One of the single-use products I just don’t understand is makeup wipes — once you make the switch to zero waste makeup remover pads, the use-once-and-toss-out alternative just doesn’t make any sense!
Reusable makeup remover pads are much softer and gentler on your skin than the single-use versions, plus they’re more sustainable and way more affordable in the long-run.
And when I say “zero waste makeup removing pads”, they’re really just reusable cotton rounds! So these pads listed below can also be used for anything you’d use single-use cotton rounds or cotton balls for, like applying toner or creamy lotion. The options are endless!
[Check out this post for zero waste makeup remover options.]Note that this guide includes affiliate links. All selections and opinions are my own, and all products featured meet high standards for sustainability. Cover image is from EcoRoots.
1. DIY Makeup Remover Pads
The most affordable solution for zero waste makeup remover pads? Make your own! You can also cut up an old cloth and make homemade cotton rounds that can work as makeup remover pads. Litterless has a great simple tutorial for DIY cotton rounds.
2. Organic Reusable Cotton Rounds
If you’re not into DIYs or don’t have an extra cloth to use, EcoRoots (one of my favorite online zero waste stores!) has a set of 10 reusable organic cotton rounds that come out to just a little bit over $1 per round. The rounds are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and bamboo and they ship in minimal, plastic-free packaging.
Price: $11 for 10
3. Marley’s Monsters Reusable Facial Rounds
Another low-waste option for makeup remover pads are these reusable facial rounds from Marley’s Monsters, made from 100% organic cotton. These small rounds are handmade in the U.S. and ship in packaging made from recycled content (which is also recyclable).
Price: $20 for 20 | Use code CONSCIOUSLIFE for 10% off
4. Hemp and Organic Cotton Makeup Removal Pads
Made from 55% hemp fleece and 45% certified organic cotton, Life Without Plastic’s reusable makeup remover pads are a sustainable option for swapping out disposable makeup wipes.
These eco-friendly makeup remover pads come in an 8-pack and can be used for everything that you can use cotton rounds for — but these pads will be much softer and gentler on your skin!
Price: $15 for 8
Check Them Out on Life Without Plastic
5. Zero Waste Reusable Facial Squares
Well Earth Goods also has a set of durable cotton facial squares that can be used as reusable makeup remover pads! I like that these pads are darker in color, as sometimes, with my light beige makeup remover cloths, I notice that the stains from my mascara and other makeup don’t always completely come out.
The brand’s facial squares are handmade in Oregon entirely from cotton, so they are compostable at the end of their life.
Price: $13 for 12
Check Them Out on Well Earth Goods
6. Under the Nile Terry Washcloths
If you’re wanting a reusable makeup remover option that can also be used for a variety of other functions, these terry organic washcloths from EarthHero are your best bet!
The towels are made from GOTS and USDA certified organic cotton that was grown on a Fairtrade-certified farm.
Price: $20 for 6 | Use code CONSCIOUSLIFE for 10% off
7. Nursing Pads
A few years ago, when zero waste cotton makeup pads weren’t easy to find (or at least that I was aware of), I actually read that nursing pads could be used as a solution for reusable makeup removing wipes.
So, nursing pads are still what I still use to this day to remove my makeup! I bought mine off of Amazon, but I don’t like to support this company, so I’d love to share Life Without Plastic’s Nursing Pads with you that are made from hemp and organic cotton.
Their makeup pads listed above are of course designed already for the purpose of removing makeup! But nursing pads are typically larger than the cotton rounds so I like them for when I need to take off an entire face worth of makeup (rather than just my eye makeup, for instance) and you may find you prefer them as well.
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