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After a long day, few things feel as satisfying as swiping off a full face of makeup with a single wipe. Makeup wipes are fast, they’re easy and they don’t require a trip to the sink. But how effective are they, really? Some say they actually may be doing more damage than good.
To get the real answer, I spoke with two board-certified dermatologists about all things makeup wipes. Below, they reveal whether or not they’re as effective as face wash and what possible risks they pose. I also rounded up a few dermatologist-approved alternatives to makeup wipes.
Do makeup wipes cleanse your skin?
Despite what many think, makeup wipes don’t actually cleanse your skin. “Think of wipes as a first step, not a final cleanse,” says Dr. Nicole Lee, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Epoch Dermatology. “They move makeup, oil and debris around rather than remove it.” In other words, that satisfying swipe is really just relocating grime on your face instead of lifting it away for good.
That leftover residue isn’t just a cosmetic issue. “If you use makeup wipes, it is important to follow up with a cleanser and rinsing to fully clean your face,” says Dr. Nicole Negbenebor, board-certified dermatologist with UI Health Care. “You do not want to leave behind the film that can be left from a makeup wipe — that can lead to dirt not being completely removed and potential acne breakouts or irritation.”
So if wipes are part of your routine, dermatologists agree they should be a starting point, not your whole cleansing routine.
Are makeup wipes bad for your skin?
Beyond falling short as a cleanser, makeup wipes can actively work against your skin’s health, especially with regular use. “The combination of friction from rubbing your skin, texture of the wipes and preservatives and fragrances in the wipes can be irritating and lead to inflammation, skin barrier compromise and sensitivity over time,” says Lee.
That’s a lot of stress on your skin for what’s supposed to be a quick, gentle step in your routine. Over time, this repeated irritation can chip away at your skin’s protective barrier, leaving it more prone to dryness, redness and breakouts. For anyone with sensitive or reactive skin, the risk is even greater, since the same ingredients meant to keep wipes fresh in the packaging can trigger irritation.
The best way to remove makeup
There are a number of options that are more gentle than wipes. You can use a micellar water or makeup remover to loosen your cosmetics before you cleanse. The dermatologists I spoke with also point to double cleansing as being a great option.
“A gentle double cleanse is more effective than makeup wipes,” says Lee. “Start with a cleansing balm or oil, then follow with a mild, water-based cleanser.” The first step dissolves makeup, sunscreen and excess oil, while the second washes away any leftover residue, sweat and dirt — giving your skin a truly clean slate without the friction or film that comes with a wipe.
For the delicate eye area, Lee recommends an even gentler approach. “A personal trick I have developed over the years is to use a gentle lotion on a cotton ball to remove any residual eye makeup,” she says. “It cleanses without irritation while moisturizing the delicate, easily sensitized skin on the eyelids.” This kind of targeted, low-friction technique is especially useful for stubborn eye makeup like waterproof mascara or eyeliner, which can otherwise require aggressive rubbing to remove.
The best makeup wipe alternatives
So, what can you use in place of makeup wipes? According to the dermatologists I spoke with, cleansing your skin is still an important step regardless of how you remove makeup. Below, I’ve included some options for removing makeup that are gentler than wipes.
Lee suggests micellar water as a gentle way to remove makeup before cleansing your skin. Micellar water is a solution made up of micelles, which are tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules that attract dirt and other oil. NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi is a fan of this one from Bioderma. “This product doesn’t sting, leave my skin too dry and red, or have an astringent smell,” she says, adding that it removes her waterproof mascara really well.
I’ve tried a number of traditional makeup removers and never loved them — I find the oily consistency to irritate my eyes and feel too slick on my skin. Instead, I use this reusable, double-sided cloth. You simply wet it and gently move it over areas where you have makeup you need to take off. Its short fibers lift away makeup, oil and dirt. The cloth feels super soft against your skin and it’s machine washable and hypoallergenic. It is also more environmentally-friendly than throwaway wipes — I’ve had the same one for more than three years and it’s still in great shape.
Experts previously recommended this balm to us as an effective way to remove makeup. The formula contains sunflower seed oil to loosen makeup and hydrate, as well as ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to leave skin soft, hydrated, and plump, according to the brand.
This oil-free makeup remover gently dissolves foundation, mascara, eyeshadow and more without leaving greasy residue on your skin, according to the brand. It is formulated with soothing botanicals like aloe vera, ginseng and green tea and is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. After using it, you should still wash your face as you normally would.
This gentle all-in-one cleanser starts as an oil balm that loosens makeup and impurities, then transforms into a milky wash once water is added, rinsing everything away without stripping skin’s moisture. The face wash is formulated without parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrance, according to Cocokind, which is helpful for those who have skin that gets irritated easily.
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Frequently asked questions
Are makeup wipes bad for the environment?
Makeup wipes may not be the best thing for the environment. “Most wipes are single use and not biodegradable, so they add to waste,” says Lee. “Reusable cloths with a good cleanser are a more sustainable option.” Negbenebor also points out that disposable makeup wipes are not recyclable and cannot be flushed because they do not disintegrate.
Are there makeup wipes that are okay to use?
If you still want to still use makeup wipes, look for ones that are alcohol-free and fragrance-free in order to decrease the chance of irritation, says Negbenebor. In terms of being more environmentally-friendly, Negbenebor suggests looking for wipes that are biodegradable and use plant-based fibers because they are more likely to degrade after disposal.
Meet our skin care experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Nicole Lee is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Epoch Dermatology.
- Dr. Nicole Negbenebor is a board-certified dermatologist with UI Health Care.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers wellness, beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about whether press-on nails harm your natural nails, if beauty pillows really ward off wrinkles, the benefits of tranexamic acid and more. For this story, I spoke with two dermatologists about whether or not makeup wipes are bad for your skin.
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