Eco-Friendly Makeup Wipes: Here's What to Look Out For

Eco-Friendly Makeup Wipes: Here's What to Look Out For

Discover why makeup wipes may not be the best choice for your skin or the planet. Explore our eco friendly make up wipe alternatives and DIY wipes guide.

Makeup wipes offer a sense of ease. They’re a go-to solution for busy parents, travelers, and anyone looking to quickly wipe the day away. But underneath that convenience lies a more familiar story: single-use, harsh preservatives, and unnecessary waste.

At EarthHero, we believe in conscious choices that support both people and the planet. 

In this guide, we’ll gently explore the truth about conventional makeup wipes, why they might be doing more harm than good, and share our thoughtful, low-waste alternatives that care for your skin and our shared home.

Plus, we’ve thrown in a DIY guide for those wanting to live minimally and make their own!

 

TL;TR: Why Are Makeup Wipes Bad? And What Can You Use Instead? 

  • Conventional makeup wipes can irritate skin and strip away natural oils

  • Most are made from plastic-based fibers and won’t break down in landfills

  • Harsh preservatives and fragrances are common, which can trigger sensitivities

  • They rarely fully remove makeup, often leaving residue behind that can clog pores

  • Mindful swaps to try: Reusable cotton rounds, cleansing oils, Konjac sponges, biodegradable wipes, and making your own

ZWS Essentials Organic Cotton Facial Rounds

 

Are Makeup Wipes Bad For Your Skin? 

Unfortunately, yes. While it’s tempting to reach for a wipe after a long day, dermatologists generally recommend using them sparingly, if at all.

1. Harsh chemical ingredients

Ingredients like alcohol and chemical preservatives, which are commonly found in makeup wipes, can cause dryness, redness, and irritation, especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin.

2. Stripping natural oils

Wipes can remove the skin's protective oils, which are essential for maintaining balance, hydration, and barrier function. Overuse can leave skin feeling tight, dry, or irritated.

3. Scrubbing motion

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should try to avoid scrubbing your skin when you wash your face. With makeup wipes – and stubborn mascara, lipstick, and whatever else – this can be hard to resist! The rubbing motion of wipes, combined with harsh ingredients, can disrupt the skin barrier, cause inflammation, or even lead to long-term dryness.

4. Incomplete cleansing 

Although they’re often marketed as a full cleansing solution, most don’t effectively remove all traces of makeup or sunscreen. Instead, they may smear product around the skin, leaving behind pore-clogging residue.

5. Increased risk of breakouts

Product residue, excess oil, and dead skin cells left behind by ineffective cleansing can clog pores, contributing to blemishes and breakouts


Are Makeup Wipes Bad For The Planet? 

They might be a quick fix, but they leave behind a lasting impact. What seems like a convenient swipe at the end of the day can have far-reaching effects on our ecosystems, waterways, and wildlife. 

Here’s why:

1. Non-biodegradable materials

Most wipes are made from synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene. These materials don’t break down naturally, lingering in landfills and the environment for hundreds of years.

2. Landfill overload

Billions of makeup wipes are tossed each year and most of them end up in landfills, where they contribute to long-term waste buildup.

3. Sewage blockages

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) estimates that makeup and wet wipes cause about $441 million per year in additional operating costs for U.S. clean water utilities.

4. Pollution in waterways

When flushed or improperly disposed of, wipes often end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. As they break down, they release microplastics that are nearly impossible to remove from the environment.

5. Threat to wildlife

Marine animals and birds may mistake wipes for food, and ingesting them can cause internal blockages or starvation. In some places, entire ‘wet wipe islands’ have formed: masses of non-biodegradable wipes clumping together in riverbeds and along shorelines.

Choosing reusables or biodegradable options is a simple but powerful way to prevent waste and protect the ecosystems we all depend on.

 

5 Makeup Wipe Alternatives To Try Today 

If you’re looking to make a change, there are so many sustainable skincare options that are just as easy (and work so much better!). 

Here are a few of our top picks from EarthHero:

1. ZWS Essentials Reusable Cotton Rounds

ZWS Essentials Organic Cotton Facial Rounds - Plastic-Free, Reusable Cotton Rounds, 100% Organic, 20 Pack

Made with soft, organic cotton and designed to be washed and reused over and over. Gentle on your skin, kind to the planet.

Shop Now

 

2. LastRound Reusable Facial Rounds 

Last Swab LastRound Green/Turquoise LastRound

These innovative rounds feel just like disposable wipes—but they’re washable, durable, and replace up to 1,750 single-use ones.

Shop Now

 

3. Konjac Facial Sponge

No Tox Life Konjac Facial Sponge

Made from konjac root, this sponge offers makeup removal, gentle exfoliation, and daily cleansing. Just add water and pair with your favorite cleanser.

Shop Now

 

4. Botanical Republic Nourish Hydrating Cleansing Oil

Oil-based cleansing is incredibly effective at melting away makeup, without harsh scrubbing or stripping your skin.

Shop Now

 

5. Clean Slate Micellar Wipes

Kinfield 1 Case (30 wipes) Clean Slate Wipes

For moments when you really need the convenience of a wipe, these compostable, biodegradable alternatives are a much better choice.

Shop Now


DIY Makeup Wipes 

ZWS Essentials Organic Cotton Facial Rounds - Plastic-Free, Reusable Cotton Rounds, 100% Organic, 20 Pack

Sometimes, the best solutions are the ones you make yourself. If you want to avoid packaging altogether, DIY makeup wipes are a fun and easy option. Here’s a basic recipe to try:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup distilled water

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

  • 1 tsp witch hazel

  • A few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil (optional)

  • Reusable cotton rounds or soft fabric scraps

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a clean jar.

  2. Submerge your reusable rounds and allow them to soak.

  3. Store in an airtight container and use within 7–10 days.

This is a wonderful option for families looking to reduce waste and keep things natural, especially for kids and teens who are starting to explore skincare routines.

 

Final Thoughts

The truth is, makeup wipes have their appeal, especially when life feels busy. But when we take a moment to zoom out, it becomes clear that these tiny conveniences come with bigger costs. From skin irritation to ocean pollution, the long-term effects can’t be wiped away.

Thankfully, small swaps make a big difference. Choosing reusable rounds, nourishing cleansing oils, or biodegradable wipes means you’re caring for your skin and the planet with each daily ritual.

At EarthHero, we’re here to support your journey, whether you're new to low-waste living or well on your way. Because every mindful choice you make matters.

Ready to make the switch? Explore our collection of eco-friendly skincare and discover what works for your body, your values, and your future.

Shop Sustainable Skincare

 

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