Here Is Why Makeup Wipes Should Be Tossed Immediately

1. Bacterial contamination

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After you've used your makeup wipes on your face, they can become really saturated with makeup residue, oils, dirt, and bacteria from your skin.  And if you store these without cleaning them, you are essentially creating the perfect moist environment and breeding ground for bacteria to multiply.

2. Cross-contamination

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If you've not cleaned your makeup wipe after use, there is a good chance that it is contaminated with bacteria.  So if you reuse it on your skin, you may inadvertently transfer that bacteria to your face, causing breakouts of acne and other problematic skin issues.

3. Moisture retention

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One reason why bacteria multiply on your used wipes is that they retain moisture, and this is just the environment bacteria absolutely love and thrive in.  So if you toss your wipe straight away, you are less likely to reuse a dirty, bacteria-filled wipe on your face.

4. Freshness and effectiveness

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However, most brands of makeup wipes tend to contain preservatives that are supposed to help inhibit the growth of this potentially harmful bacteria.  However, over time, these do tend to lose their effectiveness and efficiency so using a fresh one each time ensures that you are not spreading bacteria to your skin.

5. Reduces the risk of skin infections

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If this bacteria is allowed to grow when you store the wipes to use again, it's probably more than likely that you do use the wipe on your face again.  And if you have any broken skin on your face, there might be a chance that you transfer this bacteria to the wound and potentially cause a skin infection.

6. Minimizes the growth of mold or fungi

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Tossing your makeup wipe straight after use could also help to prevent the growth of mold or fungi.  As we know, bacteria absolutely love a damp environment to thrive and multiply in, and the same goes for mold and fungi - certainly not things you want to add to your skincare routine!

7. Maintains a hygienic makeup routine

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So if you toss your wipe, responsibly might we add, into the trash right after you use it, you are not only reducing the potential growth of bacteria in your vanity area or bathroom or the mold or fungi growth, but you're also working to maintain a more hygienic skincare routine.

8. Reduces the risk of breakouts

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Using dirty makeup wipes on your face is the perfect way to cause a significant breakout.  So throwing them away and using a fresh one each time might help you to improve your skin and breakouts caused by the face wipes might be significantly reduced or wiped out!  Wiped out - did you get it?!

9. Avoids the potential spread of viruses or pathogens

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Makeup has often been found to potentially host cold and flu germs, as well as the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).  Lip products are the worst for this but there is also the potential that an unclean makeup wipe could spread these viruses and pathogens too.  So it's probably best that you dispose of them after use!

10. Ensures that you've got a clean makeup wipe next time you need one

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If you keep hold of your old makeup wipes, you're probably not going to have a clue about when you need to restock.  This means that you'll probably struggle to find a fresh one when you really need it.  So tossing them straight away can help you to see clearly how many you have left.

11. Increases storage spaces

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So, in your bathroom, you have your soap, your shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, cloths, sponges, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, makeup, and so on and so forth.  Then you have your fresh packs of makeup wipes and your used ones stored somewhere.  Wouldn't it be better to free up some space?

12. Decreases the chances of spreading bacteria

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If you toss your makeup wipe after you use it rather than storing it and reusing it, unless you give it a really good clean where it might tear and perish, you might significantly reduce your risk of transferring bacteria to your skin and even to other surfaces.

13. Avoids the risk of accidentally using a contaminated wipe

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So as we have found out, makeup wipes have the potential to harbor bacteria, mold, fungi, and even viruses and pathogens, so if you keep hold of them, there is a good chance that you'll end up using them again at some point and therefore contaminate your skin or other surfaces.

14. Reduces the risk of spreading or exacerbating existing skin conditions

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If you do use a contaminated makeup wipe, the bacteria on them might potentially exacerbate any existing skin conditions that you might have and potentially cause redness and irritation.  And if you have something contagious, like a cold sore, this could spread too.

15. Keeps your vanity area clean

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If you're lucky enough to have a vanity area, think about how clean and sparkling you can keep it without having a store of dirty makeup wipes.  And nothing beats a squeaky clean bathroom either, free from clutter and dirt.  So be sure to either toss your makeup wipes or if you REALLY want to keep them, clean and store them properly.

