Compostable Makeup Wipes Are Offically A Thing

Beauty

Jul 19

This small change to your beauty routine has major environmental impact

One thing we all know well enough about are the harmful effects beauty products can have on the environment. Hence the industry’s continuous push for clean and eco-friendly products. We’ve all been making the shift to cleaner products that are better for skin and the planet, but the one product that causes the most harm might also be the easiest change to your daily routine. For years we’ve looked to makeup wipes as the holy grail hero in our day and night routine, but the fact of the matter is they are the most problematic for the environment. One of the reasons being the rate and sheer volume in which disposable wipes, i.e. makeup, beauty and body wipes, are being used. Throughout the years they’ve been a staple for MUA’s, beauty bloggers and makeup enthusiasts all over, and with variations for skin types and stubborn makeup trends it seems they are her to stay.

But the industry has been evolving with the shift towards clean, vegan and eco-friendly products, and the idea of makeup wipes has gained a lot of chatter. With more and more brands focusing on natural ingredients and environmental impact, it only makes sense that the wipes we’ve come to depend on do the same. Makeup wipes, similar to plastic straws, have a life span of just 1 use. 3 swipes and 1 clean face later, we toss the trusty wipe into the trash without another thought of where it will end up or its ultimate impact. But a quick scan of the ingredients can give us a clue. Most wipes are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, plastic, and rayon fibers. Materials that are non-biodegradable, inorganic and harmful to the environment. When tossed into the trash they often end up in landfills and trash dumps, and when flushed they clog and contaminate water systems. In fact, studies have shown that single use disposable wipes, such as makeup wipes, are one of the top most wasteful products in the world.

Luckily a few brands have taken notice and action by creating compostable, bio-degradable wipes that are eco-friendly. Almay makes a line of bio-degradable makeup wipes that are made from natural materials that can be broken down over time. The collection includes a micellar based wipe, a gentle exfoliating wipe and even one for longwearing, i.e. stubborn, makeup looks. Simple makes a different case for eco-friendly wipes with their compostable cleansing wipes. The wipes can be added to at home compost bins, cycling through decomposition to eventually become new soil that is rich in natural materials. Though you do have to be careful with the type of makeup the wipes are used with, the idea is certainly helpful in the stride to a cleaner planet.

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