Wipes are neat and quick…but for sensitive or acne-prone skin, they may not be worth the downsides.

For Sensitive Skin, Residue Is a Resi-“Don’t.”

Wipes cannot clean as well as makeup removers or cleansers, and usually leave residue. In addition to the acne/irritation risk, this residue normally includes leftover dirt.

Wipes can rub you the wrong way.

Because they don’t clean as well, wipes may need more rubbing for a better clean, which can cause follicular inflammation and acne.

Allergens in the Sheets:

The material used in wipes has plastic resins like polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene, many of which are allergens.

Allergenic Preservatives:

Because wipes are meant to stay moist, they contain a lot of water — which is heaven for bacteria and other microbes. Preservatives are needed, and a common one is methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI). There are multiple reports of allergies to adult wipes: contact dermatitis tests show enough reactions to make MCI/MI one of the top allergy-causing preservatives.

What To Use Instead:

If you don’t use a lot of makeup, a simple cream cleanser or scrub is good enough (never use soaps on the face).
If you’d consider yourself a “regular” makeup user and love the speed and efficiency of a wipe, or have oily or acne-prone skin, an oil-free makeup remover is easy to work into your routine.
If you use heavy makeup — including stage or TV makeup — and/or have dry or sensitive skin, an ultra-gentle makeup remover with virgin coconut oil can be a game changer. The molecules bind to dirt and makeup for through removal without irritation or clogging pores.