Wipe the Face: Benefits and Pitfalls of Face Wipes & Makeup Wipes
Written by
May Willis
Published
Tuesday, 12 Nov 2024
6 min. read
Why trust us?
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CottonNow is incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab.
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Science & data-based approach to personal care. Numbers don’t lie.
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With 10+ years struggling with acne & skin conditions, we understand what it’s like.
Let's talk about something we have all used/are currently using but rarely think twice about – face wipes, also known as makeup wipes or makeup remover wipes. They're super convenient, especially on those late nights when you're too tired to go through your entire skincare routine.
However, as with most things, there are both benefits and downsides to consider, and in our opinion, makeup wipes are one of the most widely misunderstood but widely adopted skincare products. So today, let's dive in and explore the world of face wipes and understand their impacts on our skin, especially if you have oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
Stocksy. Makeup wipes have been under fire the last few years but it still amazes us how many people are using them and being led on by marketing.
Main Usage & Key Ingredients in Popular Face Wipes
The main usage of popular face wipes is to remove facial makeup. To do this, wipes are submerged in liquids containing chemicals, and you wipe your face with the wipes. Here are a few popular ingredients to watch out for:
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Alcohol:
Commonly used as a preservative and to give that "clean" feeling, but it's very drying and irritating.
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Fragrances:
Added to make the wipes smell pleasant but can cause allergic reactions and irritation.
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Parabens:
Used as preservatives but linked to hormonal disruptions and skin irritation.
Playing It Fair: Benefits of Face Wipes
Before we get to the reasons why you should not be using face wipes, let's play it fair and give it the credit it deserves, in some limited areas.
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Convenience, Face Wipes' Biggest Value
Face wipes are the epitome of convenience, which is probably why they are so widely adopted and well-known. After a long day or a night out, the last thing you want to do is spend time on a lengthy skincare routine. With face wipes, you can quickly wipe the face, remove makeup, and hop straight into bed. They're also perfect for travel, the gym, or any situation where you need a quick refresh.
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Affordable
Another great thing about face wipes is that they're relatively cheap. You can find them at almost any drugstore, and they often come in multipacks, making them a budget-friendly option for makeup removal and quick cleansing. These are mostly the reasons why makeup removal wipes are so widely adopted nowadays.
Now, The Negatives of Face Wipes You Might Not Know About
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Irritation to Sensitive Skin & Acne-prone Skin:
One of the major downsides is that face wipes can be very irritating to sensitive & acne-prone skin. Many wipes contain alcohol and fragrances, which can cause redness, dryness, and irritation. According to dermatologists, these ingredients can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, leading to further sensitivity and breakouts. (Sunday Edit, 2019)
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Hard Textures and Synthetic Materials:
The texture of some face wipes can be quite harsh. The synthetic materials used in many wipes can cause damaging friction on the skin when you wipe your face back and forth, leading to long-term damage and irritations. This is even more important for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin. (The Print, 2024)
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IMPORTANT: Not a Replacement for Your Normal Cleanser:
It's important to note that face wipes should not replace your regular cleansing routine. While they can remove surface makeup and dirt, they don't cleanse your skin thoroughly. Residual makeup and impurities can clog pores, leading to acne and other skin issues. (Today, 2023)
" Face wipes should not be thought of as a substitute for your regular routine or cleanser. It's chemical ingredients and rough texture irritate sensitive skin as well. If possible, look for 100% cotton dry wipes or pads that don't irritate your skin."
A Better Alternative: PureNatura 100% Disposable Cotton Towels
Now that we've covered the benefits and pitfalls of face wipes, you might want to look into a much better alternative – PureNatura 100% disposable cotton towels. Use our towels with your favorite makeup remover, and it becomes the best "makeup wipe" that removes makeup without irritating (but still not a cleanser alternative!).
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Gentle on the Skin:
PureNatura towels are made from 100% premium cotton, which is incredibly gentle on the skin. Unlike synthetic face wipes, these towels won't cause micro-tears or irritation. They're perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
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Chemical-Free and Hypoallergenic:
These towels are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives. This means you can use them without worrying about irritation or allergic reactions. They're a safe and effective option for removing makeup and cleansing your face.
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Versatile and Convenient:
You can wet PureNatura towels with your favorite makeup remover or micellar water to effectively remove makeup. They're also great for use on-the-go, whether you're at the gym, traveling, or simply need a quick refresh during the day. Bring a pack of PureNatura towels and a portable size of makeup remover, and you won't need to worry about not being able to remove makeup gently and effectively on travels.
Use our towels with your favorite makeup remover to achieve the best results in removing your makeup gently and effectively.
Conclusion
While face wipes offer convenience and affordability, their potential to irritate the skin and cause long-term damage cannot be overlooked. The harsh textures, synthetic materials, and harmful ingredients found in many face wipes can do more harm than good, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Instead of relying on face wipes, we strongly recommend switching to PureNatura 100% disposable cotton towels. These premium single-use towels provide a gentle, effective, and eco-friendly alternative for makeup removal and facial cleansing. By wetting them with a high-quality makeup remover, you can remove makeup without the risk of irritation or damage.
Q&A
Face wipes are convenient for quickly wiping the face and removing surface makeup, but they often leave behind residue. For a thorough cleanse, it's better to use a proper cleanser or consider alternatives like PureNatura 100% disposable cotton towels.
Yes, face wipes can cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. The synthetic materials and harsh chemicals in some wipes can damage the skin on a micro level. Using gentler options, like PureNatura cotton towels, can help avoid irritation while effectively wiping the face.
PureNatura cotton towels are gentler on the skin, free from harsh chemicals, and eco-friendly. Unlike face wipes, they effectively wipe the face without causing irritation or micro-tears, making them a superior choice for makeup removal and cleansing.
