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The “Best” Homemade Eye Makeup Remover

by 387 Comments Updated: May 28, 2018

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Homemade Eye Makeup Remover

One of the best ways to get toxins out of your home is to make your own personal care products – like homemade lotion, toothpaste, hairspray, and more.

I set out this past week to try and figure out a good homemade eye makeup remover to share with all of you.

Little did I know that I'd have my work cut out for me.

There are a bunch of recipes out there on the internet touting to be great homemade eye makeup removers — so which one was the best?

Or was there an even better option?

Bet you just can't wait to find out, right?

Now just to be clear, I don't wear a bunch of makeup.  In fact, I've been a real makeup minimalist most of my life.

I pretty much wear a little something under my eyes, some eyeliner (as natural as possible) and some mascara–and that's it.

So I don't have a lot of “stuff” to take off my face at the end of the day.

But I do need something that will take off mascara and eye liner.

I used to use a drugstore brand of remover, but when I finally read the label on that stuff I figured there had to be a better way.

Here's the not-so-nice list of ingredients I had been putting on my eyes:

Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, Ceteth-20, Trihydroxystearin, Sorbic Acid, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Vanillin, Titanium Dioxide.

Ugh.

In fact, if you look at the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Rating on these ingredients, you will see that you really don't want to be putting this on your eyes (a rating of zero is the best that you can get. As the numbers go higher, the ingredient is most likely more problematic.

– mineral oil – (1-3):
– ceteth 20 (2):
– sorbic acid (3):
– methylparaben (4):
– titanium dioxide (1-3):

So for the past 2-3 years, I've been using straight jojoba oil as a “homemade eye makeup remover” — nothing really to make there, though.   Just use it :-).  And I'd put a little water on afterwards and then do a quick swipe with some toilet tissue.

But it was really just too oily and I was using a lot of jojoba.  It's not crazy expensive, but I really wanted to find something that worked just as well and wasn't such a mess.

Also, you know when you're putting on mascara and you miss?

Well, when I'd try to clean up that stray mess with straight jojoba oil I'd end up with an oily mess on my face.  Not good when you're trying to get out the door quickly.

So…I perused the internet, came up with a bunch of homemade eye makeup remover recipes to try, and got to work.

First of all, a number of the recipes were “no go's” from the start.

Like ones that contained:

  • Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
  • Johnson and Johnson's Baby Wash
  • or other chemically ingredients like that :-(.

‘Cause we're trying to get rid of the chemical junk and not just save money, remember?

I came up with a list of 6 Eye Makeup Remover Recipes to Try.

Here are the results of each one …and at the end I'll share which one was the winner.

Homemade Eye Makeup Remover Formula Trials

Before I share the different homemade eye makeup removers that I tried, I should say that yes, I did try plain old coconut oil.

I love coconut oil for so many things, but coconut oil and my skin don't seem to get along well. It doesn't seem to sink in to my skin, I feel like I can't get it off of my eyes after removing makeup, and it tends to cause breakouts for me.

There are a few skincare products with some form of coconut oil in them that don't cause breakouts for me, but overall I don't like using it on my face.

So there–a few readers have commented about how much they like using coconut oil for an eye makeup remover, but I just don't.

Sorry.

So these are the different homemade eye makeup remover formulas (without coconut oil) that I tried.

Recipe #1 – 50/50 Witch Hazel & Oil

– 1/4 cup witch hazel (alcohol free preferred)
– 1/4 cup oil (organic almond oil, jojoba oil, and organic olive oil are all decent choices)

Note (please be careful in choosing an olive oil since many are counterfeit. This Olive Oil has been shown in tests to be real olive oil.)

This one was the first recipe I tried.  My initial thought upon mixing it up was, “Isn't this going to sting my eyes?”

The first time I tried it, it didn't.

The second time–stinging.  Not good.

Recipe #2 – Water, Vitamin E Capsules & Oil

Honestly, I didn't try this one.  My reason?  Seemed like a good recipe, but it's basically just water and oil with a little added nutrition for your eyes.  And since we don't take Vitamin E currently (maybe we should??) I felt I couldn't justify having myself or my readers purchase vitamin E oil just for making eye makeup remover.

