Removing Makeup with Wet Wipes, Safe or Risky?

JAKARTA - Removing makeup with wet wipes is a practical and fast method, especially when you are in a hurry or do not have other facial cleansers. However, is this method really effective and safe for the skin?

Wet wipes are often an instant solution to remove makeup, but their use has drawbacks that need to be considered. Although practical, this method is not always the best choice for skin health.

Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City said that wet wipes can indeed remove most of the makeup, but cannot thoroughly clean the face.

For someone who has oily and acne-prone facial skin, cleaning the face with wet wipes is not the solution. In fact, cleaning the face with wet wipes can clog pores and cause acne.

"If you have oily or acne-prone skin, using wet wipes can cause clogged pores and acne," said Dr. Hadley, quoted by VOI from the Real Simple page on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Furthermore, the alcohol or fragrance content in wet wipes can trigger allergic reactions or irritation on sensitive skin.

"For those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, some wipes can leave irritating chemical residues," he continued.

In addition, Dr. Hadley says regular cleansers may not be strong enough to remove all of your makeup, so you miss out on the hydration and health benefits of your skin.

The result is a dry, flaky face with makeup residue left behind. Instead, look for a cleanser that also effectively removes makeup.

Dr. Hadley warns that the skin on your face is much more sensitive than the skin on your body. While you can scrub your body with an exfoliating loofah, that doesn’t mean you should use the same amount of pressure on your face as on your body.

Rubbing your face with a cotton pad or makeup remover wipes too hard can damage your skin, so she recommends that you scrub your face gently.