Updated on  March 14, 2024
8 min read

What are the Best Eye Wipes?

7 sources cited
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Many people overlook the importance of eye hygiene. What they don’t realize is that, just like you clean your teeth through brushing, your eyes also need care to prevent harmful bacteria, mites, dirt, and debris.

Eye wipes or eyelid cleansers are convenient and safe tools for good eye hygiene. In addition to cleaning the eyes, eye wipers have a moisturizing and soothing effect. This can be helpful during infection or allergy flare-ups.3

In this article, we’ll recommend some of the best eye wipes on the market based on your specific requirements. 

Everything We Recommend

  1. Best for daily use: Systane Lid Wipes
  2. Best for sensitive skin: Dr. Fischer Purified Eye Cleansing Wipes
  3. Best for blepharitis: OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Plus
  4. Best for dry eyes: OPTASE Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Wipes
  5. Best for makeup removal: CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Remover Wipes
  6. Best budget:NOVEHA Eyelid & Lash Wipes

What Are the Best Eye Wipes?

Below are details of why each product made it to the list:

1. Best for Daily Use: Systane Lid Wipes

Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.

SYSTANE® Lid Wipes

SYSTANE® Lid Wipes are premium premoistened eye wipes that you can use for your daily eye hygiene regimen. They effectively remove oily residue and debris around the eyelid and lash area. This product is ranked #16 in the First Aid Cleansing Cloths & Wipes category on Amazon.

Key Features

  • It comes in a 30-count pack.
  • Each wipe is pre-moistened and individually wrapped.
  • It’s safe for all skin types.

Benefits

  • SYSTANE® Lid Wipes effectively remove debris and stuck makeup that can irritate the eye area. 
  • The ingredients are hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t cause allergic reactions.
  • The wipes provide long-lasting relief on the irritated and dry eyelid margin. 
  • They’re safe for use before and after contact lens wear.

2. Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Fischer Purified Eye Cleansing Wipes

Customer Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon

Dr. Fischer Purified Eye Cleansing Wipes

If you have sensitive skin, the skin around your eyelids becomes more delicate and prone to irritation. Dr. Fischer Purified Eye Cleansing Wipes are the most effective for such skin types. 

The wipes are soft, pre-moist, and free of irritants like preservatives and alcohol. The product is ranked #70 in the Amazon Eyeglass Cleaning Tissues & Cloths category.

Features

  • The wipes come in a pack of 60 wipes.
  • They are made of an intertwined cross pattern with soft, wet pillows.
  • Each wipe is pre-moist and individually wrapped.

Benefits

  • Dr. Fischer Eyelid Wipes are recommended for all age groups.
  • They keep the eyes lubricated⁠—a convenient solution for red, irritated eyes.
  • They help soothe irritations and eye discomfort before and after contact lenses.
  • Refreshes the eye surface, preventing blurry vision.
  • They are safe as a daily makeup remover.

3. Best for Blepharitis: OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Plus

Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.

OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Plus

OCuSOFT®Lid Scrub Plus is the #1 doctor-recommended eyelid cleaner because it has antibacterial properties that are effective against infectious bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and MRSA.

The wipes are also designed to safely remove excess oil, debris, pollen, Demodex mites, and desquamated/flaky skin. It’s ideal for managing inflamed eyelids (blepharitis) and other moderate to severe eye conditions. The product is ranked #21 in Facial Cleansing Products category on Amazon.

Features

  • It’s available in a 30-count packet.
  • Each pad is pre-moistened and individually packaged.
  • The active ingredient is sodium chloride to reduce swelling and irritation.
  • It’s got an extra-strength leave-on formula.
  • It’s fragrance and alcohol-free.

Benefits

  • OCuSOFT Lid Scrub wipes are suitable for all skin types.
  • Their formula effectively removes oil, debris, and other contaminants from the eyelids.
  • They contain a patented preservative and moisturizing antibacterial blend that removes common eye bacteria.
  • They can be used for daily eye cleaning and makeup removal on all skin types.

4. Best for Dry Eyes: OPTASE Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Wipes

Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon

OPTASE Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Wipes VC

OPTASE® TTO Wipes are the ideal on-the-go wipes for soothing tired and dry eyes. They are moist, gentle, and preservative-free, ideal for daily eyelid cleansing and makeup removal.

The product is ranked #22 in Facial Cleansing Cloths & Towelettes category on Amazon.

Features

  • The wipes are larger than other brands in the market.
  • They come in a packet of 20 sterile wipes.
  • The wipes have a textured surface, ideal for effective removal of debris.

Benefits

  • The tea tree oil in OPTASE® TTO Wipes is anti-inflammatory for red eyes.
  • The camomile and hyaluronic acid are moisturizing ingredients for dry eyes.
  • The aloe vera is soothing for sore eyes.4
  • Their large size makes them effective for cleaning larger areas of skin, especially during makeup removal. 
  • The textured side provides better cleaning for stubborn dirt and debris on the eyelids and eyelashes.
  • The wipes are safe to use for all ages.

