For a long time, makeup remover wipes have been the number one enemy of skincare addicts: botched makeup removal, tight skin, mountains of waste. We thought they were buried for good. And yet, 2026 puts them back at the center of the beauty game.
These soaked squares remain criticized for incomplete cleaning, residues on the skin and a poor ecological impact, since they cannot be recycled. Today, green brands and labels are reinventing this gesture via new formats.
Why make-up remover wipes have lost popularity
Over the years, makeup and skincare experts have denounced wipes that remove makeup poorly, leave product on the skin and can irritate, especially if you rub hard to remove stubborn mascara. Makeup removal often remains superficial, far from the more complete routines that have taken over.
At the same time, these disposable formats have become the symbol of waste in the bathroom. Many consumers have looked for more sustainable alternatives, such as washable pads from the French brand Lamazuna.
Skincare pads: the new generation of wipes in 2026
To put wipes back in the spotlight, brands are relying on pads full of active ingredients. Like those from No7 Beauty, they come in exfoliating, mattifying or moisturizing versions, designed as real ready-to-use treatments.
These pads are still wipes, but in a smaller format, sometimes in the shape of hearts or flowers to catch the eye, easy to take anywhere. Inspired by K-beauty, they promise an express gesture that cleanses and treats at the same time, especially for fans of quick routines.
Reusable makeup remover wipes: the other face of the comeback
For their part, brands like Lamazuna offer reusable microfiber wipes, made in Spain and France, sold by 10 or 20 and advertised as reusable around 300 times with just a little water. The very particular weave and the microfiber material really give the impression of makeup on these wipes, explains the blogger from the Mango and Salt site.
According to this test, one pad is enough to remove light, non-waterproof daily makeup in less than two minutes, with great gentleness even on very reactive skin. These washable wipes also save on makeup remover products, can be cleaned in the machine or with soap, dry quickly and become more supple, but they become a little damaged over time and do not completely replace cotton pads, for example to apply a hydrosol or an antiseptic. In 2026, the return of wipes therefore looks less like a revival of disposable versions than like a new generation, shared between soaked pads and reusable formats.
Are makeup remover wipes really bad for your skin?
The first disposable wipes were criticized because they removed makeup poorly, left product residue on the face and were sometimes irritating, especially when you rub hard.
What is the difference between makeup remover wipes and pads in 2026?
The pads remain wipes, but in smaller and fun formats, full of exfoliating, mattifying or moisturizing active ingredients, inspired by K-beauty routines.
What are Lamazuna reusable makeup remover wipes worth?
Tested over several weeks, these washable wipes remove light daily makeup in less than two minutes, are reusable around 300 times, but are a little damaged and do not completely replace cotton pads.
