Eye makeup removal can be deceptively complicated, especially for those with sensitive skin or a history of using aggressive removers (hello, petroleum-based products in the ’80s). Today’s ingredient-conscious consumer demands transparency, performance, and gentleness, and the three products reviewed here deliver on all fronts, each in its own way.
This comparison features:
- Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm ($38 for 1.9 oz). Purchased from the brand’s official Amazon storefront. Also available on Tatcha’s website
- Illiyoon Gentle Makeup Remover ($13.99 for 4.73 fl. oz). Purchased from the brand’s official Amazon storefront. Also available on Olive Young Global, a trusted Korean retailer that ships to the U.S.
- Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Facial Wipes ($7.99 for 30 wipes / $19.99 for 90-count multi-pack). Purchased from the brand’s official Amazon storefront. Also available on Honest’s website.
Each was independently purchased and tested, with special attention to how they perform on sensitive eyes and how transparent the brands are about sourcing, manufacturing, and formulation.
🥇 Illiyoon Gentle & Safe Lip & Eye Remover – $13.99 | 140ml
Made in Korea | Vegan | Fragrance-Free | Ophthalmologist Tested
This remover easily lifts off mascara and eyeliner with a soaked cotton pad and rinses clean. No oily layer, no stinging. Its price and performance make it a standout option if you prefer a traditional liquid remover.
This dual-phase remover is impressively gentle. It’s vegan, factory-sealed, and marked safe for sensitive eyes. Just shake to activate. Despite containing isododecane — a solvent not typically favored in clean beauty, I found it didn’t irritate my eyes or leave behind any residue. Isododecane has a large molecular weight (around 230 g/mol), meaning it doesn’t penetrate the skin barrier. It also evaporates quickly, which further limits absorption. Still, it’s worth noting for those strict about ingredient lists.
🥈 Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm – $38 | 1.9 oz.
Made in Japan | Vegan | Fragrance-Free | Indigo extract
Tatcha’s Indigo Cleansing Balm is more than a cleanser — it’s a sensory experience. The solid balm melts into a luxurious oil upon contact and rinses off easily without leaving a film. It removes mascara and eyeliner without tugging, cotton, or stinging, however not as quickly as Illiyoon Gentle & Safe Eye Remover. The signature indigo color comes from Japanese indigo extract (from the Indigofera plant), known for its soothing properties and used historically in Japanese herbal medicine. Tatcha also includes a unique spatula and printed instructions, underscoring its elegant, intentional design.
Tatcha was founded in the U.S. but the product is manufactured in Japan with meticulous attention to quality. While the price is the highest in this group, the experience and effectiveness make it worthwhile. A standout for anyone with dry, sensitive eyes or those seeking a balm-to-oil format that feels truly indulgent.
🥉 Honest Makeup Remover Wipes – $9.49 (30 wipes)
Made in China | Fragrance-Free | Compostable | EWG Certified
The Honest wipes are the most convenient — perfect for travel, gym bags, or long days. They’re fragrance-free, EWG-certified, and compostable. The formula doesn’t sting, but it’s less moisturizing than the other two and does require a bit more effort to remove stubborn eye makeup.
That said, they’re great for quick makeup removal and are often sold in 90-count value packs. If you have extremely sensitive eyes and want something non-messy and disposable, they serve a useful purpose.
Final Thoughts (Updated)
All three perform well, and I’d honestly repurchase any of them. But if I had to rank them based on multiple rounds of testing:
- Best overall for eye makeup removal: Illiyoon Gentle & Safe Remover – effective, affordable, and truly gentle.
- Most convenient: Honest Makeup Remover Wipes – travel-friendly and dependable.
- Best for full-face makeup (but less ideal for heavier eye makeup): Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm – elegant, nourishing, and luxurious.
Each product here earns top marks for transparency and ingredient integrity. But everyone’s skin (and tolerance for ingredients) is different. While I base these reviews on personal testing and ingredient research, this is not medical advice. Always patch test and consult your dermatologist if you have concerns about sensitivity or allergies.
Where to Buy
– Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm: Amazon | Tatcha.com
– Illiyoon Gentle Remover: Amazon | Olive Young Global
– Honest Makeup Wipes: Amazon | Honest.com
