I was recently asked by a representative of Pond’s to review their towelettes as an effective  cleanser and travel product.  As most travelers  know, the amount of liquids we are allowed to carry on airplanes is limited to one measly quart-size bag.  This can be especially frustrating for women, because we have a lot of liquid makeups and toiletries.  A facial cleanser in towelette form can help reduce the amount of liquids in that bag (and make room for something else!).

Despite the fact that I love my current facial cleanser, I was game to give this product a try, especially since they sent me a package for free.  Before I did, I read up on the towelettes, since I was not familiar with them.  (Apparently, I live in a cave.)  According to their website, Pond’s towelettes are ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested.  The Original Clean towelettes, which are the ones I tried, contain Triple Tea Antioxidant Complex,Vitamin E and Chamomile.  In addition to the Original Clean formulation, there are two others: Micro-Dermabrasion, which exfoliates as well as cleanses, and Age-Defying, which is infused with retinol (a form of vitamin A) and collagen (a protein).

I used the product while on vacation in Las Vegas last week.  Here’s what I thought about the towelettes.

The Pros:

• Each towelette is very moist with a soapy mixture, and feels soft on the skin.
• Includes antioxidants, which are great for the skin.
• It removed most of my makeup (see Cons).
• The package is compact for travel purposes.  When full, the 30-count package only measures about 2″ x 3″ x 4″.  (My snacks take up more space in my bag!)  These towelettes also come in a 15-count size.
• The cost is reasonable, in my opinion.  The 30-count packet has a suggested retail price of $4.79 to $5.07.  Drugstore.com offers the 15-ct size for $2.24.
• Can be packed in a carry-on outside your quart bag of liquids.
• Allows you to wash makeup off face without water.

The Cons (and My Wishlist):

• According to Pond’s, their towelettes remove up to 40% more makeup (including waterproof mascara) than other leading brands.  That may be so, but the towelette did not outperform my Vaseline petroleum jelly in removing eye makeup.  It wasn’t a huge difference, but there was some residual mascara left over after I used the Pond’s. Not so with the Vaseline.
• I wish they came in a resealable package, and one that is easier to open (I had to use my nail clippers to cut it open, since I didn’t have scissors with me.  I had to keep it closed with a clothespin.)
• I wish Pond’s would create an unscented towelette for people who have scent allergies. These towelettes are scented.

In summary, I won’t be giving up my Vaseline and Proactiv Solution in favor of the Pond’s towelettes on a daily basis, but it makes for a great travel product, because it removes virtually all makeup, does not count as a liquid in your carry-on, and does not require water for use.  These would be SO useful for camping!  They’re also handy for those times when you’re too tired at the end of the day to mess around with a multi-step process for washing your face.