Best Japanese Waterproof Makeup Removers

Must-Buy Japanese Makeup Removers for Waterproof Mascara and Stubborn Eye Makeup

Do you use makeup remover daily?? When you wear heavy makeup such as waterproof mascara or smudge-free eyeliner, it’s recommended to use special makeup removers because regular cleanser or face wash might not be able to remove stubborn makeup properly, and this could cause skin troubles. Also when you don’t use right makeup removers, you might end up pulling off your eyelashes or damaging your skin by harshly rubbing.

I normally use oil type makeup removers for waterproof mascara or heavy makeup, and personally think the oil-based formula is the easiest for removing stubborn makeup without tugging or rubbing, and it also leaves the skin moisturized (I have pretty dry skin!). But if you have sensitive skin or oily skin and prefer to choose products in different formula, there are also makeup removers that are gentle or put less burden on the skin, yet still manage to remove waterproof makeup easily.

In this article, I’m sharing a list of top-selling Japanese makeup removers in different types and price range. Let’s check out my picks of the best Japanese makeup removers for waterproof mascara and heavy eye makeup 🙂

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.


1. Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil

Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil

Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil (ビオレ メイク落とし パーフェクトオイル) is a top-selling Japanese cleansing oil and one of the most popular drugstore skin care products. Oil-based cleansers can not be mixed with water normally, which makes it difficult use when your hands are wet or while taking bath/shower, but this cleansing can be used on wet hands or face, which I find pretty convenient. The light textured oil with a hint of fruit scents is easy to apply and spread over the face. It lifts away the makeup quickly and wipes off even stubborn eye makeup including waterproof mascara. The price is very affordable so it’s a great item to use daily 🙂

Check the Price ▶ Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil

2. shu uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

shu uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil (shu uemura アルティム8∞ スブリム ビューティ クレンジング オイル)   is a makeup remover that won multiple beauty awards in recent years including @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards. The cleansing oil is infused with 8 precious oils and 75% of skin care ingredients which lead the skin smooth, soft and moisturized while removing stubborn makeup effortlessly. The product might not be affordable, but it’s promising to deliver an unforgettable cleansing experience with the great skin care effects every time you use.

Check the Price ▶ shu uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

3. Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil

Attenir Skin Clear Cleansing Oil

Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil (アテニア スキンクリアクレンズ オイル) is a top-selling makeup remover, and won multiple beauty prizes including the latest Best Cosmetics Awards. This cleansing oil is blended with 5 types of selected beauty oil which nourish and protect the skin. It removes the makeup skin impurities quickly and leads to brighter and smoother skin. It has relaxing aromatic scents. You can use it with wet hands and also apply on eyelash extension. The gentle formula cleansing oil is free of coloring, mineral oil, paraben and alcohol.

Check the Price ▶ Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil

4. FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil

FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil

FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil (ファンケルマイルドクレンジングオイル) is a long-selling, award-winning makeup remover that is gentle on the skin and suitable for most of skin types. It dissolves the stubborn makeup quickly and removes it without rubbing. It also clears clogged pores which can cause skin aging. The moisture-keep formula leaves the skin soft and moisturized and helps to reduce fine lines around eyes and lips caused by dryness. It’s an additive-free and preservative-free product, therefore, it is recommended to use off within 120 days after opening.

Check the Price ▶ FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil

5. Cow Brand Additive-Free Cleansing Milk

Cow Brand No Additive Cleansing Milk

If you find above high-performance oil makeup removers are harsh on your delicate skin, I’d highly recommend this one. Cow Brand Additive-Free Cleansing Milk (カウブランド 無添加メイク落としミルク) is a non-additive and gentle milk type cleanser which is specially designed for delicate and sensitive skin type. The product contains natural ceramide (moisturizing ingredient) which protects the moisture balance of the skin while removing makeup smoothly. The affordable price is another great selling point!

Check the Price ▶ Cow Brand Additive-Free Cleansing Milk

6. Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover

Bifesta Cleansing Water Eye Make Up Remover

Point makeup removers are an ideal product if you don’t want to apply powerful cleanser on your entire face but only on certain points so it’s less burdens on your skin. Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover (ビフェスタ アイメイクアップリムーバー) is a toner-like light texture, water and oil based makeup remover. With the double formula with water and oil, it cleanse off the heavy makeup such as waterproof mascara and eyeliner without rubbing or irritating the skin. It contains various skin care ingredients to keep the skin moisturized and to protect eyelashes. You can apply it on a cotton pad, place it on the eyelid or lips for about 10 second and gently swipe off the makeup.

Check the Price ▶ Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover

7. Softymo Super Point Eye Makeup Remover

Softymo Super Point Eye Makeup Remover

Softymo Super Point Eye Makeup Remover (ソフティモ スーパー ポイントメイクアップ リムーバー) is a gel type makeup remover for point makeup such as waterproof mascara or long-lasting lipstick. The product was awared multiple times on the @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards, and it’s been included on the Hall of Fame list since 2008. It dissolves and removes stubborn makeup effortlessly without rubbing or tugging, and leaves the skin surprisingly hydrated. It also contains eyelash protecting ingredient that helps to maintain your eyelash healthy and strong after wearing heavy makeup. The product is widely sold at drugstores in Japan with very affordable price.

Check the Price ▶ Softymo Super Point Eye Makeup Remover

8. Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover

Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover

Heroine Make Mascara is one of the best-selling Japanese mascaras of all time and the product is also sold in several countries overseas. The Hiroine Make Mascara is super-waterproof and known for its longevity and curl-maintaining and due to its resistance and durability, the mascara requires a proper makeup remover to take off. Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover (ヒロインメイクスピーディーマスカラリムーバー) is specially designed for removing strong waterproof mascara. You can easily apply the liquid on eyelashes with the attached comb, and dissolve and remove the mascara without putting a burden. It also contains skin care ingredients and gentle formula that doesn’t irritate your eyes.

Check the Price ▶ Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover


Listed products can be easily found at drugstores, variety stores and cosmetics shops across Japan, but you can also purchase some of them from abroad! Check an online store Kokoro offering a wide range of Japanese beauty products with worldwide shipping. Visit their website (Kokoro: http://bit.ly/32HfNbi) to check more Japanese cosmetics products! Free shipping is available when you spend over 40 USD 🙂

Various cleansers and facewashes are available in Japan depending on your purpose and skin type! I have previously introduced some of popular Japanese facewash and cleansers in other articles, so please check them out if you are interested 😉

If you would like to check out more Japanese beauty products in different categories, please check out these articles, too!

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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