What's in my bag? – My wallet, makeup essentials, earphones, a snack box, and, of course, a pack of facial wipes.
Facial wipes have become essential in our daily lives, offering convenience for quick cleanups and makeup removal. Post-pandemic, their role in hygiene has grown, with the wet wipes market in India expected to reach Rs 2,155 crore by 2027. However, despite their many uses, experts warn we might be overlooking potential concerns. India Today delves into whether facial wipes are as harmless as they seem.
The problem of plenty
Facial wipes are infused with a mix of ingredients designed to cleanse your skin. While most wipes are dermatologically tested, certain chemicals in them might not suit every skin type, particularly if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Dr Shireen Furtado, senior consultant, medical and cosmetic dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, explains, “With the proliferation of options, it becomes important to evaluate the ingredients, effectiveness, and overall quality of these products to determine their value in skincare routines.”
He adds that the market is replete with various facial wipes brands, but it is always necessary to check their efficacy and suitability for diverse skin types. Not all products are created equal; some may contain harsh chemicals or allergens that could potentially harm the skin rather than provide the intended cleansing or moisturising benefits. A flip around, and ingredients list at the back of the packaging can spill a lot of beans.
What to keep in mind
When selecting a facial tissue, it is essential to consider various factors and ingredients that may influence both the quality and suitability of the product for your needs. Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based dermatologist, suggests that wipes shouldn’t be used on the face unless absolutely necessary. And if at all it has to be, certain things have to be kept in mind.
“Ensure the wipes contain hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or Vitamin C, and are free from alcohol. They should also have minimal perfume, as excessive fragrance can irritate the skin and lead to blackheads or whiteheads. The alcohol in the perfume can linger on the skin, and applying cream over it may cause further irritation while attracting dust and impurities,” Dr Bhardwaj mentions.
Dr Furtado also shares a few aspects to keep in mind while purchasing facial wipes:
- Key aspects to evaluate include the softness and strength of the tissue (preferably choose wipes that have good feedback/good word-of-mouth review).
- As well as check if there is presence of any additives such as lotions or fragrances that could affect skin sensitivity.
- Furthermore, the environmental impact of the product, including whether it is made from recycled materials or is biodegradable, should also be taken into account to ensure a responsible purchase.
Makeup/facial wipes over cleanser?
There’s a quintessential Bengali expression, “lyadh”, that describes a state of being that’s more than just procrastination or laziness. Why bring it up here? Because while we can’t stress enough the importance of a good skincare routine, many women might be tempted to skip cleansing and opt for a quick swipe with facial or makeup wipes out of sheer lyadh—and that’s a big no-no.
Experts warn that facial wipes can be convenient, but they should never replace your regular skincare routine.
Dr. Bhardwaj recommends better alternatives for makeup removal, such as essential oils, creams, or ideally, a cleanser. For the best results, he suggests double cleansing—first using the cleanser to remove makeup and then again as a face wash. He strongly advises against solely relying on wipes.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
