The best way to remove makeup comes down to one idea: dissolve it gently first instead of scrubbing it off. Here is a simple routine, what to look for in a remover, and the mistakes that can leave skin tight or clogged.
What you’ll learn
The Short Answer
The best way to remove makeup is to break it down with an oil-based cleanser or balm before you ever touch a cotton pad. Oil dissolves the waxes, pigments, and long-wear polymers that hold makeup to your skin, so most of it lifts away with very little rubbing. That matters because friction and over-cleansing are far more irritating than the makeup itself.
Once the makeup is dissolved, you add water so the formula emulsifies, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat your face dry. If your skin is sensitive or easily dried out, this gentle, low-friction approach is usually the safest route. A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic balm is often the easiest way to do it because it is gentle on the barrier and rinses clean without a second cleanse.
Key takeaway
Dissolve makeup with a gentle oil-based cleanser or balm, emulsify with water, then rinse. Less rubbing means less irritation and a calmer skin barrier.
What to Look for in a Makeup Remover
Not every makeup remover behaves the same way, and the formula decides whether your skin finishes the routine feeling calm or stripped. These are the traits that matter most.
Oil-based so it actually dissolves
Water-based micellar waters and foaming cleansers can struggle with waterproof mascara and long-wear lip colour. An oil-based formula uses solvents that the skin recognises, so it can melt the same binders that hold makeup in place. A cleansing balm is simply a solid, mess-free version of that idea.
Non-comedogenic so it does not clog pores
A remover sits on your skin while it works, so it needs to rinse clean and not leave a pore-blocking film. Non-comedogenic formulas are designed to be easier to wash away, which matters if you are prone to breakouts or combination skin.
Fragrance-free for reactive skin
Added fragrance and essential oils are among the more common triggers for stinging around the eyes and cheeks. If your skin turns red easily, look for a short, recognisable ingredient list with little to no fragrance.
Emulsifies so there is no residue
The single biggest reason someone dislikes a balm or oil is a greasy leftover feel. A good formula turns milky the moment you add water, so it rinses off clean rather than needing a washcloth or a second pass to feel clear.
| What to look for | Why it matters | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-based or balm | Dissolves long-wear makeup | Foams before makeup breaks down |
| Non-comedogenic | Won't clog pores | Heavy, waxy residue |
| Fragrance-free | Less risk of stinging | Added essential oils |
| Emulsifies | Rinses clean | Sticky film left behind |
| Gentle oil base | Kind to the barrier | Stripping or tight feel |
ddg Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm (100ml)
A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic balm built on oat kernel oil and squalane. It melts away face and eye makeup, emulsifies with water, and rinses clean without a second cleanse.
If you are new to balms, the technique matters as much as the product. Read our step-by-step guide to using a cleansing balm and then see how it compares to micellar water versus an oil cleanser.
How to Remove Makeup, Step by Step
The goal of each step is to reduce friction. Work with a light touch and let the formula do the lifting.
Step 1: Start with dry skin and dry hands
Apply the balm or oil to dry skin. Water dilutes the formula before it has a chance to break down your makeup, so keep everything dry in the first pass. A small scoop goes a long way.
Step 2: Massage in circles, gently
Massage across your face in soft, circular motions for about thirty to sixty seconds. Focus a little longer on areas with the most product, like the cheeks and around the eyes, but keep your touch light. You are not trying to scrub; you are trying to let the oil dissolve the makeup.
Step 3: Work it into the eyes carefully
For mascara and eyeliner, close your eyes and gently massage the balm over the lids and lashes. Let it sit for ten to twenty seconds, then rinse. Avoid rubbing hard, which is the main cause of irritation around the eyes.
Step 4: Add water to emulsify
Wet your fingers and massage again. A good formula will turn milky and thin out, which tells you it is emulsifying. This is the step that stops the leftover, greasy feel.
Step 5: Rinse with lukewarm water
Rinse with lukewarm rather than hot water, then pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel. Lukewarm water removes oil without stripping the barrier, and patting avoids rubbing already-clean skin.
Step 6: Follow with a light moisturiser
Removing makeup also removes some of your skin's natural oils, so re-adding moisture keeps the barrier comfortable. A light lotion or cream is enough for most skin types through the night.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most "makeup removal problems" come from technique, not from the product. Here are the habits worth dropping.
Scrubbing with a cotton pad
Wiping a cotton pad back and forth across your face is the most common way to irritate skin. It does not dissolve makeup; it just drags it around and can break down the barrier if you press hard.
Using hot water
Hot water feels relaxing but strips the skin of its own moisture, leaving it tight and red. Warm or lukewarm water removes balm and oil just as well while keeping skin comfortable.
Skipping the rinse on "no need to wash" formulas
Some balms claim they do not need rinsing, but leaving a film on the skin can clog pores over time. If your skin feels slick after removal, rinse again rather than leaving it.
Sharing a washcloth or reusing it
Bacteria build up quickly on a reusable washcloth, especially near the eyes. Use a clean one per wash or switch to disposable cotton pads if you prefer, and never share your cloth.
Quick checklist
Dry skin and hands first · massage gently 30–60 seconds · emulsify with water · rinse lukewarm · pat dry · moisturise after.
FAQs
What is the best way to remove makeup without damaging your skin?
Dissolve it with an oil-based cleanser or balm first, then emulsify with water and rinse gently. This removes makeup with far less rubbing than cotton pads and does not strip the barrier.
Do I need a separate eye makeup remover?
Often not. A gentle balm can melt eye makeup and long-wear formulas if you work it softly over closed eyes and rinse well. A dedicated eye remover is optional unless your eyes are very sensitive.
Should I cleanse twice after removing makeup?
Not necessarily. If a balm emulsifies and rinses fully clean, you can skip a second cleanse. Add one only if you have very oily skin, heavy SPF, or a formula that leaves residue.
Is a cleansing balm the right choice for sensitive skin?
Yes, when it is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. A balm based on oat kernel oil and squalane melts makeup without friction and rinses clean, which suits reactive or easily dried-out skin.
How often should I remove makeup before bed?
Every time you wear makeup or sunscreen. Leaving it on overnight lets oils and pigments sit on the skin, which can contribute to clogged pores and irritation.
The best way to remove makeup is not a longer routine — it is a gentler one. By dissolving makeup with a balm or oil before you rinse, you avoid the rubbing that causes most irritation. Whether you keep it to one cleansing step or add a second, the principle stays the same: be soft with your skin, and it will thank you in the morning.
ddg believes in skincare that is science-led, gentle, and effective for sensitive skin. If you want a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic option to make removal easy on your barrier, explore our Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm.
