I usually stay away from gentle eye makeup removers.
No, I don’t like makeup removers that irritate my eyes. Or sting like hell when they find their way inside my eyes. Ouch!
But when they’re too gentle, they don’t remove anything. As soon as they encounter some eyeliner or mascara, they just refuse to work.
Unless you use a ton of product and a huge dollop of elbow grease. And all that tugging and pulling is going to irritate your eyes anyway…
That’s exactly what happened with L’Oréal Paris Gentle Make-Up Remover Eye…
What’s In L’Oreal Paris Gentle Make-Up Remover Eye?
SURFACTANTS
Surfactants is a fancy way of calling those detergents that help water mix with oils and dirt, so they can easily be rinsed away.
This makeup remover contains A LOT of surfactants – they make up a whopping 1/3 of the formula. So, it should take everything off effortlessly, right?
Not so fast… Using too many surfactants can be harsh and drying on the skin. If you want to use this many, you need a very low concentration of each of them. This trick makes the formula gentler, but not as effective.
P.S. Surfactants sting if it gets in your eyes.
ALLANTOIN
You’ll find allantoin in the roots of the Comfrey herb, chamomile, wheat sprouts and sugar beets. But the type used in skincare usually comes from a lab.
What does it do? It’s soothing and moisturising.
Allantoin has anti-inflammatory properties that calm down irritated skin, soothe redness and reduce itching. It works by helping skin repair itself.
Plus, it helps skin retain moisture during the cleansing process.
Related: Why Allantoin Is The Soothing Ingredient You Didn’t Know You Needed
Texture
Lightweight and runny. You need a cotton pad for this.
Fragrance
Faint. Clean.
How To Use It
Pour a big amount on a cotton pad. Place it on top of your closed eyelid. Let it soak for a couple of minutes before gently wiping your makeup away.
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Performance & Personal Opinion
L’Oreal Paris Gentle Make-Up Remover Eye is one of the most frustrating makeup removers I’ve ever tried. Try as I might, it doesn’t do the job.
Ok, it works… a little. If you only wear a wash of sheer powder eyeshadow and a water-soluble mascara (you know, those that easily smudge), this will take everything off quickly.
If your eyes are so sensitive, you can only wear that little makeup, go ahead. Grab a bottle.
But for the rest of us, this just doesn’t cut it. It’s so gentle, it hardly removes anything. If you wear pigmented eyeshadows, bright eyeliners, and waterproof mascaras, be prepared to throw it to the wall in frustration.
You need to use half the bottle, several cotton pads, and a hug dose of elbow grease (with accompanying tugging and pulling) to melt anything away.
After two minutes, your eyes are so red and irritated, you wonder why did you bother to buy a gentle makeup remover if it doesn’t remove anything gently?!
I’m going back to my oil-based cleansers.
Related: Do You Really Need To Double Cleanse?
Who Is This For?
I only recommend this to women with super sensitive eyes who wear very little makeup.
Who Is This NOT For?
Anyone who wears makeup (it doesn’t take it off!).
Packaging
See-through white and blue bottle. The opening tends to release too much product, so be careful.
Does L’Oreal Paris Gentle Make-Up Remover Eye Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Removes waterproof and long-lasting makeup. | No. Just no. |
| Its refreshing and gentle formula is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. | True. |
Price & Availability
£3.49 at Look Fantastic
Do You Need It?
No. Get yourself an oil-based makeup remover or use a gentle oil like jojoba. It does a better job without irritating skin.
Related: 6 DIY Ways To Use Jojoba Oil In Your Skincare Routine
Dupes & Alternatives
- Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips ($19.50)
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover ($8.99)
Ingredients
Water, Hexylene Glycol, Allantoin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate, Sodium Oleth Sulfate, Magnesium Laureth Sulfate, Magnesium Laureth-8 Sulfate, Magnesium Oleth Sulfate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorhexidine, Dihydrochloride, Geraniol, Citronellol, Fragrance
You were kind to give it a 3 out of 5. That’s too bad that it didn’t work much at all. I like the look of the packaging. Also, I was looking at the price. I really need to go to Europe while the exchange rate is so favorite to the US coz I know it won’t last!
Allison, I think it can work for those with sensitive eyes who wear little makeup, but definitely not for everyone else.
That’d be great! Europe is beautiful, and there are lots of great makeup brands here. You must try some Pupa and Sleek makeup!
I prefer gentle makeup removers for eyes, but this one sounds like a dud. :/
Gauri, sadly it is. 🙁
Right now I am testing the garnier biphase eye make up remover. It is working fine so far and it is inexpensive. Just in case you want to give it a go 😉
Tirurit, I will, thank you!
KIKO Micellar Water removes everything for me without the tugging etc. and no greasy residue. I can’t say how it would work for a full on smoky eye looks because I don’t wear a lot around my eyes, but I like that it is non-greasy and doesn’t just smear everything all over your face.
Annette, that sounds wonderful! Must pop down to the Kiko store one of these days. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