Makeup Remover Wipes: Are They a Good Option?

When we talk about beauty elements, cleansing and facial care, we almost always have in mind a large number of creams, ointments, and liquid solutions, such as serum or micellar water, which require some means to be applied, such as cotton, foam discs, cloths, sponges, or even your fingers. This makes us think that too many different items are needed to perform a simple task.

However, when it comes to removing makeup, we are presented with an idea that, although simple, represents a revolution in every sense, as it saves us the use of all these varied products. We are talking about makeup remover wipes, a more recent tool than any of its makeup remover predecessors, with a quite simple but effective methodology of use, designed to save us much of the effort of facial cleansing.

For those who are not familiar with them, just imagine the wet wipes we use, for example, to clean babies before changing them, only that, of course, with a different formulation to adapt to use on our face. Even so, there is much to know about these disposable wonders, since like any object designed for contact with the skin, they have some disadvantages that could overshadow their positive points in some cases.

If you are planning to use waterproof beautifier but don’t know how to remove it afterward, we recommend reading How to Remove Waterproof Makeup?

Description of Makeup Remover Wipes

As their name suggests, they are small and convenient pieces of cloth, made using a technique known as nonwoven fabric, which is the simple layering of fibers that can be of natural origin, such as cotton, linen, wool, or cellulose biopolymers; or made from synthetic material, such as polyester or polypropylene. The material used depends on the company that produces each brand.

But of course, a simple piece of cloth will be unable to remove heavy makeup residue, as well as some impurities, sebum, or dirt from the face, even if they are soaked in water; therefore, what should be taken into account is not the towel itself, but the substance that is impregnated in it. Like any type of makeup remover, it is a liquid whose specific formulation removes any element from the surface of the skin.

Commercially, the packaging of these wipes usually comes in presentations of bags made with plastic polymers, vacuum-sealed to increase the shelf life of the fibers and the emulsion that soaks them. This bag usually has, on what would be its front side, a small opening sealed with an adhesive polymer piece, which is removed at the time of purchasing the package, to have a convenient place from where to take out the towels.

Of course, since they are intended to come into contact with the delicate skin of the face, the makeup remover substance that impregnates them must not contain alcohol, ethanol, or compounds with a very high pH. Similarly, the preservatives that are added to give them a longer duration and the additives to keep them moist, preventing them from drying out over time, will be of non-ionic solution, without additives that irritate or cause allergies on the skin.

Inside the package, we can find a varied number of wipes, which differ according to the product specifications, usually ranging from 10 wipes for pocket presentations to 100 for home use. These are rolled up so that they overlap each other, without intertwining or pressing against each other, to make it easier to take out a single one when needed.

Lastly, it is necessary to highlight that they are single-use, so we must dispose of them once we pass them over the face and clean all traces of impurities and makeup; therefore, it is essential to know that if we try to wash them for reuse, what we will do is remove the makeup remover liquid, so we will only have a nonwoven fiber cloth, which will deteriorate quite quickly.

In addition to this, remember that the package must be kept closed, after removing the adhesive seal that covers the front part, to avoid reducing the wipes’ shelf life, as contact with air can slowly dry out the makeup remover solution. This is hardly noticeable, but if we want our package to last, since we do not use the towels daily, it is most advisable.

We recommend reading: The 5 Best Makeup Remover Wipes

Composition of their content

As we have already mentioned, the cloth, which can be made of natural or synthetic fiber, is not the main agent responsible for the action of this product, except for the fact that, in order to offer a soft and pleasant sensation, which does not have a rough or abrasive texture, only certain types of finer and more delicate fibers are used, the ones we talked about before, thus ensuring that even people with the most sensitive skins can opt to use them.

It is also important to highlight that the choice of manufacturers about the fibers to use is also due to the ease of absorption and retention these fibers have of the liquid that soaks them, in addition to the chains they create with the nonwoven fabric method, which allows the maintenance of small empty spaces that are then filled by the substance.

However, it is the latter that we must take into account when talking about the composition, since it is a makeup remover of low grade but high duration, capable of remaining in a plastic package, absorbed by the cloth. Usually, the liquid is an emulsion that can be, for example, of wakame or seaweed extracts, so its action is one hundred percent natural, with additives only to allow preservation and the enhancement of the makeup removing task.

This substance is mainly composed of two active ingredients whose properties harmonize and complement each other, to result in the cleansing action. These are, first, a surfactant agent, which dissolves makeup, dirt, and all types of impurities and external elements on the skin; while the second, the emulsifying agent, drags away all residues, sebum, and dead cells from the surface.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Makeup Remover Wipes Against Other Makeup Removers

Once we fully understand the structure and composition of the product, we can get an idea of its function, as well as all that its use can offer in our favor, in terms of makeup removal and skin cleansing. Likewise, although on the opposite side, we must also point out those small flaws or shortcomings that make their use disadvantageous, depending on the situation.

Advantages

Above all things, these disposable tools stand out in one thing, the time we can save by using them, as they are an element whose makeup remover offers an immediate cleansing and removal of makeup, so we only need to use one example from our package, pass it gently over the skin and see how all the residues disappear at the moment.

Similarly, we save a lot of time because it is an article that, so to speak, is already prepared and ready to be used, containing everything necessary for an immediate cleanse in each wipe. Thus, with just taking one from the package, without any other utensil, substance or accessory, we can achieve an instant clean.

Other great advantages of these are mobility and the reduced space they occupy, so we can carry the package in a handbag or purse (especially if it comes to the small pocket-sized presentations), thanks to how compact it turns out. Therefore, no matter where we are, if we need to remove makeup, touch up, or clean our face, we can do it easily and quickly.

