This $8 Drugstore Eye Makeup Remover Beat a $50 One in Our Tests (2025)

Formula: Micellar water liquid | Key ingredients: Glycerin, salicylic acid | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 13.5 oz.

What made it a winner: This lightweight liquid Garnier micellar water took the top prize in the GH Beauty Lab's makeup remover test, outperforming all other formulas for speedily whisking off eye makeup with no tugging or rubbing.

It tied for removing eyeliner fastest, in an average of 4.7 swipes, in the Lab's makeup removal swipe test. An impressive 100% of testers agreed the no-rinse formula wasn't sticky, didn't irritate skin or eyes, and left skin feeling smooth and moisturized. Note that this product doesn't claim waterproof eye makeup removal.

Tester said: "Normally I have to tissue off my mascara after washing my face, but it wasn't necessary with this product," a user remarked. "It made my skin look amazing." (Below, see before and after eye makeup removal with the product.)

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Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Key ingredients: Aloe, glycerin | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 5.5 oz.

What made it a winner: Neutrogena's gentle drugstore formula, at less than $6, is both a past GH Beauty Lab eye makeup remover test winner and ophthalmologist-recommended. It came out on top of the Lab's test of eyeliner removal, requiring the least number of swipes to dissolve the makeup and didn't cause skin or eye irritation.

Testers said: Consumer testers liked that it left skin feeling "clean." Dr. Stokkermans suggests this for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, praising that it is "ophthalmologist-tested and oil-free, but removes waterproof makeup." Some users said it left their skin feeling dry, however.

Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Key ingredients: Aloe, glycerin, green tea |Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 4.3 oz.

What made it a winner: This mild Paula's Choice eye makeup remover lived up to its name in GH Beauty Lab testing, proving to be the gentlest formulation evaluated. It earned perfect scores for not stinging or irritating skin or eyes, being mess-free and no tacky feel on skin. Two caveats: A tester noted that it didn't remove all of their mascara and another felt the bottle was small.

Testers said: Many commented that they didn't experience any irritation using this and one even said it "felt cool on skin." They loved that it left skin "silky" and "smooth," not "tight or dry."

Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Key ingredients: Lipids, emollients | Fragrance-free: No | Size: 6.7 oz.

What made it a winner: The classic Lancôme eye makeup remover solidified its gold standard status in GH Beauty Lab testing by thoroughly melting away even stubborn waterproof makeup, including mascara and eyeliner. Testers gave it a perfect score for fully removing makeup, and 100% agreed it wasn't messy, worked quickly and didn't aggravate skin or eyes.

Although many eye makeup removers are fragrance-free, this has a floral scent that testers rated highly. Two drawbacks are the higher price and that testers found it left their skin oily.

Testers said: Dr. Stokkermans recommends this "professional-grade" formula for waterproof and long-wear makeup and likes that it "requires one shake to activate and leaves skin conditioned." Consumer testers marveled at how fast this dissolved their eye makeup: "It took my mascara and eyeliner off with one to two swipes of a cotton ball," one said. Another echoed: "I only needed one swipe to remove my makeup."

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Formula: Balm | Key ingredients: Plant oils | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 3.8 oz.

What made it a winner: Clinique's decadent cleansing balm was ace at getting rid of eye makeup in past GH Beauty Lab makeup remover testing. The solid formula got the best overall score in Lab testing for dissolving eyeliner, in only 3.3 swipes on average.

Despite its rich formula, 100% of testers agreed it washed off easily (although some noted it left residue on eyes) and didn't cause breakouts or irritation. The balm has a 100% SkinSafe score, which means it doesn't contain any of the top common allergens known to cause skin sensitivity.

Testers said: "My skin felt fresh and clean afterward and so soft!" a tester exclaimed. Another said: "This has earned a permanent place in my skincare routine." Dr. Stokkermans adds that this works for all skin types, including sensitive and "dissolves makeup without stripping skin."

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Formula: Oil | Key ingredients: Plant oils | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 5 oz.

What made it a winner: If you like the skin-pampering feel of oil cleansers, Curél is for you; the formula was a top performer in past GH Beauty Lab makeup remover testing. It scored best for not leaving skin sticky or irritated, although some users commented that it didn't fully remove their mascara.

Testers said: "I used a toner after this and there was no trace of makeup left on the cotton round," a tester revealed. Another raved about "the smoothness of application and of skin after using it."

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Formula: Bi-phase liquid | Key ingredients: Skin conditioners | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 3.75 oz.

What made it a winner: A longtime industry favorite that's backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, Mary Kay's oil-free eye makeup remover effectively erases both regular and waterproof cosmetics. In studies, it easily removed eye makeup without tugging or pulling, felt comfortable on skin and no users experienced eye reactions, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed.

The formula is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin, but note that it's not meant for use all over the face.

Tester said: This "lightweight," "non-drying" remover is a beauty editor go-to; one who is a heavy makeup wearer has had it as part of her routine for years.

Formula: Balm | Key ingredients: Plant oils | Fragrance-free: Yes | Size: 2.2 oz.

What made it a winner: Coddle delicate mature skin with this "creamy" Hero Cosmetics cleansing balm, a top performer in the Beauty Lab's makeup remover test that received raves from testers. An impressive 100% of users agreed it dissolved makeup quickly and left skin feeling smooth after application yet not greasy or sticky. (Be aware that the formula doesn't claim to remove waterproof makeup.)

Testers said: There were many exclamations about this product in the tester comments, including "Love at first feel!" and "I could not believe how easily all of my makeup came off and my skin did not feel dry or taut!" Several also said that they would purchase it.

Formula: Oil | Key ingredients: Plant oils | Fragrance-free: No | Size: 6 oz.

What made it a winner: Infused with several botanical oils (rice bran, evening primrose, jojoba), Mario Badescu's cleansing oil completely melts away even waterproof makeup while softening dehydrated skin. Testers gave it perfect marks for speedily dissolving makeup and leaving skin smooth, and 100% of users agreed it made skin feel hydrated. The oil-based formula could take more effort to remove and leave a greasy film behind.

Testers said: "My face didn't feel dry or tight," one noted, while another commented that it left her skin "smooth and moisturized."

Formula: Gel | Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5 | Fragrance-free: No | Size: 6.3 oz.

What made it a winner: No fear of greasy skin using this Neutrogena gel makeup remover and cleanser. In the Beauty Lab's makeup remover test, it tied for the best score for removing eyeliner quickly, in an average of 4.7 swipes. (See below for before and after eye makeup removal with the product.)

A full 100% of testers agreed it didn't leave skin feeling oily, spread smoothly on skin with no need for rubbing or tugging, rinsed easily and wasn't messy. Know that it doesn't claim to remove waterproof makeup and one tester reported it left their skin feeling dry.

Testers said: "Not heavy at all," "removed makeup totally," and "left my face feeling clean," three users commented.

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Formula: Micellar water | Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5 | Fragrance-free: No | Size: 6.76 oz.

What made it a winner: Refresh and purify skin of cosmetics and grime by splashing on this no-rinse Vichy micellar water, which came out on top in past GH Beauty Lab makeup remover testing. It ranked highest for making skin feel clean and scored well for easy, no-mess application, effectively removing makeup (though it may take multiple applications to dissolve mascara), and not leaving an oily residue on skin.

Testers said: "It worked great to remove waterproof eyeliner and made my skin feel fresh," one reported. Two others noted that their skin felt "very clean" after use.

Formula: Balm | Key ingredients: Plant oils, peptides, ceramides |Fragrance-free: No | Size: 2 oz.

What made it a winner: Rich in skincare ingredients, e.l.f.'s buttery solid cleansing balm excelled at removing eye makeup with ease in past GH Beauty Lab testing. It wiped away eyeliner in 3.7 swipes on average in the Lab's assessment. A full 100% of testers agreed it spread on easily, left skin looking smooth and didn't sting eyes.

Testers said: Although two users found it caused breakouts, others raved that it left "no trace of raccoon eyes" and made skin look "clean and bright."

The GH Beauty Lab tests eye makeup removers both in the Lab using scientific protocols and on consumer testers. In the most recent test, Beauty Lab experts narrowed 185 makeup remover submissions with a range of price points and formulas down to the top contenders.

These products were label-masked to prevent brand bias, then distributed to 59 testers, who used them in their routines for a set time period. Tester then report their feedback on product attributes (like scent and texture), ease of use, performance and effects on skin and eyes.

GH Beauty Lab scientists and ophthalmologists suggest the following when picking the best eye makeup remover for you:

✔️ Seek out eye-specific claims. "Look for a product that says it can be used in the eye area," Butler says. "It's a good idea to use a separate eye makeup remover if you use eyeshadows, eyeliners or mascaras that are water-resistant or waterproof because they can be more difficult to remove." If you do use those, pick a remover with waterproof makeup-removing claims on the packaging.
✔️ Know the different formulas. Here are common types of eye makeup removers to choose from:
-Micellar waters: "These contain tiny oil molecules suspended in water that attract makeup and dirt," Dr. Stokkermans says.
-Oil-based liquids: Made with oils like jojoba and grapeseed, "they are particularly effective for waterproof makeup," he notes.
-Creams or lotions: "These formulations tend to be more hydrating and less likely to strip skin's natural oils," Dr. Stokkermans says.
-Balms: Solid formulas usually made with waxes and/or oils, they have a richer texture, Butler explains.
✔️ Consider your skin type.
-If you have dry or mature skin, oil-based, balm, lotion and cream formulas tend to be more hydrating, Dr. Stokkermans says; look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and plant oils.
-Those with sensitive skin or eyes should opt for eye makeup removers labeled "hypoallergenic" (meaning they've been tested for sensitivity), "fragrance-free" and "ophthalmologist-tested," he recommends.
-For oily skin, try a micellar water or gel, as they are "lightweight and non-greasy," Dr. Stokkermans says, or a formula labeled "oil-free."
✔️ Do a patch test. Before using any new eye makeup remover, patch test a dab of any new eye makeup remover on your wrist to check for irritation, he suggests.

Dr. Stokkermans recommends this technique for thorough eye makeup removal:

1. Apply eye makeup remover to a cotton pad or reusable cloth.
2. Press gently against closed eye for 20 to 30 seconds to dissolve makeup (allow more time for waterproof eye makeup if needed).
3. Wipe softly downward for upper lids and lashes, then upward for lower lashline.
4. If needed, dip a clean cotton swab in the makeup remover then glide along the lashline to remove any remaining makeup.
5. Rinse skin with lukewarm water, then pat it dry with a clean towel.