((EDIT: Hello! It’s Meredith, dropping in to say that there might be products on this page that I no longer use or recommend due to sneaky ingredients that may be unhealthy or potentially toxic. Companies change their ingredients and formulas, so for the most up-to-date information, please feel free to send me a message on Twitter, Instagram or email. You may also want to download the Think Dirty app or Skin Deep app to scan and find out more information on your own! Thanks for stopping by!))

There are a lot of skincare commandments – just ask any dermatologist or anyone who has read an issue of Allure Magazine. Wear sunscreen, don’t over-exfoliate and remember to take off your makeup every day. Every day! For some reason, that last one has been the easiest for me to follow. I bought a package of cleansing towelettes (I think they were Ponds or Biore.)

You guys, it’s important to take your makeup off. Sleeping with makeup on can clog pores leading to acne, make pores appear larger, or even cause an allergic reaction or infection. But when you’re feeling lazy feeling human, it may not be realistic to conduct a whole skincare routine every night. That’s where cleansing wipes come in. Keep the package by your bed, gently wipe in circles and voila! Makeup = off.

I tested three makeup-removing cleansing wipes. I really tested them – I finished off all three packages. I used them once a day (at night, typically) and kept the rest of my makeup and skincare routine pretty much the same. So we’re pretty much looking at 3 months of hardcore scientific discovery here. You’re welcome.

WINNER: Alba Botanica Hawaiian 3-in-1 clean towelettes*, $5.99

Three words: work really well. Three more words: these smell amazing. I liked the texture of the towelette, though the Say Yes to Cucumber texture seemed smoother on delicate eye skin. I never had to use more than one towelette to remove all of my makeup. I also liked using these on days where I didn’t wear makeup but still felt a little dirty due to sweating it out at the gym, etc. The toner aspect of these wipes might be a little too drying for certain skin types, but I didn’t feel any dryer or feel the need to use more moisturizer.

A close second: Say Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes*, $5.99 (I found them in stores for a range of prices up to $6.99)

I actually purchased these twice if that says something. If I ever can’t find the Alba towelettes, I’ll definitely pick these up again. The towelette feels smooth so there’s not a lot of exfoliation, and the formula took off all of my makeup – even liquid eyeliner – with ease. However, I just couldn’t get over the slightly chemically smell. My husband also hated the smell. Like, really hated it.

A distant third: Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes with Cotton Extract*

I had such high hopes for these but despite the words “sensitive skin” on the packaging, I found these to be the most aggravating for my skin. The towelette texture seemed rough. The smell was slightly clinical though the formula was anything but. I used more than one wipe on several occasions to remove all of my makeup. Perhaps due to the towel texture or maybe the formula, my skin was unhappy after the first use and continued to feel tight and unbalanced for the duration of this test. I found myself using more moisturizer and dreading putting these wipes on my face. I usually like Burt’s Bees products so perhaps that made me even more disappointed. Even in a pinch I won’t purchase these again.

Have a favorite wipe you think I should try? Share in the comments!

*Hi friends, just a heads up that this post contains scary affiliate links and if you click, a shark will EAT YOU. Just kidding! Clicking my links just means you like my site and like reading my recommendations. Your shopping experience doesn’t change, but I might get a tiny commission. Affiliate links are indicated with an asterisk like this* If you have any questions, I’m here to talk —> meredithtested@gmail.com … or leave a comment below. xoxo.