When face wipes arrived on the scene, make-up-wearers everywhere couldn't believe their luck. Promising to remove all make-up and impurities in a simple swipe, they seemed the ultimate time-saver in a world of sticky balms, muslins and three-step cleanse and tone routines.



However the environmental impact of face wipes has been ignored for too long and, in May 2018, Water UK revealed that a shocking 93 per cent of the material blocking our sewers is in fact wet wipes. With many people using wipes on a daily basis - and a large proportion of them disposing of them incorrectly by flushing them rather than throwing them away - it's a problem so great that the government has indicated that it may even ban them as part of its push to eliminate unnecessary plastic use, due to the high plastic content of many wipes on the market.



So is it time to cut wipes out altogether? Even before the extent of their environmental impact was known, the beauty industry was already shaking its collective head over the fact that wipes can cause skin dryness due to the alcohol content, wrinkles due to the scrubbing action many of us employ when using them and breakouts due to impurities either left on the face or simply moved around by the wipes.



Truthfully, there's no real substitute for washing your face. On top of that, modern cleansers are so sophisticated, efficient and tailored to specific needs that wipes feel almost redundant in a savvy skincare kit - certainly where the environment is concerned. But, of course, all of us are drawn to convenience. Wipes are like many modern vices. No, we shouldn't use them every day and no, they aren't the most environmentally-friendly option, but the reason they became so popular in the first place is the same reason that many people will be loathed to give them up. Think festivals, plane journeys, nights when you're creeping around trying not to wake up your entire household after a late night and a lot of eyeliner. They're speedy, they don't use water and they allow you to cleanse from the comfort of your bed. Even lying down. But, if convenience is key for you, then it's time to start shopping for wipes responsibly.



The key thing to remember is never to flush them. Repeat, never, ever, flush them. Even biodegradable wipes should be disposed of in the bin instead of flushed away, and biodegradable versions still take time to break down so will cause a build-up if disposed of incorrectly. Wipes made from 100 per cent cotton are both more environmentally friendly (as well as kinder on the skin), so make sure to look out for plastic-free versions when you shop. And use them sparingly - no lazy evenings in or standard weeknights. See Vogue's pick of the best biodegradable face wipes below - if you must use face wipes, use these.