DIY Eye Makeup Remover (Natural Recipe & Simple Oil Options)
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This DIY eye makeup remover recipe is gentle, simple to make, and works even on mascara and eyeliner. After trying several formulas, I developed one that removes makeup well without stinging or leaving a heavy oily residue. It's truly the best eye makeup remover that I've ever used.
In addition to that, I’m also sharing simple oil alternatives and the formulas I tested that didn’t work well and why.
Many store-bought removers contain fragrance, preservatives, and other ingredients some people prefer to avoid. If that's you, you'll love the simplicity of this formula, in addition to loving how well it works.
Why This DIY Eye Makeup Remover Works
This formula is a simple one, but it works extremely well, and here's why.
- oil dissolves eye makeup, including waterproof mascara. It also reduces the stinging that plain witch hazel can cause.
- witch hazel helps cut the greasy feel and residue from the oil
- vitamin E is optional for extra nourishment
Homemade Eye Makeup Remover
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons oil of choice
- 2 tablespoons water
- small glass jar with lid like this one or this one
- organic cotton rounds or pads
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your container/dispenser.
- Shake well before using.
- Moisten cotton round or makeup pad with the mixture, or alternatively you can place some of the mixture on clean fingers, and then wipe eyes gently until all of the makeup is loosened.
- Rinse your eyes with warm water.
- Follow with water-based facial cleanser and your regular skincare routine.
Notes
- To clean up stray eye makeup on face that might remain after using this remover, put a small amount on fingers or dip cotton swab in the mixture to clean up those marks.
- When washing your face after using the remover, you will likely want to wash your eye area as well to remove any residue.
- When using this remover for waterproof mascara, you will likely need to lightly massage it in a little bit more than you will for regular mascara.
- SHELF LIFE: The witch hazel in this product will help a bit with bacterial growth, but you should only make enough to use within 3-4 days and store this in the fridge. If it smells off, discard. You need a broad spectrum preservative in this to keep it for a longer period of time.
- I prefer using disposable cotton balls or rounds because eye makeup is difficult to wash off of washable pads.
This works so well that a natural-minded professional friend of mine—who is very particular about ingredients and demands performance from her products—told me this is the best eye makeup remover she has ever used. I always appreciate hearing that feedback, especially from someone like this.
How to Use This Eye Makeup Remover
- Shake well before using.
- Moisten cotton round or makeup pad with the mixture, or alternatively place some of the mixture on clean fingers, and wipe eyes gently until the makeup is loosened.
- Rinse eye area and entire face with warm water.
- Follow with water-based cleanser on face and eye area. If using a facial oil cleanser, you could do that first and then follow with a water-based cleanser for the double-cleansing method.
Simple Oils That Remove Eye Makeup
Some DIY makeup remover “recipes” online are simply a single ingredient, usually an oil, since oils dissolve makeup easily. Common examples include coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil for that purpose.
While I like facial oil cleansing because it removes makeup well, oils leave behind residue on eyelashes when used as an eye makeup remover. Even after washing once or twice, some oil can remain and cause the next day's makeup to run or smudge.
Note that coconut oil can be too heavy for some skin types and may contribute to clogged pores for some people.
Castor oil is sometimes recommended in DIY makeup remover recipes or eyelash blends because it’s very conditioning and is thought to help with hair growth. However, its heavy texture can make it harder to remove from lashes and the delicate eye area. Some people prefer to blend a small amount with lighter oils, but I still find it too difficult to remove and prefer lighter oils for this application.
Homemade Eye Makeup Remover Recipes I Tried
While developing this formula, I tried a variety of options. Here are the results:
- Witch hazel and oil: removed makeup but stung
- Water, vitamin E, and oil: too oily and separated too much
- Water, castile soap, and oil: stung and didn’t remove makeup well
- Olive oil and almond oil: effective but much too greasy
- Water and soap: stung and underperformed
Finally, after testing these options, I found that the above balanced oil-based remover with witch hazel was the perfect combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use coconut oil to remove eye makeup?
Yes, you can, but it can clog pores for some people. It also will leave an oily residue that can be hard to remove completely.
Does this remove waterproof mascara?
Yes, it works really well for waterproof mascara. You might need to massage your eyes a bit longer to get it off, but it will work.
Will this sting?
The oil in the remover is a buffer for the stinging. If you experience any stinging at all, it should be very mild. Of course if you have any kind of reaction to this formula, stop using it immediately.
How long does homemade eye makeup remover last?
Due to the water in this formula, you should only make enough for 3-4 days. The vitamin E might help it last a bit longer as will storing it in the fridge. If you want to make a larger batch, you'll need to add a broad spectrum preservative.
Is homemade eye makeup remover cheaper?
Yes and this DIY version costs much less per ounce than store-bought eye makeup removers.
Prefer to Buy Instead?
If you’d rather not make your own eye makeup remover, here are a few brands I trust that have safer ingredients:
- Poofy Organic's Remover – Code WNM gets 10% off your first order.
- Rowe Casa's Remover – Code WNM gets 20% off your first order.
However, DIY options are far less expensive and allow you to control exactly what ingredients you’re using.
More Natural Beauty Recipes
Here are some more great homemade beauty products that are simple to make. I love all of these, and I think you will too.
