The 15 Best Makeup Remover Wipes, According to Experts

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Put your best face forward, one wipe at a time.

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Listen: There’s a time and place for makeup remover wipes. Though they tend to get a bad rap, some newly developed, skin care-centric makeup wipes are highly effective at removing impurities (while maintaining their efficiency-friendly appeal). “Makeup remover wipes offer a convenient way to clean your face, especially when traveling,” says Iris Rubin, M.D., co-founder and chief medical officer of hair and skin care brand SEEN. “They can remove surface grime and makeup quickly, which helps prevent irritation and buildup on the skin. Makeup remover wipes work especially well when combined with other cleansing methods, such as a water-based cleanser, to ensure an even deeper clean.”

To help you determine which makeup wipe should be a supplement to your skin care routine, we spoke with experts about how to choose the right one for your skin type, lifestyle, and budget. Read on to discover the best makeup remover wipes for your unique skin’s needs.

Why We Love It: Cetaphil wipes are dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to be gentle while still getting the job done (a.k.a clearing your face of makeup), making them a great choice for people with sensitive skin. We love these well-rounded ultrasoft wipes. They remove waterproof formulas and long-lasting makeup, and you can even use them on the sensitive areas around your eyes. Even if you have to use two wipes to fully remove heavier makeup, they likely won’t cause dryness, irritation, or tightness. They also won’t weaken the skin barrier.

Who It's For: Anyone particularly sensitive to fragrance will appreciate this fragrance-free product specifically formulated for sensitive skin. “These wipes are fragrance-free and contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea,” says Connie Yang, M.D., FAAD, a dermatologist at PFrankMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, chamomile, green tea botanicals, glycerin | Fragrance: None | Reusable: No | Number of Wipes: 25

Why We Love It: Not only does this wipe remove makeup and oil, but it contains glycolic acid to exfoliate and leave skin with a healthy glow after wiping grime off your face. Ingredients like coconut water, calendula, and aloe also provide a soothing effect—though the wipes away from your eyes due to the formula’s glycolic acid, which can irritate the eyelids and eyelashes.

Who It's For: If you love an affordable, multitasking product, this one won’t disappoint. “These wipes are really great for people who want to multitask, have oily skin, and are looking for removal of not just makeup, but also removal of skin cells and improved tone and texture,” says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, coconut water, calendula, aloe | Scented: Yes | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 10

Why We Love It: Ignacia Soto-Aguilar, a celebrity makeup artist, calls this product the “unsung hero of makeup wipes” since they hydrate and clean skin, leaving it feeling refreshed. Not only are they effective at removing makeup, but they’re lifesavers when you’re tight on time. Not to mention, they’re individually wrapped and super easy to toss into your purse when you’re on the go.

Who It's For: Neutrogena developed these plant-based towelettes for sensitive skin, and they’re a solid option for those who are prone to allergies. “The fragrance-free aspect not only ensures you don’t end up smelling like a flower shop, but they won’t irritate or exacerbate any existing issues,” says Soto-Aguilar.

Key Ingredients: Glycerides, sucrose cocoate | Fragrance: None | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 20

Why We Love It: If you could fit a fancy spa in the form of a makeup wipe, these sheets would be it. For starters, the sleek, sturdy container is convenient for travel and daily use, allowing you to sneak a little luxury wherever you go. These cleansing wipes are less creamy than other makeup remover wipes. In fact, they feel more like a toner. “They’re surprisingly effective at removing makeup, leaving the skin feeling clean, invigorated, and revived,” says Soto-Aguilar. Packed with hydrating ingredients, including cucumber extract and aloe, they also soothe and cool the skin. “I find this to be better for removing surface dirt and probably not as effective for tougher makeup and sunscreen,” says Dr. Nazarian. However, these sheets may be too heavily scented with essential oil and botanical extracts for those with sensitive skin (or sensitive noses).

Who It's For: Ideal for people with normal to combination skin, these ultrasoft, pre-moistened cotton sheets whisk away impurities, leaving skin balanced and refreshed. “They’re a great option for those who like using them during the day or post-workout,” says Soto-Aguilar.

