Taking off makeup does not have to contribute to global warming.

Photo by EcoPanda, Unsplash

Single-use wipes are becoming an extremely unfashionable accessory to store in makeup bags. Slowly but surely, society has come to the realisation that they do absolutely no favours for the skin, and even more importantly, the environment.

It is time to wash away the global unhealthy habit of using makeup wipes as a quick fix while ignoring the long-term knock-on effects.

We all know, everyone dreads reaching the end of a long day and having to take their makeup off. This small task requires a surprising amount of effort, which is made much easier by grabbing a wipe from the bedside table. More time for beauty sleep, right? Well actually, maybe not. As convenient as these little wipes are, they really pack a punch when it comes to their ingredients list, meaning our skin could in fact be getting worse overnight.

The truth is, 9.3 million makeup wipes are flushed down the toilet daily. They play a key role in polluting waterways and can lead to enormous sewer build ups. London’s ‘Fatberg’ last year amounted to an astonishing 11 double-decker buses. Coastlines too have been affected, with statistics from the Marine Conservation Society showing the number of makeup wipes washed up on beaches has increased by 50% since 2013.

While these figures are alarming, the wipes themselves are also made from harmful materials such as polyester and polypropylene. Further packaged in plastic, the entire product is non-biodegradable and ends up in landfill where it can take up to 100 years to decompose. Not only this, but ingredients in the wipes themselves such as alcohols, chemicals and parabens are really going to upset the skin. Included to keep the product moist and effective, it is clear to see they do more harm than good. From irritation to increased sensitivity and even enhanced breakouts - is convenience really worth bad skin and a poorly planet?

So, what can be used instead?

Do not panic. There are now many solutions on the market that offer a perfect swap out to help soothe skin and save waterways. Below are a few examples of best-selling products.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki, Pexels

1. Face Halo Reusable Makeup Remover

Made from HaloTech fibres, these handy little spheres only need water to rid the face of makeup- magical. Face Halo also goes one step further in helping to reduce produce in landfill with their upcycling incentive. At the end of a Face Halo’s life, they can be sent back and re-made again. Approximately £15.50 for a pack of 3, they can each be used up to 200 times.

Photo by Face Halo

2. My Little Eco Shop Clean Sponge

An award-winning makeup remover, this ideal oval traps makeup and gently exfoliates the skin while doing so. By simply using this product, hundreds of single-use makeup wipes are being saved from landfill – it is that easy. Made from ethical microfibers, this remover puff is great if you are on a budget, at only £3 each.

3. Tendertouch Organic Cotton Pads

Plastic-free and fully biodegradable, this makeup remover solution can be composted once it reaches the end of its life. If you do not already know the benefits of organic cotton, it is dubbed one of Earth’s most efficient substances. To name one, the material requires little to no additional water meaning there is no strain on water supplies. These are not to be confused with traditional cotton pads however. Unlike disposable one-time use pads, the Tendertouch pads can last a year if cared for properly. The pack contains 8 cleansing pads which come in an organic drawstring bag for £9.99.

With all this information there is no excuse to not make the switch, so what are you waiting for?