When it comes to choosing the best face wipes, things have truly evolved for the better and I’m so glad to see that.
There are a lot of options to choose from, the prices are really good, all in all this is going to be an interesting article and we’re also going to talk about the environment a bit and how things have evolved in that area, too.
Before delving into all that, I want to remind you that they’re also called towelettes.
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Top 10 Best Face Wipes (Best Makeup Remover Wipes)
There are a lot of excellent options to choose from, something to fit every need.
Quite a lot of famous manufacturers have managed to create some excellent makeup remover wipes but there’s one that has outdone them all: Neutrogena towelettes are the most popular and highly praised.
1. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelettes, 20 ct – Gentle, Effective Makeup Remover
These are individually packed alcohol-free towelettes and they’re also one of the most popular on the market.
What makes them some of the best face wipes, definitely worth considering?
The fact that they do indeed remove makeup without a problem, they’re very good at getting you a clean face in an instant without irritating the skin. Waterproof mascara is no problem, either. You will not be left with panda eyes.
They promise to remove 99.3% of all makeup. They can be used for a double-cleansing routine, if you’re at home follow them up with a face wash with your favorite cleanser and you’re all set for sleep.
The packaging is interesting, too because there are 20 individually packed makeup remover wipes so you don’t have to carry the whole package with you.
But some have complained that the little package is a bit hard to open.
They do contain fragrance but users have praised them for being gentle on the skin, even by those with sensitive skin. That’s very good to know.
They’re also suitable for contact lens wearers.
The truth is that the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelettes are highly appreciated and one of the most popular on the market.
And their price is what you would expect. Not too cheap but not expensive either.
However, these are not biodegradable or eco-friendly. You should dispose of them in trash receptacles (don’t flush).
They also have the ones that are packed in a single pack, they’re just as good since it’s the same composition and they’re called the same, you get 25 towelettes instead of 20 for about the same price.
2. Neutrogena HydroBoost Facial Cleansing & Makeup Remover Wipes, 25 ct – Best Hydrating Face Wipes
These face wipes also from Neutrogena have one distinctive characteristic: they focus on cleansing the face, removing makeup but they focus just as much on hydrating the skin.
It’s why they contain hyaluronic acid and they belong to the HydroBoost series, which is famous for its moisturizing focus.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most famous hydrating ingredients, a superstar in the skincare world that works for all skin types, including acne-prone, combination and oily skin.
The price is almost double so that’s an issue to consider since you get the same compact packaging containing 25 towelettes.
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Oil-Free Cleansing Face Wipes, 25 ct – Best Face Wipes for Cleansing Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
The Effaclar series from La Roche-Posay is quite famous and it targets oily skin but it also addresses sensitive skin because all their products are focused on being gentle on the skin.
It also works for acne-prone skin, their famous cleansers are also amazing, I’m currently in love with them after switching over from CeraVe.
The smell is not the most pleasant but you get used to it since they work so well.
These Oil-Free Cleansing Face Wipes for oily skin contain some famous ingredients: salicylic acid and zinc. They’re both famous ingredients for reducing the intensity of breakouts.
However,
Make sure that you understand the difference between these best facial wipes and the above ones from Neutrogena.
These are not makeup remover wipes, the La Roche-Posay are meant just for cleansing the face. It’s why you should avoid the eye area. You don’t have to rinse after using them.
They’re meant for removing oil, dirt, and pollution from the skin. They’re sure great for cleansing. But they’re also a bit expensive.
4. La Fresh Makeup Remover Cleansing Face Wipes, 50 ct – Best for Removing Heavy Makeup
People love these best face wipes from La Fresh because they’re excellent at removing all types of makeup. Waterproof mascara alongside all kinds of makeup will be easily removed without no irritation to the skin.
They’re just perfect makeup remover wipes and the price is pretty nice, given the quantity.
A bit more expensive than Neutrogena but a very wonderful alternative to them.
These towelettes also contain two interesting ingredients that nourish, moisturize and protect the skin: mineral oil and vitamin E. They will leave the skin feeling hydrated after removing all traces of makeup from the skin.
If you want to know if mineral oil is good for the skin, read below, I shortly describe how this ingredient has gained a bad reputation without reason.
Even the manufacturer assures us that this is highly refined & purified mineral oil that won’t clog pores. I would say that all skin types can use them.
The other interesting thing is that each towelette is individually packed. You don’t have to carry all 50 wipes with you.
5. Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes, 20 ct – Best Biodegradable Face Wipes
These are some very expensive towelettes. Why is that?
Because they’re also the best biodegradable face wipes. They’re made from bamboo. Along cotton, they’re the most highly used biodegradable materials.
I’ll be honest with you, searching for the best makeup remover wipes that are also biodegradable or eco-friendly is not easy at all.
I would have thought that it wouldn’t be so difficult but those that aren’t biodegradable are just so much better for the skin, that’s the reality.
The Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes are very good, they remove makeup, they clean the skin, they also state that they exfoliate the skin, and then sooth and hydrate it. They call them 4-in-1.
But they’re also expensive. That’s why I didn’t review them sooner and I chose other best face wipes to recommend, even though they’re not biodegradable.
These Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes definitely have some interesting ingredients for cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating the skin: aloe vera, witch hazel water, willow bark extract (natural alternative to salicylic acid for exfoliation), hyaluronic acid, sugar cane extract (also for exfoliation, brightens the skin), green tea leaf extract, birch sap for toning, and a bunch of other extracts, a lot of amazing natural ingredients.
I must admit, these are impressive best biodegradable face wipes and makeup remover that work for all skin types.
As a more affordable alternative, you can check out the Bioderma Biodegradable Wipes.
6. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths, 25 ct (pack of 2) – Best Gentle Face Wipes for All Skin Types
Cetaphil has some quite nicely priced best makeup remover wipes that are very gentle on the skin.
These remove makeup, dirt, excess sebum without stripping the skin of its essential oils and emollients.
They contain allantoin for soothing the skin and zinc, which makes them good for acne-prone, oily skin, and combination skin.
Nothing impressive but just enough for them to work for all skin types. They’re non-comedogenic and fragrance free.
7. CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths, 25 ct – Ultra Gentle Face Wipes with Ceramides
CeraVe usually has some really affordable skincare products, whether it’s their retinol serums or vitamin C serum or their amazing cleansers and moisturizers.
It seems that the exception is made by their makeup remover wipes. They’re not the cheapest on the market but they’re still a very good option, especially for fans of the brand.
And they promise to be ultra gentle.
As always, the 3 ceramides for which CeraVe is famous for are present. Ceramides have fantastic benefits for our skin barrier, they’re absolutely essential skincare ingredients that deserve more attention.
The other ingredients joining the ceramides are niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. They also contain mineral oil.
There are indeed very gentle on the skin. To backup that claim, they are accepted by the National Eczema Association.
However,
I’m sorry to say that some people have complained about the fact that these wipes have caused them burns and that they’re definitely not good for sensitive skin. While others absolutely love them and say they’re perfect for sensitive skin, much more gentle compared to other face wipes. It’s a bag full of mixed reviews.
To be on the safe side, try the Cetaphil ones or any of the above recommendations first if you have sensitive skin.
They promise to remove dirt, oil and even waterproof mascara. Exactly what we would expect.
And they’re non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, sulfate-free and good for all skin types.
8. Aesthetica Makeup Removing Wipes, 180 ct (6 pack) – Great Price Big Quantity
If what you’re looking for is buying the best face wipes in bulk for a really good price, the Aesthetica Makeup Removing Wipes will fit those criteria.
You get 30 wipes per pack. And there are 6 packs, meaning you buy 180 towelettes.
Some have complained about them being a bit small but pretty much everyone acknowledges that they remove all kinds of makeup without leaving any traces behind. There are plenty of people who prefer these ones over all the other brands.
They’re really good makeup remover wipes for one of the lowest prices.
Besides makeup, they also remove dirt and oil, leaving the skin feeling clean and fresh. They’re also gentle, that’s a big plus.
Moreover,
The ingredients for soothing the skin sound great: chamomile, aloe, and cucumber.
They’re non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free and I would say that they will work for all skin types.
9. allez Biodegradable Cleansing Cloths, 20ct – Best Face and Body Wipes
They’re not the cheapest considering that you only get 20 wipes but they’re different. Their size is bigger compared to face wipes because these can be used from head to toe, they are towelettes made for use on the face and body.
That makes you understand why people who love camping prefer the allez cleansing cloths. Add to that that they’re biodegradable and you’ve got a winner for a lot of people.
They will also benefit those who go to the gym.
I can forgive the price due to all those aspects. And I love products that match a lot of needs and are different from the norm.
It’s only to be expected that each wipe is individually wrapped given the larger size. The packaging is eco-sustainable, as well.
These ones are infused with aloe vera, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and vitamin E. Other soothing ingredients include oat kernel, cucumber, and chamomile.
It’s a pH-balanced formula that works for all skin types. They also have a natural scent.
They’re meant for removing dirt, chalk, and sunscreen and can be used by both men and women with the utmost pleasure. The allez cleansing cloths are not makeup remover wipes.
It’s a company founded by climbers but they selected some of the best ingredients for their face & body wipes. They’re pretty great.
10. Rawganic Anti-Aging Hydrating Facial Wipes, 25 ct – Biodegradable but Nicely Priced
These provide a more affordable option when it comes to buying the best biodegradable face wipes. Their price is pretty good and, overall, the users like them a lot.
The wipes are made of cotton and the ingredients are 99% natural, while 20% are also organic.
They’re great at removing makeup so they fit on the best makeup remover wipes list, too.
Some of the most interesting ingredients are aloe, betaine (gentle hydrating ingredient), and pomegranate fruit extract.
I like the anti-aging description but I don’t exactly see it. But they’re recommended for dry mature skin, I like the ingredients, I love the fact that they’re biodegradable and reasonably priced so, they make a very good recommendation as best face wipes.
What Are Face Wipes Good For?
They’re extremely good for when we’re gone from home and we can’t use our cleanser or any other makeup remover.
Mostly,
Face wipes are associated with makeup removing. It’s why they’re also called makeup remover wipes.
