12 Best Makeup Wipes That Remove Everything—3 Faves on Sale (2025)

Our Top Picks

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A skincare classic, these towelettes swiftly remove all makeup (even waterproof) without the need for skin-drying alcohol. “They truly are the best drugstore makeup wipes, and they’ve newly introduced a 100% plant-based home-compostable cloth,” shares Vincent, adding that she likes to hold the wipe folded over each eye for 5-10 seconds, allowing the solution to dissolve makeup, then very gently wipe it away. Non-greasy and moist enough to prevent dragging, they’re a great option for any time you need to cleanse your face quickly and without a sink. Vincent also suggests opting for the fragrance-free version for the least amount of irritation.

Size: 30 wipes | Scent: Green, fresh | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Burt’s Bees knows how to nail simple skincare, and these wipes are no different. Pre-soaked with aloe vera, a plant extract known to soften and soothe, these accessible wipes gently dissolve makeup and skincare, leaving the complexion soft and hydrated. Bonus: Each cloth is made from at least 60% repurposed cotton. You'll feel confident in swiping the day away with these affordable sheets.

Size: 10 wipes | Scent: Subtle, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Hundreds of five-star reviews speak for themselves when it comes to A-list aesthetician Joanna Czech’s wipes. For starters, the slim pack fits in a purse for night-out touch-ups, and they not only feel indulgent but smell even better—like you just left the spa. Czech thought of it all when designing these refreshing sheets: rosemary leaf oil to draw out debris; hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate; and cornflower water to soothe and calm inflammation. The folded towelettes may seem small initially, but they unfold to a larger cloth that can cover your face and décolletage in one swipe.

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Made from 100% biodegradable fibers, these wipes give you all of the easy-peasy cleansing benefits without the environmental guilt. They’re also pre-moistened with witch hazel, aloe vera, cucumber, and salicylic acid, making them a great choice for oily and breakout-prone skin. That said, dry skin types may find these a bit abrasive.

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sensitive skin will love these non-irritating wipes from Cetaphil. They're effective enough to remove makeup (even waterproof) without disturbing the skin barrier. We also love that they won’t leave you red, irritated, or watery-eyed. Just be sure to properly close this pack, as these gentle cloths can dry out easily if left open.

Size: 30 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with olive oil and grapeseed, these wipes from Jessica Alba’s Honest Beauty are nourishing, effective, and safe for all skin types. The gentle, hypoallergenic cloths don't cause redness or irritation, and we love the fact that they come with a snap lid to prevent drying out, too. While they can be a bit oily, we love how nourishing they feel on the skin.

Size: 50 wipes | Scent: Fresh, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you want the simplicity of a face wipe but don’t want to lose out on a luxurious skincare experience, it’s got to be Clé de Peau. Biodegradable and oh-so-soft, these wipes utilize hyaluronic acid and fruit extracts to care for the skin, while oils (specifically camellia and argan) nourish the lashes. They tend to leave a slight film on the skin, but that's one caveat we can overlook due to its skincare-packed punch. They're generous in size, too.

Size: 50 wipes | Scent: Fresh | Cruelty-Free: No

We love that these wipes easily cut through makeup and sunscreen without dragging or any irritation. The towelette specifically is soaked in a micellar water solution that works to quickly cleanse the skin, removing sunscreen, skincare, and eye makeup. If you love Clinique’s iconic Take The Day Off cleansing balm, these are a great on-the-go option.

Size:25 wipes | Scent: Subtle, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While aesthetician Melanie Grant prefers a liquid or gel cleanser, she does recommend these gentle wipes from Bioderma as a waterless option whenever you’re on the go. “Bioderma’s wipes are soft and non-irritating, plus come soaked with a micellar solution that effectively breaks down sebum, makeup, and pollution,” she says. And they felt safe for sensitive eyes when testing.

Size: 20 wipes | Scent: Herbal, floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

These individually wrapped wipes are saturated with Ursa Major’s 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic, a formula rich in aloe vera, green tea, willow bark, sodium hyaluronate, and birch sap to condition depleted skin. Even celebrity aesthetician Angela Caglia is a fan, saying they are hands down her favorite makeup wipes. “They are made with quality cotton, and the ingredients are clean and soothing,” she shares, adding that she’s hesitant to use any other wipes because of the chemicals and alcohol added.

Size: 10 wipes | Scent: Botanical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

“My kit is not complete without Koh Gen Doh Cleansing Water Cloths,” raves Vincent. “In my eyes, these wipes are simply the best for getting all traces of eye and face makeup to disappear and are a must-have when working with makeup clients.” They also work well as a carry-on staple for long flights, since they’re infused with mineral-rich Yumura hot spring water to promote soft, supple skin—even in the most dehydrating circumstances.

Size: 25 wipes | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you tend to use multiple wipes when removing eye makeup (we’re looking at you, smoky eyes), give Real Techniques’ x-large towelettes a try. The squares are 50% bigger than your average wipes—making them great for the body, too—and they’re dermatologist-tested and ophthalmologist-approved, which means safe for sensitive peepers and contact wearers.

FAQ

• Are makeup remover wipes bad for your skin?

  Some makeup wipes may cause irritation and redness on your skin. Make sure to watch how your skin reacts and check the ingredients to help potentially avoid causing any damage.

• Should you use makeup wipes before or after washing your face?

  Use makeup wipes before washing your face. This will help remove the majority of your makeup, and washing your face afterward may help eliminate any residue or leftover makeup.

• How do I dispose of biodegradable wipes?

  Biodegradable products, like wipes, are designed to be broken down in landfills, so throw out your wipes like you would any other makeup wipe.

• What is the difference between cleansing wipes and makeup wipes?

  Cleansing and makeup wipes are often used interchangeably and can have the same purpose and ingredients, but there is a key difference between the two. Cleansing wipes containing certain active ingredients or ones that are specifically meant to address concerns like oily skin, blemishes, and blackheads are not meant for removing makeup. Most are too harsh to be used around the eye area. But a gentle cleansing wipe with hydrating ingredients can be used both to cleanse skin and remove makeup.

• Which is better, micellar water or makeup remover wipes?

  That depends on your skincare needs and use. Makeup removerwipes are convenient for use on the go or late at night as a quick cleanse before you go to sleep, while micellar water is used at the sink, much like a traditional cleanser. If you want to remove makeup while traveling or at the gym, for example, makeup remover wipes are a great option.

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.