Why Reusable Cotton Rounds Are The Best Zero Waste Makeup Remover Option for Clean Skin

How to switch to reusable cotton rounds, why they’re a great zero waste makeup remover options, and how to use and care for them.

If you’re someone who uses disposable cotton pads to remove your makeup and cleanse your skin, can you imagine how many you’re going through in a week? A month? Those little cotton rounds are handy, but the disposable versions add up in the waste bin pretty quickly.

The good news is that switching to reusable cotton rounds is one of the easiest ways to reduce your waste when it comes to your skincare routine. They work just like disposable makeup remover pads, except you can wash them and use them again and again.

No complicated routine, no extra steps, and no more spending money constantly restocking disposable cotton pads.

Let's take a closer look at why reusable makeup remover pads are worth the switch and how to make them part of your everyday skincare routine.

Why Switch to Reusable Cotton Rounds?

Even though they’re made from natural cotton, disposable cotton rounds are still contributing to waste, and are not a budget-conscious option.

Reusable cotton pads offer a simple alternative, with a few benefits worth considering!

Less waste. Instead of throwing away several cotton rounds every day, you can wash and reuse the same set.
Save money over time. Buying reusable cloth pads means fewer trips to the store for disposable makeup remover pads.
Soft on your skin. Cotton fabric provides a gentle way to apply skincare products and remove everyday makeup.
Easy to clean. Reusable cotton rounds can go straight into your regular laundry.
Versatile. Use them for makeup removal, toner, facial cleansing, and other parts of your beauty routine.

And the best part? You don't have to change up your favorite skincare products to make the switch.

Meet Your New Favorite Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

If you're ready to replace disposable cotton balls and facial pads, the ZWS Essentials Reusable Cotton Rounds make it easy.

These soft, two-ply rounds are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and come in packs of 20. They're also OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, with low-impact dyes used for the color options, plus there are grey and white options too.

Unlike disposable cotton rounds that get tossed after one use, these reusable cloth pads can be washed and used over and over.

They're great for:

Removing everyday makeup
Applying facial toner
Wiping away cleanser
Gently cleaning your face
Removing nail polish

They're also biodegradable and compostable once they're completely worn out, provided they haven't been contaminated with products that shouldn't go into your compost (just be sure to check). It can also help to keep specific rounds separated by type: keep rounds used for makeup separated from ones that you use for things like nail polish.

Because you get 20 rounds in a single pack, you'll have plenty to rotate through between laundry days, and can even designate specific rounds for specific uses easily.

It's a small bathroom swap that can make a big difference in how many disposable products you’re throwing away and buying!

How to Use Reusable Cotton Pads

Using reusable makeup remover pads is just as easy as using disposable ones. You can pair them with your favorite micellar water, makeup remover, toner, or facial cleanser.

Start with a clean cotton round. You can use it dry or slightly dampen it with water.
Add your skincare product. Pour a little makeup remover, micellar water, or toner onto the round.
Gently wipe your skin. Avoid rubbing too hard, especially around your eyes.
Repeat if needed. If removing heavy makeup, use another clean round rather than scrubbing with the same one.
Set it aside for washing. Once you're finished, put your used round in a designated laundry bag or basket.

For stubborn eye makeup, try holding a cotton round soaked with an eye-safe makeup remover against your closed eyelid for a few seconds before gently wiping.

You can also use reusable cotton pads for your morning skincare routine, even if you don't wear makeup. They're handy for applying toner or freshening up your skin with some water and gentle exfoliation.

And if you're looking for more ways to reduce packaging and disposable products, check out our favorite zero waste skincare brands.

How to Wash and Care for Reusable Cotton Rounds

One of the biggest questions people have about switching to reusable cotton rounds is whether they're difficult to keep clean. Definitely not!

ZWS Essentials cotton rounds can be machine-washed in warm or cold water with similar colors and tumble-dried on low heat.

Here are a few tips to help keep them in good shape:

Use a mesh laundry bag. These little rounds can easily get lost among larger clothes and towels.
Start with a fresh, clean round. Each time you remove makeup or apply skincare products, grab a new one.
Rinse immediately after use. A quick rinse or a little gentle soap can help remove stubborn mascara and foundation.
Skip the bleach. It can damage the cotton fibers over time.
Dry them completely. Make sure your rounds are fully dry before storing them.
Keep a disposal system. Have a little basket or bag to collect your dirty rounds.

You may notice a little shrinkage after the first wash since the cotton rounds aren't prewashed. That's completely normal!

Keep your clean rounds in a small basket, jar, or drawer near your skincare products so they're always easy to grab.

Reusable Cotton Rounds FAQ

Are Reusable Cotton Rounds Good for Your Skin?

Reusable cotton rounds made from soft organic cotton can be a gentle option for removing makeup and applying skincare products. Just use a clean round each time to keep clean, avoid scrubbing too hard, and choose skincare products that work well for your skin.

Can You Use Reusable Cotton Rounds With Micellar Water?

Absolutely! Reusable cotton rounds work well with micellar water, makeup remover, and facial toner. Simply add your product to a clean round and gently wipe your face, just like you would with a disposable cotton pad.

How Often Should You Wash Reusable Makeup Remover Pads?

It's best to wash reusable makeup remover pads after each use, especially if you've used them to remove makeup or clean your face. Keeping a set of 20 rounds on hand makes it easy to grab a fresh one while the others are in the laundry.

A Zero Waste Skincare Routine is Easy With Reusable Cotton Rounds

Creating a more sustainable skincare routine doesn't have to mean replacing every product you own all at once. Sometimes it's as simple as swapping something you throw away every day for something you can wash and reuse.

Reusable cotton rounds are an easy place to start.

For more ideas on creating a zero-waste bathroom, check out some of our favorite eco-friendly bamboo products you can swap easily to cut down on everyday waste.