Are makeup remover wipes bad for your skin?

Some makeup wipes may cause irritation and redness on your skin. Make sure to watch how your skin reacts and check the ingredients to help potentially avoid causing any damage.

Should you use makeup wipes before washing face?

Use makeup wipes before washing your face . This will help remove the majority of your makeup, and washing your face afterward may help eliminate any residue or leftover makeup.

How do I dispose of biodegradable wipes?

Biodegradable products, like wipes, are designed to be broken down in landfills, so throw out your wipes like you would any other makeup wipe.

The 16 Best Makeup Remover Wipes of 2023

Despite our very best efforts, sometimes we just need a humble makeup removing wipe to quickly cleanse our skin. While we completely agree that double cleansing is the gold standard, it’s now 100% possible to find a face wipe that’s effective, affordable, and cares for the skin.

But not all wipes are equal! This is why we’ve consulted with experts and done some serious research to bring you an edit of the best makeup remover wipes for every skin type and concern. So you’ll never have to ‘accidentally’ fall asleep in your mascara again.

Meet the Expert

Melanie Grant is a skin expert and advanced esthetician with clinics in Los Angeles, Sydney, and Melbourne.

Keep scrolling to discover the best makeup remover wipes.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

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Best Drugstore:

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes at Amazon

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Best for Oily Skin:

Almay Clear Complexion Makeup Remover

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes at Amazon

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Best for Sensitive Skin, Runner-Up:

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Wipes at Amazon

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Best Luxury:

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths at Amazon

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Best Gentle:

Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes

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Best for Dry Skin:

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye & Lip Makeup Remover Sheets at Amazon

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Best Micellar:

Clinique Micellar Cleansing Towelettes

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Best Brightening:

Skinfood Rice Brightening Cleansing Tissue at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

4.9

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Ulta

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What We Like

Affordable
Dermatologist-tested
Removes waterproof makeup

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Who else recommends it? Women's Health, StyleCraze, and Allure all picked the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

What do buyers say? 86% of 92,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.

A skincare classic, these wipes swiftly remove all makeup (even waterproof) without the need for skin-drying alcohols. Non-greasy and moist enough to prevent dragging, they’re a great option for any time you need to cleanse your face quickly and without a sink.

Price at time of publish: $9.78 for two 25-count packs

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes With Cotton Extract

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Made from recycled cotton
Affordable
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

Not recyclable

Burt’s Bees do great simple skincare, and these wipes are no different. Pre-soaked with aloe vera, a plant extract known to soften and soothe, these accessible wipes gently dissolve makeup and skincare, leaving the complexion soft and hydrated. Bonus: each cloth is made from at least 60% repurposed cotton.

Price at time of publish: $16.53 for three 30-count packs

Size: 30 wipes | Scent: Green, fresh | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Almay Biodegradable Clear Complexion Makeup Remover Towelettes

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Made from biodegradable fibers
Oil- and fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Could be too abrasive for dry skin

Made from 100% biodegradable fibers, these wipes give you all of the easy-peasy cleansing benefits without the environmental guilt. They’re also pre-moistened with witch hazel, aloe vera, cucumber, and salicylic acid, making them a great choice for oily and breakout-prone skin.

Price at time of publish: $5.99 for clear complexion 25 count

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Non-irritating
Hydrating
Fragrance- and paraben-free

What We Don't Like

Wipes dry out if not properly closed

Sensitive skin will love these non-irritating wipes from Cetaphil. They're effective enough to remove makeup without disturbing the barrier. We also love that they won’t leave you red, irritated, or watery-eyed.

Price at time of publish: $6.19 for 25-count makeup remover wipes

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Simple Kind To Skin Compostable Cleansing Wipes

Amazon

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What We Like

Compostable
Soft texture
Contains vitamin B5

What We Don't Like

No hydrating ingredients

Basic, effective, and most importantly, compostable, these wipes from Simple do everything you need without drying out the skin. We love the fact the fibers used are ultra-soft, too.

