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Best eco-friendly and biodegradable makeup remover wipes

Let’s face it: removing makeup is one of the most annoying parts about wearing it.

When you get in from a long tiring day (or heavy night out), the last thing you want to do is a full-on skincare routine before you hit the hay – but there’ll be no excuse for not taking off your slap if you have face wipes handy.

By leaving makeup on your face, it can lead to breakouts, skin irriration, dry skin and even premature aging. Wipes offer a quick shortcut to cleansed and refreshed skin without the fuss of rinsing.

Thankfully, there are plenty of hard-working options on the market that won’t leave your skin feeling dry or sticky and even feature formulas for acne-prone, sensitive and oily skin types.

But, you should always pay close attention to what your wipes are made from for environmental reasons. While we were once limited to options that would take years to breakdown in landfills due to their composition of the likes of polyester, polypropylene, cotton, wood pulp, or rayon fibers, there are now biodegradable and reusable alternatives that combine the convenience and practicality, cleaning your face and conscience.

We’ve tested some of the best face cleansing wipes that claim to clean off all kinds of makeup, dirt and oil with incredible ease.

Whether you keep them in your bag or on your nightstand, these skincare heroes are a must for makeup wearers.

Bioderma Sensibio Wipes

These oh-so-gentle biodegrable wipes are enriched with the brand's hero micellar water formula, which has been gaining popularity in recent years for its ability to attract dirt and make-up like a magnet, and soothing allantoïn to prevent irritation. The soft and silky texture means they work like a dream for sensitive skin. In terms of removing every last trace of makeup, these wipes were super effective yet left our skin feeling calm and nourished.

£7.10 | Boots | Buy it now

Yes To Tomatoes Blemish Clearing Facial Wipes

If you suffer from blemishes, then you’ll love these pre-moistened wipes that are part of Yes To's bestselling Tomatoes range. Each is saturated with a cruelty-free formula containing fruit acids that help control oil as well as salicylic acid to fight and prevent breakouts. Ideal for most skin types, these wipes managed to eradicate all traces of daily grime and makeup without causing any redness or sensitivity. They’re also made with 100 per cent cellulose (a natural polymer), making them completely biodegradable.

£3.99 | Look Fantastic | Buy it now

Botanics All Bright Face Wipes

These cleansing wipes from Boots are specially formulated with Hibiscus extract to gently exfoliate skin while ridding your face of makeup. Skin is left soft, smooth and refreshed thanks to the natural AHA. Just be sure to close your eyes when wiping over your lashes. The wipes are composed of wood-based cellulose fibres without plastic binding which makes them biodegradable.

£2.62 | Boots | Buy it now

Ella Jane Refresh Face Wipes

These facial wipes from renowned skincare specialist and therapist Deborah Mitchell, who has treated the likes of Duchess of Cambridge to Kylie Minogue, are specially designed for overly oily skin or open pores. The formula includes peppermint and spearmint to minimise oil secretion whilst balancing PH levels and refining the pores. Ideal for a pre-workout cleanse, they are wonderfully refreshing and also suitable for all ages. Like everything on this list they are also biodegradable.

£10.90 | Heaven Skincare | Buy it now

Simple Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes

The popular Simple face wipes have been created in a biodegradable version using soft renewable plant fibres and sustainable wood pulp. Acting as a gentle cleanser and effective makeup remover, they are infused with purified water and skin-loving ingredients like vitamins B5 and E. Suitable for sensitive skin, they are also unscented and free of any artificial perfumes, colours and harsh chemicals.

£3.50 | Boots | Buy it now

Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Facial Wipes

Forget nasties, thebiodegradable organic cotton wipes from Neal's Yard are gentle for your face with aloe vera and lavender to soothe skin. The wipes are housed in a resealable package to keep them moist and fresh.

£5.50 | Feel Unique | Buy it now

RMS Beauty Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes

Gently remove makeup with ease thanks to the RMS Beauty makeup wipes that are as efficient as they are gentle. Infused with coconut oil, they work to nourish and hydrate skin while removing residue and dirt. The wipes are also 100% compostable and inidiviually wrapped - so are perfect for travelling.

£15 | Space NK | Buy it now

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wipes

The Body Shop makeup wipes are both vegan and biodegradable. The wipes are enriched with healing tea tree oil and work to remove makeup and fight against impurities and blemishes.

£6 | The Body Shop | Buy it now

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanse Towelettes Extract​

These 3-in-1 towelettes cleanse, tone and hydrate sensitive skin. They are just the ticket for removing heavy makeup and pore-clogging dirt – no harsh rubbing necessary – and are gentle enough to be used twice a day. The wipes are 99.1 per cent natural, hypoallergenic and fragrance free.

£6.49 | Burt’s Bees | Buy it now

Klorane Make-Up Remover Wipes with Soothing Cornflower

The makeup wipes from Klorane, the brand that specialises in plant-based products, are soaked in cornflower to bring your skin a hit of freshness. The gentle formula elminiates makeup, dirt and residue and is composed of 100 per cent biodegradable fibres.

£5.40 | Cocoon Center | Buy it now

Beauty Kitchen Abyssinian Oil Compostable Face

Be kind to the planet and your skin with the Abyssinian oil enriched makeup wipes from Beauty Kitchen. Composed of organic cotton and 100 per cent natural ingredients, the wipes are compostable and add an extra level of hydration to your beauty routine.

£5.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

Verdict:

The super gentle yet effective formula of Bioderma's Sensibio wipes make them an absolute must for our beauty cabinet. For acne sufferers, your best bet is the Yes To Tomatoes option.