Best Non-Toxic Makeup Remover in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What we look for:
- Simple formulas with fully natural or safe synthetic ingredients
- No parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, or undisclosed synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
- Minimal, non-irritating preservatives
- EU-compliant brands with third-party certifications when available
- Full transparency around sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing practices
Find Non-Toxic Makeup Remover
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover - Ilia
Product Details
- Formulated to cleanse all skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive skin, without disrupting pH balance.
- Acts as both a foaming facial cleanser and makeup remover, effectively removing daily makeup and mineral sunscreen.
- Hydrates and replenishes skin with natural sugars while avoiding dryness or stripping delicate skin.
- Contains gentle plant-based surfactants for a soft lather and effective cleansing experience.
- Safe for use around eyes and suitable for contact lens wearers, as tested by ophthalmologists.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and packaged sustainably for a health-conscious choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gentle and perfect for sensitive or mature skin.
- Cleans thoroughly without drying out the skin.
- Free from harmful chemicals, offering a clean skincare option.
- Leaves skin feeling soft and plump.
- Ideal for those who prefer minimal active ingredients in cleansing products.
- Can effectively remove makeup.
Cons
- Some users may find the scent unusual; those sensitive to fragrance might notice a chemically/rubbery odor.
- A few users noted it might not remove all makeup for heavier applications.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Saccharide Isomerate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Micellar Water - Be Natural Organics
Product Details
- No rinse formula leaves skin fresh and hydrated.
- Plant-based ingredients for a natural cleansing experience.
- Removes dirt, oil, and grime while keeping skin nourished.
- Contains high-performing botanicals like sea fennel and algae extracts.
- Convenient and effective for all skin types, especially for those on the go.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Leaves no oily residue for a fresh feel.
- Effective at removing makeup with just a small amount.
- Gentle on combination and acne-prone skin, avoiding irritation.
Cons
- Some users received the product damaged or leaking during delivery.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua, Helichrysum Italicum Floral Water, Propanediol, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid, Glycerin, Laminaria (Algae) Extract, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Water, Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract, Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata (Sea Kelp) Extract
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
La Micellaire Botanical Cleansing Water - Dore
Product Details
- Ultra-gentle, rinse-free cleanser for sensitive skin that leaves no residue.
- Fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Cornflower water gently and effectively cleanses the skin.
- Includes damascena rose and aloe vera to hydrate, soothe, and reinforce the skin barrier.
- Cruelty-free, vegan, and dermatologist-tested skincare.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Effectively removes makeup, leaving skin feeling clean.
- Gentle and non-irritating for many users.
- Provides a large volume, lasting a while.
- Good for removing residual makeup after initial cleansing.
Cons
- Some users experienced breakouts and skin irritation.
- The packaging could use an improvement to prevent spills.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Glycerin, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Xylitylglucoside, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Androxylitol, Sodium Levulinate, Xylitol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Herbal Eye Make Up Remover - Eminence
Product Details
- Gently soothes even the most sensitive eyes.
- Supports healthy and balanced skin around the eyes.
- Uses natural ingredients like cucumber, lavender, calendula, and chamomile.
- Ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking non-toxic products.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ideal for sensitive eyes, with many users experiencing no irritation.
- Effectively removes makeup without needing to scrub.
- Leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean with a pleasant fragrance.
- Formulated with natural and nontoxic ingredients.
Cons
- Some users experience a burning sensation; consider testing if you have sensitive skin.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Organic Phytonutrient Blend™ [Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract*, Prunus Domestica (Plum) Fruit Extract*, Prunus Cerasus (Sour Cherry) Fruit Juice*, Myrciaria Dubia (Camu Camu) Fruit Extract*, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Juice*, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Juice*, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Extract*, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract*, Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract*, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Vegetable Glycerin* And Plant-Derived Maltodextrin*], Vegetable Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Powder Extract*, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Vegetable Heptyl Glucoside, Aqua (Water), Biocomplex2™ [Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract*, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Juice*, Malpighia Glabra (Barbados Cherry) Fruit Extract*, Emblica Officinalis (Indian Gooseberry) Fruit Extract*, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Fruit Extract*, Myrciaria Dubia (Camu Camu) Fruit Extract*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water*, Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Plant-Derived Maltodextrin*, Vegetable Glycerin*, Thioctic Acid (Alpha Lipoic Acid) And Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10)
Sea Fennel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover - Gabriel Cosmetics
Product Details
- Gently removes all traces of eye makeup without irritation.
- Aloe vera extract soothes tired eyes and reduces redness and puffiness.
- Formulated with 100% natural, sea-derived ingredients.