Price at time of publish: $15.68 for one 25-count pack

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Courtesy of Sephora

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What We Like

Soothing
Made from soft organic cotton

What We Don't Like

Expensive

These celebrity-favorite wipes are large, thick, soft, and soaked with skin-calming herbal extracts. Not only do they whisk away stubborn makeup, but they also leave the complexion feeling dewy and hydrated. They aren’t as affordable as regular wipes though, so keep that in mind if you want to use them regularly.

Melanie Grant also relies on these for long trips or air travel: “These wipes are soft and nourishing, and most importantly, they don’t disrupt the delicate acid mantle.” Big yes from us.

Price at time of publish: $62 for three 10-count packs

Size: 10 wipes | Scent: Fresh, green | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Amazon

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What We Like

Fragrance-free
Hydrating
Snap-lid

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Formulated with olive oil and grape seed, these wipes from Jessica Alba’s Honest Beauty are nourishing, effective, and safe for all skin types. We love the fact they come with a snap lid to prevent drying out, too.

Price at time of publish: $7.99 for one 30-count pack

Size: 30 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye & Lip Makeup Remover Sheets

Courtesy of Nordstrom

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What We Like

Soft texture
Nourishing

What We Don't Like

Expensive

If you want the simplicity of a face wipe but don’t want to lose out on a luxurious skincare experience, it’s got to be Clé de Peau. Biodegradable and oh so soft, these wipes utilize hyaluronic acid and fruit extracts to care for skin, while the inclusion of oils (specifically camellia and argan) nourish the lashes. They're generous in size, too.

Price at time of publish: $50

Size: 50 wipes | Scent: Fresh, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Clinique Take the Day Off Micellar Cleansing Towelettes

Nordstrom

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What We Like

Soaked in micellar water
Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Non-irritating

What We Don't Like

Hard to pull out of packaging

Reviewers love how these wipes easily cut through makeup and sunscreen without dragging or any irritation. The towelette specifically is soaked in a micellar water solution that works to quickly cleanse the skin, removing sunscreen, skincare, and eye makeup. If you love Clinique’s iconic Take The Day Off cleansing balm, these are a great on-the-go option.

Price at time of publish: $18

Size: 50 wipes | Scent: Fresh | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Skinfood Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Tissue

Amazon

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What We Like

Boosts radiance
Soft texture
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

May irritate sensitive skin

These pillowy wipes are a treat for tired skin at the end of a long day. Enriched with Korean rice bran water, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, not only do they remove makeup and skincare, but help to rehydrate the skin, too. However, some reviewers do exclaim they have a floral scent, so proceed carefully if you’re sensitive.

Price at time of publish: $12

Size: 80 wipes | Scent: Subtle, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Wipes

Walmart

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What We Like

Biodegradable
Soap-free
Gentle

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

While Grant prefers a liquid or gel cleanser, she does recommend these gentle wipes from Bioderma as a waterless option whenever you’re on the go. “Bioderma’s wipes are soft and non-irritating, plus come soaked with a micellar solution that effectively breaks down sebum, makeup, and pollution.”

In customer testing, 85% of people also claimed they were safe for sensitive eyes, too.

Price at time of publish: $11

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: Subtle, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Paulaschoice.com

What We Like

Hydrating
Fragrance-free
Biodegradable

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note they could be more moist

Paula’s Choice rarely gets it wrong, so it’s no surprise these wipes are pretty sensational. Not only are they fragrance-free and super effective at breaking down long-wear or waterproof makeup, but they also come with the added benefit of skin-hydrating ingredients. There’s glycerin, a humectant known for its ability to assist with skin hydration as well as chamomile, allantoin, and oat kernel to replenish and soothe. Bonus: each cloth is made from biodegradable material.

