Whether you choose a cleansing balm, a foaming facial cleanser. Or a gel cleanser, product selection isn’t the only factor to consider when washing your face. You also have a choice over how you wash your face: You can use your hands, use reusable makeup remover wipes, or go the old-fashioned way. The latter, in particular, have been gaining popularity (pun intended) lately due to their many benefits: “My number one reason for using reusable wipes or makeup remover cloths is convenience and portability,” says Steve Kassajikian, Urban Decay’s global artistic director. “It helps reduce waste, is gentler on the skin, is more hygienic, and is easier to pack.”
Are you interested in reusable makeup remover wipes? Below, we’ll dive into the pros to answer all your questions, from the benefits to how to use them.
What Are Reusable Makeup Towels?
“Reusable makeup remover wipes are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable makeup remover pads or cotton pads and are designed to gently eliminate makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin with water or cleanser,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FADA. Unlike disposable wipes, the towel is used with the cleanser of your choice, just like a wipe (but specifically designed for removing makeup).
Another benefit of reusable makeup remover wipes is their size. “A reusable makeup remover towel is smaller than a washcloth but just as useful for cleansing your face and removing makeup,” says Tammy Fender, the brand’s founder, esthetician, and clean beauty pioneer.
How to Use Reusable Makeup Towels
Several methods are available for cleansing your face, even if you use a reusable makeup remover. “I like to cleanse my face with my fingertips, applying a natural cream cleanser to my skin, then removing it with a warm, damp makeup remover,” says Fender.
Garshick has another method: “Wet a cloth with warm water or apply your favourite cleanser. Gently cleanse your skin in a circular motion to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities,” she says. “After washing, rinse thoroughly with water and hang to dry.” In the meantime. Kassajikian recommends using a product by applying your favourite makeup remover to a cloth and then gently wiping it across your face.
The Benefits
Whether you care about the environmental impact of your skincare routine or want to make it more gentle and effective. Reusable makeup remover wipes have several benefits. Here are a few:
It can remove makeup more effectively: If you’ve ever felt like your daily skincare routine isn’t leaving your skin as clean as you’d like, a reusable makeup-removing towel might be just the upgrade you need. “Choosing a soft, natural-fibre cloth to wipe your skin after cleansing helps remove any remaining impurities before applying your toner, serum, or moisturizer,” says Fender.
Less environmental impact than other options: “At the same time, it’s a way to bring a little eco-consciousness into your daily life,” Fender tells us. Sustainability is essential: Consider how much you’ll save if you usually opt for disposable makeup remover wipes or cotton pads.
Gentle on skin: Reusable makeup remover wipes are also helpful if you find other products too abrasive or if you want a more even complexion. “They’re made with soft fibres that minimize irritation and are great for sensitive skin,” says Garshick.
Other considerations
While reusable makeup remover wipes are helpful in many ways, each product has pros and cons. Below are some factors to consider when considering adding them to your routine.
Wash Them Regularly: One of the most significant downsides to makeup remover wipes is that they must be kept clean. Which is essential but requires more maintenance than disposable products. “If they’re not cleaned properly after each use, bacteria can build up, leading to irritation and breakouts,” says Garshick. “Reusable wipes should be hand washed with a mild detergent or machine washed after each use.”
Replace as needed: Remember that reusable makeup remover wipes aren’t designed to last forever. “Be careful, as some makeup products can stain the fabric,” says Kassajikian. “It should be replaced if it starts to tear, fray, or smell, even after washing,” Garshick adds that since frequent washing can degrade the fabric’s effectiveness over time, you should consider replacing the towels every six months, depending on how worn they are.
Choosing a Type
When it comes to buying reusable makeup remover wipes, you have a few options to choose from. Garshick breaks them down into three categories: “Microfiber wipes are known for their ultra-soft texture and ability to remove makeup with just water. She says. “Bamboo fibre wipes are eco-friendly and naturally antibacterial, making them ideal for subtle or acne-prone skin.” “Double-sided wipes have one side for removing makeup and the other for gentle exfoliation.”
All of the above are good options depending on your goals, but our experts have a few tips to remember. “I recommend a fabric made from natural fibres like bamboo or cotton, and nothing synthetic, rough, or abrasive,” says Fender.
The Final Takeaway
Reusable makeup remover wipes may require a little more maintenance. Still, they’re gentle on your skin, help remove stubborn dirt, and have a more negligible environmental impact than disposable options. Making them worth the investment. “If you can get your laundry done on time. They’re a great way to incorporate a little self-care that combines old and new,” says Fender.