- Homemade Jojoba Face Wash
- Homemade Foaming Soap
- Homemade Shea Butter Lotion
- 2 Ingredient Homemade Hairspray
- Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
What do you use to remove your eye makeup?
Photo Credits: Naomi Huzovicova
Thanks for sharing your research with us. I’m excited that I already have these things at home and will be making it right away!
Hope you like it! I love it!
When you say ‘ugh’ to the list of ingredients, is that just because they sound chemical-ly and not-so-nice, or is it because you actually know that they’re not good for you?
I highly recommend the well-researched ingredient dictionary at https://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/ for you to make an informed decision about what you’re putting on your face.
P.S. witch hazel is a worse ingredient than anything that your drugstore remover contained.
Hi there. I appreciate your comment but I disagree with you.
Here is the EWG’s rating on witch hazel – it is a zero, which is the best rating that they give: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702771/HAMAMELIS_VIRGINIANA_%28WITCH_HAZEL%29/
These are the problematic ingredients in the brand I used to use (Cover Girl):
– mineral oil – (1-3): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703977/MINERAL_OIL/
– ceteth 20 (2): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701251/CETETH-20/
– sorbic acid (3): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706224/SORBIC_ACID/
– methylparaben (4): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703937/METHYLPARABEN/
– titanium dioxide (1-3): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706561/TITANIUM_DIOXIDE/
In fact, now I am going to add this data to my post so thanks for encouraging me to do more research :).
P.S. Anyone know of a good remedy for hair loss??? ugh
I have heard of many but of course, it is important to try to figure out what is causing the hair loss, but I personally have found that thyroid and adrenal work is a big help and I like drinking as well as applying nettle tea to my scalp. You might wish to try that. Of course, none of this is medical advice – please seek the care of your physician before changing your diet or adding supplements to your diet. 🙂
This is all great information. I suppose a lot of it depends on your own skin type or reaction to some of these oils. I will try the remover recipe. Now I use baby oil and it works great, but has mineral oil in it. So more natural/organic is best. Thanks for all of your comments. Very informative.
Hope you like it! Baby oil typically has artificial fragrance in it as well. :(.
I think the eyelash loss is due more to age? I hardly wear makeup at all and I have fewer lashes than when I was younger. I do wear mascara on occasion, and sometimes it’s waterproof, but it’s so little that I hate to equate the loss with that.
Kudos to the recipe! I am going to make some up and have it on hand. Thanks!
You might be right – but I remember it being a long time ago that my eyelashes thinned. Sigh. Thanks much!
I’ve been searching for a DIY eye makeup remover!! Question, where do you get witch hazel for that price??
I think I bought mine at Walmart – but not sure. It was a long time ago. I don’t shop there often but that seems right….Otherwise I might have gotten that price off of a website. Walgreens maybe?
This is great! Thanks so much for the tip, Adrienne!
Thanks! I hope you like it Kristi!!!
Hi! Do you think i can use “rose water” (aka rose hydrosol) instead of witch hazel (hammamelis)?
I don’t think it will have the same properties but it is refreshing. Try it and report back :).
WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS – ! I followed your instructions for the “best” eye makeup remover, and, after one tiny dab of the solution to my eyelid, was writhing in pure agony for a solid hour. I was literally screaming in pain from this toxic combination, truly believing that I was going to go blind from it. And I don’t understand why, if this has been working for others… I did use essential peppermint oil. Perhaps that’s why it stung me so hard? I really don’t think that witch hazel should be applied ANYWHERE near the fragile eye area. The pain was indescribable.
You have been warned.
I think you misunderstood. You are supposed to use an oil like olive, almond, or jojoba – not an essential oil. I will make a note on the post.
Perhaps instead of just saying “oil” you could change it to “carrier oil”. Perhaps that will clear it up for anyone who doesn’t know the difference.
I guess that could work – but a carrier oil is used to dilute essential oils – so I think that might confuse people more. What do you think?
Duh!!! Why would you put peppermint on your eyes?! Of course that’s going to burn! She suggested almond oil or jojoba oil. I have been using this on my eyes with the almond oil for about a month and it works great.
Glad to hear it, Cat!
Sorry to hear this. It think it’s the Wtich Hazel, IT MUST BE ALCOHOL FREE. For this recipe I would use Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera formula [regular kind has 14% alcohol]. I hope you are feeling better, sigh.
Oh it’s the peppermint oil. That burns your eyes if you even get it NEAR them. So, no… don’t put that in your eye makeup remover…
Liam, I mean no disrespect but common sense says that you don’t use an essential oil like peppermint. That was your problem. I have used an organic non-alcohol witch hazel on my eyes directly without incident, and her recipe is diluted. Your problem must have stemmed from the peppermint oil. People need to use common sense.
Coconut Oil is Anti-Bacterial
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is great for removing water proof makeup
both are great for the skin
together the make a GREAT EYE MAKEUP REMOVER.
my question is: Are They Ok To Use With Contacts? It works better than my Almay eye makeup remover, but the bottle tells me that it is safe for contacts…. I would really like to save my money and go natural, but is it safe for my contacts?
I wouldn’t see why not but I can’t take responsibility for that. Maybe someone else can chime in? Or you can talk w your doctor?