Makeup remover wipes have been a staple of women’s overnight bags for years. Easy to carry and liquid-free, makeup remover wipes are excellent for travelling, especially if you’re going abroad. They can save your skin in a pinch, whether correcting makeup mishaps, or when you’re simply too tired to complete your full night-time routine
We’ve trawled the internet searching for the best makeup wipes for all complexions, including dry and sensitive skin. After comparing products from online retailers such as Amazon, Boots and ASOS, we bring you our ranking of the top 10 makeup remover wipes in the UK! Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Marie Dancer for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Makeup Remover Wipes
As a professional make-up artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all her clients she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.
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As a professional makeup artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK, working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all of her clients, she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.
Find out more about Marie and what are her favourite makeup products are through her Instagram! She even shares some industry tips on makeup application too. And if you're interested in getting your makeup done by Marie, you can contact her via her email found at the top of her page.
Oil-based wipes are perfect for removing heavy layers of makeup. This is because oil sinks deep down into the skin and clings on to makeup particles, gently lifting it with one quick wipe. These formulas are incredibly effective at removing waterproof mascara.
However, oil-based wipes are more comedogenic than water-based, so you may want to avoid them if you suffer from acne or have oily skin. These can make your skin feel greasy, leaving a layer of residue after use, so make sure to wash your face after use.
Dry skin that usually feels tight after cleansing may prefer oil-based wipes to give added hydration. Common goods for the skin oils to look out for: Argan oil, squalane oil, coconut oil and primrose oil.
On the other hand, water-based wipes are perfect for when you’re wearing just a light covering of makeup, or don’t require a deep clean. While they won't cleanse below the surface, they can quickly clear your skin, making them excellent for re-applying makeup.
Water-based cleansing wipes are by far the most popular in the UK as they can be used on all skin types, but are particularly good for oily or combination skin. The water washes away any makeup residue on the surface, but be careful if you have dry skin as they can also remove natural oils.
Micellar water infused wipes are also extremely popular for those with sensitive and dry skin types as they are kinder to the skin. Water-based wipes are perfect for on the go and freshening up on flights, festivals and anywhere without immediate access to running water as you don’t need to wash away the residue.
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Most makeup wipes will contain certain chemical ingredients to extend their shelf life and keep them moist. These aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but some can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.
Be wary of makeup remover wipes with fragrances if you have particularly sensitive skin. This is because perfumes are one of the main causes of inflammation from skincare products. Look for alcohol-free wipes or those with calming ingredients such as cucumber, aloe vera and chamomile to ensure you don't irritate the skin.
If you suffer from particularly dry skin, you'll want to avoid any skincare product which contain alcohol. Alcohol is a really common ingredient to find in makeup wipes as it's excellent at removing stubborn makeup and has potent antibacterial properties.
That said, alcohol can be one of the worst culprits for drying out skin. That also means keeping an eye out for denatured alcohol, or 'alcohol denat'. This ingredient is extremely drying and strips your skin of its natural moisture. so if you see see it high up the ingredients list - run!
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Some makeup removing wipes moisturise as well as cleanse. While we still don’t recommend using these every day, they are excellent when you’re in a pinch, especially if you’re travelling by air and need to reduce your liquids.
We’ve all been in those moments (some of us more than others) when you are just too exhausted to remove your makeup properly. Moisturising wipes can help counteract the more harsh and drying ingredients, so you can cut down the time it takes to clean your face without causing too much damage to your skin.
Some wipes carry extra skincare rich properties such as glycerin, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid to name a few. Look out for ingredient call-outs on the pack, they will protect and nourish your skin as well as remove make-up and debris.
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For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of makeup remover wipes available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes | ![]() | Tried and Tested Natural Wipes From Burt's Bees | |
2 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Facial Wipes | ![]() | The Hyaluronic Gel Mixture That Provides Maximum Moisture | |
3 | Yes To Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes | ![]() | A Hypoallergenic Choice Made From Natural Ingredients | |
4 | Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution | ![]() | Makeup Removing Wipes That Strengthen, Cleanse and Hydrate | |
5 | NIVEA Sensitive Cleansing Wipes | ![]() | The Household Staple That's a Favourite for Sensitive Skin | |
6 | NIVEA Professional Makeup Remover Wipes|MicellAIR Skin Breathe | ![]() | A Favourite Among Professional Makeup Artists Worldwide | |
7 | Simple Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes|Kind To Skin | ![]() | Be Kind to the Environment as Well as Your Skin | |
8 | Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes|Pack of 2 | ![]() | The Popular Drugstore Product Favoured by Makeup Artists | |
9 | L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cleansing Wipes | ![]() | The Best Cleansing Wipes for Mature Skin | |
10 | The Cheeky Panda Facial Wipes Coconut Scented | ![]() | Biodegradable Plastic-Free Wipes with a Subtly Sweet Coconut Scent |
These makeup wipes from Burt’s Bees are some of the best on the market for sensitive skin. Having been both dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested, you can be pretty sure that they will be safe for use on delicate facial skin and around the eyes.
Made from all-natural ingredients, including cotton and aloe, these wipes remove dirt and makeup gently, moisturising as they go. They are fragrance-free and gentle on the skin, so won't leave it feeling dry or sore after use.
These super-moisturising cleansing wipes from Neutrogena are some of the best you can buy if you suffer from dry skin! Each wipe is coated with a Hyaluronic Gel Matrix, which uses hyaluronic acid to plump and replenish the moisture in your skin cells.
These wipes provide an incredibly deep cleanse, but will leave your skin feeling smooth, soft and nourished thanks to the gel-like texture on the sheets. They even work for removing waterproof mascara!
YesTo Cucumbers is an excellent option if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. Their hypoallergenic wipes are pre-moistened to leave you with a lovely soft finish after your cleanse.
The formula contains a blend of natural ingredients including cucumber, aloe vera and green tea which calm and soothe the face. As a bonus, these wipes are biodegradable, meaning they're kind to the environment as well as to your skin.
Bioderma's makeup remover wipes contain an active solution which strengthens your skin as well as cleanses. It then finishes the process off with a bit of hydration to moisturise your skin.
While fragranced, they have a light, fresh scent, unlike some of the more perfumed choices, which leaves your skin feeling refreshed. These are great for all skin types, even those with especially sensitive skin as the soothing allantoin calms the surface and prevents irritation.
These sensitive cleansing wipes from Nivea are another household staple, and for good reason! They will quickly remove even waterproof makeup, yet are soft and gentle enough for those with sensitive skin.
The wipes don't contain any fragrances, alcohol or harmful ingredients, making them one of the best budget options for avoiding skin irritation. They are also enriched with vitamin E, which gently moisturises as it cleanses.
These makeup remover wipes from NIVEA’s professional range are excellent at removing stubborn or waterproof makeup. Being a favourite amongst professional makeup artists, these should certainly do the job for us regular folk!
The wipes feature MicellAIR technology, which provides a gentle but thorough clean for your skin and lashes, while protecting them from excessive rubbing as you remove your makeup. Unfortunately, although advertised for sensitive skin, the formula does contain both alcohol and parfum, so it might not be the best choice.
Simple is one of the most well-known UK brands for affordable skincare, and their biodegradable wipes are one of their best selling products. As their name suggests, the products from Simple are completely free from fragrances, chemicals, alcohol and artificial colours.
The wipes themselves are made using 100% biodegradable plant fibres and include a healthy dose of vitamin B5 and E. Unfortunately, they aren't hydrating, so you will need to follow up with a good moisturiser!
Neutrogena's classic makeup remover wipes have been a staple in most households for years. Easily found in most drugstores, supermarkets and online retailers, these cleansing towelettes are an excellent budget option suitable for most skin types.
The pre-moisturised towelettes leave your skin feeling super soft, while still managing to provide a deep clean, removing even the stickiest of mascaras. Just be aware that they do contain alcohol so won't be suitable for especially sensitive or dry skin types.
L'Oreal has always been a favourite for wrinkle-eliminating skincare products, which is why these cleansing wipes are excellent for those with mature skin. The sweet almond oil provides a soothing and moisturising effect, which can be hard to come by.
The biggest downside is the extremely long list of mostly chemical-based ingredients, many of which are not suitable for use on sensitive skin. That said, they have been dermatologically tested, so will be safe for most other skin types.
Since they're a smaller brand, some people may be apprehensive to try them out, preferring to opt for a well-known and trusted brand instead. If you struggle with skin sensitivity, though, these wipes will be ideal.
Written and researched by Roxy Pratley
We partner with specialists across various fields to proof-read our buying guides to deliver accurate and reliable information. Our specialists do not endorse any products that we recommend.
- mybest UK
No. 1: Burt's Bees|Facial Cleansing Towelettes
No. 2: Neutrogena|Hydro Boost Facial Wipes
No. 3: Yes To Cucumbers|Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes
No. 4: Bioderma|Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution
No. 5: NIVEA|Sensitive Cleansing Wipes
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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