16. Prevents accumulation of allergens on wipes

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So makeup wipes can encourage bacteria growth due to their moisture retention, as well as harbor mold and fungi, and spread viruses.  But did you know that they can also accumulate common allergens that can be a real issue for causing skin issues, or exacerbating existing problems?

17. Encourages a more decluttered skincare routine

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Thinking about changing how you remove your makeup and cleanse your skin can really help to declutter your skincare routine and help you to see better results.  So whether you ensure that you're using fresh makeup wipes or tossing them all together for a more eco-friendly option, you're likely to reap the benefits.

18. Reduces the risk of skin irritation or redness

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Using more natural products on your skin can do wonders.  And that includes tossing those makeup wipes for a gentler reusable option.  You see, if you use cotton makeup pads or a soft cloth, you will be able to wash them more effectively in the machine, dry them, and prevent any bacteria from growing on them.

19. Reduces the likelihood of smearing old makeup onto your face

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If you reuse a dirty makeup wipe, as well as bacteria and whatever else, it is also likely that the moist wipe also has old makeup on it.  And instead of cleansing and cleaning your face, instead, you are essentially just smearing old makeup all over your face.  And nobody wants old makeup smeared all over their skin.

20. There might be a risk of reapplying residue or oils back onto the skin

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If you reuse your face wipes and do not clean them properly, you might potentially reapply makeup residue or oils back onto the face.  This can cause smudge marks on the skin and could potentially even be the cause of breakouts or the cause of overly oily skin on the face.

21. Prevents the risk of curious pets eating them

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Some pets eat anything and everything that is left around the house and within reach of them and unfortunately, this might mean your makeup wipes.  So it might just be better overall to toss them to avoid some unwanted vets bills.  Or at least clean them and store them out of reach.

22. Helps you to avoid the temptation to use them as tissues or napkins

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When you've got a to-do list as long as your arm when it comes to household chores, if you have old makeup wipes lying around and within reach, you might find it easy to just pick it up and use it as a duster or a cloth to wipe unconventional surfaces.  This could lead to cross-contamination.

23. Eco-friendly options

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If you enjoy using your makeup wipes because they're a quick, easy, and convenient way to cleanse and remove your makeup, it might be a good time to look into alternative options, particularly because some makeup wipes are not very environmentally friendly and are polluting our oceans.

24. Reusables

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Reusable makeup wipes are a great option if you are looking at becoming more environmentally friendly.  This is because they are just as convenient and as effective as their single-use cousins but you can wash them and use them again, reducing bacteria build up and waste.

25. Reusable cotton pads

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A good eco-friendly alternative to single-use makeup wipes is reusable cotton pads.  You can apply your favorite cleanser to them and use them exactly as you would use your old choice of a makeup wipe.  And they come in different colors and patterns so matching them to your bathroom or vanity area can be fun!

26. Muslin cloths

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Muslin cloths are also a good alternative to single-use makeup wipes.  Again, they're really easy and simple to wash and dry and don't take up much storage space because they are pretty thin.  And you can literally use them for absolutely anything that requires a wipe, not just your makeup!

27. Cleansing oils or balms

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If you're using reusable and washable alternatives, you might want to make them moist like your old favorites so they are as efficient and effective.  So mixing a little water with your favorite cleanser can to the trick, and believe it or not, this method is probably gentler on your skin!

28. Microfiber facecloths

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Another single-use makeup wipe alternative is super soft and fluffy microfiber cloths.  Again, these are so soft and can be much gentler on your skin when paired with your favorite cleanser.  And using reusable cloths can be easier on your pocket too because you don't have to be buying them as often as your old pack of makeup wipes.

29. Helps you to start with a fresh and clean canvas

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Like with any effective skincare routine, it always helps to have a fresh feeling and a super clean canvas to start with.  Therefore, ensuring that you are using clean and fresh wipes, whatever you choose to use can really help you to get the clean, fresh, and glowing skin that you desire.

30. Correct disposal

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It is entirely up to you what you choose to use, but if you do choose to continue to use disposable single-use makeup wipes, be sure to dispose of them correctly and responsibly.  This means not flushing them down the toilet as this can block drains and sewage systems and also the oceans.