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel extract, rosemary extract, citric acid | Fragrance: Yes | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 30

Why We Love It: If you have extremely sensitive skin, these wipes are your new best friend. “They have no parabens or phthalates, and there’s the addition of aloe vera to help hydrate and calm the skin. I also like that they include ingredients such as sugarcane extract and beetroot extract, along with vitamins C and E for an anti-inflammatory and hydrating addition,” says Dr. Nazarian. You don’t have to rinse your face after using the wipes, but Dr. Nazarian recommends doing so if possible. Bonus points for the product’s environmental savviness, as each towelette is compostable.

Who It's For: Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, these wet wipes are ideal for anyone whose skin needs a little calming care as they remove their makeup.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, cotton extract, sugarcane extract | Scented: Yes | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 10 or 30

Why We Love It: These fragrance-free wipes are essentially soaked in micellar water, an ingredient that effectively removes makeup on its own. So, they’re great for ridding your face of products, especially eye makeup, without causing irritation.

Who It's For: If you’re dedicated to using micellar water to remove your makeup, this resealable package of wipes is perfect to throw in your bag and use throughout the day, whether you’re traveling, going to the gym, or doing a quick makeup change. The wipes are also ideal for sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: Micellar water | Scented: No | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 50

Why We Love It: A cult-favorite brand, Bioderma is well-known for its micellar water-forward formulas that leave even the most sensitive skin feeling super hydrated. The combination of micellar water and cucumber extract infused in the sheets thoroughly cleanses dirt, oil, and makeup while simultaneously hydrating skin and reducing redness. “It uses fatty acid micelles to gently clean makeup off of skin without too much rubbing and pulling,” says Dr. Nazarian.

Who It's For: Ideal for those with sensitive and reactive skin, “the formula is hypoallergenic and designed to soothe and protect delicate skin types,” says Sheila Malek Kassir, M.D., a plastic surgeon at Kassir Plastic Surgery and cofounder of Inside Beauty Spa. She continues, “These are incredibly effective at removing makeup while being extremely gentle on the skin. They are designed to mimic the skin’s natural composition, ensuring minimal irritation.”

Key Ingredients: Micellar water, cucumber extract | Scented: No | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 25

Why We Love It: These towelettes leave skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Not only do they give your face a radiant glow, but they’re great if you’re also looking to improve your skin’s overall tone and texture. We love that they’re oil-free and noncomedogenic, making them suitable for acne-prone skin. On top of being great for removing makeup, these wipes get bonus points for being plant-based and compostable.

Who It's For: Although these wipes are particularly wonderful for acne-prone skin, they’re fair game for all skin types, including dull or uneven skin. The soy extract in the formula “helps to improve skin tone and texture, promoting a more radiant and even complexion,” says Dr. Kassir.

Key Ingredients: Soy extract, sucrose cocoate | Scented: No | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 25

Why We Love It: Developed with dermatologists, these wipes are great at removing makeup, including waterproof products, while protecting the skin barrier. We love its simple ingredient list and that it’s tested for any and all skin issues. It’s fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, and allergy- and ophthalmologist-tested.

Who It's For: These towelettes are safe to use for people with all skin types, even acneic and sensitive ones. “It’s pH-balanced, without fragrance or alcohol, and safe for acne-prone skin. It has hydrating ingredients like ceramides and glycerin,” says Dr. Nazarian.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin | Scented: No | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 25

Why We Love It: All you have to do is add water to this reusable cloth and it removes all traces of makeup. Made of 100 percent polyester, it’s antibacterial (just make sure you wash it once or twice a week), ultrasoft, and free of harsh ingredients. We also love that it’s double-sided—the short-fiber side removes makeup, and the long-fiber side exfoliates skin. For the best results, wash it before use to activate the fibers and soak it in warm water before applying it to your skin. According to the brand, one MakeUp Eraser lasts three to five years, is equivalent to around 3,600 makeup wipes, and can be washed up to 1,000 times before you have to purchase a new one.

Who It's For: The cloth’s short ingredient list makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s also a good fit for people who want to avoid waste.

Key Ingredients: Polyester | Scented: No | Reusable: Yes | Number of Sheets: 1

Why We Love It: If you’re a fan of wearing full glam, you’ve found the right wipes for you. Although they’re gentle, they do a great job at removing heavy (even stage) makeup and leave skin feeling soft and refreshed. These biodegradable wet wipes contain raw coconut oil with lauric and caprylic acids (a.k.a. natural antifungals to help fight anything brewing in the skin), so be wary if your skin tends to react to oils.

