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
I love these natural remedies. Thanks so much!
Hi there,
Great recipe for makeup remover – very keen to try. I am new to the DIY-scene. What do you mean by broad spectrum preservative? What do I need to add to the mix to make it last longer than 24 hours? Sorry if this is an obvious question! 🙂
Sam
Hi there. This is not an obvious question. I am doing research into this. Basically you need to use any water-based product up within 3-4 days and have it refrigerated in order to not have an issue w/ its integrity. I hope to have a post on this soon but in the meantime you could look up adding preservatives to homemade personal care products and see what you think. Thanks for your patience!
Thanks for replying so quickly Adrienne! I will give it a shot. 🙂
Please clarify- at the beginning of your eye makeup remover mixture you mentioned it needs to be used within 24 hours. Then you stated it makes 1/3 cup. Not too many people can use 1/3 cup makeup remover within 24 hours. I will not be using this recipes as most of the 1/3 mixture will get tossed daily.
Hi there. This is the current explanation. I hope to do some updates in the near future. Basically you need to use any water-based product up within 3-4 days and have it refrigerated in order to not have an issue w/ its integrity. This is new information since I have been learning more about the problems with DIY recipes and hope to have different safe options for you all soon.
Have you tried products from Beautycounter? They all have great EWG ratings and are really safe! They don’t have an eye makeup remover yet, so that is why I am trying your recipe. Thanks!
Hi Heidi. Yes I have been a consultant with them for a long time. I’ve since (and before) tried many other safer companies and some have been a huge disappointment regarding mislabeling and ethics. May I ask if you are a representative or a customer?
I became a rep in September. My sister introduced me to BC and I love it, just wished they had an eye makeup remover! Thanks for your posts!
You’re welcome!
Try coconut oil it’s amazing just get some cotton and let it rest on your eye lid then wipe its very good
I felt my eyes were very oily afterwards. And coconut oil makes my face break out. I have never really liked it as a natural beauty product but I’m glad so many others do! Maybe I’ll try it again?
Hi Adrienne, I am wondering how long this mixture can be kept for before it goes bad? At the top of the recipe you mention it should be used within 24hrs but below you mention the witch hazel preserves the make up remover. Thank you!
I am very leery of making long term storage recommendations. I am not a skincare expert so I’m erring on the side of caution. Shelf life re: witch hazel is discussed here: https://allnaturalbeauty.us/current_ani_article.htm
I think few drops of tea tree oil might help to last it longer
Be very careful about leaning on EOs for preservative properties. I’m studying more about this. Stay tuned! And additionally please do not put essential oils in or near your eyes.
You should never put essential oils on your eyes or anywhere near your eyes! It can be extremely irritating to eyes and cause a lot of problems.
Your list is really great and I like your attention to detail. Make removing cleanser for your eyes are really important and I like how you incorporate other healthier options. I use Albolene eye makeup remover because I always use this product as a face wash, but they just came out with this new product and it rocks. Both products melt off the makeup in two minutes, but I like the homemade idea! I will have to try it home. Thanks!
I hope you like it if you try it! It’s a great way to save money!
I did look at Albolene quickly – do you have an ingredient list? I see petrolatum which I am not comfortable with as it’s derived from petroleum. What do you think?
Can i use castor oil instead of jojoba oil
I do not like castor on my lashes or hair. I found it very very hard to get out and lost hair trying to do so. Take care!
Adrienne,
Is the witch hazel you are saying is the dickinson witch hazel original?
You can use any brand but I watch the ingredient list so nothing undesirable is in there. Thanks!
This is an excellent eye makeup remover. Thanks so much!
You are so welcome!!
I have extremely dehydrated sensitive combination skin. I have tried maaaannnyyyy cleansers. I ended my search when I found the Made from Earth Green Tea Cleanser – it does not dry out your skin. And it DOES REMOVE WATERPROOF MAKEUP. Your face will thank you for it. Most people do not realise how important this first step is in caring for your skin. Get it wrong here and you won’t benefit properly from the rest.
Hi Kandi. Glad you found something that works for you. I looked at that….looks pretty good. However it does contain phenoxyethanol, and ingredient which I am not thrilled with. I’m doing more digging into it but I would prefer to avoid it when possible. Have you looked into that? I’m using other gentle cleaners that avoid this ingredient.