They can be a convenient way to remove make-up when sleepiness gets the better of you. But under new plans proposed by environment minister Thérèse Coffey, you may not be able to get your hands on your go-to face wipes from as early as next year. 

In an effort to tackle plastic pollution, the government is proposing a ban on wet wipes containing plastic fibres in England. Wipes containing plastic don’t biodegrade and, when flushed down the toilet, can lead to pipe mayhem. No one wants to think about the possibility of a Fatberg 2.0 – but considering that wipes currently account for 93% of blockages, it could be a looming reality if sales aren’t curbed.

Right now, Coffey has only announced a consultation on a ban on plastic in wet wipes, and the new rules have been criticised by some environmental charities for not being enacted sooner. Holland & Barrett banned the sale of all wet wipes in 2019, Aldi followed suit last year by ending the sale of plastic wet wipes in its UK stores and Boots introduced a similar ban not long after. Seeing as wet wipe sewage has been known to wash up on British beaches, containing bacteria that puts people at risk, the plastic ban feels vital.

We live by HRH Caroline Hirons’ “three Fs” rule for face wipes: only use them for flights, festivals and fannies. Ultimately, cleanser and water are more effective and environmentally friendly. But if you use wipes regularly, the government’s proposed ban could have a big impact on your skincare routine.

The good news is that, although they still involve a high volume of waste, biodegradable face wipes are on the rise – and, better still, there are some easy swaps to be made if you’re ready to ditch wipes altogether. Here are our top picks…

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands