Proper makeup removal is essential for healthy, beautiful skin. There are various ways to remove makeup—but one thing is certain: water alone is not enough to cleanse makeup from the skin..
According to Statista.de, more than 7 million women aged 14 and over use makeup every day. No surprise—makeup helps highlight our best features and conceal minor imperfections. Much like clothing, makeup can express personality, project a certain image to the outside world, or simply make us feel confident and good about ourselves.
No matter the motivation behind wearing makeup, it presents a challenge for our skin. Failing to remove makeup thoroughly can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. The eye area in particular needs time to recover from mascara and eyeshadow, as the skin here is especially delicate. If makeup residue repeatedly gets into the eyes, it can even lead to irritation or inflammation of the skin and eyes.
Conclusion: removing makeup is a must—even if you sometimes lack the motivation in the evening. There are many different ways to take makeup off, and which makeup remover is right for you depends on several factors.
How Do I Find the Right Makeup Remover?
A little water, a bit of soap, rub thoroughly and the skin is clean—unfortunately, skincare, and especially makeup removal, is rarely that simple. As with any cosmetic or skincare product, choosing the right makeup remover depends on several factors.
Criteria for choosing a makeup remover:
- Skin type
- Preferred texture or type of cleansing product
- Type of makeup used
- How the skin feels and reacts after application
Minimalists may prefer to skip dedicated makeup removers or cleansing products altogether. And for someone with resilient skin who rarely—or only very lightly—wears makeup, cleansing with special reusable cleansing cloths or pads may be sufficient. However, caution is advised: constant rubbing can irritate the skin over time, potentially leading to dryness or breakouts.
Anyone who wears makeup regularly—especially waterproof makeup—cannot avoid using specialized cleansing products. Whether a cleansing gel, cleansing milk, or cleansing oil is the right choice depends on your individual skin type as well as the type of makeup you use. The clearest indicator of whether a product suits your skin is your skin’s reaction. After cleansing, the skin should feel comfortable, not tight or irritated. If your skin condition worsens over time, this may be a sign that something in your cleansing or skincare routine is not quite right.
What Types of Makeup Removers are there?
The most common types of makeup removers include micellar water, cleansing gels, cleansing milk, and cleansing oils. Within these categories, there are countless formulations and ingredients designed to remove makeup and other impurities as gently as possible.
Micellar Water and Cleansing Gels
Micellar waters and cleansing gels are often recommended for oily or combination skin. They usually have a lightweight, non-greasy texture. Depending on their ingredients, some micellar waters actively reduce sebum production—which can be problematic for very dry skin. Both products help remove dirt and impurities, but they do not automatically remove makeup effectively. It’s therefore important to check whether a product is actually suitable for makeup removal, especially if you use waterproof makeup.
Cleansing milk
Cleansing milk has a light texture and is generally a mild, water-soluble option for cleansing the face, neck, and décolleté. It is well suited for preparing the skin for subsequent skincare products and for removing light makeup. Depending on the formulation and ingredients, cleansing milk cleanses thoroughly while also providing moisture. However, it may reach its limits when it comes to removing waterproof makeup. Cleansing milk is particularly suitable for dry and sensitive skin, as well as combination skin.
Cleansing Oil
Cleansing oil is a water-free cleansing product that is especially gentle and nourishing. Even waterproof makeup, mascara, and lipstick can be removed effectively with a cleansing oil. The skin is deeply cleansed without being dried out. Unlike pure plant oils such as olive or coconut oil, specially formulated cleansing oils are tailored to the skin’s needs, emulsify with water, and do not leave an unpleasant greasy residue. This makes cleansing oils not only ideal makeup removers for dry and sensitive skin, but also a good option for oily and combination skin, as they do not unnecessarily stimulate sebum production.
The most important factor when choosing a makeup remover is understanding your own skin’s needs. Make sure the formulation and ingredients do not disrupt the skin’s natural balance. It’s also important to keep in mind that not every cleansing product can deeply remove every type of makeup. Waterproof makeup, in particular, places special demands on cleansing products—this is why many products explicitly state whether they are suitable for this purpose.
Herbacin tip: Complement your regular cleansing and makeup removal routine with a mild toner. This helps regulate the skin’s oil balance, restores equilibrium, and optimally prepares the skin to absorb active ingredients from subsequent skincare products.