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Are Makeup Wipes Bad for Your Skin?

Makeup wipes are a popular choice for removing makeup quickly. These disposable wipes are saturated with cleansers, oils, and fragrances designed to dissolve makeup and cleanse the skin.

However, makeup wipes can be bad for your skin when used regularly or improperly.

There's no doubt they’re handy in a pinch, but their frequent use can have downsides not just for your skin but the environment too.

Let’s take a look at why makeup wipes should be avoided where possible and what you can do instead to keep your skin healthy and happy.

Shop Reusable Makeup Remover Kits

'Well worth the purchase! They don't lie when they say it melts away makeup! My skin feels fresher and clearer. Already recommended to friends and family!' Reusable Face Exfoliator Kit

 

Why Are Makeup Wipes Bad for Your Skin?

1. They Only Clean the Surface of Your Skin

Makeup wipes will remove the surface layer of makeup and dirt, but they don’t properly cleanse your skin.

This can leave residue, excess oil and impurities behind, clogging your pores and potentially leading to breakouts. Yuck!

Even if your skin looks clean, it’s not truly free of grime or bacteria, which means you’re not giving your skin the deep clean it needs.

Think of makeup wipes as a quick fix—not a substitute for a thorough cleansing routine.

2. Their Ingredients Can Make Your Skin Dry

Many disposable makeup remover wipes contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals to help dissolve makeup quickly. While these ingredients are effective at good at getting rid of pesky waterproof mascara or long-lasting foundation, they can strip your skin of its natural oils.

The result? Dry, tight skin that feels uncomfortable and looks dull. Regular use of makeup wipes can even disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture over time.

3. Their Ingredients Can Irritate Your Skin

Fragrances, preservatives and chemical additives are commonly found in makeup wipes and can trigger irritation, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

This is the reason that I never use makeup wipes as I've suffered from eczema since I was a child and makeup wipes are a distinct No-no for me!

Rubbing your skin with a wipe can also cause friction, leading to redness or micro-abrasions that damage the skin’s surface.

If you’ve ever experienced stinging or burning after using a makeup wipe, it’s likely due to the harsh ingredients or the physical act of scrubbing your skin.

4. They Are Rubbish for the Environment

It’s not just your skin that suffers—makeup wipes are terrible for the planet too. Most disposable wipes are made from synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene, which are not biodegradable and create waste.

Even so-called “flushable” wipes often contain plastic and contribute to blockages in sewer systems and waterways.

In fact, wipes are a major contributor to global pollution, with an estimated 11 BILLION wet wipes ending up in UK landfills annually. Switching to more sustainable options is not only better for your skin but also for the environment. Since 2016 alone, Cheeky Customers have saved over 110 MILLION packs of wipes from waste - join us!

Shop eye make up remover pads

'Bit expensive but well made, lovely ultrasoft pure cotton. Good size, wash well and even tumble dry with barely any shrinkage. Seem very durable. Will save a lot of money in the long run compared with disposable cotton wool pads and feel much better and more effective on the skin. Love these!' Eye Makeup Removing Pads Review

Why You Should Switch to Reusable Makeup Wipes

Reusable makeup remover pads are a game changer for anyone looking to care for their skin and reduce waste. Unlike disposable wipes, reusable options are made from soft, skin-friendly materials like bamboo or organic cotton, which are gentle on your skin while providing a thorough clean.

They're also much easier and cheaper than cotton wool pads. Reusable face wipes can be used with your favorite cleanser to effectively remove makeup, dirt, and oil without the harsh chemicals found in disposables. They’re also machine washable, meaning you can use them over and over again—saving you money in the long run.

Types of Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Here at Cheeky we have a range of different sizes and styles to suit your skin care routine.

Cheeky large bamboo pads can be used with oily cleansers after washing your face as part of a 2 step cleansing routine.

Cheeky eye makeup removing pads are brilliant with coconut oil or eye makeup remover to gently remove even stubborn mascara.

Our exfoliating pads are brilliant with micellar water for gentle yet thorough cleansing.

But switching to Reusable Makeup Removal is easiest with our kits which are designed with sustainability and comfort in mind. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they’re also perfect for sensitive skin, leaving you feeling fresh and clean without irritation.

Conclusion

While makeup wipes may be convenient, their drawbacks far outweigh their benefits. They don’t effectively clean your skin, can cause dryness and irritation, and are a significant source of environmental waste. By switching to this eco friendly alternative, you can enjoy healthier skin and being a more eco conscious consumer too.

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We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you made the switch to reusable makeup wipes? Share your experiences in the comments below, or get in touch with our team for more advice. Together, we can make simple, sustainable swaps for a healthier you and a happier planet!

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable period kits and reusable sanitary pads.  Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now navigating menopause, with all the joys it brings!

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.