Who It's For: The acids in these wipes have antimicrobial properties that also help to exfoliate the skin, making them great for those who like a multitasking product. They also come individually wrapped, so they’re easy to carry on the go.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil | Scented: Yes | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 20

Why We Love It: Easy to use and individually packaged, these gentle towelettes remove makeup in a single swipe. In addition to whisking away debris, they prep it for effective exfoliation. Although they’re convenient to use on the go, we view them as a worthy addition to your at-home skin care routine.

Who It's For: Those who are developing fine lines and wrinkles will love that these wipes contain aloe, cucumber, and marshmallow extracts with vitamin E to help smooth and calm the skin. They’re also gentle enough to use in and around the eye area.

Key Ingredients: Aloe, cucumber extract, marshmallow extract | Scented: Yes | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 30

Why We Love It: Rid your skin of makeup using these oil-free wipes. Efficient and effective at clearing even the most stubborn makeup, these towelettes are safe enough for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. They hydrate, calm, and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Who It's For: These wipes work for people of all skin types, but especially those who are acne-prone. Each wipe is packed with chamomile, marshmallow root, and aloe extracts, ingredients that work together to soothe skin while removing makeup.

Key Ingredients: Chamomile, marshmallow root, cucumber-fruit extract, aloe extracts | Scented: Yes | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 30

Why We Love It: These moist towelettes are enriched with Vichy Laboratoires’ micellar technology and vitamin E. The fragrance-free wipe is gentle and hydrating enough to remove waterproof mascara and eye makeup.

Who It's For: The product’s combination of micellar water and antioxidants helps revitalize dry and dehydrated skin. What’s more, its lightweight and soothing texture leaves skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Key Ingredients: Micellar water, vitamin E | Scented: No | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 25

Why We Love It: These cleansing wipes provide your skin with a deep detox. They not only remove a full face of makeup but also help decongest your pores. They are formulated with olympus tea, a rich antioxidant, along with broccoli extracts and aloe leaf polyphenols that help to protect against environmental pollutants while also leaving the skin soft and smooth.

Who It's For: Ideal for mature skin, these makeup wipes revitalize skin and can temporarily reduce the appearance of pores (which can look larger as you age). They’re also gentle enough to use around your eyes.

Key Ingredients: Olympus tea, broccoli extract, aloe extract | Scented: No | Reusable: No | Number of Sheets: 30

“Despite the ongoing panic on Instagram, they are fine for your skin,” says Ranella Hirsch, M.D., a Boston-based board-certified dermatologist. “A lot of the speculation around makeup wipes is because they can sometimes have harsh ingredients, and sometimes folks go to town scrubbing their face, ultimately causing irritation.”

As long as you choose a wipe with the right ingredients for your skin and don’t scrub or tug at your face, makeup remover wipes are a solid option for cleansing your face. Still, Dr. Hirsch suggests following use with a regular facial cleanser if possible.

Yes. Since they’re not technically liquids, makeup remover wipes are TSA-friendly. “A lot of the speculation around makeup wipes is because they can sometimes have harsh ingredients, and sometimes folks go to town scrubbing their face, ultimately causing irritation,” says Dr. Hirsch. But, “despite the ongoing panic on Instagram, they are fine for your skin.”

As long as you’re choosing a wipe with gentle ingredients and using care to not scrub or tug at the face, makeup-removing wipes are a totally solid option for cleansing your face. Still, Dr. Hirsch suggests following up with a regular facial cleanser, if possible, as you would with any makeup remover.

“When choosing makeup remover wipes, look for ones that include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to prevent dryness. Opt for gentle formulations that are free of alcohol or strong fragrances, as these can irritate your skin. If the wipes contain ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide, they’ll also help maintain your skin’s natural barrier. If you have acne-prone skin, be sure to choose noncomedogenic makeup remover wipes,” says Rubin.

Taryn Brooke is a beauty writer with more than 10 years of experience in digital media. For this story, she relied on previous reporting from Danielle Cohen, a beauty editor and writer, and conducted extensive research. The article features input from several experts, including:

Allison Lax, a writer at InStyle focused on beauty and fashion, also interviewed: