These Are The Best Makeup Remover Wipes For Sensitive Skin
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Whether you use makeup wipes or not has become a stance as polarizing as putting pineapple on pizza. Skincare experts seem to be divided over whether we should be using them. Glamour even boldly states, "Sorry, but makeup wipes are the actual worst," before clarifying that while wipes can be detrimental to your skin in various ways, using them is better than not cleaning your face at all.
Makeup wipes may be useful in a pinch, but they won't deeply penetrate and cleanse your skin, particularly if you've applied multiple layers of makeup. A second round of cleansing with face wash is imperative, which actually goes for all types of makeup removal products, per Elle.
But the hard truth is that the makeup wipe battle is about as doomed as the don't-pop-your-pimples one. Some things are just too deeply ingrained to be broken. People love the convenience of makeup wipes, and that isn't going to change. The good news is that makeup wipes continue to evolve, and there's even a range of options for those with sensitive skin. Here is a roundup of the best makeup wipes for those with the most delicate dermis.
For the guaranteed quality
If you're a makeup fan, you're probably familiar with Garnier's Micellar Water, the gentle and effective cleanser that the brand says uses micelles "to capture and lift away dirt, oil and makeup from the surface of your skin without harsh rubbing, leaving skin clean, hydrated and refreshed without over-drying." Garnier offers a range of waters, as well as multiple other products infused with the bestselling formula, per the Daily Mail.
Garnier is a staple skincare brand for many due to its affordability and reputation for quality. So, naturally, when the brand released a makeup wipe infused with a trusted formula, it was virtually guaranteed to be a hit. Glamour's editorial assistant, Tess Kornfeld, recommends the SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes ($6.99) for sensitive skin types. Kornfeld claims, "These ones by Garnier offer that same impossible-to-find combination of being gentle on sensitive skin but tough on stubborn eye makeup. No cleanser needed after. They're coming with me on all my trips this summer."
For the luxe lover
Of course, sometimes you feel the urge to bask in a boujee skincare routine that feels expensive. So, why not treat yourself each step of the way? Many high-end skincare collections include makeup wipes, but it's tricky to find one that isn't excessively fragranced and doesn't contain ingredients that could irritate those with sensitive skin, like sulfates.
Koh Gen Do is a luxe Japanese beauty brand that offers high-quality makeup and skincare products. Refinery29 recommends the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths for a bit of indulgence. They're the most expensive on our list at $23 for a single pact of 10 cloths. But the cloths themselves are made of organic Japanese cotton and contain soothing ingredients, including rosemary, sage, and lavender. This makes them perfect for keeping your sensitive skin from getting irritated by the stereotypical roughness of a makeup wipe.
For the cruelty-free friendly
The green beauty scene has definitely progressed over the years. There once was a time where you'd be reduced to tossing out half of your beauty collection if you were looking to go green. Now, countless quality brands on the market offer competitive products that come without potentially harmful, environmentally-damaging ingredients. Your makeup wipes should be no exception.
Women's Health suggests SheaMoisture's 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Facial Wipes, which retail for around $7, as the perfect makeup remover wipes to keep your sensitive skin hydrated. The wipes are infused with 100% virgin coconut oil and coconut milk to help easily melt away your makeup without having to tug or rub. The best part is that they're 100% cruelty-free, vegan, and biodegradable!
For more moisture
One of the many annoying side-effects of having sensitive skin is the constant struggle with severe dryness, per Very Well Health. This is especially true when it comes to trying out new skincare products like makeup removers. Your sensitive skin can often react to these products by drying out and leaving you with flaky skin patches. Makeup wipes are made to break down and wipe off our makeup, which means they often involve rough cotton and fragranced formulas — a deadly combination for sensitive skin.
Yes To's Primrose Oil 2-in-1 Cleansing Moisturizing Facial Wipes ($6.99) contains 95% natural ingredients, including the star primrose oil that's intended to keep your skin extra-hydrated while you remove your makeup. The oil also helps melt away your makeup. Allure even claims that they're so mellow, you can safely use them on the delicate skin around eyes without any stinging.
For the dermatologist-approved
Trying out different skincare products can get exhausting, especially when you have sensitive skin and have been burned one too many times (literally). The natural reaction to this is to stick strictly to dermatologist-approved products. In today's skincare market, there's no shortage of dermatologist-approved or even dermatologist-developed skincare ranges. A few of them manage to stand out as trustworthy names, including Cetaphil, which The Zoe Report puts at the top of the heap.
The Strategist also recommends the Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes, which retail for around $6, as the best makeup remover wipes in the game. Cetaphil claims these wipes contain some serious soothing powerhouse ingredients for sensitive skin, including aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extracts, which all work to keep your sensitive skin calm and happy.
For the extremely sensitive
While every single makeup wipe on this list is designed for sensitive skin, you may find yourself thinking, "Sure, but not my level of sensitive." Well, if your skin is so sensitive that it has to be treated like the most delicate part of your body, why not use a wipe that's suitable for both?
Glamour contributing writer Ellie Kiefer suggests trying The Honey Pot Normal Personal Wipes ($10) for your super-sensitive skin. As Kiefer suggests, "Are they for your vagina? Yes. Yes, they are. But they are meant for the most sensitive of sensitive skin. And turns out, that's good enough for the place where the sun does shine: my face."
So, not only is this wipe multi-purpose, but it's guaranteed to keep the most sensitive of skin happy. As an added bonus The Honey Pot Company boasts that its feminine products are not only plant-based, but also hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free.