How to Choose the Best Disposable Cotton Pads

Traditional single-use cotton pads contribute a lot to landfills and can be expensive over time. Reusable pads, on the other hand, are better for the environment and more economical.

They are made from cotton that is organic and certified to be free of chemicals that can irritate the skin. They are also softer than standard cotton pads and are less likely to cause allergies.

1. Shiseido Facial Cotton

Cotton pads might seem boring, but they’re the only skincare tool you need to make a real difference in your routine. This cult-favorite from Shiseido is ultra soft and leaves no linty residue when used with liquid skin care products. It’s uniquely manufactured with a blend of 123,000 cotton fibers woven into 28 layers that provide moisture-absorbing and releasing properties for less product waste. Plus, it adds a gentle exfoliation effect to help improve the appearance of skin roughness.

Another great use for these is applying watery toners and first essences, but a little differently than you might do with your hands. Soak the cotton pad with a generous amount and massage in an upward + outward motion to promote blood circulation and improve product absorption.

Other cotton pads I love are Disposable Cotton Pads the Albion Facial Cotton-L (super soft) and MUJI Facial Soft Cut Cotton Puffs (they can be peeled into 5 thinner layers for lotion masking). These are the best options to soak with a milky or emulsion toner and leave on your face for a few minutes for a little toner-masked treat!

2. Q-Tips Cotton Rounds

When it comes to cotton pads, there are a lot of options out there. You can use them for a myriad of beauty tasks, including applying toner and exfoliating the skin, as well as removing eye makeup or taking off nail polish. However, they’re not all created equal and there are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing the best ones for your skin type.

One of the most important factors to consider is texture. Look for a cotton pad that’s smooth and soft, so it doesn’t irritate your face or eyes. It’s also helpful to choose a pad with a textured side that can be used to scrub away dead skin cells and dirt.

If you want to go beyond the standard drugstore pick, these reusable cotton pads from Last Round are an excellent choice. They’re machine washable and made from a blend of wood cellulose and short cotton fibers that would otherwise be wasted. Plus, they come in an adorable case and can be reused up to 1750 times.

3. Last Round Reusable Cotton Rounds

A sustainable alternative to cotton rounds, this set contains seven machine-washable pads and a bio-based case. One pack replaces 1,750 single-use cotton rounds, making it a must-have for your plastic-free skincare routine.

Each pad is made from a shape-shifting fabric that feels just like regular cotton rounds when liquid is applied and is designed and produced in Denmark and Germany. They’re the perfect size for applying micellar water, facial toner, or nail polish remover, and are made of 70% Scandinavian wood fibers and 30% cotton fibers that are too short to be used in the textile industry.

Just make sure to wash the pads thoroughly after each use. Otherwise, they can build up a film of oil, makeup and residue that can cause breakouts and clog pores. Also, don’t use the same pad for multiple purposes. It’s best to have a dedicated round for makeup removal and another Disposable Cotton Pads for applying toner or essence, says Dr. Wechsler. To make the rounds last longer, wash them in a mesh laundry bag and dry them completely before returning them to the case.

4. Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Organic Reusable Rounds

Whether you’re removing makeup, applying toner or exfoliating your skin, cotton pads are a bathroom cabinet staple. But, even though most brands advertise their cotton as organic, they’re often treated with pesticides & other chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. And, when it comes to their end-of-life, most disposable cotton pads aren’t biodegradable & may leach micro-plastics into the surrounding water & soil.

Instead, swap your disposable pads for a more sustainable version like these from Jenny Patinkin. The thick, lux & absorbent bamboo cotton rounds are hypoallergenic & made from eco-friendly lyocell (derived from bamboo). Plus, they’re a bit pricier than your regular drugstore picks, but when you consider that it takes 528 gallons of water to produce just 2.2 pounds of conventional cotton vs. a single sheath of these reusable pads, you’ll find that they’re well worth the extra cost.

Plus, washing your reusable cotton pads regularly will actually help them last longer. So, either handwash them with some soap or an eco-friendly detergent after each use & put them in a mesh laundry bag to wash with your clothes; or machine wash them once a week along with your other towels.

5. Noleo Organic Cotton Pads

Many of us tend to invest in facial serums, face brushes and massaging tools but often give little thought to one of the most important skincare instruments we use, the cotton pad. However, choosing the right cotton pads for your skin type and understanding how to properly use them can make all the difference in your complexion.

The best cotton pads for your skin are made with natural ingredients that are free of fungicide and insecticides as well as chlorine bleach. They are also lint-free and gentle on the skin so you can apply your toner with confidence.

Some are dual-sided, with a smooth side for applying products and a textured side for exfoliation. Others are thicker than standard cotton pads to better absorb liquid products like toner. Some even come pre-moistened for convenience.

These reusable cotton pads are the perfect sustainable replacement for single-use cotton pads and makeup remover wipes. They are made from bamboo and organic cotton and are machine washable so you can use them daily without worrying about waste. They are also individually labeled for each day of the week so you can easily keep track of when to wash them.