Makeup remover is an essential product in everyone’s beauty repertoire. It’s necessary to remove foundation, lipstick, and stubborn eyeliner and mascara before bed to prevent breakouts and to keep skin healthy and glowing.
When you’re making the switch to a cruelty-free beauty routine, it can be overwhelming to decide between all the available options.
Need some help deciding? Check out our guide to removers and our favorite products, so you can spend less time reading ingredient lists, and more time doing the things you love.
Quick NavigationTypes of Makeup Remover✓ Liquid✓ WipesOur Favorite Vegan ProductsYes to Cucumbers Eye Makeup Remover PadsAlba Botanica Advanced Eye Makeup RemoverPaula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup RemoverPacifica Essential Makeup Remover WipesViva Naturals Organic Coconut OilCleanse Away the Day the Vegan Way
Types of Makeup Remover
First, you’ll want to decide on the style of remover that best fits into your routine. Then, you’ll be able to find the perfect cruelty-free, animal-friendly product to add to your collection.
When it comes to makeup remover, you generally have two options to choose from. The best product for you will depend on your preferences and lifestyle.
✓ Liquid
Liquid makeup removers are ideal for quickly dissolving makeup, even caked-on waterproof stuff. It is applied to a cotton ball or pad and wiped around the eye area to remove makeup.
Liquid removers come in several forms, including cleansing oils, milks, and waters. The type best suited to you will depend on the type of makeup you wear and your skin type.
- Oils: Don’t let the name scare you! While some people might shy away from a product with “oil” in the name, this type of remover can be extremely nourishing for the skin. Because it doesn’t strip away the skin’s oils, it helps regulate oil production on the face. These are a good option for all skin types, from oily to dry.
- Milks: A “milk” might be a weird thing to include in a vegan product list, but no worries – cleansing milk isn’t made with actual milk. These are referred to as “milks” due to their thin, white consistency – not anything in their ingredient list. They don’t foam and have a luxurious texture. These products reduce dryness, so they’re good for sensitive or dry skin.
- Waters: Just like the water you drink, cleansing water keeps your skin healthy and hydrated while rinsing away the day’s makeup. Cleansing waters are effective, yet gentle. Best part? They don’t leave any greasy film, so you can get away without rinsing.
✓ Wipes
Makeup remover wipes are all about convenience. You don’t have to worry about getting separate cotton balls or pads; everything is housed in one easy-to-use wipe.
In addition to being a one-stop-shop for your makeup removal needs, wipes are also ideal for travel – especially by plane! Rather than having to portion out liquid makeup remover into flying-friendly containers, you can simply tuck a pack of wipes into your bag and march right onto the plane.
I also happen to love makeup wipes for the winter months. When it’s chilly in my house, the last thing I want to do is to have to rinse my face with water! Using a facial wipe allows me to keep my skin fresh and clean before bed without having to dunk my face into the sink.
Our Favorite Vegan Products
Yes to Cucumbers Eye Makeup Remover Pads
These makeup remover pads harness the power of cucumbers and aloe to dissolve makeup and wipe away impurities. The ingredients leave skin feeling clean and hydrated, while the plant ingredients keep skin soothed and healthy.
Each jar contains 45 easy-to-use pre-moistened pads. Simply take a pad out of the jar, swipe it a few times over your eyes, and toss in the wastebasket. There’s no need to rinse – the bit of remover in the pad will evaporate, creating a cool, clean sensation on your skin.
Yes to Cucumbers eye makeup remover pads are made with 95% natural products, so you can feel good about using them on your face.
They’re also ophthalmologist tested and good for use on sensitive skin. You can also feel good about what they don’t include – these wipes are free of harmful petroleum, SLS, and parabens.
These pads have a great summer scent – the cucumber and aloe will remind you of a spa experience, and will leave skin feeling soft and squeaky clean.
What We Liked
These vegan makeup remover pads are super effective! There’s no need to scrub or tug the mascara off your lashes – a few swipes are all it takes to remove even stubborn waterproof makeup.
What We Didn’t Like
Some Amazon purchasers noted that a recent change in the formula causes some irritation when using these pads. You may want to test the pads before swiping them over your entire eyelid.
Alba Botanica Advanced Eye Makeup Remover
Alba Botanica’s eye makeup remover goes above and beyond the call of duty – it does more than just remove your eyeliner and mascara!
The marine complex stimulates cell regeneration for a balanced, even, and uniform complexion, meaning it benefits your skin’s health and appearance, in addition to leaving it clean and clear.
This formula is also ideal for sensitive skin. It’s a hypo-allergenic remover, so it won’t cause burning or irritation during use. It even nourishes lashes while removing waterproof makeup.
Alba Botanica is a great company for vegans and vegetarians to get behind, too. Not only does the company offer a line of products that are completely free of animal products, but the company is also 100% committed to cruelty-free practices. They never test their products – or the ingredients that go into them – on our furry friends. They also realize the need to be stewards of natural resources and make efforts to be sustainable.
Each bottle contains four ounces of liquid makeup remover. Before use, give the bottle a good shake and pour a bit of liquid onto a cotton ball. Use the soaked ball to remove makeup.