5. Best for Makeup Removal: CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Remover Wipes

Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon

CeraVe Makeup Remover Wipes

Specially designed by dermatologists to remove makeup, CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Remover Wipes can remove even the most waterproof mascara. The wipes are gentle on all skin types and can remove makeup and other debris without breaking the skin’s moisture barrier.

These wipes are ranked #14 in the Facial Cleansing Cloths & Towelettes category on Amazon.

Features

  • The wipes are made of 100% plant-based cloth infused with makeup remover.
  • They come in a 25-pack bag.
  • The wipes are non-greasy, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, and allergy-tested
  • They’re accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA).
  • They are biodegradable, thus safe for the environment.

Benefits 

  • CeraVe Hydrating Wipes contain glycerin and other essential ceramides that help to lock in moisture and maintain your skin’s protective barrier.5 
  • The wipes are plant-based and non-comedogenic (they won’t clog your pores). 
  • They feel gentle on the skin and eye area, reducing the risk of irritation.
  • These facial wipes are also biodegradable in a home compost.
  • The wipes are safe for all skin types. 

6. Best for Budget: NOVEHA Eyelid & Lash Wipes

Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon

NOVEHA eye wipes

NOVEHA Eyelid & Lash Wipes are cheap and perfect on-the-go wipes for cleaning debris, dirt, and oils on your eyes and lids.

These wipes are made with non-irritating ingredients and are thus recommended in cases of mild to moderate eye irritations. A pack of 60 costs about $20 on Amazon.

Features

  • The wipes come in a 60-count packet.
  • Each wipe is pre-moistened and individually wrapped, perfect for travel. 
  • They are made with non-irritating ingredients.
  • The wipes are 100% organic and hypoallergenic.

Benefits

  • NOVEHA Eyelid & Lash Wipes are effective in cleaning and soothing symptoms of dry eyes, styes, and blepharitis.
  • They are ideal for sensitive eyes because they contain no irritants.
  • They are multi-purpose and can clean minor cuts and remove makeup.
ProductSkin TypeCustomer Rating
Systane Lid WipesSafe for all skin types4.7 out of 5 on Amazon
Dr. Fischer Purified Eye Cleansing WipesSpecially made for sensitive skin4.6 out of 5 on Amazon
OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Plus
Safe for all skin types4.7 out of 5 on Amazon
OPTASE Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Wipes
Safe for all skin types4.5 out of 5 on Amazon
CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Remover WipesSafe for all skin types4.5 out of 5 on Amazon
NOVEHA Eyelid & Lash WipesSafe for all skin types4.4 out of 5 on Amazon

Why Is Proper Eye Cleaning Important?

The eyes are among the most delicate parts of the human body. If you don’t wash your eyelids and eyelashes properly, dirt, debris, and bacteria can accumulate, causing serious infections like eyelid dermatitis and blepharitis.

The recommended products are effective, affordable, and reliable for your daily eye hygiene routines and managing infections. To prevent accidental contamination of your wipes, wash your hands before touching them.

Can Eye Wipes Help Prevent Eye Infections?

Eye doctors agree that cleaning your eyes can prevent infection and improve dry eye symptoms like burning, tearing, redness, and itchiness.6

Researchers also agree that brands with antimicrobial properties can prevent eye infections like blepharitis. They remove harmful bacteria and dirt from the eyelids and skin around the eyes.7

For example, OCuSOFT Lid Scrub PLUS contains a special antibacterial blend that removes common eye bacteria like S. epidermidis.

How Often Should You Use Eye Wipes?

Use eye wipes based on your specific situation. For people with chronic allergies or dry eyes with mucus production, frequent use (up to 3 times a day) may be required for optimal eyelid hygiene.

You can use eyelid cleansers as needed for a daily routine, but once or twice daily is adequate. We recommend using one pad for each eye to prevent cross-infections.

Summary

  • Proper eye cleaning prevents eye infections and keeps your eyes healthy.
  • Eye wipes are the most convenient and safe tool for achieving good eye health and preventing infections. 
  • They are specially designed to remove bacteria,  mucus, debris, pollen, and other irritants that may access the skin around the eyes.
  • Some of the best-rated eye wipes on the market include Systane Lid Wipes, Dr. Fischer, OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Plus, OPTASE Tea Tree Oil, CeraVe Hydrating Wipes, and NOVEHA Eyelid & Lash Wipes.
  • Observe proper hand hygiene before using any type of sterile eye wipes, as this will prevent cross-contamination.
Updated on  March 14, 2024
7 sources cited
Updated on  March 14, 2024
  1.  “At a glance: Blepharitis.” National Eye Institute (NEI), 2023.
  2. Brewitt. “Contact lenses. Infections and hygiene.”  National Library for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 1997.
  3. Huang et al.“Seven Common Allergen Groups Causing Eyelid Dermatitis: Education and Avoidance Strategies.” Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology, 2021.
  4. Carson et al. “Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties.” 
  5. Coderch et al. “Ceramides and skin function.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2012.
  6. Lazarus, R. “Does Eyelid Cleaning Improve Dry Eye?” Optometrists Network, 2020.
  7. Evidence is Shaky for Eyelid Wipe Efficacy.” Review of Optometry, 2020.
The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist.