No matter what kind of makeup look you like to go for, it is imperative that you remove your makeup at the end of the day! Taking time to clean your face before bed is can make the difference between reaching your skincare goals or getting a breakout. One way to do this is through the use of makeup remover wipes. However, there are lots of options to choose from! Not sure where to start?
We've got you covered! We've compiled the 10 best makeup remover wipes that do the job and are suitable for different skin types. We chose Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes as our favorite pick because they can be used by all skin types and they work great! Check out the rest of our best picks. Then, read on until the end for even more tips on how to shop for makeup remover wipes on your own that have been reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
There are a ton of different makeup remover wipe options, so how do you know which one to go for? Here are four points to keep in mind when choosing the right makeup remover wipes for you!
One of the most important things to consider in choosing the right make up remover is your skin type. Each person has a different skin type and while there are products that cater to all kinds of skin, some work better with specific skin types, whether it's sensitive, acne-prone, dry, or oily.
When someone's sensitive skin comes in contact with a trigger it may react by turning red, dry, or getting a rash. It's important for people with sensitive skin to opt for makeup remover wipes that are gentle and will not cause your skin to dry out or cause any allergic reaction.
Be sure to go for products that are hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, free from any artificial ingredients and have no alcohol to prevent any skin damage or irritation. You also want to stay away from wipes that can be harsh on the skin. Watch out for ingredients that you know will cause your skin to react badly.
Sodium laurel sulfate, the most commonly-used cleanser, can irritate skin and eyes. Other things like preservatives to prevent bacteria from growing on the wipes can release formaldehyde. One to watch out for is urea. It's also good to avoid those that contain fragrances.
Choose a fragrance-free, unscented wipe if you have a history of eczema or contact dermatitis. Fragrances can trigger dermatitis, which can lead to a red and itchy rash.
For sensitive skin, you may want to use a water-based wipe that has the least amount of additives or preservatives. Some of these preservatives like SLS can trigger perioral dermatitis (a rash around the mouth that looks like acne), so avoid this if you have acne or rosacea-prone skin.
People with acne-prone skin should make sure to look out for the words “non-comedogenic” and “non-acnegenic.” Products labeled as such are better for acne-prone skin. These terms mean that they are less likely to clog your pores and trigger breakouts.
If you can't find these terms on the label, go for wipes that have ingredients like salicylic acid, that can help in preventing breakouts and offer sebum control. Salicylic acid helps in controlling inflammation and it is antibacterial.
Some ingredients that help reduce pore size are astringents like grapefruit extract and witch hazel. Go for a product that is pH-balanced and has no alcohol to avoid irritation. Avoid wipes with artificial fragrances and other artificial ingredients that can cause negative skin reactions.
Makeup wipes are good for acne since they help make sure that all makeup, sweat, oil, and dirt are removed prior to using any acne treatment or regimen. They are also a great way to remove makeup prior to a midday workout session.
Sweating with makeup can result in an acne flare, so wipes can help prevent this. Salicylic acid is a good treatment for whiteheads, blackheads, and can help even out skin texture and tone but can be irritating for those with rosacea-prone skin.
If you have oily skin, it's important that you don't add any more oil build-up to your face. Avoid makeup wipes that can clog your pores!
However, not all oils are bad. In fact, they have great benefits to the skin and can get long-wearing makeup off easily. For example, there are a ton of products that contain oils to remove makeup that is meant to be waterproof. If you have oily skin but prefer to wear waterproof makeup, consider only using makeup wipes that contain oil around your eyes. Then, use wipes without oil for the rest of your face to avoid any unnecessary oil build-up.
On the other hand, oil-in options might not be the option for people with oily skin. If you are aware that you have oily skin, it is important to note that products with oil could cause more harm to your skin, as it might clog your pores even more.
Instead of going for makeup remover with oils, try one without them. There are a lot of alternative products that use other solvents to break down makeup. For example, micellar water and propylene glycol can be used to remove any stubborn makeup without adding oil to your face. You could also go for makeup wipes that are water-based. These products are both gentle but effective in removing makeup, dirt, and impurities on your skin!
Many face wipes are oil-based since oils can dissolve makeup best. However, these can trigger acne outbreaks in those who are prone to breakouts. My go-to wipe for oily skin is the Simple brand Makeup Wipes. I like their micellar water cleansing wipe for those with acne-prone skin since it is gentle yet effective at removing dirt and makeup.
Whether it's the cold weather, using harsh products, or too much traveling, you've probably experienced the struggle of dealing with dry skin. This might be because you have drier skin than others; this is mostly based on genetics. Picking the right makeup remover wipe is very important!
Be cautious of irritants. Avoid makeup remover wipes with alcohol and artificial ingredients that can make your skin even more dehydrated.
If you have dry skin, opt for makeup remover wipes that are hydrating. Try out moisturizing makeup remover wipes with hyaluronic acid, hydrating oils, rose water, and a balanced pH level. You can also go for ones with aloe vera and vitamins B and E. These wipes can effectively removes makeup without drying out the skin.
