I’ve always been skeptical about makeup wipes. Most leave my sensitive skin feeling stripped, irritated, or worse—still covered in makeup.
When I discovered that 64% of dermatologists warn against harsh makeup removers for daily use, I knew I wasn’t alone in my struggle. Honest Beauty’s Fragrance Free Cleansing Makeup Remover Facial Wipes caught my attention with their plant-based, sensitive skin-friendly claims. But do they actually deliver? Let’s unpack everything about these increasingly popular facial wipes.
What Makes Honest Beauty Wipes Different?
Before diving into the ingredient list and performance, it’s worth looking at what sets these wipes apart from the crowd.
Honest Beauty Fragrance Free Cleansing Makeup Remover Facial Wipes stand out in a saturated market through their genuinely clean formulation and environmentally-conscious design. Made from biodegradable plant-based cloth, they’re a more sustainable option compared to the standard polyester-based wipes you’ll find at the drugstore.
The formula avoids the harsh detergents that often leave skin tight and uncomfortable. Instead, it relies on sugar-derived surfactants that lift away makeup without upsetting the skin’s natural balance. Importantly, these wipes are truly fragrance-free—meaning they’re not “unscented” with masking agents, but formulated without added fragrance altogether.
Packaging is another practical point. You can choose a 30-count pack for regular use or a larger 90-count option if you’re stocking up. As with the rest of Honest Beauty’s line, they’re EWG Verified, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested.
The Clean Ingredient Breakdown
Gentle surfactants like glycolipids and plant-derived polyglyceryl surfactants (such as Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate) dissolve makeup and impurities while preserving the skin’s protective barrier.
Moisture Retention System
Propanediol and Caprylyl Glycol work as humectants, helping the skin stay hydrated rather than feeling stripped.
Alternative Preservatives
Hydroxyacetophenone and Glyceryl Caprylate replace common preservatives like parabens. They do the job of keeping the wipes safe without increasing irritation risk.
pH Balance Maintenance
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate and Sodium Citrate help keep the wipes at a skin-friendly pH, preventing disruption to the acid mantle.
Notable Exclusions
No artificial fragrances, alcohols, sulfates, silicones, or PEGs—ingredients that often cause problems for sensitive skin.
Real-World Performance
For daily foundation, concealer, blush, and powder, these wipes do their job efficiently. Most users find a single wipe is enough.
Eye Makeup Removal
They’re surprisingly effective on non-waterproof mascaras and eyeliners. Best of all, there’s no stinging—making them a safe option for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.
Skin After Use
The skin feels clean, comfortable, and free from residue. Unlike some wipes, you don’t feel like you need to rinse your face immediately.
Where They Fall Short
Even with their strengths, these wipes aren’t flawless. Waterproof mascaras, long-wear lipsticks, and oil-based foundations can be stubborn. For those, you’ll still need an oil-based remover.
Their eco-friendly cloth is better than traditional options, but using wipes daily still creates waste. Cost is another factor—priced around $9.99–$12.99 for a 30-pack, they’re not the cheapest option. And because the preservatives are gentler, the wipes can dry out if you forget to seal the pack tightly.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Them
- Store the pack upside down to keep moisture evenly distributed.
- For stubborn areas, press the wipe on your skin for 10–15 seconds before wiping.
- Always reseal the pack immediately after use.
- Use them as a first step in a double cleanse rather than your only cleansing method.
Who Should Buy These Wipes?
Honest Beauty Fragrance Free Cleansing Makeup Remover Facial Wipes aren’t just another wipe—they’re a thoughtful option for people who want gentleness without sacrificing effectiveness. They’re ideal for sensitive skin, travel, gym bags, or quick refreshes when you don’t have access to a full skincare routine.
They may not remove every last trace of waterproof makeup, but for everyday cleansing, they strike a satisfying balance. If clean ingredients and skin comfort are priorities for you, they’re worth adding to your skincare rotation.
As part of Amazon’s Beauty and Health category, you’ll also find countless other skincare staples to pair with them—whether you’re looking for a gentle cleanser, a soothing moisturizer, or a targeted treatment. It’s worth browsing to see what else could complement your routine.
