Can Makeup Wipes Replace Your Cleanser? Dermatologists Weigh In

Washing your face every night is kind of a non-negotiable— if you've slept in your makeup, you know why. Dirt and oil can lead to breakouts, an overall dull complexion, and even premature aging. But rather than going through the hassle of a full cleanse after a late night, using a makeup wipe can get the job done just as well and with way less effort...right? We wondered: Couldn't you forgo cleanser entirely, and just use makeup wipes to wash your face?

Turns out, not exactly. We spoke to two experts—dermatologists Stefani Kappel and Marie Jhin—to learn exactly why you should, or shouldn't use makeup wipes as cleanser. Keep reading to find out more.

What Are Makeup Wipes?

Makeup wipes are single-use cloths soaked with facial cleanser and/or makeup remover to rid skin of the day's beauty products, not to mention any remnants of dirt and oil. Most makeup wipes ring up between $7 and $10; however, there are some pricy options, like Koh Gen Do's Cleansing Spa Water Cloths that well surpasses the typical budget-friendly prices.

Benefits of Makeup Wipes

• They don't require a lather and rinse
• They're travel-friendly
• They're often more affordable than traditional cleansers
• They're considered to be all-around convenient

Makeup wipes are said to be a lazy girl's best friend. That's because, unlike traditional cleansers, you don't have to lather and rinse in order to rid the skin of built-up makeup, dirt, and oil. Instead, they're designed to wipe away the day's cosmetics with a few swipes, making them super convenient—especially for people who can't be bothered to do a whole multi-step skin care routine at the end of the day.

Makeup Wipes vs. Traditional Cleansers

"While makeup wipes can be convenient for removing makeup quickly, they are generally not a sufficient substitute for a proper facial cleanser," says Jhin. "Makeup wipes might leave behind residue and fail to thoroughly cleanse the pores, which can contribute to various skin concerns. "

Traditional face cleansers have a leg up. "Using specific facial cleansers is important because they are specifically engineered for facial skin," says Kappel. "Most dermatologists aren't going to recommend makeup wipes to clean your face."

How to Properly Use Makeup Wipes

The best way to use makeup wipes is in a two-step or double cleanse ritual. First, use the wipe to remove your eye makeup, foundation, lipstick, and blush. Simply swipe it over your face to loosen up your color cosmetic products and then go in with a proper cleanser.

Using a proper facial cleanser offers several advantages including removing impurities such as excess oil, pollution, and sweat," says Dr. Jhin. She recommends Musely's The Cleanser, which "is designed to effectively remove not only makeup but also dirt, oil, and impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. It cleanses pores without stripping the skin of moisture, leaving it free of dirt and hydrated."

The Side Effects of Using Makeup Wipes as Cleanser

If you only use makeup wipes, sans cleanser, there's a good chance that you will experience breakouts, dry skin, or irritation. "Many of the wipes on the market contain chemicals that can be irritating and harmful to the skin such as phthalates, parabens, fragrances etc.," says Dr. Kappel. "In addition, many of these wipes can strip your skin of natural moisturizing factors which can disrupt the barrier and over-strip the skin."

The Final Takeaway

We get it: Some people may find no issue at all with using a wipe daily, but for most, no matter what variation is used—organic, chemical-free, etc.—you run the risk of it not agreeing with your skin or not properly removing all of the dirt, makeup, and oil and thus leading to breakouts, irritation, dullness, and other concerns. So, if you want to use your makeup wipes as a first step, go for it, but you'd be wise to stick with your fancy cleanser for the best cleanse.