How do I remove makeup without irritating my skin?

Use an oil-free makeup remover first, including around the eyes, then wash your face with a mild cleanser. The American Academy of Dermatology says to avoid scrubbing and to use your fingertips with lukewarm water, because harsh rubbing can irritate skin and worsen acne.

If your skin is acne-prone, look for products marked “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” or “won’t clog pores.” Those labels matter more than fancy packaging. The goal is simple: get the makeup off without leaving your skin stripped or raw.

If makeup still feels hard to remove, go slower, not harder. A second gentle pass is better than one aggressive scrub.

A gentle cleansing balm like this one is a useful one-product move for stubborn makeup: it dissolves mascara and SPF without the rubbing a regular cleanser needs, and rinses clean without stripping the skin.