Listen, there is a time and place for makeup removal wipes. Though they often receive a poor reputation, some freshly created, skin care-focused makeup wipes are really good at eliminating pollutants. “Makeup remover wipes offer a convenient way to clean your face, especially when traveling,” explains Iris Rubin, M.D., cofounder and chief medical officer of SEEN, a hair and skin care business. “They remove surface filth and makeup rapidly, reducing irritation and buildup on the skin. Makeup remover wipes are highly effective when used with other cleansing procedures, such as a water-based cleanser, to achieve a deeper clean.”
To help you decide which makeup wipe to add to your skin care routine, we evaluated choices and spoke with experts about how to select the best one for your skin type, lifestyle, and budget. Read on to find the best makeup removal wipes for your specific skin type.
Why We Love It: Not only are these wipes individually wrapped and have a pleasant, non-overpowering scent, but our tester praised how easily they removed makeup and left their skin feeling clean—not stripped or sticky, but fresh and smooth. Even though they were wearing full-coverage foundation, they just needed one wipe on each side. Our tester also praised the wipe’s soft and strong texture, as well as its delicate and effective removal of all makeup (even eye makeup). The texture of the wipe also served as a gentle exfoliant on her skin. The major, soothing component, aloe, left her cheeks feeling very soft and fluffy after use, especially because it’s “an area of [her] face that’s prone to irritation and dryness with excessive cleansing or skin care use.”
Who It’s For: These wipes are suitable for anyone, especially given how delicate but effective they are. Not to mention that they are individually packaged, making them ideal for travel. And they leave your skin feeling clean rather than covered.
Worth Noting: One wipe was sufficient to cleanse the entire face without the need for a second, but our tester chose to use two wipes to ensure that all of the foundation was removed; it remained perfectly moist during use, with no irritating drying out midway through—which is significant.
Stephanie, a tester with combination skin, says, “Compared to other cosmetic wipes I’ve tried, this one seems much more luxury and skin-conscious. It does not leave a film on my skin, does not dry it out, and the aroma alone makes the entire process feel like self-care rather than a simple cleanup. I’d absolutely consider using it as my new go-to.”
Why We Love It: These not only remove makeup, but also serve as a daily cleansing wipe. These dermatologist-tested wipes have been clinically proven to be mild on even the most sensitive skin while still effectively removing makeup, making them an excellent solution for persons with sensitive skin. We enjoy these well-rounded, ultrasoft wipes. Our tester has used a variety of makeup removal wipes with less-than-ideal results, including severe burning. Cetaphil does the reverse. She describes them as particularly delicate, highlighting their silky texture and skin-nourishing elements like vitamins B5 and B3, as well as aloe vera.
Who It’s For: What isn’t to like about these wipes? They are not just gentle for delicate skin, but also reasonably priced. Anyone who is extremely sensitive to aroma may appreciate this fragrance-free product, which is specifically designed for delicate skin.
Worth noting: It took our tester four wipes to completely cleanse her face, so you may go through them quickly.
Naomi, a tester with sensitive skin, says, “I usually avoid makeup wipes because they are too harsh for my sensitive skin, but the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Wipes live up to their name.” The wipe was really cooling to my skin and did not cause the burning sensation that I have experienced with other makeup wipes.
Why We Love It: These oil-free makeup remover towelettes are manufactured from compostable material and include witch hazel, which helps deep clean the skin in only a few swipes. The tightly sealed container keeps the towelettes moist and fresh, and it only took two or three swipes to remove our tester’s eye makeup and one wipe to remove all of her makeup, including mascara and lipstick. She mentioned that makeup wipes bother her skin, and that these were far gentler and more effective than most wipes she’d used.
Who It’s For: While cosmetic wipes can be harmful to the environment by producing more waste, these biodegradable wipes place less pressure on environmentally aware buyers; our tester claims she avoids makeup wipes expressly for this reason. Despite their texture, these wipes are strong but mild enough to use on the sensitive eye area and will not impair the skin barrier.
It’s worth noting that the towelettes are gently scented and leave behind a little film or moisturizing substance. To remove any residual residue from newly cleansed skin, use toner, micellar water, or a cleanser.
Jill, a tester with normal, older skin: “The cloth has texture, to be sure, but I wasn’t upset after passing it over my skin several times. I was no stinging (which is unusual), and it remained moist enough to use the entire time.”
