DIY Makeup Remover Pads For A Clean & Affordable Cleanse (2025)

That’s why we’ve perfected this tried-and-tested homemade makeup pads recipe—a simple, all natural, and sustainable way to cleanse your skin without the toxins or trash or stripping your skin of its natural oils.

With just a few gentle ingredients, you can make your own effective solution and combine it with handmade reusable cotton rounds upcycled from scrap fabric. Ready to ditch disposables for our winning combo?

1. DIY Makeup Remover Pads Recipe Jump to section
2. How To Make Reusable Cotton Rounds Jump to section
3. Cost Savings of Making Your Own Facial Wipes Jump to section
4. Why Make Your Own Makeup Remover Pads? Jump to section

DIY Makeup Remover Pads Recipe

Removing makeup at the end of the day should feel like an act of self-care, not a chemical facial bath. These homemade remover pads combine soft fabric and a natural makeup remover liquid into a whole cosmetics removal package designed to be effective yet gentle, nourishing, and eco-friendly. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a key role in the recipe.

Ingredients:

• Jojoba Oil or Sweet Almond Oil (2 tbsp): Unlike coconut oil as some recipes recommend, these nourishing, skin-safe oils stay liquid even in cold temperatures. Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it great for all skin types, while sweet almond oil is lightweight and rich in vitamins A and E. Note the oil is what makes these ideal DIY eye makeup remover pads, since the oil will help gently lift away stubborn eyeliner from the tender skin around the eye.
• Witch Hazel (2 tbsp): Known for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, witch hazel helps to tone the skin and reduce redness, making it a great addition to this gentle formula.
• Distilled Water (1/2 cup): Using distilled water ensures the mixture is free from bacteria and contaminants, which helps the pads stay fresh longer.
• Aloe Vera Gel (1/4 cup): A natural moisturizer that soothes, hydrates, and refreshes the skin while helping to break down makeup.
• Baby Shampoo (1 tsp, optional): A small amount of organic baby shampoo adds extra cleansing power for stubborn or waterproof makeup. Opt for an unscented, gentle formula to avoid irritation.
• Reusable Cotton Pads: These pads are soft, durable, and eco-friendly. They can be washed and reused, making this recipe even more sustainable. You can either use store-bought rounds or make your own (see below for how). Disposable cotton rounds or balls will work with the solution, too, but we recommend reducing single-use as much as possible.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the jojoba oil, witch hazel, distilled water, and baby shampoo (if using). Stir the mixture until the oil is fully incorporated.
2. Place your cotton pads into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Slowly pour the liquid mixture over the pads, ensuring they are fully soaked. Use a spoon to press down gently and distribute the liquid evenly if needed.
4. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dry place.
5. Resubmerge used and cleaned pads on the bottom of the jar. When you find there is no longer enough liquid to re-saturate used pads, remake the solution.

How To Make Reusable Cotton Rounds

The former recipe can be used with any kind of reusable pad, which may include store-bought ones, but if you want to make your own sustainable cotton rounds completely from scratch, too, it’s not at all difficult.

Materials:

• Soft cotton fabric (old clothing such as worn-out cotton t-shirts, flannel sheets, or baby blankets work great. If buying new, check fabric store discount bins for scraps of cotton flannel)
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• A round template (like a jar lid or cup, about 3 inches in diameter)
• Sewing supplies (needle & thread, sewing machine, or serger)

Instructions:

1. Cut your fabric. Use your round template to trace circles onto the fabric. Cut out two circles for each reusable round (or one if you’re making a single-layer version). If you’re making a super simple single-layer version, you can stop here.
2. For a more durable double layer-round, you’ll need to sew two layers together. For a nearly finished edge, you can use a serger or a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine to sew around the edges, preventing fraying. If you’re looking for a hand-sewn option, use a blanket stitch around the edges for a sturdy, decorative finish.

Cost Savings of Making Your Own Facial Wipes

The average pack of store-bought cosmetics pads costs about $7-10 for just 30 wipes.

Not only do you go through these quickly—often needing multiple ones per day, depending on how much makeup you wear—but they’re also single-use, meaning you’re literally throwing money away. Compare that with the cost of making our reusable version.

DIY Makeup Remover Rounds (Ingredients and Costs):

• Coconut Oil: $9 for an 16 fl oz tub (~$0.56 for 2 tbsp)
• Witch Hazel: $8 for a 16 oz bottle (~$0.25 for 2 tbsp)
• Distilled/Filtered Water: $1 per gallon (~$0.01 per cup)
• Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$2.00 for 1/4 cup)
• Baby/Natural Shampoo: $5 for a 16 oz bottle (~$0.10 per tsp)
• Reusable Cotton Round: Free (upcycled fabrics can be used indefinitely)

Total Cost per Batch: ~$0.92

Considering these makeup remover wipes can then be washed and resaturated in extra liquid in the jar, you’re only looking at needing to remake this formula every few months. If you used just one store-bought pad or wipe daily, this recipe would save you over $65 each year!

Why Make Your Own Makeup Remover Pads?

Store-bought remover pads may seem convenient, but the products are almost always formulated with a cocktail of chemicals that can do more harm than good for your skin. Here are just a few common offenders:

• Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens are linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns.
• Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances can cause skin sensitization and irritation, allergies, and may include undisclosed toxic chemicals.
• Alcohols: Found in many removers, alcohol can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
• Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs): These are used to dissolve oil and grease, but they may be contaminated with carcinogenic by-products.

Compare this to the nourishing, natural ingredients in our recipe that are gentle, effective, and safe. Plus, DIY products eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging, making them a win for the environment, too.