Are Baby Wipes Really a Good Alternative to Cleansing Wipes?

Any mum knows that baby wipes are the ultimate "do it all" must have, and you've no doubt stumbled across forum posts and Pinterest hacks that suggest using them instead of cleansing wipes to save money. After all, they're bigger, they're cheaper, and if they're formulated to be safe enough to use on a baby's face, then surely they're fine to use on yours, too?

The answer is yes, they're definitely safe. Many baby wipes are formulated to be as gentle as water, and it's unlikely that they'll cause you to break out into spots or a rash unless you have particularly sensitive skin. But while they're not going to do you any harm, baby wipes don't do the same job as a cleansing wipe, for the simple reason that they're often too gentle!

Babies don't wear mascara, or eyeliner, or foundation, so the formula of a baby wipe isn't designed to break down makeup. Due to the softer, thinner texture of baby wipes, you'll need more than one to tackle the kind of dirt and oil that builds up on an adult face, whereas you may only need one cleansing wipe to do the same job. I've seen this personally: I took a pack of baby wipes to a festival and needed three or four to remove all my makeup. Baby wipes are great for cleaning up little ones, but when it comes to removing your full face of makeup, you'll have much more success with something formulated specifically for that. Though the ingredients of baby wipes and cleansing wipes are very similar, the ones for adult skin often use different cleansing agents that break down makeup and dirt better.

However, it's also worth noting that, unless they are biodegradable, whatever wipes you use will end up in a landfill. Far better than using either a cleansing wipe or a handful of baby wipes is taking the time to clean your face properly and thoroughly with a decent cleanser and a flannel or muslin cloth that can be washed and reused. Not only is this better for the environment, but your skin will benefit too. Wipes, whichever type you decide to use, should be a last resort and not be part of your daily skincare regimen. They just don't do the job well enough, and your skin deserves better!