Also, they’re a good option to use after a gym session or if you’re traveling and you can’t use a cleanser.
They’re good for cleansing, too but they don’t replace a cleanser for our daily face washings in the morning and evening. Read my post on face washing tips and how to do it properly and which cleansers are the best if you want to know more about that.
Incorporated into double cleansing
Another way that you can incorporate face wipes into your beauty routine at home is to make them part of your double-cleansing process.
What does double cleansing mean? It’s a practice that most people who wear makeup throughout the day prefer to do at home in the evening. It’s obviously not for the mornings, except if that’s the time when you’re getting home.
Removing the makeup with a makeup remover (face wipes in our case) and then washing the face with a cleanser in order to remove excess sebum, dirt, and impurities, and any undetectable traces of makeup.
Best Face Wipes Benefits
- excellent makeup removers – they will remove makeup from all areas of the face (eyes and lips included) and even waterproof mascara without causing a sting or any redness
- they will not irritate the skin, face wipes for sensitive skin are indeed a thing
- face wipes also remove dirt and excess oil, not only makeup – there are indeed best facial wipes that are meant just for cleansing
- perfect for when you travel, to quickly cleanse and remove the sweat after a gym session, if you quickly want to remove a generous layer of makeup after a performance
- can be part of a double-cleansing process before sleep as the first part that removes the makeup and then you follow it up with your favorite cleanser – that’s how you get the perfect clean skin if you’re wearing makeup
Quick tip:
If you use a face wipe for a quick cleansing or for makeup removal, it’s a good idea to rinse the face with lukewarm water.
But if you don’t have access to lukewarm water, you can use a face mist instead. Apply a bit of mist and then use a soft tissue to wipe it all away, it’s a very good alternative and your face will feel clean and nice.
Don’t Flush Face Wipes
Even biodegradable face wipes shouldn’t be flushed. The biodegradable ones will simply dissolve or they can be turned into compost, nourishing the soil. But don’t flush them.
Throw them in the bin, no matter what types of wipes you end up buying, whether they’re the plastic ones or the eco-friendly types.
Biodegradable wipes are usually made from cotton, bamboo or viscose. And if you flush them they won’t decompose or dissolve instantly. Even that takes some time.
The sewers is not the place for face wipes, throw them in the bin.
Makeup Remover Wipes: Ingredients to Avoid
There are a few ingredients that we now know can cause problems for the skin when it comes to beauty products.
Makeup remover wipes make no exception. In order to find the best face wipes for you, you must also know the few ingredients to avoid. Or not avoid, depending on your skin type.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is an occlusive that can prevent moisture from leaving the skin and it’s a great moisturizer because of that, one that doesn’t irritate the skin. It has the same effects as mango butter or shea butter, the difference is that these two are natural alternatives.
It has gained quite the unpopular reputation because it can clog pores but that’s true for all occlusives, like these three that I’ve mentioned.
If you don’t have any problems with clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads or any bumps then mineral oil is a good ingredient because it moisturizes the skin by preventing the water from escaping the skin, it creates a barrier.
Mineral oil is the sort of ingredient that has gained a bad reputation but people don’t even look into it. That’s why they don’t understand that mineral oil is one of the most powerful moisturizing ingredients.
Silicone
This is another ingredient that has gained a poor reputation although they’re present in many face moisturizers and body lotions.
Silicone is used for different reasons: helping the product to spread, delivering an even layer of ingredients, forming a water-resistant film, acting as an emollient, boosting skin’s ability to benefit from other ingredients, delivering a matte look.
There is the problem of maybe clogging pores but overall silicones are ingredients that are pretty beneficial, nothing threatening.
One example of a good silicone is dimethicone. Now you know what to look for when picking out the best makeup remover wipes or any other skincare product.
Fragrance
Fragrance is always an ingredient that people don’t like finding in their skincare products.
Frankly, I don’t have any problems with fragrance because it hasn’t irritated my skin so far.
For example, at the moment, I’m using a cleanser for acne-prone sensitive skin and it does contain fragrance but my skin has never reacted better so, it’s not always something to fear.
Alcohol
In general, it’s best to avoid products with alcohol. Unless you read a lot of reviews from users saying that it hasn’t irritated even those with dry sensitive skin. Then, you can take a chance on it.
I have used products that contained alcohol and didn’t have any problems with them, quite the opposite, they did for my skin what they promised to do. And so has pretty much everyone.
It’s one of those ingredients found in quite many skincare products that doesn’t frighten me but it’s all about knowing what to look for.
Not all alcohols are bad. Cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol are the good kind that in small amounts are fine even for dry skin.
But if alcohol is mentioned in the beginning of the list of ingredients then it’s best to stay away from such a product, it can damage the skin barrier, increase breakouts, and prompt the skin to produce more sebum, which is very bad for oily skin.
Sulfates
These are indeed bad for our skin.
They successfully remove excess oil and dirt but they’re also harsh for most skin types because sulfates can dry out the skin and impact the strength of the skin barrier by stripping it off its natural oils.
It’s not an ingredient that I want to see on the list of ingredients for the best face wipes or makeup remover wipes.
