PSA: If You Have Oily Skin, You Need a Special Kind of Makeup Wipe

Facial wipes are a hit-or-miss type of beauty product. You either love the new package of hypoallergenic, botanical essence-soaked disposable cloths you just picked up, or you think they’re, well, just okay. Until I discovered my Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Wipes ($6), which are honestly the most refreshing beauty product I’ve ever found, I was under the impression that I didn’t really need facial wipes. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to use them for. I mean, I washed my face each night and moisturized. That was enough, right? 

According to skincare expert Maryam Zamani, MD, I was technically right. “Face wipes should never be a substitution for skin cleansing,” she says. “The face should be rinsed after wipes are used as they contain makeup remover, detergents, alcohol, and other ingredients that can leave a residue on the skin, which can cause irritation and sensitization.” 

However, she says, “if you are in unique situations where you cannot wash the face,” they are useful for removing makeup and pollutants. In other words, stick to using a traditional cleanser each night, but if you just finish a workout or feel like your skin has been exposed to pollutants in smog, exhaust, and the like, then use a face wipe to refresh, cleanse, and soothe.

With oily skin, though, it’s likely that you need a specific type of face wipe—one that hydrates, controls oil, and is gentle on the skin (after all, the last thing you want to do is encourage your skin to produce even more oil). 

Keep reading to see the seven best face wipes for oily skin as recommended by experts.

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RMS Beauty The Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes

Ole Henriksen
So Nurturing Cleansing Cloths
$32.00

Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and assistant clinical professor, department of dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center, reiterates the importance of cleansing with a traditional formula at night. You should use facial wipes to remove stubborn makeup areas or “refresh only.” She recommends any product made for sensitive skin since they have less harsh and irritating chemicals. Try these So Nurturing wipes from Ole Henriksen, which are suitable for all skin types (including sensitive) and even help hydrate and soothe the skin. 

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