There’s no doubting that make-up wipes were once deemed a very convenient option when it comes to taking off your face. Whether you’re off to do some exercise or in a hurry to hit the hay – it was so easy to reach for a wet wipe. Yet many are actually suffused with nasties like emulsifiers and solubilizers that can dry and irritate the skin. What’s more, they truly do terrible things to the state of our oceans and planet.
'Each year, on average, we [aka a person using wipes for cleansing] use 730 make-up wipes – with every single wipe taking over 100 years to breakdown in landfill,' says a spokes person for Face Halo - a plastic-free, sustainable alternative to taking off your make-up. In the UK, 11 billion wet-wipes are used every single year and according to Water UK, 90% of sewage blockages are attributed to wet wipes. Tackling the problem head on, retailer Selfridges announced in November 2019 that they have banned all single-use, plastic-based beauty wipes from sale and use in their beauty halls. Instead, they offer recyclable and reusable options.
Of course, it’s not just wet wipes contributing to the issue. Those run-of-the-mill cotton pads our micellar water habit relies on are infused with bad karma, too. Not only do they tend to be a blend of synthetics, like rayon and viscose, but they also require a lot of wastewater for a one-time use product. Maybe it’s the David Attenborough effect, or the social backlash against straws, bottled water and other single-use plastics, but it’s now passé to not care about the environment. And rightly so.
Recently, lots of alternative make-up remover tools, biodegradable wipes and reusable options have hit the mainstream. All of which are are set to be the next frontier for eco-conscious beauty buffs. To make your decision easier, we've narrowed down the best eco-friendly make-up removers on the market...
Shop: The Best Reusable Cleansing Pads And Cloths
Best Make Up Remover Cloths
1 of 8Sarah Chapman Skinesis Professional Cleansing Mitts
The dual-sided mitt exfoliates on one side and removes makeup on the other. Made with a layer of sponge, these mitts fit snuggly onto hands and are suitable for all skin types.
2 of 8Face Halo Pro Set Of Three Makeup Remover Pads
After a long day (or night), there's no step more crucial in your skincare routine than removing makeup and daily grime - and Face Halo's 'Pro' pads make it so easy. They're made from ultra-fine HaloTech fibers that gently lift everything from foundation to mascara for a clean, fresh face and can be used for up to 200 washes.
3 of 8REN Clean Skincare Twin Cloth Pack
Use these gentle cloths with your preferred cleanser (micellar or cream/balm) and gently buff away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, radiant complexion.
4 of 8MagniTone, Wipeout! Cleansing Cloth, £15
Super soft. Perfect for Sensitive Skin and Eyes, wipeout uses grab and hold microfibres to remove all makeup. Even tough long-wear and oil based makeup.
5 of 8Jane Iredale Magic Mitt Makeup Remover
Crafted from specially-knitted micro-fibres, this cleansing mitt quickly and effectively remove makeup using only water.
6 of 8Eve Lom Muslin Cloth x 3
Made from 100% cotton, these muslin cloths are super soft to gently remove every last trace of makeup whilst also exfoliating skin.
7 of 8John Lewis & Partners Makeup Remover Cloth
Ideal for all skin types, the fibres gently help to mop up make-up including waterproof and smudge-proof mascara. It's also ideal for travelling, keeping your complexion soft and clean on the go.
8 of 8Wearth Organic Cotton Rounds
100% cotton, these zero-waste reusable face pads are a great option to remove stubborn eye make-up.
READ MORE: How To Make Your Bathroom Completely Plastic-Free – And It's Easier Than You Think
READ MORE: The Best Eco-Friendly Beauty Products That Don’t Cost The Earth