How does eye make-up remover work on a chemical level?

Make-up remover acts as an organic solvent. Since many powders and foundations are mostly composed of polar and non-polar organic molecules, the solvent needs to be able to dissolve both without dissolving your face at the same time. One of these solutions is shown in one of the movies provided in the source area. It consists of a mixture of alum (KAl(SO4)2 *12H2O), paraffin wax, and mineral oil.