Recipe #3 – Water, Castille Soap, & Olive Oil

– 1 cup water
– 1/4 tsp castille soap
– 1 tsp organic olive oil

This one plain stung and didn't work well.  I had to rub at my eyes several times to get my makeup off (and I'm not wearing waterproof mascara anymore).  So this is a no-go for the delicate eye area.

Recipe #4 – Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Almond Oil

– 4 Tbsp EVOO
– 3 Tbsp almond oil

Well, this one I really didn't have to try either since it's basically just the same as my current method – straight oil.  Just with different oils.

I love these oils but I need something different to take the makeup off my eyes without too much greasiness.

Recipe #5 – Water, Castille Soap, and Oil

– 1 cup water
– 1 1/2 Tbsp castille soap
– 1/8 tsp oil

This one, again, didn't really work and stung somewhat.  Stinging and my eyes just don't go together.  And well, if something doesn't work–it just ummm…doesn't work.

Recipe #6 – Water & Soap

– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tsp soap (I used castille soap)

Stinging.  Again.  And not good results.

So.. what's a gal to do when these are the results she gets?

Well, here's what happened.  I came up with a winner that works like a charm and doesn't sting:

May I humbly present to you, the Best Homemade Eye Makeup Remover?

What I wanted was the:

– removing power of the oils
– some added ingredients to make it less oily and easier to remove
– clean ingredients
– works even for waterproof mascara (for whenever you really need to wear it — e.g. swimming, events where you expect to be sobbing, etc.)
– no stinging

Here it is (drum roll please…)

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission.

Did you know that there are 82,000+ chemicals in use in the US today, and only 1/4 of them have been tested for safety. I try to buy clean personal care products and make as many of them as I can. I tried a bunch of Homemade Eye Makeup Removers and this one worked the best. Ditch the toxins, save money, and make it yourself!

Approximate cost (at time of publishing post):

Even if you buy a more expensive oil like jojoba, you can make this chemical-nasty-free eye makeup remover for:

– Jojoba oil – About $2.25 for 1 oz
– Witch Hazel – About $1.62 for 1 oz
– Water – let's call that “free” for 1 oz, OK :-)?

Total:  $3.87 for 3 oz. which is $1.29 per ounce (not including vitamin E)

And if you use olive oil instead, my EVOO from Costco costs about $.17 per ounce.

Then your total is:  $1.79 for 3 oz, which is $.60 per ounce.

Compare that to one chemical-laden brand I was using – $4.99-ish for 2 fl oz.

I'd much rather the pure stuff!

 

This will even take off waterproof mascara, but you do have to work it in a little more and for a little longer.  On a side note, I've heard that waterproof mascara can lead to lashes falling out and apparently the loss is sometimes permanent.  I don't know if that's true or not, but I seem to have fewer lashes than when I was younger and I used to use waterproof mascara all. the. time.  Sigh.

I so hope you like this as much as I do.

Update 3/17: WARNING.  Unless you are going to add a broad spectrum preservative to this lotion, please plan to use this within 3-4 days and store in the refrigerator.

Homemade Eye Makeup Remover

Makes about 1/3 cup

You Will Need

2 Tbsp witch hazel
2 Tbsp oil of choice (like jojoba oil, organic almond oil, etc.)
2 Tbsp water (please use filtered water — see how to make your water safe)
Small Glass Jar with lid like this one or this one
Organic Cotton Rounds or organic makeup remover pads (I recommend the rounds since eye makeup will tend to be hard to wash off of the pads)

Directions

1.  Add all ingredients to your container / dispenser

2.  Shake well before using.

3.  Moisten Cotton Round or Makeup Pad with the mixture, or alternatively you could place some of the mixture on clean fingers– then wipe eyes gently.

TIPS:

To clean up stray makeup on face, put a small amount on fingers or dip cotton swab in mixture and clean up stray marks.

When washing face, make sure to get some cleaner on your eye area if you wish to remove any remaining oily residue.

UPDATE:  The witch hazel in this product will help a bit with bacterial growth, but please for now only make enough to use within 3-4 days and store this in the fridge.  If it seems bad, use common sense and don't wipe it on your eyes :-).

 

Other Non-Toxic Eye Makeup Remover Options

Don't feel like making your own Eye Makeup Remover?

This Instant Eye Makeup Remover from Beautycounter is so great! No toxins and removes eye makeup effortlessly. I think it might be the best store bought remove that I have ever used (and it's large bottle too so it's a decent value).