We must also consider the economy, as in many cases, the quality of the facial care routine depends on the reach of our wallet, so if we acquire these wipes, we can save some money due to the low cost they can have. Even so, this is relative, since often, those products that we find really cheap and that we buy right away, can be a double-edged sword, having inferior quality or even being really deficient.

Last but not least, and quite the opposite, the new makeup remover formulas without rinsing, such as micellar water and fast-absorbing cleansing gel, also apply in the case of this product. Therefore, once we use them on the face, it is not necessary to rinse afterward and much less wash with soap, since the residues of the substance will be absorbed by the skin or will evaporate quickly.

Disadvantages

Definitely, the great problem of this element lies in its composition, as so far there is no makeup remover formula that can withstand the rigor of, instead of being contained in liquid form, in a container that helps preserve it, must maintain its full function while being absorbed by a piece of cloth, practically outdoors, without losing its essential active ingredients and properties.

Therefore, the basic formulation of the makeup remover wipes, although wonderful for immediate makeup removal, does not offer a truly complete and deep clean, so even though to the touch and sight, the skin looks perfect after using them, the dirt clogging the pores of the tissue, as well as the sebum or fat trapped in lower layers of the skin, will still be there, causing long-term damage to the health and appearance of the dermis.

Another small negative factor, although we already mentioned as an advantage the fact of not needing a rinse or wash after using them, is that this should not become a habit. Simply put, if you do not wash your face properly at the end, a small part of the impurities impregnated in the makeup remover residue, in addition to those left in the pores of the dermis, can continue on the skin.

Comparison with other products

If we are looking for quick makeup removal, whether because we are short on time, we arrive home late and can only think about the night of sleep that awaits us, or we need a little touch-up, this product is the best we can find, due to its immediate action, compact shape, and ease of use, among other factors that we learned as its advantages.

However, it is definitely a low-power element, in the case of looking for a true facial cleansing, to perform a complete care routine, so we should only resort to the wipes in specific cases like those mentioned above while, if when we are going to make the effort to clean, moisturize and take care of the skin in depth, it is better to use other cosmetic elements, such as micellar water, cleansing milk, foam or gel makeup remover.

Method of Using Wipes During the Routine

Here’s the best thing about this product, which is part of the advantages that make it the favorite of many women and, why not, men who use makeup, whether regularly or occasionally; we are talking about the ease of their use and application on the skin. For this, we must take only one of the wipes, although depending on the amount of makeup or accumulated dirt, we may need another later.

We proceed to first clean the areas where this beautifier is applied in denser layers, the lips to remove lipstick; the eyelids and the eye contour, to eliminate mascara, eyelash ink, eyeliner, or any other. Of course, we will do this with different parts of the cloth, so that the contact with the skin is through the clean towel and with the right amount of makeup remover substance.

It should be noted that, due to the delicate and thin nature of the skin in this area, which covers the surface around the eyes, as well as its great flexibility,, we must clean simply by applying a little pressure, without moving the cloth from side to side, which would create a distension of the tissue devoid of muscles, which in the long term translates into eye bags, dark circles, and the so-called crow’s feet.

Once the momentary pressure, which can last between 5 and 10 seconds, for the makeup remover to take effect, we proceed to rub with the cloth, with the greatest delicacy and softness possible, towards the eyelash area, where the residues we wish to eliminate will accumulate. Once there, we can finally clean with small movements, downwards in the case of the upper eyelash and the opposite in the lower one, to remove all impurities.

After doing this, we can use the parts of the cloth that remain clean, to finish cleaning the wider areas, always from the center of the face outwards, to follow the way in which the tissue naturally tenses. This not only tones the skin but also prevents distension, just like in the eye contour, although here we can rub and apply more pressure, given the resistance of the dermis.

In order, it is recommended to first clean the nose and the septum, from the top, between the eyebrows, down to the tip of the nose, rubbing well on the sides, as this area tends to accumulate the most sebum, especially in people with oily skin type. Once this is done, we can proceed with the forehead, the cheekbones, and the cheeks and then finish on the chin, where less makeup is usually used.

The movements to rub and clean, as it is a material with greater porosity than, for example, a cotton disc, must be soft and circular, as if we were giving a delicate facial massage. Again, in this way, we will be toning the skin and especially, relaxing the muscles and the rest of the tissue, which increases blood flow and cellular oxygenation.

How to Improve Its Effect on the Skin

The most important thing here is that, being the makeup removal the first phase of a good facial cleansing, as well as the step we must always take (even when we do not perform an exfoliation or a deeper hydration), is to use the wipes at the beginning of the dermis care routine, to eliminate all impurities, makeup, and the most superficial sebum, which would not allow the free passage of other subsequent use substances.

After performing this step, to avoid leaving clogged pores and accumulated fat in deeper layers, we must use a product designed specifically for a more complete cleansing, whose action on the face can be performed more directly, thanks to the previous elimination of makeup and all elements adhered to the skin superficially.

If disposable products are not your thing, and you are looking for a means to apply makeup remover that is reusable, we invite you to read about Makeup Remover Sponges: How to Use Them?

After this, with a clean face and no trace of impurities, we can perform the rest of the routine, such as the occasional exfoliation, to eliminate all minimal obstruction of the pores, the necessary facial hydration, which is the basis of dermal health and good image, the use of anti-aging ointments or serum for internal care, and finally, the application of more specific creams, designed to eliminate imperfections such as wrinkles, spots, and more.