Are you prone to breakouts or acne, or do you have really dry skin? Thanks to advances in skincare, there are new and improved makeup removers on the market that suit all sorts of skin types. From micellar waters to cleansing milks that cleanse away foundation, lipstick and mascara, here’s our updated list of top makeup removers for sensitive skin.
Face cleansers
Botani Olive Soothing Cleanser, $46
Suitable for all skin types (especially dry, irritated or eczema-prone skin), this soothing cleanser available at Pure Tincture contains olive squalene and chamomile. It removes makeup and impurities gently while maintaining the skin’s moisture levels, leaving you with a clean and silky smooth base.
INNI by La Source Purifying Gel Cleanser, $38
This gentle, sulphate-free cleanser is supercharged with three key ingredients: tea tree oil, lavender oil and lemongrass oil. It’s an excellent one-step product that removes makeup without stripping the skin of its moisture.
Psst… For a limited time only, buy $200 worth of INNI by La Source products and get a $100 La Source Spa service voucher!
Dr Sylvia Ultra Sensitive Cleansing Milk
This colour-, fragrance- and paraben-free medical-grade cleanser contains arnica to reduce inflammation and vitamin K to minimise the appearance of broken capillaries and discolouration. It’s also suitable as a post-peel or post-operative cleanser when the skin is super sensitive. Only available at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics.
Cremorlab O2 Couture Mauve Algae Cleanser, $36
This one-step, gel-to-foam cleanser combines makeup removal with facial cleansing. It removes dirt, makeup and impurities with its natural Marine Algae Capsule Technology made from 33 kinds of naturally derived marine plant-based extracts, leaving your skin clean and revitalised.
Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Gel-To-Foam, $24
A new addition to the Green Tea Cleansing Line, this gel-to-foam product is a one-step cleanser with a hybrid formula. It thoroughly dissolves makeup with a moisture gel, then cleanses your skin and removes impurities with its bubbly foam texture. It’s great for sensitive skin as it ensures the skin’s layer isn’t unnecessarily stripped of its moisture with excessive washing.
Cleansing oils
Frank Skincare Magic Wipe Cleansing Oil, $52
Packed with complexion-nurturing, organic-certified ingredients, this two-in-one cleansing oil removes dirt and stubborn makeup in just a few swipes. It also contains natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) from kiwi extract to gently soften dead skin cells and improve skin radiance.
Fancl MCO Mild Cleansing Oil, $30
This reformulated cleansing oil features an upgraded formula that removes stubborn makeup (even waterproof ones!), dissolves unsightly keratotic plugs (bumps caused by keratin build-up), and retains the skin’s natural ceramides to keep it hydrated – all these while removing all traces of makeup.
Micellar waters and solutions
Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Lotion Moist, $16.90
This wallet-friendly option from Japan is free from oil, alcohol, colourant, fragrance and paraben, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. There are currently five variants available – Moist for dry skin, Sebum for oily or combination skin, Brightup for dull skin, Enrich for ageing skin, and Acne Care to combat breakouts.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra for Sensitive Skin, $32.90
Formulated with glycerin, this ultra-gentle formula cleanses, soothes and removes makeup without drying your skin. A popular and affordable pick that’s readily available at major pharmacies!
Bioderma Sebium H20, from $15.90
Best suited for those with oily, sensitive skin, Bioderma’s micellar water cleanses and removes makeup gently, leaving your skin soft and comfortable. With soothing and antibacterial properties from the addition of zinc gluconate and copper sulphate, this cleansing water helps to balance and purify acne-prone skin.
Estelle & Thild BioCleanse Micellar Cleansing Water, $38
Suitable for all skin types, this multi-functional product has a hydrating formula infused with nourishing aloe vera for moisture and skin regeneration. The no-rinse solution gently lifts away makeup and impurities, while cleansing and toning the skin for a clean and refreshed feel.
CANVAS Rose Otto Micellar Cleansing Water Gel, $62.40
Containing mostly natural and certified organic ingredients, this gentle, alcohol-free solution packs a punch with pure essential oils like bergamot and patchouli. Apart from effectively removing makeup and impurities, it also hydrates and refreshes the skin.
NIVEA 3-in-1 Care Cleansing Micellar Wipes, $10.90
Fortified with Vitamin E for extra antioxidant protection, NIVEA’s micellar wipes remove all makeup gently – so you can use them on both your face and eyes – and cleanse the skin thoroughly without the need for rinsing; they moisturise while at it. It’s great for travelling, too!
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