If there's one thing you should be doing for travel skincare, it's flying with a freshly cleansed face. But thanks to the infamous 3-1-1 liquids rule, it's unlikely you'll be able to toss your everyday facial cleanser into your carry-on bag. Even if you could, you’d be forced to brave the airplane bathroom when it comes time to rinse. Alas, there is a solution, and it comes in the form of the totally-not-liquid, 100-percent-solid makeup remover wipe. Take that, TSA!
Whether you’re in the market for something specific, like an all-natural makeup remover wipe or maybe one that caters to sensitive or acne-prone skin, there is, in fact, a tiny towelette that will fit the bill for every sort of in-flight skin need.
Related: Victoria Beckham’s Favorite Makeup Remover Is Incredibly Easy to Pack for Trips
Also, here’s a quick note on technique we'd advise you keep in mind. As you wipe the area near your eyes, take care not to pull the skin as it happens to be some of the most delicate skin on your body. Slow down and be very gentle, holding the wipe against your eye for a moment to allow the solution to dissolve any makeup before lightly swiping away debris.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Burt’s Bees Baby Face & Hand Cloths
For those of us who don’t fare well with fragrance or long, complicated ingredient lists, these simple, best-selling towelettes are a must. They’re crafted for little ones but great for anyone who feels their skin is just as sensitive as it was on day one. Burt’s Bees Baby uses gentle, soothing ingredients like aloe to wipe away dirt, residue, and makeup, leaving skin clear and dewy. Hypoallergenic, scent-free, and dermatologist-tested, these wipes are best for those prone to breakouts or ingredient sensitivities.
To buy: burtsbees.com, $6
The Tried-and-true Drugstore Pick: Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance-free Makeup Remover Facial Wipes
Neutrogena has been producing gentle and effective makeup removal options for years — and these wipes are the epitome of getting the job done without sacrificing your skin’s happiness. These bad boys can target and remove even the most stubborn of waterproof mascaras, without leaving any kind of icky residue behind (i.e. your ticket to avoiding that scary airplane bathroom).
To buy: amazon.com, $4
For Acne-prone Skin: Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Blemish-clearing Facial Wipes
Those of us with acne-prone skin are well acquainted with the dread that accompanies stepping onto an airplane. The geniuses at Yes To have us in mind, though, and the brand's Yes To Tomatoes miracle wipes use salicylic acid, witch hazel, and watermelon extract to prevent breakouts and keep skin clear even when you’re 30,000 feet up. Plus — they’re 95 percent all-natural, so no need to worry about ingredients that might cause a flare-up before you touch down for vacay.
To buy: amazon.com, $8 for a two-pack
Organic Face Wipes That Smell Divine: Ursa Major Tonic-infused Natural Face Wipes
These makeup-removing wipes are pretty cool. Not only do they come individually wrapped (so you can easily slip a couple into your carry-on, rather than the whole package), but they pack a four-in-one punch: cleansing, exfoliating, soothing, and hydrating. Plus, thanks to gentle yet effective ingredients like bamboo and sugarcane, they smell lovely. And who doesn’t need that on a stuffy flight?
To buy: amazon.com, $24 for 20 wipes
The Super-gentle Splurge: Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water Cloths
Created using mineral-packed water from the Yumura Hot Spring in Izumo, Japan, these cotton cloths will wipe away oil, dirt, and even the toughest waterproof makeup, thanks to rich minerals and protective ingredients like white birch sap. While they are a bit pricier than most drugstore makeup remover wipe options, happy reviewers laud the product for effectiveness, and how soft and supple it leaves the skin after just one use.
To buy: sephora.com, $15
The Vegan Option: Acure Seriously Soothing Micellar Water Towelettes
You’re not going to find any less-than-favorable ingredients in these organic, vegan makeup removing towelettes from Acure. What you will find: tons of plant extracts from cucumber and rose to chamomile and aloe, as well as calming, cleansing micellar water that helps to remove every last particle of dirt and makeup, leaving your skin soft and smooth — with no need for a rinse.
To buy: amazon.com, $9