What We Liked
Purchasers love how gentle this is on the eye area – no stinging or burning, even for those with typically sensitive eyes and skin. The 100% vegetarian status of the company is something to be excited about as well!
What We Didn’t Like
Some reviewers dispute the “advanced” nature of this remover. While they love the botanical ingredients, you may need to scrub more to remove waterproof or thick makeup.
Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover
Sensitive skinned beauties rejoice! Paula’s Choice makeup remover uses an exceptionally gentle formula that softens and nourishes skin while removing makeup. It leaves skin feeling hydrated, without any of the oily residue left behind by other products.
Paula’s Choice remover uses a dual-phase solution for maximum effectiveness against even waterproof makeup. When you shake the bottle, it combines the ingredients to create a powerful yet gentle makeup removing solution. You can use it for more than just eye makeup – it’s also ideal for stay-put foundation, long-wearing lipsticks, and any other stubborn makeup.
This product is also completely free of fragrances, which makes it perfect for people with sensitivities or allergies. The formula is clinically proven to be non-irritating, and it is never tested on animals thanks to the company’s commitment to being cruelty-free.
Each bottle contains 4.3 fluid ounces of remover. To use, simply shake well and apply the remover to a cotton ball or pad.
What We Liked
Aside from coming from a cruelty-free company, purchasers love how this product feels on the skin after use. Paula’s Choice remover doesn’t leave a yucky oily residue after use – just clean, comfortable skin!
What We Didn’t Like
Some reviewers, but not all, note that this formula simply does not work on waterproof makeup. If you use a lot of really stubborn makeup, this might require a little elbow grease. Of course, make sure you’re shaking the product well before use!
Pacifica Essential Makeup Remover Wipes
The cruelty-free makeup remover towelettes from Pacifica are infused with super hydrating coconut water. They’re meant for use on your whole face, which means it can remove foundation and lipstick, in addition to eyeliner and mascara. The wipes are a convenient and easy-to-use addition to your beauty routine.
These wipes provide overall clean to your face, removing toxins and pollutants, in addition to your makeup. They harness the power of plant ingredients like jasmine, jojoba oil, and coconut water to keep skin bright and healthy while it cleans and purifies.
In addition to great products, Pacifica is another company that vegans and vegetarians will want to support. The entire company is vegan and cruelty-free, so the wipes are formulated without carmine, mineral oil, and parabens. They’re also free of harmful ingredients like SLS, sulfates, and parabens.
Each package comes with 30 wipes. You can tuck these into your purse or travel bag for purification on the go.
What We Liked
These wipes are super convenient – rather than having to use several products and several steps, you can simply wipe your whole face down with these wipes, and you’re ready for bed. They’re also effective at removing almost all types of makeup, so you won’t have to work too hard to get yourself ready for sleep.
What We Didn’t Like
Some users with sensitive skin found that these wipes irritated their face. If you’re worried or have sensitive skin, you may want to do a test on a small patch before wiping them across your whole face. Additionally, some people weren’t crazy about this scent.
Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil
Is there nothing superfood coconut oil can’t do? That’s right – no mistake here! In addition to its already impressive resume, coconut oil is an effective – and thrifty – vegan-friendly makeup remover.
To remove makeup with coconut oil, scoop a small amount of oil out of the jar (a pea-size amount is plenty!) and rub it between your fingers until it becomes a liquid. If it’s very warm outside, it may already be liquid, so just coat your fingers with the oil.
Close your eyes and wipe the oil over your eyelids and lashes. You’ll feel eyeliner and eyeshadow come off almost immediately, but you may need to use your fingertips to “roll” away the waterproof mascara. Don’t worry if a bit gets in your eyes – it won’t hurt, and you can just rinse it out. If you want to remove the rest of the makeup on your face, simply massage the oil into your skin.
Use a warm, wet washcloth to remove the excess oil from your skin before splashing your face with warm water. Dab your face with a dry towel, and you’re all set!
What We Liked
Viva Naturals coconut oil is perfect for beauty applications because it’s very affordable, it’s organic, and it contains nothing but pure, unrefined coconut oil. It has a fantastic coconut scent, and will make you feel like you’re treating yourself to something tropical.
What We Didn’t Like
Using straight coconut oil on your face can leave an oily film, even after you’ve rinsed. You’ll want to use the oil on your face a few minutes before bed, as you’ll want time for the oil to be absorbed by your skin. Hitting the hay immediately after your routine can result in oil on your sheets and pillows, which can be uncomfortable.
Cleanse Away the Day the Vegan Way
It’s easy to find a vegan makeup remover that’s gentle on your eyes and hasn’t been tested on beautiful animals. Whether you choose a product created by an all-vegan company, a soothing remover for sensitive skin, or go the completely natural route and harness the power of coconut oil, you can leave your skin fresh and clean at the end of the day.
When you go to purchase your makeup remover, consider the ingredients of each product, how it might interact with your skin, and how the product will fit into your lifestyle.
With all these beautiful, natural options, you can nourish your skin and care for the environment, all while removing the makeup from the day.