Can Makeup Wipes Replace Your Cleanser? Dermatologists Weigh In

Even those with the slightest knowledge of skincare know that washing your face every morning and night is a non-negotiable. Dirt, debris, and oil accumulating on your face during the day can lead to breakouts, a dull complexion, and even premature aging. But rather than going through the hassle of a complete wash after a late night out, using a makeup wipe can get the job done just as well and with way less effort—right? Turns out, not exactly.

While makeup wipes can provide a quick surface clean on the go or in emergencies, top dermatologist Marie Jihn, MD, says they cannot replace the efficacy and cleanliness you get from using water and a good cleanser. To learn exactly why you shouldn’t replace your face washing routine with makeup wipes, we spoke with Jhin and dermatologist Stefani Kappel, MD.

Keep reading to find out more, including what you should use makeup wipes for.

What Are Makeup Wipes?

Makeup wipes are single-use cloths soaked with facial cleanser and/or makeup-removing solution to cleanse the skin of the day’s beauty products, not to mention any remnants of dirt and oil. Most makeup wipe packs (with an average of 20 to 25 wipes) ring up between $7 and $25; however, options from luxury brands like Clé de Peau Beauté, Joanna Czech, and Koh Gen Do can cost up to $50.

Benefits of Makeup Wipes

• They don’t require a lather and rinse
• They’re travel-friendly
• They’re often more affordable than traditional cleansers
• They’re considered to be all-around convenient

Makeup wipes are said to be a lazy person’s best friend. That’s because, unlike traditional cleansers, you don’t have to lather and rinse in order to rid the skin of built-up makeup, dirt, and oil. Instead, they’re designed to wipe away the day’s cosmetics with a few swipes, making them super convenient—especially for people who can’t be bothered to do a whole multi-step skin care routine at the end of the day.

Makeup Wipes vs. Traditional Cleansers

“While makeup wipes can be convenient for removing makeup quickly, they are generally not a sufficient substitute for a proper facial cleanser,” says Jhin. “Makeup wipes might leave behind residue and fail to thoroughly cleanse the pores, which can contribute to various skin concerns. ”

Traditional face cleansers have a leg up. “Using specific facial cleansers is important because they are specifically engineered for facial skin,” says Kappel. “Most dermatologists aren’t going to recommend makeup wipes to clean your face.”

How to Properly Use Makeup Wipes

The best way to use makeup wipes is in a two-step (aka double cleansing). First, gently swipe the wipe across your face to remove your eye makeup, complexion makeup, and lip products. Then, follow up with your favorite cleansing wash.

In addition to using a makeup wipe, “Using a proper facial cleanser offers several advantages, including removing impurities such as excess oil, pollution, and sweat,” says Jhin. She recommends Musely’s The Cleanser, which “is designed to effectively remove not only makeup but also dirt, oil, and impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. It cleanses pores without stripping the skin of moisture, leaving it free of dirt and hydrated.”

Potential Side Effects of Using Makeup Wipes as a Cleanser

If you only use makeup wipes, sans cleanser, you may experience breakouts, dry skin, or irritation. “Many of the wipes on the market contain chemicals that can be irritating and harmful to the skin, such as phthalates, parabens, fragrances, etc.,” says Kappel. In addition, many of these wipes can strip your skin of natural moisturizing factors, which can disrupt the barrier and overstrip the skin.

The Final Takeaway

We get it: Some people may find no issue at all with using a wipe daily, but for most, no matter what variation is used—organic, chemical-free, etc.—you run the risk of it not properly removing all of the dirt, makeup, and oil and thus leading to breakouts, irritation, dullness, and other concerns. So, if you want to use your makeup wipes as a first step, go for it. Otherwise, make sure you’re using a proper cleanser to get the best results.