I've tried others, but they don't work as well, or else they work well, but they STING!!!  (Just tried a new one this past week and man. Not going to use that one anymore!!)

Beautycounter Eye Makeup Remover

This Baby Oil from Beautycounter is also super convenient as an Eye Makeup Remover plus it has no harmful additives like most Baby Oils on the market.

The pump dispenses just the right amount each time with no oil running all over the place onto your hands and your countertop, etc.

Side note: If you're looking for good non toxic eye makeup, my favorite mascara is Beautycounter's and I love their eye pencils too. “Just right” color without a heavy look. And the mascara doesn't smudge (and that's saying a lot for me–The “Queen” of Smudge.)  I personally have never found eye shadows that I like until I found Beautycounter's.  I'm a “winter” in terms of the colors that look good on me, and their Slipper / Slate combo in just lovely. Not overdone at all!

 

Interested in other DIY natural home / personal items?  How about….

– Homemade Jojoba Face Wash
– Amazing No-Streak Glass Cleaner
– Easiest Baby Wipes
– Homemade Foaming Soap
– Easy Natural Dishwasher Rinse Aid

 

What eye makeup remover do you use?

Photo Credits: Naomi Huzovicova

Reader Interactions

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Comments

  1. Hello!

    I stumbled upon your blog while researching a diy makeup remover. I make a lot of my own beauty products and I prefer to not add any preservatives so I am careful about the ingredients and shelf life. Now, I noticed you indicated that this is probably only good for 3-4 days without a broad spectrum preservative. I have maybe perhaps a silly question. If I was to use Thayers Witch Hazel with Rose Petals which already contains purified water and jojoba oil and not add any additional water, would I still need a preservative? I wouldn’t think so since both products have a longer shelf life on their own. I don’t see how mixing them would reduce the shelf life.

    Reply

    • Hi there. I think you are right – I think it will be pretty strong on your eyes, however so please do be careful. I would increase the carrier oil to dilute it.

      Reply

  3. 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

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  5. 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!

    Reply

    • 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?

      Reply

  7. 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!

    Reply

  8. 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!

    Reply

  11. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  13. I’m so excited to have discovered your blog! 🙂 foresee many, many hours spent browsing this blog! I do, however, have a question on this “recipe.”

    I use grape seed oil as my daily moisturizer and was wondering if you feel this would work as well as other oils in the makeup remover? It’s a product that works amazingly for me and I love, but I don’t see this particular oil used in many diy products, so I’m wondering if something about it is not conducive.

    Thank you in advance for any insight you may have! 🙂

    Reply

  14. This has been my DIY eye make remover for the last 5 years and it works great and leaves the skin around my eyes nourished. Two thumbs up. I use a rose infused witch hazel which enhances the aroma.

    Reply

  15. For a little protection and a little less work removing water proof mascara, you can try these tips. Tip 1: Apply a layer of regular mascara before applying waterproof mascara. This helps to remove the waterproof mascara a little easier. It may also prevent loosing a few lashes. Tip 2: Applying a little powdered eye shadow or baby powder before and in between coats of mascara not only helps to remove the mascara easier, but it also helps to add volume to lashes.

    Reply

  16. I love this idea, but isn’t it bad to use oils near or on the eyes? Everyone has been saying “use only oil free makeup remover on your eyes” for the past few years cause oils can build up behind the eyes and cause problems…. I don’t like chemicals, but worried about using an oil remover… Can you tell me your thoughts?

    Reply

  18. Honestly, I only mix one tbsp of some oil and filtered RO water to a 4 oz bottle I have and that’s it! It’s great! I was tired of getting oil all over my eye when I was just using straight oil. I’ll try the witch hazel idea when I run out, but if you just have oil and water it’s just fine! 🙂

    Reply

  19. Hi, I would definitely like to try your makeup remover recipe but I really like using the towelettes. Do you have any thoughts on how I could do that?

    Reply

  20. Adrienne, I recently came across your blog and love it. I am new to essential oils and have read that they need to be in the brown bottles to protect them from breaking down. I was searching for the Jojoba and Almond oils to put in some of the recipes but the ones you recommended are in clear containers. Would it be best to purchase them in brown bottles or does the light affect these type of oils?

    Reply

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