These Reusable Cotton Pads Will Remove All Your Makeup Without the Waste (2024)

Keeping the earth clean requires thinking beyond recycling or even composting. One highly effective change makeup enthusiasts can make is to ditch those single-use makeup removing cotton rounds. After all, the beauty industry generates 877 pounds of waste every minute, according to the Aveda Institute, so there’s a lot of room for improvement at every stage.

Luckily, it’s easier than ever to switch out your disposable makeup removing pads for reusable ones made from cotton blends or bamboo cotton. “In the long run, reusable rounds are likely less expensive and less wasteful,” says Robert Anolik, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City,

When you think about the waste generated by cotton rounds, you probably imagine the endpoint: landfills. But the environmental impact is even greater. For starters, it takes more than 5,283 gallons of water to produce just 2.2 pounds of cotton. Then there’s all of the additional plastic packaging you get each time you buy a new sheath of rounds. Removing single-use cotton pads from your day lightens landfills and reduces water and plastic waste.

How to make the switch to reusable cotton rounds

Reusable rounds are all about the benefits of cotton minus the waste. “Cotton is soft, so it feels good, and it’s very rare to have an allergy to the material," says Amy Wechsler, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Care for reusables differs slightly from brand to brand, but you can follow these baseline rules to keep your rounds sanitary:

✔️ Wash after every use. Reusable cotton rounds won’t cause breakouts—but only if you keep them clean, explains Dr. Wechsler. “If you don’t wash after each use, you can have a buildup of dirt, makeup, sweat—you name it. You can clog your pores and get a breakout. Maybe you removed some bacteria while cleaning your face, which can then cause an infection if you reuse it right away.” While many brands offer a machine-washable option, washing them by hand with a gentle cleanser can help each pad last longer.

✔️ Dry them well. Damp rounds can attract bacteria you won’t want to smear on your face. “Users should be very aware that rounds left with bacteria, especially if left damp in a dark bathroom medicine cabinet, could allow bacteria and fungus to overgrow,” says Dr. Anolik. “So, allowing them to dry in a cool, dry environment is helpful.”

✔️ Use a different one for each application. Reusable rounds are perfect for many different applications, including makeup removal and applying essences or toners. But here’s the catch: It’s fine to use the same round for multiple purposes, so long as you wash it between uses, says Dr. Wechsler. If you’re removing your makeup and then applying toner in one sitting, you’ll need two separate rounds.

Now that you know how to make the switch gracefully, give your routine a green makeover with these reusable cotton rounds.

This set is soft, super absorbent, and comes in playful pastels. The 16-pack of rounds is inexpensive and reusable for up to a whopping 1,000 washes. That’s saving you 16,000 disposable cotton rounds! “I was a bit nervous about switching to reusable facial rounds,” says one Amazon reviewer. “I ended up preferring them so much to the disposable ones that I bought another pack!”

This bamboo and cotton blend isextremely gentle on all skin types, from oily to dry. It’s especially popular with Amazon shoppers because of the two-layer design, which prevents moisturizer or toner loss, so you don’t have to worry about wasting your favorite products.

We love these NYC-designed reusable rounds for the diversity of the materials: 10 bamboo charcoal and 10 bamboo velvet, each blended with microfiber and featuring a cotton inner layer. The ultra-absorbent charcoal is perfect for lifting makeup and oil, while the velvet is great for gliding on lotions and toners. They also come with a handy little laundry bag so they won’t get lost in the wash.

If you’re already a fan of Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water, then you’ll love these eco pads that are specifically designed to go with the formula. Micellar water is a multitasking two-in-one product and a French skincare staple, adored for its ability to cleanse skin and remove makeup. Garnier’s rounds are perfect for absorbing and applying the water; simply saturate the pad and gently wipe dirt and makeup away.

Believe it or not, these heavy-duty rounds don’t even require makeup remover! Just wet the Face Halo and let the special fibers clean your pores and wipe away oil or makeup. There is a tradeoff with using these thicker pads: You can only reuse them up to 200 times. While that’s fewer washes than some of our other choices, it’s still 199 more times than the disposable equivalent.

This handy kit provides enough rounds for a week of clean and includes an exfoliator sponge, a wash towel, and a mesh zip wash bag to make the entire set perfect for throwing into a suitcase on your next vacation. Plus, the packaging functions as a reusable waterproof carry pouch.

These may not all be “round,” but that’s part of what makes this set of organic reusable cotton pads great: The two small rounds are perfect for removing makeup from your eyes, while the squares are ideal for all-over face makeup removal. Pair with makeup remover, daily cleanser, or simply water, as long asyour makeup isn’t waterproof.

Okay, besides using adorable packaging, this zero-waste company is committed to creating a more livable planet. They meet their mark through plastic-free shipping, recyclable packaging, and biodegradable fabric. What does that mean for your reusable cotton rounds? You can toss them in the compost after their final use. Just note:The company doesn’t waste water with a prewash, so expect some shrinkage.

Dermstore reliably delivers high-quality skincare products that last, and this pack has a fun twist:days of the week labels. You’llnever lose track of keeping them clean! “Great results, and I like the smoothness of my skin,” says one Dermstore customer.

Who says makeup removal can’t be luxurious?NotJenny Patinkin, who createdthese organic rounds to be super soft as well ashypoallergenic. They’re made from antibacterial and antimicrobial bamboo cotton, which makes them easy on sensitive skin. Plus, the 14-round set comes with a fabulous faux-leather carry case.