Alcohol dries out the skin and can trigger rosacea flares. Avoid wipes with alcohol, salicylic acid, or witch hazel if you have dry skin. After using your makeup wipe, you can either wash with a gentle hydrating cleanser or just apply a cream-based moisturizer to restore hydration to the skin.
Many wipes are oil-based, so if you are not acne-prone and have dry skin, then oil wipes are a good choice for you.
To determine whether wipes are oil or water-based, pay attention to the ingredients. Oil-based products will contain ingredients like mineral oil, vegetable oil, or synthetic oil. In this case, the oil dissolves the makeup and softens your pores in order to lift makeup deep in your skin. On the other hand, water-based removers rely on surfactants like Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or Glyceryl Cocoate. These surfactants are cleansing agents that break down the makeup while hydrating your skin.
Oil-based removers are best for when you wear waterproof and long-wearing makeup. This kind of makeup remover wipe is strong enough to rid your face off waterproof makeup. Although they are not the most suitable if you have oily skin, they do the job of removing tough makeup well!
If you usually wear light and natural makeup, water-based makeup remover wipes might be the ones for you. This kind of makeup remover wipe will help you to remove your natural everyday makeup look.
If you have acne but still need a wipe that removes waterproof eye makeup effectively, just use an oil-based wipe (which is better are removing waterproof makeup) around the eyes and stick to a non-oil-based wash or wipe for the face.
Micellar water-based wipes are also very effective at removing makeup. These have surfactants in them that can break down makeup, dirt, and oil for effective cleaning without clogging pores.
If you prefer heavy eye makeup, you know how hard it can be to erase these waterproof eyeliners and mascaras. More often than not, your regular face wash won't do the trick. It might take a lot of rubbing and scrubbing that can cause damage to your skin.
It is especially important to be gentle on the skin around your eyes because it's very delicate. The skin around our eyes is the thinnest and therefore more prone to damage. Excessive rubbing and tugging can lead to premature wrinkles.
If you often have to deal with this problem, you should consider going for makeup wipes made specifically to remove eye makeup. They not only completely remove stubborn, long-lasting, and waterproof eye makeup but also have plenty of benefits for your skin.
Wipes infused with aloe vera or cucumber are especially good for the eyes. They will leave your skin softer and smoother while doing their job.
Nowadays, makeup remover wipes do more than just remove your makeup! Makeup wipes can come with additional skincare benefits.
You can go for ones that also promise to hydrate, exfoliate, and brighten your skin. Using these wipes is not recommended for everyday use or to replace your skincare routine, but they can be handy in some situations.
These makeup remover wipes are especially useful when you are on the go or traveling. If you are thinking of buying wipes that are great for hydrating, look out for ones with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Wipes are a popular way to exfoliate. Lots of wipes have glycolic acid, which can help remove impurities as well as brighten the skin and help with hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid can be harsh on the skin, so using it in a wipe form can make it better tolerated.
Makeup remover wipes also vary in packaging. Some come in smaller packs that are very handy and convenient while there are those that come in bigger backs which can last you a long time.
Makeup remover wipes come in various sizes of packaging. Some people like to take these wipes on-the-go in case of emergencies, while others like to keep a pack in their car or at home. Choose one that fits your lifestyle the best!
Most makeup remover wipes come in small and handy packs. This type is compact and easy to bring everywhere. They can easily fit in your purse or your makeup bag. These come in handy during emergencies or when you need to touch up your makeup.
Although these are very convenient, they can only hold a small number of makeup wipes. If you aren’t really worried about portability, you can go for bigger packs that will contain more wipes and possibly even save you money. These are perfect to use at home or in your car in case of emergencies!
Wipes can also come in different types of packaging. You might find some packaging to be more convenient than others.
Most makeup wipe removers come in flat, flexible packs with a tape-shut mechanism. They are convenient for travel and carrying everywhere as it is not very bulky.
This type is best if you use a lot of wipes quickly or if you're buying smaller packs because the adhesive could wear off. However, you can also go for ones that have a re-closable, sturdier lid. This type of packaging will ensure that your wipes are still fresh after repeated opening.
Wipes that come in small individual packs are perfect for traveling, to keep in your makeup kit in case of any emergencies! There are also some wipes that come in tubs. Although they can be bulky, these types of wipes are perfect for storing at home or in your car.
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These wipes are a go-to for a lot of people, because they are affordable, effective, and suitable for most skin types. The wipes claim to remove 99 percent of makeup, including stubborn waterproof makeup, without excessive rubbing. They are alcohol-free and are tested for allergens; they are not only extremely effective at removing waterproof makeup, but safe for your skin and eyes as well.
These makeup wipes are soft and gentle on the skin while making sure they remove all the makeup on your face. They are also designed to remove waterproof eye makeup without irritating your skin with the help of skin-soothing ingredients like Cyclopentasiloxane and benzoic acid. Reviewers confirm that these wipes remove heavy makeup well without excessive scrubbing.
