buuk.top / Lecia Landis
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.
We conducted hours of research on the best makeup remover wipes, evaluating them not only on their effectiveness, but their active ingredients, and their overall value—looking at how many wipes each pack contains. We also had a look at what is not included in the wipes, like scent or any additives that might prohibit a product from being buuk.top Clean. We took into consideration different skin types, from sensitive to acne-prone. After considering dozens of different brands, and consulting with an esthetician, we narrowed down our list to land on the following best in show.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes at Amazon
Burts Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes at Amazon
Almay Clear Complexion Makeup Remover at Amazon
Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes at Amazon
Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Wipes at Amazon
Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes at Amazon
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye & Lip Makeup Remover Sheets at Amazon
Clinique Micellar Cleansing Towelettes at Sephora
Skinfood Rice Brightening Cleansing Tissue at Amazon
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Wipes at Revolve
In This Article
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Best Overall
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes with Case
Walmart
View On Ulta
View On Target
Affordable
Dermatologist-tested
Removes waterproof makeup
Contains fragrance
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.
Size: 25 wipes | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best Drugstore
Burts Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Towelettes
Amazon
View On Target
View On Walmart
Made from recycled cotton
Affordable
Hydrating
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.1Bonus: each cloth is made from at least 60% repurposed cotton.
Size: 30 wipes | Scent: Green, fresh | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best for Oily Skin
Almay Biodegradable Clear Complexion Makeup Remover Towelettes
Amazon
View On Walmart
View On Riteaid.com
Made from biodegradable fibers
Oil- and fragrance-free
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.
Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes
Amazon
View On Target
View On Walmart
Non-irritating
Hydrating
Fragrance- and paraben-free
Wipes dry out if not properly closed
Sensitive skin will love these non-irritating wipes from Cetaphil. Theyre effective enough to remove makeup without disturbing the barrier. We also love that they won’t leave you red, irritated, or watery-eyed.
Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin, Runner-Up
Simple Kind To Skin Compostable Cleansing Wipes
Walmart
View On Walmart
Compostable
Soft texture
Contains vitamin B5
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.
Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best Gentle
Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Target
Fragrance-free
Hydrating
Snap-lid
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.
Size: 30 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best for Dry Skin
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye & Lip Makeup Remover Sheets
Clé de Peau Beauté
View On Nordstrom
View On Cledepeaubeaute.com
Soft texture
Nourishing
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. Theyre generous in size, too.
Size: 50 wipes | Scent:Fresh, floral | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best Micellar
Clinique Take the Day Off Micellar Cleansing Towelettes
Ulta
View On Ulta
View On Target
Soaked in micellar water
Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Non-irritating
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.
Size: 50 wipes | Scent: Fresh | Cruelty-Free:
No
Best Brightening
Skinfood Rice Brightening Cleansing Tissue
Amazon
View On IHerb
Boosts radiance
Soft texture
Hydrating
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. Theyre a great pick for travel when your skin needs an extra boost. However, some reviewers do exclaim they have a floral scent, so proceed carefully if you’re sensitive.
Size:80 wipes |Scent: Subtle, floral | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best French Pharmacy
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Wipes
Bioderma
View On IHerb
View On Beautyencounter.com
Biodegradable
Soap-free
Gentle
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.
Size: 25 wipes | Scent: Subtle, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Normal Skin
Paulas Choice Gentle Cleansing Cloths
Paulas Choice
Hydrating
Fragrance-free
Biodegradable
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, making them a good pick for mature skin. 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.2 Bonus: each cloth is made from biodegradable material.
Size: 30 wipes | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best for Combination Skin
Shiseido Refreshing Cleansing Sheets
Sephora
View On Sephora
View On Walmart
Alcohol-free
Made from 100% cotton
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.
Size: 30 wipes | Scent: Floral | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes
Amazon
View On Laroche-posay.us
View On Walgreens
Exfoliates
Hydrating
Gentle
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.2Stash them in your carry-on when traveling for an in-flight pick-me-up.
Size: 25 wipes | Scent: Clean, subtle |Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best Experience
Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Dermstore
Soothing
Biodegradable
Foams up
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).
Size:30 wipes |Scent: Herbal | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best Exfoliating
Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Wipes
Dermstore
View On Dermstore
View On Goop.com
Exfoliates
Hydrating
Individually-wrapped
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.
Size: 20 wipes | Scent: Herbal, floral | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Best for Rosacea
Klorane Make-up Remover Biodegradable Wipes
Klorane
View On Hansbeautystor.com
View On Bluemercury.com
Not drying
Feels soothing on the skin
Gentle yet effective at removing makeup
Contains formaldehyde-releasing ingredients
You cant beat these gentle wipes for an effective cleanse without stripping sensitive skin or exacerbating redness. These contain cornflower water to remove makeup and cleanse while softening skin. They definitely feel cool upon contact, a plus if your skin is irritated or you have rosacea, and they can be used to remove eye makeup even if you wear contact lenses.
Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Waterproof Makeup
Colorescience Hydrating Cleansing Cloths
Dermstore
View On Dermstore
View On Skinstore.com
Hydrating
Feels soothing on skin
Doesnt leave a residue
Not ideal for acne-prone skin
When you need to remove waterproof makeup without tugging and pulling at your skin, reach for these double-sided, biodegradable wipes. Coloresciences Hydrating Cleansing Cloths consist of a durable, textured side for removing makeup and a smooth side to soothe and hydrate skin. With aloe, chamomile, green tea, and cucumber extracts, they feel soothing and refresh skin, leaving behind a soft feel without a greasy residue.
Size: 30 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
The Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes are a unanimous team buuk.top favorite simply because they’re effective, affordable, and kind to the skin. We also love Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Wipes, a favorite of estheticians because these use micellar technology for optimal makeup removal without drying out the skin.
Meet the Expert
Melanie Grant is a skin expert and advanced esthetician with clinics in Los Angeles, Sydney, and Melbourne.
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. Many products on this list contain ingredients like aloe vera and plant extracts including green tea, cucumber, and coconut. 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, like the Colorescience Hydrating Cleansing Cloths, so make sure to keep that in mind.
Formula
Choose a formula thats 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. Burts Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Towelettes are formulated for sensitive skin, for example.
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.
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.
Biodegradable products, like wipes, are designed to be broken down in landfills, so throw out your wipes like you would any other makeup wipe.
Cleansing and makeup wipes are often used interchangeably and can have the same purpose and ingredients, but there is a key difference between the two. Cleansing wipes containing certain active ingredients or ones that are specifically meant to address concerns like oily skin, blemishes, and blackheads are not meant for removing makeup. Most are too harsh to be used around the eye area. But a gentle cleansing wipe with hydrating ingredients can be used both to cleanse skin and remove makeup.
That depends on your skincare needs and use. Makeup remover wipes are convenient for use on-the-go or late at night as a quick cleanse before you go to sleep, while micellar water is used at the sink much like a traditional cleanser. If you want to remove makeup while traveling or at the gym, for example, makeup remover wipes are a great option. For the best of both worlds, pick a product like Cliniques Micellar Cleansing Towelettes.
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 buuk.top
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. buuk.top contributor Emily Algar also did a significant amount of testing and trialing.
Article Sources
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
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