Makeup remover creams you buy from the drugstore or any store are, let’s be honest, packed with the kinds of things (drying alcohols, synthetic fragrances, preservatives such as parabens) we definitely shouldn’t be putting on our skin.

But they’re such little quantities they say. But do they consider the fact that you’re applying every.single.day? No! And the worst part, they don’t even work all that well!

Instead, try making our nourishing DIY makeup remover cream. This rich, creamy formula melts away makeup—even waterproof products around the eyes—while gently hydrating and protecting your skin barrier. Made with just a few safe, skin-loving ingredients, it’s perfect for all skin types, cheap and easy to customize based on your skin’s needs.

Index: Homemade Makeup Remover Cream

  1. DIY Makeup Remover Cream Recipe Jump to section
  2. Cost Savings of Making Your Own Makeup Remover Cream Jump to section
  3. Why Make Your Own Cream Makeup Remover? Jump to section

DIY Makeup Remover Cream Recipe

If you prefer a creamy, ultra-moisturizing way to remove makeup, this DIY makeup remover cream may be preferable to you. Unlike homemade makeup remover for oily skin, this rich and nourishing formula provides longer-lasting hydrating and protection of your skin barrier.

It’s especially recommended for dry or sensitive skin, removing stubborn waterproof makeup without stripping your natural oils.

Ingredients:

FIY – You might also be interested in trying our DIY coffee scrub for an invigorating pick me up when your skin needs it!

Instructions:

  1. In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water), gently melt the shea butter until smooth.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in jojoba oil while the mixture is still warm.
  3. Once cooled slightly, mix in aloe vera gel and optional Castile soap to create a creamy consistency.
  4. Pour into a sterilized glass jar and allow it to fully set at room temperature.
  5. To use, massage a small amount onto dry skin, then wipe away with a warm damp cloth or reusable cotton pad. Rinse if needed.

Cost Savings of Making Your Own Makeup Remover Cream

Sustainable skincare doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective—especially when you make your own sustainable makeup remover. While store-bought makeup remover creams can cost anywhere from $7 to $16 per jar, a homemade version can be whipped up for a fraction of the price using a few skin-loving ingredients.

In fact, this DIY makeup remover cream recipe costs just around $2.41 per batch to make. That’s less than a third of the price of popular brands—and you can reuse the same container each time, cutting down both waste and long-term expenses. Here’s exactly how the cost stacks up.

DIY Makeup Remover Cream

  • Shea Butter: $8 for an 8 oz tub (~$1.00 for 2 tbsp)
  • Jojoba Oil: $7 for a 4 fl oz bottle (~$0.87 for 1 tbsp)
  • Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$0.50 for 1 tbsp)
  • Castile Soap: $17 for a 32 oz bottle (~$0.04 for 1/2 tsp)

Total for Batch: ~$2.41

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$9 for 6 oz jar (e.g., Ponds, or similar makeup remover cream brands).

Savings per Batch: $6.59

Why Make Your Own Cream Makeup Remover?

Drugstore makeup removers contain harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, and unnecessary additives that can irritate your skin or even disrupt your hormones. Choose a random product and scan the ingredients list, we’ll bet you come across at least a few of these common suspects:

  • Alcohols (e.g., Isopropyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol): Commonly used in these products to dissolve makeup but can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and disruption of the skin’s protective barrier.
  • Fragrance & Parfum: These synthetic scents may contain phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues and skin sensitivity.
  • Sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, SLS/SLES): If you’ve had any breakouts from using a conventional makeup remover – this ingredient might just be the culprit. They’re harsh detergents that disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

This is just another reason why we’re so big into making our own DIY makeup remover and homemade beauty products.

Amber McDaniel is one of Sustainable Jungle's writers and our Head of Content
Amber McDaniel

Amber obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, Creative Writing, and Psychology from The University of Oxford and Arcadia University. She is an avid crafter, gardener, quail farmer, wannabe novelist, and self-proclaimed eco adventurer. From living in a camper van to living in a tiny house, she is enamored by the small and self-sufficient; and aspires to one day become an off-grid micro-farmer, bridging sustainability with non-toxic living and eating. With a passion for outdoor sports like rock climbing, skiing, and travel, having already backpacked across 30 countries, she is always up for the next big adventure while seeking ways to minimize her impact along the way.