- Free from synthetic chemicals, artificial preservatives, and fragrances.
- Suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, causing no irritation or stinging.
- Effectively removes makeup without leaving any greasy residue.
- Contains clean, natural ingredients, perfect for those avoiding harsh chemicals.
- Economical as a little goes a long way.
Cons
- May not work well on all types of mascaras, particularly certain non-waterproof formulas.
- Some users might find the need to rub, which could be inconvenient for those with delicate eye areas.
Ingredients
Ingredients: Aqua (Infusion of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice), Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Powder (Blue Green Algae), Guaiazulene (Azulene), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ammonium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (Amino Acid), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Flower Oil, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract, Potassium Sorbate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Organic/Wildcrafted Goodnight Oil Eye Makeup Remover - Living Libations
Product Details
- Formulated with natural, organic, and wildcrafted ingredients for a gentle makeup removal experience.
- Nourishes and hydrates with jojoba and prickly pear oils, supporting healthy skin, lashes, and brows.
- Effective at removing even stubborn eye makeup without harsh alcohols or surfactants.
- Offers additional benefits as an overnight treatment for skin, lashes, and brows.
- Bottled in recyclable glass, free from parabens, sulfates, and cruelty-free.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Non-toxic and gentle, perfect for sensitive skin.
- Effectively removes makeup and leaves skin feeling soft.
- Many users love the pleasant smell.
- Highly praised for its overall quality and performance.
Cons
- Some users experience eye irritation when using it for makeup removal.
- A few have noted an unpleasant odor, which may not appeal to everyone.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Jojoba – Simmondsia Chinensis, Prickly Pear – Opuntia Ficus Indica, Castor Oil – Ricinus Communis, Frankincense – Boswellia Carterii, Myrrh – Commiphora Myrrha
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
holi (cleanse) Natural Cleansing Face Oil - Agent Nateur
Product Details
- Purifies, nurtures, and hydrates your complexion with a gentle formula.
- Emulsifies dirt, oil, and makeup with a nutrient-dense base of luxury oils.
- Calming plant extracts reveal the natural luminance of your complexion.
- Non-GMO and gluten-free, ensuring a health-conscious choice.
- Petrochemical-free, suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Suitable for all skin types, offering versatile skincare solutions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Effectively removes makeup and sunscreen, even with hard-to-remove products.
- Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized, ideal for dry skin types.
- The fragrance is derived from natural ingredients, avoiding added synthetic scents.
- Comes with a gentle cleansing cloth that prevents skin stripping during use.
- Works well as a massage oil for facial care routines such as gua sha.
Cons
- Does not emulsify or turn milky with water, which may not suit those accustomed to such formulations.
- May leave an oily residue, potentially unsuitable for oily or acne-prone skin types.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Leaf) Juice, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, Myrciaria Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Seed Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, *Benzyl Alcohol
Common Harmful Chemicals in Makeup Remover
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.
Chemical Safety Facts: Ethanolamines, NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Diethanolamine, California Environmental Protection Agency: Diethanolamine , International Agency for Research on Cancer: Diethanolamine, Initial List of Hazardous Air Pollutants with Modifications, What is the Toxics Release Inventory?, OPINION CONCERNING DIALKYL- AND DIALKANOLAMINES AND THEIR SALTS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS, Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others), WHAT ARE ETHANOLAMINE COMPOUNDS (DEA, MEA, OR TEA): CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, The Dirty Dozen: DEA-related ingredients, FDA: Diethanolamine, Chemical Profile: Diethanolamine ,
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.
Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.
Triclosan Exposure, Transformation, and Human Health Effects, Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance?, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, The Effects of Triclosan on Puberty and Thyroid Hormones in Male Wistar Rats, Triclosan is a potent inhibitor of estradiol and estrone sulfonation in sheep placenta, The in Vitro estrogenic activities of triclosan and triclocarban, Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water, Environmental Exposure of Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota to Triclosan and Triclocarban, Triclosan: Environmental Fate and Effects, Chemical Profile: Triclosan / Triclocarban, 5 Things to Know About Triclosan, Underarm Harm? Whats So Bad About Antiperspirants?, Some flame retardants and the antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban enhance the androgenic activity in vitro, Triclocarban Enhances Testosterone Action: A New Type of Endocrine Disruptor?, Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden
Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.
Benzophenone & Related Compounds, Chemical Profile: Benzophenone, Toxicological evaluation of benzophenone, Benzophenone – information sheet, Proposition 65 Warnings: Benzophenone, OEHHA: Benzophenone, FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List, Benzophenone-3, a chemical UV-filter in cosmetics: is it really safe for children and pregnant women? ,
DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.