A good makeup remover product is hard to find. Striking the balance between effective but not skin-meltingly harsh is sometimes tougher than you’d think. And then, just as you find a favorite, the manufacturer discontinues it or changes the formula and you’re back to square one. Sometimes, you wonder if using a separate product is even worth it.

13 Gentle Makeup Removers That Melt Away Stress, Not Your Face

We’ve all been there. The 8-hour workday turned into a 12-hour workday from you-know-where. Dinner either bubbled over and burned on the bottom of the oven or was an inedible microwave disaster. All you want to do is fall into bed for a little respite from the weary world. But the world has written its story on your face, and you know you should at the very least remove your makeup before bed even if you can’t manage an aspirational 10-step routine.

Don’t reach for the wipes! Not only are they a nightmare for the planet, but they can also do a number on your delicate skin barrier.

It is super important to remove your makeup before cleansing. Especially if you wear an SPF. (Which you should. Every. Single. Day.) Without proper makeup removal, the skincare you’ve invested in can’t do its job. And going to sleep with makeup on is a teenage mistake with teenage-sizes consequences the next morning.

Even if all you can manage at the end of the day is effective makeup removal, a top makeup remover will have nourishing properties built-in. So while it’s not the ideal routine, it’s a great start.

We’ve taken a look at fan-favorites and MUA picks for the best makeup remover on the market. From balm to oil, milky wash to micellar water, and new, bouncy gel formulations, you’ll find the best makeup remover for your skin and situation.

1. Neutrogena Cleansing Balm

Buy on Neutrogena | $12From a drugstore favorite brand, this cleansing balm harkens back to your grandmother’s favorite makeup removal method but with a 21st-century twist, it’s fragrance-free. Apply the balm, enjoy a luxurious facial massage as it turns to oil, mix in a little water for a milky texture, and then wipe away with a clean, damp cloth. This formula is enriched with vitamin E and users report it doesn’t make your eyes sting or leave a film behind.