13 Best Makeup Wipes for Sensitive Skin
Graphic by Cristina Cianci
Reviewed by Morgan Rabach, MD
At the end of a long—very long—day, the last thing we want to do is mosey into the bathroom and take off our makeup. Sure, skincare is a form of self care for many, but on those kinds of days, skipping the wash routine sounds so nice. But don't fall prey to the trap! Cleansing your face from the day's grime is so important, especially if you have sensitive skin. When your nightly skincare ritual is too much to handle but you know it's criminal to forgo your nightly face wash, there's a pacifying middle ground: makeup remover wipes.
While some have condemned these convenient sheets for the inevitable pulling and tugging motion on lashes and skin, we think it comes down to the formulation. Plus, most options on today's market offer ingredient lists that rival even the most decadent of face washes. So, with sensitive skin in mind, we compiled a list of must-have makeup wipes we'll forever trust with our delicate complexions.
Keep reading for our list of the best makeup remover wipes for sensitive skin.
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths ($24)
In a perfect world, we'd end each and every day with a luxe trip to the spa for a much-needed skin detox. But what with events, impending deadlines, and let's be honest, the hypnotizing call of our duvet covers, well, c'est la vie. As a happy medium, we try to keep our nightly skincare ritual as soothing as possible, and Koh Gen Do's aptly named makeup wipes are a winning first step—especially if you have sensitive skin. Not only is each wipe made using certified organic Japanese cotton, but they're also enriched with mineral-infused spa water and essential herbs like rosemary, sage, ginger, and lavender.
RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes
RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes ($22)
We've already sung coconut oil's praises for its much-appreciated (and borderline miraculous) skin benefits, so consider RMS's individually packaged makeup remover wipes the best of both worlds. Carefully formulated with certified organic coconut oil (it's the one and only ingredient), you can get the soothing, skin-cleansing benefits of coconut oil, sans the somewhat goopy repercussions of a jar. Plus, if you have sensitive skin, a simple, preferably organic, ingredient list is paramount.
Ogee Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths
Ogee Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths ($28)
If you wish to make a Byrdie editor's day, present her with anything Ogee, as we're currently very much enamored with the relatively new and still under-the-radar organic skincare brand. At $24, the price is a bit steep as far as makeup remover wipes go, but if you have sensitive skin, it's hard to put a price on a comfortable, glowing complexion. Plus, they're excellent multitaskers: moisturizing, cleansing, exfoliating, and yes, makeup removing. Naturally derived alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) reduce sebum and speed up cell turnover while a soothing combination of jojoba oil, aloe vera, and oat extract preserves the skin's hydration.
Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths
Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths ($16)
Makeup remover wipes have gotten a bad rap for encouraging the pulling and tugging of our facial skin—an epic faux pas in the skincare world. But to be honest, there's nothing like convenience after an extra-long workday or one too many tequila sodas. To minimize late-night labor with maximum results, try this foaming version from Skyn Iceland. They promise to nix all traces of foundation in a single swipe and keep sensitive skin in line, with ingredients like cucumber and arctic cloudberries.
Byrdie Tip
Some makeup wipes can sting your eyes, so use a micellar water or eye makeup remover instead. This should make sure all of your makeup is taken off.
Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towlettes with Cotton Extract
Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towlettes with Cotton Extract ($7)
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, Burt's Bees does it again with this extra-nurturing addition to its already ample makeup wipe lineup. However, we're especially partial to these for the skin-saving cotton and rice extract in addition to the satisfyingly clean ingredient list. Read: fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, allergy-tested, and dermatologist-tested.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes
Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes ($11)
Though debatable in our diet, soy happens to look great on our skin. In fact, experts (as in industry-leading derms) recommend it topically. To get your daily quota, we love these Aveeno wipes. Not only are they gentle, but they're oil-free and non-comedogenic (bye, breakouts), and they fearlessly confront even the most stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Plus, the name does the formula justice. Our sensitive skin always looks more radiant and even post-swipe.
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths ($10)
Intensely hydrating without a trace of greasy aftermath, these dermatologically tested cloths are great if you suffer from extra-sensitive skin. Not only do they remove makeup almost effortlessly, but according to the brand, they also contain three different ceramides and a quenching dose of hyaluronic acid—exactly what the doctor orders come fall.
Neutrogena Fragrance Free Makeup remover Cleansing Towelettes
Neutrogena Fragrance Free Makeup remover Cleansing Towelettes ($7)
A favorite among celebrities, even Mrs. Kardashian West, Neutrogena's makeup wipes have an undeniably strong following—and with good reason. Not only do they work (because at 10:30 p.m., we're not playing), they also have a variety of different formulations for every kind of skin concern. So if the sheer thought of harsh alcohols and fragrances makes your sensitive skin break out in hives, consider this fragrance-free option from Neutrogena. They're ophthalmologist-, dermatologist-, and allergy-tested, according to the brand.
Pond's Vitamin Micellar Hydrate Facial Wipes
Pond's Vitamin Micellar Hydrate Facial Wipes ($4)
With a reputation steeped in history, we'd be remiss not to include Pond's as a brand-favorite makeup remover. The iconic cold cream was originally invented by pharmacist Theron T. Pond in 1846, but the brand's Vitamin micellar Water wipes hydrate and remove makeup with the help of aloe vera and vitamin B3, ingredients beloved by sensitive skin.
Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes
Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes ($6)
As a brand, Simple is dedicated to sensitive skin. Thus, it's no surprise that its beloved cleansing cloths made our final cut. With the absence of irritants, alcohols, and chemicals, and the presence of skin-improving ingredients like vitamin B5, these makeup remover wipes are one of our drugstore must-haves and tackle our budge-proof smoky eye sans struggle.
Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Towelettes
Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Towelettes ($8)
Oil-free and carefully formulated to be especially gentle on even the most sensitive skin, these makeup remover wipes from Almay are one of the best—and they never leave your skin red or irritated post-swipe. Plus, a botanical infusion of aloe, cucumber, and green tea is meant to leave complexions refreshed, moisturized, and thoroughly nourished.
Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes
Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes ($11)
These hydrating, non-irritating, derm-approved makeup remover wipes are free of all the bad stuff: fragrance, parabens, and cruelty. Hypoallergenic, they are perfect to combat the woes that sensitive skin types face, including dryness, irritation, tightness, roughness, and a weakened skin barrier.
Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Facial Wipes
Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Facial Wipes ($8)
EWG Verified, recognized by the National Eczema Association with the Seal of Acceptance, and dermatologist certified? What could be better for sensitive skin? Honest Beauty's makeup remover wipes are plant-based and super soft. A sugar-derived surfactant helps to remove the most stubborn makeup from sensitive skin with not rinsing required. We can get on board with that.
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