Makeup remover pads are so useful, especially if you wear mascara, eye liner and eye shadow. However, as with many beauty products that you buy off the shelf, they have a downside.

Conventional makeup remover pads contain an assortment of chemicals. Glancing at the ingredients of one popular brand, I saw at least a dozen compounds that I could barely pronounce. I know I wouldn’t want them on my skin. That’s because anything you put on your skin enters your bloodstream.

Some of these chemicals may pose potential health risks, according to the Environmental Working Group. At least one of them – cyclopentasiloxane – may be a hormone disruptor. However, the EWG cited this possibility as a “low concern.” This compound may also be linked to cancer, at least in animal studies.

Another thing to consider is that chemical beauty products may irritate the skin. I learned this the hard way. Most of my adult life, I used laboratory created facial washes and moisturizers. In retrospect, I think they made my skin dry and blotchy. This condition cleared up as soon as I switched to plant-based cosmetics.

DIY Makeup Remover Pads with Lavender Essential Oil

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Once I realized how well plant-based cosmetics worked, I decided that’s all I would use. I no longer had a need for chemical cosmetics, many of which contain compounds that mimic estrogen. That’s why they’re known as hormone disruptors. Many store-bought beauty products are made with sulfates. These are harsh and irritating. I now blame them for messing with my complexion.

The good news is that you can now find a growing number of all natural beauty products, including makeup remover pads made without potentially toxic chemicals. These are a great alternative for people serious about avoiding the many environmental toxins we’re exposed to, day in and day out.

DIY Makeup Remover Wipes

It’s also easy to make your own safe, non-toxic makeup remover pads. All it takes is a little mixing. If you already use essential oils, you probably have most of the ingredients in the house. The only thing you may need to order is disposable organic cotton pads.

If you’re trying to avoid toxins, cotton is a good place to start. That’s because cotton crops are sprayed with massive amounts of pesticides. So you can avoid these chemicals by using organic cotton makeup pads.

DIY Makeup Remover Wipes Recipe

In recent years, I’ve started to make my own cosmetics and beauty care products. It’s so easy. Plus, whenever you make something yourself, you can usually save a lot of money. I also like the fact that I know exactly what goes into the things I put on my skin. That’s why, I’ve even started making my own non-toxic deodorant. It works just as well as anything I’ve ever bought off the shelf. And it contains nothing artificial.

Once you start making your personal care products, you realize that you need just a handful of ingredients. Having these on hand allows you to avoid using questionable chemicals. Many of these may not have been adequately studied for long-term effects.

How to Make Eye Makeup Remover Wipes

This really easy recipe calls for organic cotton cosmetic/makeup remover pads. You can make a batch, and store them in a clean Mason jar with a lid. Because this DIY makeup remover pad recipe uses essential oils, keep them away from light and heat after you make them.

1/2 cup natural spring water

1 tsp. Dr Woods castile soap (You can get it here). This is the brand of liquid soap we use in our house. I recommend lavender soap, rather than peppermint, since you’ll be using it in the eye area. Dr. Woods Peppermint soap is very strong, a good thing if you’re using it for household cleaning projects.

1 tsp alcohol free witch hazel (You can get it here)

1 teaspoon avocado oil (You can get it here)

8 drops lavender essential oil (You can get it here)

Organic cotton makeup pads (You can get them here)

Fill the 4 ounce Mason jar halfway with the cotton pads. Add the remaining ingredients and wait for the pads to absorb the moisture. You can add more pads later to fill the jar. If you’re using a larger Mason jar, double or triple the recipe.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.