Price at time of publish: $13

Size: 30 wipes | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Sephora

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What We Like

Alcohol-free
Made from 100% cotton

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Made from super soft 100% cotton, these Japanese wipes from Shiseido are a luxurious experience. Oil-free but with the added benefits of witch hazel, they’re a great option for oily and combination complexions.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 30 wipes | Scent: Floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes

Amazon

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What We Like

Exfoliates
Hydrating
Gentle

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

“These wipes contain a small amount of lipo-hydroxy acid, which works to dissolve oil and decongest congested skin,” explains Grant. “If you break out frequently, these are a good option.”

We also love the fact they’re soaked in glycerin to hydrate, plus La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water to drench the skin in minerals.

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: Clean, subtle | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Ulta

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What We Like

Soothing
Biodegradable
Foams up

What We Don't Like

Expensive

There’s a lot to love about these wipes from Scandinavian skincare brand Skyn Iceland. Not only do they contain coconut-based surfactants to remove makeup, but also cucumber, Icelandic complex, and white willow bark to promote skin that’s smooth, clear, and calm. The best thing though is that they have a slight foamy aspect that makes your skin feel properly clean (a trait that’s tricky to find).

Price at time of publish: $16

Size: 30 wipes | Scent: Herbal | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Ulta Beauty

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What We Like

Exfoliates
Hydrating
Individually-wrapped

What We Don't Like

Quite a lot of waste

These individually-wrapped wipes are saturated with Ursa Major’s 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic, a formula rich in aloe vera, green tea, willow bark, sodium hyaluronate, and birch sap. They work to remove light makeup while simultaneously calming and conditioning depleted skin.

Price at time of publish: $26

Size: 20 wipes | Scent: Herbal, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

The Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes are a unanimous team Byrdie favorite simply because they’re effective, affordable, and kind to the skin. Next, we have to call out Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Wipes. A recommendation from facialist Melanie Grant, these use micellar technology for optimal makeup removal without drying out the skin. Finally, we love Koh Gen Do’s Cleansing Spa Water Cloths for bringing a taste of luxury to the humble face wipe.

What to Look for in Makeup Remover Wipes

Gentle or Oil-Based Ingredients

Makeup removers may be tough on the skin, so opt to choose gentle or oil-based ingredients. This may help prevent the dreaded burning or irritation that tends to come with using makeup remover. Plus, oil-based makeup remover wipes are typically great at removing waterproof or long-wearing makeup, so make sure to keep that in mind.

Formula

Choose a formula that's best for your skin type. Since there are formulas for dry, oily, and sensitive skin, make sure to read the packaging to find the best one for you. For dry skin or sensitive skin types, it may be best to avoid high alcohol content in the wipes to avoid any potential dryness.

FAQ

Are makeup remover wipes bad for your skin?

Some makeup wipes may cause irritation and redness on your skin. Make sure to watch how your skin reacts and check the ingredients to help potentially avoid causing any damage.
Should you use makeup wipes before washing face?

Use makeup wipes before washing your face. This will help remove the majority of your makeup, and washing your face afterward may help eliminate any residue or leftover makeup.
How do I dispose of biodegradable wipes?

Biodegradable products, like wipes, are designed to be broken down in landfills, so throw out your wipes like you would any other makeup wipe.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

For this round-up, we worked with a qualified skin expert for their best picks and consulted a bunch of online reviews to determine the best of the best. Byrdie contributor Emily Algar also did a significant amount of testing and trialing.

The 11 Best Cleansing Balms of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The Best Makeup Remover Wipes For Every Skin Type. Women's Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g32826123/best-makeup-remover-wipes/
20 Best Makeup Remover Wipes You Should Try Out in 2022. StyleCraze. https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/best-makeup-remover-wipes/
The 14 Best Face Wipes to Cleanse, Hydrate, and Soothe Skin, According to Allure Editors. Allure. https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-face-wipes
Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.
Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:311-315. Published 2017 Aug 11. doi:10.2147/CCID.S144180