Removing your eye makeup is never as fun, and most of us prefer to just wash our face instead. However, it is one of the most important steps for maintaining eye health and eyelid hygiene. Therefore, make sure you choose the eye makeup remover with care.
In fact, the wrong eye makeup remover can damage your eyes, as much as wrong makeup.
How to choose a remover for your eye makeup
Always use a gentle makeup remover to prevent eyelid inflammation, infection and dry/irritated eyes. Make sure your eye makeup remover does not have harsh or toxic ingredients. Otherwise, removing the eye makeup can further damage your eyes.
Here is a list of ingredients you should AVOID:
- Parabens (Benozic Acid) ⠀
- EDTA⠀
- Phenoxyethanol⠀
- Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK)⠀
- Butylene⠀
- Alcohol⠀
- Propylene/ Polyethylene Glycol⠀⠀
Even though you can always choose the brand you want for removing eye makeup, here is a preferred list of what you can choose from.
- Micellar water based makeup removers: These have both, hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties and are therefore very effective to remove makeup.
- Lid wipes or towelettes: Eyes Are The Story Eye Proof Refreshing Towelettes. These often contain natural anti-microbials and soothing aloe vera or tea tree oil. These help soothe irritated eyes, and also clean your eyelids effectively. They also help fight the ill effects of allergies, pollution, as well as dry eye.
- Organic 100% Argan oil, Coconut oil and Vaseline: Please read the label carefully for any additives/ Also, always choose a formulation which does not have any added perfumes or toxic ingredients. Even though these are gentle on the eyelid skin, they may clog pores.
Also, make sure you check the expiry date of your eye makeup remover. In fact, you must replace it well before its recommended date.
Make sure you do not share your eye make up remover. In fact, in case you are using reusable remover pads or towels, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned after each use.
Please also read about Eye Makeup, Removing Eye Makeup, Mascara, Eyelash Extensions, Is Homemade or Herbal Kajal Safe.
About the Author
This article was written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator, Clinical Director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, known for ethical, patient-centred glaucoma care and independent glaucoma second opinions. She is also the Program Director for Community Outreach & Wellness; and for the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine.
She has published peer-reviewed research onglaucoma management, examining how treatment decisions should balance medical evidence, patient preferences, and long-term vision outcomes.
As Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Experimental Vision and Eye Research and Executive Editor of the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice (Pubmed Indexed, official journal of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery), Dr Shibal Bhartiya brings editorial and research depth to every clinical decision. Her 200+ publications, including 90+ PubMed-indexed publications and 28 edited textbooks span glaucoma biology, surgical outcomes, health equity, and emerging diagnostics.
1600+ Five Star Patient Reviews Google Business Profile
If you are unable to come to Dr Bhartiya’s clinic: Read more about teleconsultation
Read her research on PubMed | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | ORCID | Github | Wikidata
📋Upload your reports for a structured review.| 🌐 Contact Us| 📞 +91 88826 38735
⭐ Helped by this article? Leave a Google review — it helps other patients find reliable eye care.