Share |

10 Gentle Ways to Remove Eye Makeup Naturally for Sensitive Eyes

Hi Debra,

I agree that some hypoallergenic products just don’t meet up expectations. Here’s a list of things which I found to be really helpful in my own experience, and I hope they work well for you too.

What You Can Use to Remove Makeup for Sensitive Eyes

1. My eyes are also very sensitive and tried almost everything to remove eye makeup. And then, one fine day, I discovered this super affordable product in a local drugstore – Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It worked like charm to remove light makeup and I haven't had any issues at all.

Cetaphil is extremely gentle on the skin; it doesn't irritate and sting like most "gentle" cleansers. And, I also like the fact that it's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, which is great for my acne-prone skin. I suggest squirting a small amount on a cotton pad, and apply directly to your eye area to remove makeup. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser doesn't need to be rinsed off, but I usually rinse my face to make sure no sticky residues remain.

In place of cotton pads, you can also use your fingertips to gently massage the eyelid area to help remove eye makeup residue, or a soft cloth.

If you need to remove stage makeup, I would suggest Maybelline Expert Eyes 100% oil-free makeup remover (blue cap). It removes washable mascara and eye makeup without oily residue.

2. One of my close friends told me that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is extremely effective in removing eye makeup. Olive oil is natural, safe and gentle to use on most skin types. Another benefit you get from using EVOO is, the oil also moisturizes the skin around delicate eye area as it takes off makeup.

Simply pour a very small amount, about 1-2 drops of extra virgin olive oil onto a clean cotton pad or cotton ball. Place over eyelid, gently press and hold it for 20-30 seconds for the oil to loosen eye makeup, especially the mascara. Then wipe over your eyelid, under your eye and lashes. Make sure to repeat with freshly saturated cotton pads until all traces of eye makeup are gone.

It's a good idea to keep your eyes tightly closed so that the oil won't get in your eyes, and use a cotton swab to take off makeup from your lower lids and the corners of your eye.

3. Besides olive oil, you can also use baby oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and grapeseed oil. I also hear that Emu oil works well as a eye makeup remover. Put a few drops of Emu oil on your fingertips, and gently rub away eye makeup. Then wash thoroughly with warm water. Some said that emu oil can even remove water-resistant makeup, and conditions eyelashes at the same time.

In case you're wondering whether emu oil might cause acne, the truth is emu oil doesn't cause breakouts, or clogs pore. Its anti-inflammatory properties actually help heal acne-prone skin.

However, Emu oil may have a slight odor to it so I advise you not to try emu oil if you've extra sensitive nose.

4. You can also use unscented baby wipes to remove eye makeup since these wipes are specially formulated to gently clean and moisturize baby's delicate skin, and they won't hurt or irritate sensitive eyes.

Look for baby wipes that are unscented, thick and very moist. Most baby wipes are good to use all over face to clean away mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow, but the problem is that they don't work on water-proof mascara.

Baby lotion (Johnson's Baby Lotion) is another wonderful way to take off makeup for those with sensitive eyes. Just apply a small amount to a cotton pad. Place it onto your eye for about 10-15 seconds, slowly rub in a back and forth motion until clean.

5. Some people say Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is extremely effective when it comes to removing tough waterproof eye makeup but I personally don't recommend using it. It's too thick and sticky, and gets stick in the lashes. I would rather use witch hazel and olive oil instead.

5 Natural Homemade Eye Makeup Remover Recipes

I have listed a few do-it-yourself eye makeup remover recipes for you to make at home. To make homemade eye makeup remover, simply put all ingredients in a cosmetic bottle (plastic or glass) and shake vigorously to mix everything well. Make sure to shake the bottle before each use. Apply a small amount with a soft tissue, cotton pad or ball and use it to remove eye makeup.

1. 1 cup water, 1½ tablespoon baby shampoo (no tears formula) and ⅛ teaspoon baby oil.

2. 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon castor oil and 2 teaspoons canola oil.

3. ⅛ cup grape seed oil and 1 tablespoon castor oil.

4. 1 teaspoon jojoba oil and 2 tablespoons water.

5. 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon jojoba oil.

By Tiffany Moore

Taking off eye makeup is a real pain for me. I've very sensitive eyes that get all red, puffy and irritated when I remove eye make up. I've tried several different brands of eye makeup remover like Almay and Mac, but they all make my sensitive eyes sting, burn and water, even though the products say "hypoallergenic". What can I use to remove eye makeup without makeup remover? Could you suggest a good drugstore brand eye makeup remover, or any homemade makeup remover recipes for sensitive eyes? I usually don't wear a lot of heavy eye makeup to school every day. I only use an eyeliner pencil and mascara. Thank you! – Debra, Maine.

what can i use to remove eye makeup for sensitive eyes

How to Curl Lashes Without an Eyelash Curler

Make your lashes curl naturally without an eyelash curler. Natural looking curly eyelashes, no ouchs!

5 Hot Tips to Look Good Without Makeup

Going au naturel without wearing makeup can be scary for most girls. Find loads of tricks and ideas to make yourself eye-catchingly gorgeous and feel great with no makeup on.

Is It OK to Wash Face with Only Water?

Is washing your face with just water enough to remove surface impurities that are accumulated throughout the day and night? Find out what you can do to keep dry sensitive skin optimally hydrated, beautifully plump and glowing.

Does Pond's Cold Cream Make You Break Out?

Sudden pimple breakout on face after using Ponds cold cream? Find out if the cream really causes acne, and what can you do to naturally clear up pimples fast.

6 Natural Ways to Control Oil on Face in Summer

Is your oily face complexion made worse by hot and humid weather? Find skincare tips to get rid of excess face shine naturally and keep oily skin clean, fresh and glowing healthily.

4 Ultra Soothing Natural Home Remedies to Relieve Tired Eyes

These simple natural home remedies soothe and rejuvenate dry fatigued eyes caused by computer strain or near vision work, leaving tired eyes with refreshed vitality.

5 Foods that Help Treat Dark Eye Circles Naturally

How to get rid of dark eye rings for good? Eat these foods to help you make dark circles under eyes less visible and bring out the brightness in your eyes.