Makeup wipes got their start as a quick fix to cleaning up makeup and over the years they've risen to the top of the skincare pile.
Take off the rose colored glasses though and makeup wipes may be doing more harm than good in a number of ways.
How are makeup wipes bad for the environment?
Disposable makeup wipes are convenient to use because they can be thrown away after being wetted with soap or water so there is no need for washing them off before disposal; however, these products have negative effects that we should all know about if we care about our environment.
The main concern here is that when you throw out your used wipe it will end up in landfills where it could leak toxic chemicals into groundwater and contaminate soil. This can work its way through the ecosystem as these products break down and are ingested by wildlife.
The problem goes even deeper than just contaminating the ground and harming other living beings, though! These wipes contain hazardous substances such as phthalates (which can disrupt hormones), parabens (used to prevent bacteria growth) and formaldehyde (a chemical used in embalming). Some studies show that certain types of cosmetics companies may not disclose which ingredients their products contain due to “trade secrets,” but others say that this information must be provided anyway.
Most makeup wipes are neither recyclable or compostable meaning they are ending up in landfills more often than not. In fact, it's estimated that 20 million pounds of single-use wipes are disposed of every day.
That's a lot of waste!
What kinds of alternatives are there to disposable makeup wipes?
Single-use makeup wipes may do a number on the environment, but you can do something about them and prevent further damage and waste.
By opting for reusable products you can cut down on your daily waste, and by choosing products which can be composed you are virtually eliminating the waste you create and instead helping to nurture healthy ecosystems in your area. Common alternatives to disposable makeup wipes include:
- Reusable cotton makeup wipes
- Biodegradable makeup wipes
- Bamboo or cellulose-based wipes
Browse our favorite disposable makeup wipe alternatives below to find the best organic, and environmentally-friendly makeup wipes.
The best eco-friendly makeup wipe alternatives
1) Last Round Large Makeup Wipes
Price: $16.00 for 1 pack
A sustainable alternative to single-use rounds, this reusable set can be used 1,750 times or more. Made from a blend of Scandinavian wood fibers and cotton fibers that are too short to use in the textile industry, each round is completely backyard compostable and feels just like a cotton pad when water is applied. Better yet? It comes with a handy case - made from recycled ocean waste plastics - so you can take them with you on the go.
2) Paula's Choice Reusable cotton makeup wipes
Price: $15.00 for 10 rounds
10 soft, sustainable, durable cotton rounds that can be washed and reused over and over again. Each round can be used to remove makeup and apply liquid products—without the waste. Their durable designs can be used and washed on repeat and when they reach their limit, the bamboo-cotton blend is entirely compostable.
3) Public Goods Bamboo Wet Wipes
Price: $6.95 for 50 wipes
These baby-safe, hypoallergenic bamboo wet wipes are made with a moisturizing blend of aloe, vitamin E, cucumber extract and other nourishing ingredients that soothe the skin while keeping you clean and refreshed. There's nothing harsh or unsafe, like alcohol or synthetic fragrance, so they're gentle and safe for all your personal needs and ideal for sensitive skin. Each wet wipe is 7”x 6", made with sustainable bamboo, vegan and never tested on animals.