I used to be all about makeup-remover wipes—they were so convenient! Just one wipe could quickly erase all the makeup off my face, and I was ready for bedtime. But recently, I’ve limited my use and stuck to liquid makeup removers and cleansing balms.
There are a couple of reasons for that. First of all, I wanted a more sustainable option. When I use a liquid or balm remover, I can use a washable cotton pad instead of throwing away a wipe each time. And second, a lot of wipes really dried out my skin—and my skin is already prone to dryness. After using a wipe, my skin would often feel parched and a bit irritated. That’s because the rubbing and the ingredients in some wipes can bug sensitive skin. And finally, there are so many great liquid and balm formulas that are super powerful and can remove even waterproof makeup.
But when I’m in a pinch, a rush, or traveling and don’t want to carry around my liquid bottle and cotton pads, I bring those makeup-remover wipes with me. I’ve become pickier with them, and I like to prioritize biodegradable wipes with gentle, hydrating ingredients. Luckily, there are more options now than there were many years ago. Take a look at some of my and my fellow editors’ favorites below.
Neutrogena’s makeup wipes are my go-to, and a lot of other people can probably say the same. They’re infused with micellar water and are good at removing up to 99% of makeup. I love that they make my face feel so refreshed.
I love Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O micellar water, and normally, I use it to remove makeup if I’m wearing a no-makeup makeup look without any full-coverage or intense products. These wipes are infused with the same micellar water and are biodegradable, too.
Koh Gen Do’s wipes contain mineral-rich cleansing spa water to remove dirt and waterproof makeup. They’re also enriched with nourishing herbal ingredients including rosemary leaf, sage leaf, lavender, artemisia princeps leaf, perilla ocymoides leaf, and ginger root.
CeraVe’s wipes are formulated with ceramides and glycerin to really lock in moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. They also contain three essential ceramides to improve the skin’s barrier. And big bonus: The cloths are 100% plant-based and biodegradable.
Sensitive skin types don’t need to worry about irritation when they use these towelettes. They’re formulated with cotton, rice extract, and aloe to soothe and pamper the skin.
Cleanse the skin and keep your acne under control with these wipes. Witch hazel and 2% salicylic acid work to remove excess oil and exfoliate the skin while aloe vera and citrus bioflavonoids soothe inflammation and defend the skin.
Ursa Major’s wipes are infused with the brand’s 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic, which removes excess oil and impurities and exfoliates without stripping moisture or messing with pH balance. Ingredients include aloe vera, witch hazel, and green tea.
When you have rosacea, the last thing you want to do is cause more irritation. Klorane’s wipes are super gentle and not oily at all. They contain soothing cornflower water and are fragrance-free.
Like those who have rosacea, eczema-prone people should also avoid any irritation. And you don’t want something that’s going to dry out your skin even more. These wipes contain nourishing and soothing oat-kernel, aloe, and cucumber extracts.
Mature skin needs plenty of hydration. These cleansing cloths from Paula’s Choice have exactly that benefit thanks to ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate. They’re even powerful enough to remove waterproof makeup while being gentle on the skin. You won’t have to do any tugging or intense scrubbing.
One side of the biodegradable cloth is soft for wiping away dirt and excess oil while the other side is textured and can be used for gentle scrubbing to remove any hard-to-erase makeup. The wipes feature nourishing, hydrating, and calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut extract, white tea and green tea leaf extracts, aloe vera, cucumber extract, and chamomile.
Made with sustainable and biodegradable bamboo eco-fibers, these cloths can remove makeup, cleanse the skin, and moisturize. They’re infused with lemongrass, which acts as a gentle astringent, and coconut oil to dissolve tough-to-remove makeup.
I’ve been using this makeup remover for ages, and it still holds up. It never dries out or irritates my skin and can remove makeup in a flash.
Instead of using disposable cotton rounds or balls, try these reusable ones. They feature a soft terry texture and are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. Plus, they come with a storage pouch.
This will help you remove even your most stubborn makeup and intricate eye makeup looks. You don’t have to rub your eyes at all for it to work, and it’s great for sensitive eyes.
If makeup-remover products tend to dry out your skin, opt for a cleansing balm. This best seller removes makeup, SPF, dirt, and oil. Ingredients include sunflower and ginger-root oils to melt away makeup, turmeric and moringa extracts to remove dirt and impurities, and papaya enzymes to exfoliate.
Lancôme’s eye makeup remover is award-winning and a huge favorite. It has an oil phase to erase makeup and a water phase to condition the skin.
This formula may be mild, but that doesn’t mean it won’t remove stubborn and long-wearing makeup. Sensitive skin types will love it.
A 3-in-1 product, this cleansing balm pretty much does it all. It’s a makeup remover, brightening facial cleanser, and hydrating face mask. Plus, it contains vitamin C to even complexion and get your skin glowy and rose-hip oil for nourishment.
A cleansing oil can really help your skin stay moisturized. This one from Caudalíe is 100% vegan and contains antioxidants and 100% natural plant oils including sweet almond, grape seed, sunflower, and castor.