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This makeup wipe is perfect for those who struggle with acne-prone and oily skin! It is infused with a witch hazel formula that is great in clearing your pores and gently exfoliates your skin. Not only that but, this product is eco-friendly! They are made from 100 percent biodegradable fibers to help protect the environment.
Although this product claims to be hypoallergenic, some reviewers noted that it is not the best for people with very sensitive skin. On the bright side, a lot of reviewers liked how refreshing, gentle, and efficient the wipes are They also mentioned that they were quite big and embossed with bumps that help clean the face without being too harsh.
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These wipes are infused with soothing ingredients like cucumber, aloe, and feverfew extract, which is a calming herb that can help tone down redness - all ingredients great for sensitive skin. Benzoic acid also helps to soothe and moisturize the skin. All of these ingredients ensure that while you're removing your makeup, you aren't irritating your skin in the process.
However, some reviewers did not like how strong the wipes smelled. On the plus side, many loved how effective and easy to use these wipes are. No rubbing and tugging was needed even for waterproof makeup! This makes them even better for sensitive skin!
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These wipes work to not only remove your makeup but thoroughly cleanse your skin, too! The African Black soap used is meant to clean your skin of oil, dead skin, and makeup. Tea tree oil and calendula oil then soothe and mattify your skin. This prevents oil-induced breakouts from forming and fights existing acne.
Calendula flower extract is used in the wipes to tighten the skin and reduce existing skin damage. The wipes also have antibacterial properties, further preventing breakouts from forming, and are free of any parabens and sulfates, which means they are better for your skin. They're also great for the environment! Although they are single-use, they are biodegradable.
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If you struggle with dry skin, Neutrogena's Hydro-Boost cleansing towelettes might be the ones for you! These makeup remover wipes will effectively clear your face from dirt, makeup, and impurities while keeping it hydrated. The wipes cleanse your skin without stripping it of the needed natural oils and work to lock in moisture in order to effectively hydrate your dry skin.
This product is infused with hyaluronic acid that is both gentle and hydrating to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that is naturally produced by our bodies, and it helps in alleviating dry skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Many reviewers confirmed that these wipes do their job well while leaving their skin hydrated, soft, and plump.
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These makeup remover wipes work well and come in a sturdy case for convenience and organization! Unlike other makeup remover wipes, because the case is refillable and the wipes are water-activated, these are great to use long-term. The wipes can remove makeup, scrub, tone, mask, and cleanse your skin.
These wipes also use shea butter and aloe extract to soothe your skin. It's important to note that they are supposed to come dry! A lot of reviewers loved this product and how effective they were, saying they make a nice sudsy wash when you wet them.
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La Fresh's makeup remover wipes in single packs are perfect for on-the-go travelers! These wipes are small and handy enough to chuck in your purse and bag. They have even been TSA-approved, too! The wipes use Vitamin E to repair your skin, and because they are alcohol-free you won't have to worry about them drying out your skin.
Reviewers noted these wipes don't work well to remove waterproof mascara. On the brighter side, reviewers loved how convenient these are especially when traveling or keeping in your bag for emergencies. They confirmed that these wipes are gentle and effective and leave their skin feeling refreshed and soft.
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With the approval of the National Eczema Association and its effectiveness on all skin types, these wipes are perfect for anyone who might be worried about using makeup wipes due to any skin conditions. These wipes use ceramides to restore the skin's natural barrier, further protecting your skin from impurities like dirt and bacteria to avoid triggering any skin conditions.
These wipes are fragrance-free so they should not irritate sensitive skin. They are made to both remove makeup and cleanse the skin. They are also gentle on the skin, non-comedogenic, and sulfate-free! Reviewers love these wipes because they don't irritate their skin and work on waterproof makeup. Reviewers also agree that these wipes are gentle enough that they don't irritate skin conditions like eczema or rashes.
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If you like to go for that heavy eye makeup look and struggle to remove it after, this product might be great for you. These makeup remover pads are made specifically for your eyes! They are great for the sensitive skin around your eyes, as they are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. They have also been approved by ophthalmologists, so you can be assured that they are safe to use.
Although some reviewers found that they smell like alcohol and don't like the thinness of the pads, many reviewers loved this product. They confirmed that these can remove eye makeup without making their eyes burn or sting. These wipes are made to remove eye makeup without unnecessary rubbing that can irritate your eyes.
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Makeup removers can do more than just clean your face now; they can also help in exfoliating it! With these wipes, you can cleanse and hydrate your skin on one side and exfoliate with the other. These wipes gently exfoliate your skin, which will help in restoring your smooth skin. They are also free of artificial ingredients and harsh chemicals.
These wipes not only remove your makeup but they have vitamin B5, E, and aloe vera in them to help in moisturizing and hydrating your skin. Vitamin B5 also helps soothe your skin while you exfoliate it to leave your face extra smooth. The wipes are dermatologist tested and are said to be safe for even sensitive skin. Some reviewers prefer them to exfoliating cleansers because they are more effective.
Taking care of our skin is a must! If you're looking to switch up your skincare routine, check these products out.
Find more great products on this list of Amazon's best-selling makeup remover wipes!
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