Your bathroom has one of the most polluting products in the world [1].
Do you have any idea what is it?
It is the disposable cotton wipe, round or pad!
Indeed, according to Consoglobe, a French online magazine that puts forward solutions, human beings and the planet before profit, a woman uses an average of 6 cotton pads per day, i.e. 180 per month and more than 2,100 per year [2].
In addition, the cultivation of conventional disposable cotton is very water- and pesticide-intensive [3].
In the long term, it costs 6 times more than washable cotton.
Today, I would like to talk to you about this ecological and economical alternative: the reusable makeup remover wipes.
What is a reusable makeup remover wipe?
Oval, round, square, rectangular... reusable makeup remover wipes are used in more or less the same way as disposable cotton.
Nevertheless, washable wipes offer a wider choice of materials (cotton, hemp, bamboo...), I will tell you more about it later.
But their greatest asset is their lifespan. Because, unlike traditional make-up remover cottons, these reusable pads do not end up in your garbage can!
Indeed, after removing your makeup with it, you just have to put it in a net (usually included when you buy it) and wash it in the washing machine.
This allows you to use your wipes between 150 and 300 times!
You will also save money, because by using disposable cotton you spend on average about $330 per year, while washable wipe kits cost between 12 and 18 €.
Reusable makeup remover wipes: how do they work?
Another advantage if you choose washable cleansing wipes is that they remove makeup as well as disposable cotton and do not change anything in your habits.
Indeed, you can use them with:
- tap water (but you know what I think...) ;
- floral water (hydrosol);
- a cleansing milk;
- a vegetable oil....
How to choose the right wipe for your skin type?
Reusable wipes have the advantage of being softer for your skin and their fibers are resistant. While conventional cotton discs and pads can irritate and dry your skin, especially if it is sensitive and dry.
As I said earlier, you have a choice among several materials. It's up to you to find the one that best suits your skin, but here are some things that can help you:
Organic cotton fiber wipe - For all skin types.
It's the classic formula. The one you will find most often if you buy washable pads. It removes make-up perfectly and is suitable for all skin types. However, it can irritate your skin if it is dry or sensitive.
Bamboo fiber wipe - Perfect for combination or oily skin
It is ideal if you remove make-up with greasy, creamy, oily products... A little less if you use a hydrosol or lotion because it has a high absorption capacity. If you have combination or oily skin, this pad absorbs excess sebum, your skin is perfectly cleansed and cleared from impurities.
Eucalyptus fiber wipe - Dry & sensitive skin
Its texture is very soft. I recommend that you adopt this fiber if your skin care is based on more or less thick product textures (layering type). But the flexibility of this fiber allows it to adapt to all make-up removal products (milk, oil, water...). This wipe is suitable for all skin types, but it is perfect if you have dry and/or sensitive skin.
Hemp fiber wipe - For combination or oily skin
Hemp fiber is softer than cotton. It is perfectly suited to oily or problem skin because it has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is very absorbent, so it is ideal for thick skin care products such as oils, milks and creams.
Microfiber wipes - No need for make-up remover anymore
It is an ultra-absorbent fabric that removes the most stubborn makeup. Simply wet the wipe with tap water to gently remove make-up. However, make sure that it has the Oeko-Tex 100 class I label, it certifies that it does not contain any toxic substances.
You can also complete your make-up removal by using a konjac sponge.
Do washable makeup remover wipes have any weaknesses?
The Advantages
Flexible - The different materials (bamboo, eucalyptus...) of these wipes allow you to choose them according to your skin type.
Efficiency - Some brands of wipes are more difficult to recover if you use tough makeup, such as waterproof products. Therefore, it is recommended that you do a vegetable oil pre-cleansing with your fingers. But you can also pre-clean your wipe by hand, with Marseille soap, to make sure that the stains get off.
Less aggressive - The softness of the wipes respects your skin, they do not dry it out. No more tightness sensations after cleansing.
Economical - A reusable make-up remover pad can be used between 150 and 300 times. Since they are sold in lots, you will use them for just over a year.
More and more manufacturers now offer washable make-up remover wipes that are effective simply with water. This saves make-up remover products.
Practical - Washable wipes are used like a classic cotton disc. You don't have to change your make-up removal routine.
The Weaknesses
Efficiency – Some brands of wipes are more difficult to recover if you use tough makeup, such as waterproof products. Therefore, it is recommended that you do a vegetable oil pre-cleansing with your fingers. But you can also pre-clean your wipe by hand, with Marseille soap, to make sure that the stains get off.
Ecological but…. – While reusable makeup remover pads have a lower environmental and ecological impact than disposable cotton, you don’t stop polluting. Although they are made from cotton grown without pesticides and insecticides, they still require water for cultivation and processing. Bamboo fiber wipes are less water-intensive.
Where can I find disposable makeup remover pads?
First of all, choose "organic" washable wipes, otherwise your action loses its interest, right?
You can buy them online - organic retailers offer washable makeup remover wipes.
Moreover, many brands have embarked on this adventure, as is the case with Flawless Face Art or BeMyLady...
These washable wipes are most often sold in packs of 10 or 20 - saving you space in your bathroom.
And if you like sewing or knitting, you can also make these wipes yourself. There are many tutorials available on the Internet.
Maybe you already use washable make-up remover wipes, if so, share your advice and experience with us in the comments below
P.S: You can also use these washable wipes for changing an infant, with a dab of liniment!
[1] https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton
[2] https://www.consoglobe.com/se-demaquiller-au-bambou-economiser-du-coton-cg
[3] https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/vidarbha-s-toxic-trail-59173
