Skincare Experts Don't Love Makeup Wipes—Here's What to Use Instead
Ah, makeup wipes. A topic that has sparked much debate in the skincare world. In my experience, though, the consensus among the experts I've spoken to is that they aren't great. Why, you ask? Well, it mainly has to do with how much rubbing is involved and the ingredients in the wipes. It isn't the best makeup remover, especially for certain skin types.
Don't take my word for it, though. Take Peter Young's advice on the matter. He's a board-certified dermatologist and Facet Skincare's medical director. "People with sensitive skin should avoid makeup wipes," he says. "Even the motion of wiping your skin can be abrasive and irritating if you do it often. Wipes also use cleansing agents just like face wash—but unlike face wash, the instructions do not include rinsing them off. This can be very irritating to your skin. Many makeup wipes also contain high levels of alcohol and other harsh ingredients, which can cause dryness and irritation of your skin."
If that wasn't enough to convince folks with sensitive skin to back away, Young has another tidbit for you. "The cleansing ingredients that wipes use to remove makeup may cause reactions," he says. "In addition, makeup wipes usually contain preservatives and added fragrance, which can cause allergic skin reactions like contact dermatitis."
Believe me, as someone who has had contact dermatitis, you'll want to avoid it at all costs. Even if you don't necessarily have sensitive skin, using harsh agents and large amounts of alcohol on your face every night probably isn't great anyway. I know you're now wondering what to use instead. Don't worry—we have you covered there, too. Keep scrolling for all the best makeup removers in every category (except wipes, thank you). Whether you like liquid remover, balm, or simple micellar water, there's definitely something for you.
The Best Liquid Removers
1. Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover
2. Shiseido Waso Beauty Smart Cleansing Water
3. Fresh Kombucha Cleanser Prebiotic Treatment
This cleansing treatment and Fresh's Rose Hyaluronic Acid Toner ($45) are two of my all-time favorite products from the brand. Normally, I only like to drink kombucha, but when added to this makeup-removing cleansing water, it gives it a little something extra. Soapberry-peel extract in the formula also gently cleanses and removes without irritating your skin.
The Best Oil-Based Removers
4. Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
5. Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser Makeup Remover
Tata Harper products never disappoint—especially the brand's nourishing cleansing oil. It breaks down makeup so easily and leaves your skin feeling extra soft with ingredients like alfalfa, sunflower-seed oil, calendula, elderberry fruit, and green tea oil.
6. Luzern Labs Emulsion 6
This is definitely a splurgy option, but it's 100% worth it. Luzern Labs is my all-time favorite clean beauty brand, and this makeup-removing balm might be one of its best products. It blends six nutrient-rich oils that can act as a cleanser, mask, and glow oil. It breaks down makeup and other surface impurities in a jiff. For a spa-like experience every night, I'm willing to pay the extra dollars.
The Best Eye Makeup Removers
7. Glossier Milky Oil Waterproof Makeup Remover
8. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
9. La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
The Best Drugstore Makeup Removers
10. CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
11. Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
12. E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
I'm not sure how E.l.f. does it, but every product is so good. The brand's Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm is no different. It's pretty easy on your budget and is formulated with extra-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides to leave skin extra silky.
The Best Water-Based Makeup Removers
13. Bioderma Sensibio H2O
14. Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Remover + Cleansing Water
15. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water
Up Next: 15 Effective Face Masks If You Want to Prevent and Get Rid of Blackheads
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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