Cotton balls or pads are a mainstay in our beauty routines. They work wonders in wiping away dirt, oil, and makeup from our faces. The only downside? These single-use items are tossed each day, contributing to mountains of landfill waste. 

On top of that, cotton is a crop that’s produced using “a large amount of water,” as reported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). In fact, “some experts contend that cotton is the largest user of water among all agricultural commodities.” What’s more, its growth depends heavily on pesticides. These chemicals can damage the soil, contaminate water sources, and harm wildlife. 

Thankfully, reusable makeup remover pads exist, and they’re a much more sustainable alternative to regular cotton rounds. In this blog article, learn more about how these eco-friendly wonders can not only help the planet but also your wallet in the long run! 

What Are Reusable Makeup Remover Pads? 

Reusable makeup remover pads are exactly what they sound like: They’re made from natural materials that are easily washable, which means you can use them over and over again. They come in varying shapes and sizes, from cloths to mitts. 

Benefits of Using Reusable Makeup Remover Pad (Aside From Being Eco-Friendly) 

• It helps you save money - A set of reusable pads may cost more than a pack of cotton balls but it can last for months or even years with proper care. 
• It’s gentle on the skin - Reusable pads are usually made from organic cotton, bamboo, or microfiber, which tend to be softer than traditional cotton rounds. 
• It helps manually exfoliate the skin, leaving you with a clean, smooth complexion. Exfoliation helps your skin absorb your skincare products too, making them more effective. 
• It’s travel-friendly - It’s nearly as convenient to use as a cotton ball. Plus, it takes up minimal space in your luggage!

 

Types of Reusable Makeup Remover Pads 

• Organic cotton pads - In case you’re wondering, not all cotton harms the environment—organic cotton, for example, is made without the use of chemical pesticides. Its soft and gentle texture makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

 

How To Use Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

1. Simply soak the pad in warm water. 
2. Gently wipe away impurities from your face. To avoid tugging, especially when removing heavy makeup, you may use it alongside the following skincare products: 

• Cleanser - For a thorough but gentle cleanse, we recommend applying a small amount of cream or gel cleanser to your reusable makeup pad before use. This will help reduce friction, minimizing irritation and the appearance of wrinkles.
• Facial toner - Aside from removing any traces of grime and oil, using a hydrating toner like CeraVe’s Alcohol-Free Hydrating Toner with a makeup pad helps keep the skin soft and supple. 
• Cleansing oil - A cleansing oil like DHC’s Internet-famous Deep Cleansing Oil effortlessly dissolves eye makeup, including waterproof mascara. 
• Micellar water - This multi-tasking French beauty staple can be used as a cleanser, toner, and makeup remover. It’s made of tiny micelles that act like magnets, attracting and removing impurities without irritating the skin. One of the best ones out there is Bioderma’s cult-favorite Sensibio H20 Micellar Water. 

1. Flip the pad to the clean side. 
2. Don’t forget to clean the pad afterwards! 

How to Clean Reusable Makeup Remover Pads 

Proper care is key to ensuring your makeup remover pads last a long time. Here’s how you can keep them in tip-shop shape: 

Spot-clean the pad. 

Right after every use, rinse the reusable pad thoroughly with warm water. For stubborn makeup residue, you can also spot-clean it by hand washing with a small amount of facial cleanser or hand soap. This helps prevent staining and bacteria buildup.

Toss it in your washing machine–along with your laundry. 

Good news: Most reusable pads are machine-washable! For hygienic purposes, deep clean them every after a few uses with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent to prevent irritation to your skin. Also, skip the fabric softener as it may reduce the pad’s absorbency. Another pro tip? Place them inside a washable bag to keep the pads from getting lost or damaged in the washing machine. 

Leave it to air dry! 

Finally, simply let the pads air dry before storing them. It may be tempting to use a hair dryer, especially when you’re in a rush. However, excessive heat can damage the quality of the pads. 

P.S. Don’t forget to store the clean, dry pads in a container or pouch. Doing so will help prevent dust build-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reusable Makeup Remover Pads 

• How often should you wash reusable makeup remover pads? 

Wash the pad with soap and water after every use. As mentioned earlier, deep cleaning it every now and then also helps avoid bacteria buildup. 

• Are they sanitary?

As long as you clean them regularly, reusable makeup pads are generally safe and hygienic. 

• When should you throw away reusable makeup remover pads? 

Pay attention to the condition of the pads. Watch out for visible signs of wear and tear, such as change in texture. Over time, the pad may become less gentle on your skin. Additionally, a lingering unpleasant odor is another clear sign that it’s time to throw it away.  

• Can you remove nail polish with reusable pads? 

Of course! Reusable pads work just like regular cotton rounds. The only downside is that nail polishes tend to leave stains and may cause the pads to become stiff if not washed immediately. We recommend using a separate set of pads for nail care. 

Are reusable makeup remover pads worth it? 

If you're looking for ways to live more sustainably, swapping to reusable pads is a great way to start! Remember, every little step matters. 

References: 

https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton  

https://www.euronews.com/green/2018/11/19/the-dark-side-of-cotton-pads

https://www.eliselouise.com.au/post/microfibre-face-cloths-should-you-use-one

https://www.primark.com/en-gb/a/inspiration/skincare-and-makeup/caring-for-your-reusable-cleansing-pads