A cleanser, a flannel or muslin cloth, and fresh water are the winning combination when it comes to washing your face thoroughly [1], but there are situations when that isn't possible — like when you don't have easy access to clean running water when you're camping, at a festival, travelling [2], or in hospital. On those occasions, you may need to use a cleansing wipe or baby wipe [3] to clean yourself. The good news is, you can minimise the harmful environmental effects of these wipes by opting for those that are eco-friendly.
Biodegradable wipes will help reduce the incredible amount of wipes that are clogging sewers, piling up in landfills, and washing up on beaches around the world, putting marine life at risk. Pick your favourite, then check out more ways to make your beauty routine more eco-friendly [4]. And remember: never flush wipes, even when they're biodegradable — bin or compost them.
Beauty Kitchen Abyssinian Oil Sustainable Beauty Wipes
Beauty Kitchen Abyssinian Oil Sustainable Beauty Wipes [5] (£6 for 30 wipes) go one step further than being biodegradable by being compostable. They remove makeup, gently cleanse, and hydrate skin with abyssinian oil, which is rich in intensely hydrating omega-9 fatty acids.
Suitable for all skin types, they're made from organic cotton and 100% natural ingredients.
Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Facial Wipes
Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Facial Wipes [6] (£6 for 25 sheets) are cleansing and moisturising with soothing aloe vera and lavender. They're certified organic by the Soil Association.
They're gentle enough for daily use to remove makeup and impurities.
Yes to Cotton 100% Cotton Comforting Facial Wipes
Yes to Cotton 100% Cotton Comforting Facial Wipes [7] (£4 for 25 wipes) cleanse, soothe, hydrate, and protect ultra-sensitive, allergy-prone skin thanks to the cottonseed oil that that helps prevent irritation.
Formulated with 98% natural ingredients (and no parabens, SLS, or silicones), they're partly made from cotton t-shirt manufacturing scraps, which helps save energy, water, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Klorane Makeup Remover Wipes With Cornflower
Klorane Makeup Remover Wipes [8] (£7.50) are 100% biodegradable, and come with added cornflower to soothe the skin (and give the wipes a gentle floral scent).
The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes
The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes [9] (£7 for 25 wipes) provide and all-in-one cleanse, tone, and moisturise with protective vitamin E, moisturising wheatgerm oil, and Community Trade olive oil from Italy.
They're suitable for all skin types and gentle on skin.
Lancer Makeup Removing Wipes
Lancer Makeup Removing Wipes [10] (£32 for 30 Wipes) are made from biodegradable, non-irritating bamboo fibres infused with aloe, cucumber, marshmallow extract, and vitamin E.
They're oil-free and pH balanced.
Botanics All Bright Cleansing Facial Wipes
These wipes are made from wood-based cellulose fibres with no plastic, and should break down in 6 months. Botanics All Bright Cleansing Facial Wipes [11] (£3.50) are also free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, alcohol, and SLS.
Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes with Cotton Extract
Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes with Cotton Extract [12] (£6 for 30 wipes) remove makeup, dirt, and oil while toning your skin. They soften and soothe with cotton extract, rice extract and aloe.
They're 99.1% natural, FSC certified, allergy/dermatologist/ophthalmologist tested, fragrance free, suitable for sensitive skin, and gentle enough for daily use.
Bioderma Sensibio Wipes
Bioderma Sensibio Wipes [13] (£7 for 25 wipes) gently remove makeup and impurities with micellar solution to cleanse and allantoïn to soothe.
They're suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive, and can be used twice daily. They're free from alcohol, parabens, and phenoxyethanol.
Eyeko Mascara Off Wipes
Eyeko Mascara Off Wipes [14] (£6 for 10 Wipes) are made with 100% cotton and contain humectants to moisturise. Aloe vera and olive oil help soothe and smoothe the eye area, while allantoin helps decrease under-eye puffiness, and grapefruit refreshes. You can use the wipe as a cold press to the eye to help loosen eye makeup.
They're free from parabens, sulphates, and phthalates.
RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes
RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes [15] (£15 for 20 wipes) are infused with coconut oil to cleanse, tone, rehydrate, nourish, and soften skin, while gently removing makeup, dirt, and impurities.
They're suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. They can be used to soothe shaved or sunburnt areas, and can help reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Simple Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes
Simple Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes [16] (£2, originally £4 for 25 Sheets) are made from soft, renewable plant fibres, sustainable wood pulp, purified water, and vitamins B5 and E. They cleanse, remove makeup, and unclog pores while hydrating skin.
They're unscented, contain no artificial perfumes, are dermatologically tested and approved, and suitable for sensitive skin.