eye and lip remover.
You want one step and wear little makeup: a micellar face wash.
Micellar water
Micellar water is a mild cleansing liquid that you apply with a cotton pad. The cleansing agents gather into tiny clusters called micelles, which lift makeup and oil from the skin without needing to be rinsed off.
Good for: light makeup, removing sunscreen on low-makeup days, sensitive skin, travel and late nights when you are tired.
Trade-offs: it struggles with heavy or waterproof products, and it relies on wiping, which can irritate if you rub. Use soaked pads and hold them on the skin for a few seconds before you swipe.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
BiodermaBioderma Sensibio H2O Make-up Removing Micellar Solution - 250mlBioderma Sensibio H2O 250ml is a micellar water for sensitive skin cleansing and makeup removal.S$26.31 is the classic micellar water for sensitive skin and one of the best-known in the category.Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Sensitive Skin
GarnierGarnier Micellar Cleansing Water Sensitive Skin 400mlGarnier Micellar Cleansing Water 400ml Sensitive Skin. Makeup removers are used to remove makeup before or as part of cleansing.S$16.80 is a widely available option in a large bottle.CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water
CeraVeCeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water 295mlCeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water 295ml is a micellar cleansing water in a 295ml pack.S$25.89 is a gentle formula designed to remove dirt, pollution and makeup.
If you use micellar water every night, it is worth rinsing with water or following with a gentle cleanser, especially on acne-prone or reactive skin, because otherwise the cleansing agents stay on your face overnight.
Cleansing oil
Cleansing oil is massaged onto dry skin, where it dissolves makeup, sunscreen and sebum. You then add a little water, which turns it milky (this is called emulsifying) so it rinses away.
Good for: full makeup, long-wear foundation, water-resistant sunscreen and mascara. It is also surprisingly good for oily skin, because oil dissolves oil and a well-formulated cleansing oil rinses clean.
Trade-offs: you must use it on dry skin with dry hands, and you must emulsify it properly. Skipping that step is what leaves a greasy film and, for some people, clogged pores.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
DHCDHC Deep Cleansing Oil 200mlAn olive oil–based facial cleanser that dissolves makeup thoroughly with zero residue.S$34.25 is an olive oil-based cleansing oil and a long-standing favourite.Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil
KoseKose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil 240mlCleansing oil removes makeup, including stubborn mascara, as well as dead skin cells and excess dirt, without leaving any oily residue.S$18.19 is a Japanese drugstore cleansing oil designed to take off makeup including stubborn mascara.
Cleansing balm
A cleansing balm is a solid that melts into an oil as you massage it in. It works the same way as a cleansing oil but feels richer and is less likely to spill, which makes it popular for travel.
Good for: heavy makeup, normal to dry skin, people who enjoy a slower, massage-style cleanse.
Trade-offs: some balms feel heavy in hot weather, and scooping from a tub means using the spatula to keep the product clean.
Banila Co. Clean It Zero
Banila Co.Banila Co. Clean It Zero 180mlFor all skin types Acerola+ SPA-Biome Micro-Capture technologyS$37.99 is a well-known Korean sherbet-textured balm.Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Beauty Of JoseonBeauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm 100mlIt is a balm-type cleansing oil that gently melts eye, lip, base makeup and sebum. It contains rice bran and various grain extracts, so the skin does not get dry and remains moist.<S$33.76 contains rice bran and grain extracts and is aimed at leaving skin feeling soft rather than stripped.
Cleansing milk
Cleansing milk is a creamy lotion you massage in, then wipe off with a cotton pad or rinse away. It is one of the oldest formats and still one of the gentlest.
Good for: dry, mature or very sensitive skin and light to moderate makeup.
Trade-offs: not as effective on waterproof or long-wear products, and some people find it does not feel "clean" enough in the heat.
Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser
AveneAvene Gentle Milk Cleanser 200mlAvene Gentle Milk Cleanser: For facial cleansing as directed on the selected pack; check the label for the intended area of use.S$46.97 is a mild option from a sensitive-skin brand.
Micellar face wash vs makeup remover
A micellar face wash, such as Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash Sensitive Skin
GarnierGarnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash Sensitive Skin 200mlAn all-in-one rinse-off micellar gel wash that not only cleanses but also soothes and removes make-up, even on eyes and lips. An easy way to remove makeup and cleanse.S$16.05, is a gel cleanser that uses micellar technology but is used with water like a normal face wash. It is a good one-step option if you wear sunscreen and very light makeup.
It is not a dedicated makeup remover. With full makeup, it usually leaves traces of foundation and mascara behind. Use it as a second cleanse, or on its own only on low-makeup days.
Eye and lip removers
Waterproof mascara and long-wear lip colour are the hardest to shift, and rubbing the eye area is a common cause of irritation. A bi-phase remover, which has an oil layer and a water layer that you shake together, dissolves these quickly.
L'Oréal Paris Gentle Lip & Eye Make-Up Remover
L'Oréal ParisL'Oréal Paris Make-Up Remover - Gentle (Lip & Eye) 125ml• A unique formula which instantly removes the most tenacious eye and lip make-up even waterproof
• Gentle and suitable for sensitive eyesS$14.10 is designed for waterproof eye and lip makeup and for sensitive eyes. Hold a soaked pad over closed eyes for ten seconds, then wipe downwards, without scrubbing.
Choosing by skin type
Oily or acne-prone: cleansing oil that rinses clean, followed by a gentle gel cleanser. Micellar water with a rinse for light days.
Dry: balm or milk, followed by a cream cleanser or a simple water rinse.
Sensitive: micellar water for sensitive skin, or a milk. Avoid heavy fragrance and scrubbing cloths.
Combination: cleansing oil on full-makeup days, micellar water on light days.
Common mistakes
Using oil on wet skin. It cannot grip makeup properly and slides around.
Not emulsifying. Always add water and massage until milky before rinsing.
Over-rubbing with cotton pads. Use more liquid, not more pressure.
Skipping the second cleanse after heavy makeup. Our guide to removing water-resistant sunscreen without scrubbing explains why a gentle second step helps.
Sleeping in makeup. One night will not ruin your skin, but it can contribute to clogged pores and irritated eyes over time.
Bottom line
Match the remover to your makeup first and your skin second. Micellar water suits light makeup and sensitive skin, cleansing oils and balms handle full makeup and water-resistant sunscreen, milks suit dry skin, and a bi-phase remover takes care of waterproof mascara. Whatever you choose, be gentle: makeup removal should never involve scrubbing.
