what’s in my bag? – My wallet, makeup essentials, my earphones, a box of snacks, and of course, a pouch of facial wipes.

It’s surprising how facial wipes have become an essential part of our everyday bags among other things, and there are many reasons behind this. Facial wipes are convenient, and often, they come in handy in sticky situations (think about spilling some tea when the tissues come to your rescue). Of course, it’s also useful during quick changes for removing makeup, among other utilities.

Additionally, we cannot deny the fact that our penchant for cleanliness has increased manifold after the pandemic and these wipes sometimes cost twice as much as surface wipes. This perhaps justifies the current wet wipes market in India, which is worth around Rs 744 crore and is expected to grow by 18.38 per cent annually and reach Rs 2,155 crore by 2027.

Now, the thing is: when a problem has countless applications we often overlook it. So, the question is, are we doing the same thing when it comes to facial wipes, or are they just as harmless as Dove? India Today Spoke to experts and here’s what we understood:

problem of abundance

Facial wipes contain a blend of ingredients designed to cleanse your skin. While most wipes are dermatologically tested, some of the chemicals they contain may not be suitable for every skin type, especially if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone.

Dr Shirin Furtado, senior consultant, medical and cosmetic dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, explains, “With the proliferation of options, it is important to evaluate the ingredients, effectiveness and overall quality of these products to determine their value in the skin care routine. It becomes important to do. ,

He says that the market is flooded with different facial wipes brands, but it is always necessary to check their efficacy and suitability for different skin types. Not all products are created equal; Some may contain harsh chemicals or allergens that could potentially harm the skin instead of providing the expected cleansing or moisturizing benefits. Flipping over the back of the packaging and looking at the ingredients list can reveal a lot of beans.

what to keep in mind

When selecting facial tissue, it is essential to consider a variety of factors and materials that can affect both the quality and suitability of the product for your needs. Delhi-based dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj suggests that wipes should not be used on the face unless absolutely necessary. And if this has to happen then some things have to be kept in mind.

“Make sure wipes contain hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid or vitamin C and are free of alcohol. They should also contain minimal perfume, as excessive fragrance can irritate the skin and lead to blackheads or whiteheads. The alcohol in perfumes can linger on the skin, and applying cream over it can attract dust and impurities as well as cause further irritation,” says Dr Bhardwaj.

Dr. Furtado also points out some aspects to keep in mind when buying facial wipes:

• Key aspects to evaluate include tissue softness and strength (preferably choose wipes that have good feedback/good word-of-mouth reviews).
• Also check if it contains any additives like lotion or fragrance that may affect the skin’s sensitivity.
• Additionally, the environmental impact of the product, including whether it is made from recycled materials or is biodegradable, should also be taken into account to ensure a responsible purchase.

Makeup/face wipes instead of cleanser?

There is a quintessential Bengali expression, “rhythm”, it describes a condition that is much more than just procrastination or laziness. Why bring it here? Because while we can’t stress enough the importance of a good skin care routine, many women may choose to skip cleansing and simply wipe the face or makeup with a sheer. rhythm—and that’s a big no-no.

Experts warn that facial wipes may be convenient, but they should never replace your regular skin care.

“When it comes to removing makeup, there are many better options. You can use an essential oil, a cream, or, ideally, a cleanser. Cleanser is the best option, and for best results, you can cleanse twice – first remove makeup with the cleanser, then use it again as a face wash. Using only wipes is a big no-no,” advises Dr. Bhardwaj.

Swipe right on wipes?

Well, as Dr. Bhardwaj suggests, it depends on whether the wipes are used only when absolutely necessary.

“If you absolutely need to use a facial wipe, reserve it for times when your face is really dirty, and water is not available. However, if you have access to water, splashing your face and gently patting it with a soft tissue is a better option,” she concludes.