How safe are facial wipes for your skin? Dermats weigh in (2024)

Whether it's for removing makeup or refreshing a sweaty face, facial wipes are our go-to for their sheer convenience. But is there a danger lurking behind this ease?

How safe are facial wipes for your skin? Dermats weigh in (1)

Facial wipes are convenient, but how good is it for your skin. (Photo: Getty Images)

Tiasa Bhowal

New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 22, 2024 09:25 IST

What’s in my bag? – My wallet, makeup essentials, my earphones, a box of snacks, and, of course, a pouch of facial wipes.

It’s surprising how facial wipes have become an indispensable part of our everyday bags, amongst other things, and there are reasons behind that. Facial wipes are convenient, and more often than not, they come in handy in tricky situations (think spilling some tea when the tissue comes to your rescue). Of course, it’s also useful during a quick change to remove makeup, amongst other utilities.

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Additionally, we cannot deny the fact that after the pandemic our inclination towards hygiene has increased manifold and these wipes sometimes just double as surface wipes too. That probably justifies the current wet wipes market in India, which is about Rs 744 crore and this is expected to grow annually by 18.38 per cent and reach Rs 2,155 crore by 2027.

Now, here’s the thing: we often tend to overlook a problem when it has innumerable uses. So, the question is, are we doing the same thing when it comes to facial wipes, or are they just as harmless as a dove? India Today spoke to experts and here's what we understand:

How safe are facial wipes for your skin? Dermats weigh in (3)

The problem of plenty

Facial wipes are infused with a mix of ingredients designed to cleanse your skin. While most wipes are dermatologically tested, certain chemicals in them might not suit every skin type, particularly if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Dr Shireen Furtado, senior consultant, medical and cosmetic dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, explains, “With the proliferation of options, it becomes important to evaluate the ingredients, effectiveness, and overall quality of these products to determine their value in skincare routines.”

He adds that the market is replete with various facial wipes brands, but it is always necessary to check their efficacy and suitability for diverse skin types. Not all products are created equal; some may contain harsh chemicals or allergens that could potentially harm the skin rather than provide the intended cleansing or moisturising benefits. A flip around, and ingredients list at the back of the packaging can spill a lot of beans.

What to keep in mind

When selecting a facial tissue, it is essential to consider various factors and ingredients that may influence both the quality and suitability of the product for your needs. Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based dermatologist, suggests that wipes shouldn’t be used on the face unless absolutely necessary. And if at all it has to be, certain things have to be kept in mind.

How safe are facial wipes for your skin? Dermats weigh in (4)

“Ensure the wipes contain hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or Vitamin C, and are free from alcohol. They should also have minimal perfume, as excessive fragrance can irritate the skin and lead to blackheads or whiteheads. The alcohol in the perfume can linger on the skin, and applying cream over it may cause further irritation while attracting dust and impurities,” Dr Bhardwaj mentions.

Dr Furtado also shares a few aspects to keep in mind while purchasing facial wipes:

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  • Key aspects to evaluate include the softness and strength of the tissue (preferably choose wipes that have good feedback/good word-of-mouth review).
  • As well as check if there is presence of any additives such as lotions or fragrances that could affect skin sensitivity.
  • Furthermore, the environmental impact of the product, including whether it is made from recycled materials or is biodegradable, should also be taken into account to ensure a responsible purchase.

Makeup/facial wipes over cleanser?

There’s a quintessential Bengali expression, “lyadh”, that describes a state of being that’s more than just procrastination or laziness. Why bring it up here? Because while we can’t stress enough the importance of a good skincare routine, many women might be tempted to skip cleansing and opt for a quick swipe with facial or makeup wipes out of sheer lyadh—and that’s a big no-no.

Experts warn that facial wipes can be convenient, but they should never replace your regular skincare routine.

“When it comes to removing makeup, there are much better options. You can use an essential oil, a cream, or, ideally, a cleanser. A cleanser is the best choice, and for optimal results, you can double cleanse—first removing the makeup with the cleanser, then using it again as a face wash. Just using wipes is a big no-no,” advises Dr Bhardwaj.

How safe are facial wipes for your skin? Dermats weigh in (5)

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Swipe right on wipes?

Well, it depends, as Dr Bhardwaj suggests, using wipes when it is absolutely necessary.

“If you absolutely need to use a facial wipe, reserve it for times when your face is really dirty, and water isn’t available. However, if you do have access to water, splashing your face and gently patting it dry with soft tissue is a much better option,” she concludes.

Published By:

Tiasa Bhowal

Published On:

Nov 22, 2024

How safe are facial wipes for your skin? Dermats weigh in (2024)

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