10 best reusable makeup remover pads to try in 2024 (2024)

Some 9.3 million wet wipes are flushed down UK toilets every day, while the production of 1kg of cotton — or 15-20 standard packs of cotton pads — uses 20,000 litres of water.

Environmental concerns aside, the preservatives used to keep wipes bacteria-free can irritate dry and sensitive skin. Ever been left with a stinging face after "cleansing" with a wipe? That's why. So, swapping to reusable pads is not only kinder on the planet, it's gentler on your skin too.

Score: 85/100

These large organic cotton pads have two sides for cleansing and toning. Unbleached and fully biodegradable, the eight pads come with an organic cotton drawstring bag for use in the washing machine.

Our testers loved their size and found the cotton gentle and smooth on their skin. Our panel agreed that they lifted makeup well, with our stringent lab test backing up their glowing reports.

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Score: 84/100

Despite the budget price, these multi-use Primark pads seriously impressed our panel. One tester told us: “Gentle on the skin but harsh on makeup, these reusable cotton pads are soft, easily washable, and remove stubborn mascara brilliantly!”

We had a few comments about the rounds being too small, but others enjoyed the agility this gave them when cleaning the corners of their eyes or around the nose. At £2 for ten, they’re gentle on your savings, too.

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Score: 81/100

This set features 12 soft velvet pads for everyday cleansing, and four scrub terry pads for exfoliation and more stubborn makeup removal. Our testers appreciated the textural variety, with most agreeing they removed makeup and exfoliated skin effectively.

The lab score reflected the extra effort required to lift stubborn mascara. That said, these pads proved easy to clean and quick to dry, with minimal fraying or staining.

It scored an average 6/10 in our lab test, and some found it struggled to remove waterproof mascara, but our panel said they would happily wave goodbye to disposables and continue using this instead. It can also be popped in the washing machine up to 500 times.

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However, they lost points for struggling with waterproof mascara. The textured material exfoliated well but some testers thought it felt a little harsh around the eyes. Note that these pads are liable to shrink by up to 10% when washed, so put them on a cool cycle and don't tumble dry.

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Our testers enjoyed trialling this mitt, unanimously agreeing that it's straightforward to use and easy to hold. Overall, testers found it effective at removing all traces of makeup, but some struggled with their waterproof mascara. That same issue also lost it points in our lab test.

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All our testers loved the design and found it removed all traces of makeup when used with their chosen cleanser.

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It proved effective at removing most makeup quickly in the lab. Our testers enjoyed trialling it, but those who wear tough mascara struggled slightly. Magnitone claims that it can be reused 1,000 times and is machine washable at 30°C, too. Its soft material dries quickly, making it suitable for travelling.

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Score: 72/100

Created with two layers of 100% organic bamboo cotton fleece, these pads are suitable for all skin types. With an 8cm diameter, they aim to replace regular cotton rounds and can be used repeatedly after washing.

Our testers loved the design and thought they had a quality feel. They effectively removed all makeup with a cleanser, but some testers found the fabric too harsh for use around the eyes. This set of 18 pads comes packaged in a laundry bag and sustainable wooden storage cylinder.

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Light makeup lifted easily but stubborn mascara proved trickier to remove. The pads are available in a range of designs and come with a wash bag and coconut oil for cleansing.

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In most cases, you simply apply your chosen makeup remover directly to the pad and use it to wipe away makeup.

Some mitts and cloths are made from materials such as microfibre that only require water for cleansing. Microfibre is densely fibrous and super absorbent. When wet, the fibres break up the oils that bind makeup to your skin and easily lift it off. Remember to follow this process with your usual cleansing routine though.