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I fully support products that save me a step or make life a little easier, but not if it means the environment is going to suffer. An instance where that's the case: Single use facial wipes. I know that they're a gym bag hero and totally fine to remove makeup in a pinch, but for daily use, reusable cotton rounds are an eco-friendly alternative.
Here's why: “The biggest environmental problem with makeup remover wipes is the sheer volume,” Diana Felton MD, state toxicologist with the Hawaii Department of Health, told Real Simple. “One group estimates that 20 million pounds of single-use wipes (including baby wipes and disinfecting wipes) are disposed of every day in the U.S. Many wipes are disposed of in landfills, and despite claims to the contrary, most are not biodegradable and do not rapidly break down, creating too much trash to fit in our landfills.”
Not only are reusable cotton rounds great for green beauty enthusiasts, but it's also better for your skin. Derms have long been leery of their patients using wipes alone to cleanse the skin as they often leave behind dirt and makeup so you then have to cleanse again. As I mentioned above, best to save disposable wipes for when you're in a pinch.
Have I sold you yet?! If not, then I urge you to just try one of these reusable cotton rounds for yourself. Once you realize they're *even better* than the non-reusable kind, you'll wonder why you didn't make the eco-friendly switch sooner.
This microfiber cotton round is the size of the palm of your hand and just needs water to be able to wipe away a full face of foundation, lipstick, and mascara in a few swipes—no cleanser needed. Yes, really.
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If you're a non-reusable cotton round stan (did Iuse that right?!), these alternatives are for you. They seem to be the most similar to the real thing,and yet, they claim to last for more than 1,750 times. You can use them toapply toners, essences, or to remove makeup—it'sgood for it all.
Any Type A readers out there?Meet your reusable cotton round match. This set of seven bamboo rounds comes with a label on each one with the day of the week so you'll know you're using a fresh one every time. Use them alongside your products to apply skincare or help cleanse your face.
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Who says green beauty has to be boring?Add some life to your reusable cottonrounds with this fun mushroom printed set. Each pad just needs water to remove makeup—no cleanser. One side has shorter fibers to remove makeup, and the other side has longer ones to help give skin a light exfoliation.
Specifically made to pair with Garnier's best-selling micellar water makeup remover, these cotton rounds whisk away makeup, dirt, and grime—stat.
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Worried about how many cotton rounds you go through?This pack of 20 has you covered with enough to always have a fresh one on hand.
This set comes with 14 organic bamboo pads (one for morning and night, every day of the week), a vegan croc carrying case, and a mesh bag to wash the reusable rounds.
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These organic cotton rounds come in a set of 20 and once you've worn them out, you can compost them.
Not exactly cotton rounds, but these microfiber makeup remover towels are ideal for removing heavy eye makeup.
Chelsea Burns
Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women’s Health and has been writing in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work appearing in Real Simple, Health, Fitness, and Byrdie.com. She’s an expert at testing products and is always on the hunt for the best tinted moisturizer.