Cost + Impact: Disposable Wet Wipes & Cotton Rounds

Let's start with wet wipes

With global efforts to reduce single-use plastic consumption gaining momentum, wet wipes are the next target on the list of no-go items. Wet wipes may  seem harmless but with around 365 wipes being used  by the average makeup user  every year,  it becomes clear how significant their impact actually is . 

Most wet wipes are made up of plastic resins, like polyester or polypropylene, which means they will never fully biodegrade. By breaking down into smaller pieces, they eventually become part of the microplastic problem polluting our environment. 

According to one UK study, wet wipes are around 93% of the materials causing blockages. Wipes clog  both internal plumbing and sewerage systems. By cutting out wet wipes from your skincare routine, you are not only eliminating an easily avoidable single-use plastic but you're also reducing government time and spending on blockages. 

Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter our waterways and oceans and most of these plastics are single-use. Together, we can make a difference  and reduce pollution in our communities. 

Wet wipes also cause a big dent in your pocket. With all the single-use cleanses, you could be spending more than R1,600.00 a year just on face wipes. 

So, what about cotton balls?

Non-organic cotton is one of the most pesticide- and water-intensive crops around. Does this sound like something that should be single-use? It's very likely that your cheap cotton balls, rounds and pads have harmful pesticide residues on them. Many of these toxins are capable of leaching into your body through your skin. As organic cotton rounds or balls can end up selling for exorbitant prices (and still come in plastic packaging), we find it's best to avoid them as well. 

Many "cotton" rounds are also not 100% cotton.  They are either totally synthetic or blended with plastics to make them cheaper. This  means that  they are part of  the single-use plastics problem. Cotton balls can also release fibers that can get stuck to eyes, eyelashes and the skin. 

We estimate that if you use about 730  cotton balls or rounds per year (two per day), you'll be spending around R600.00 a year on something you use for a minute or two and then throw away.

What's the alternative?

 Simply using a face cloth or our Daily Peach Makeup Removal + Toning Pads  they're Earth Friendly and don't release microfibres or microbeads. 

- Courtney & Claudia

We’ve done the maths based on 2x pads each morning and then 2x in the evening (roughly 18 packs of 80 a year). Depending on the brand you’re buying cotton pads will cost R800-R1440 a year. Using the same number of wet wipes will set you back R876-R5781 a year based on widely used pharmacy brands. Let us know if you’d like any more info.