Back then, cotton pads were probably only used to cleanse your face of makeup and your nails from nail polish. Now, everyone is using it in their skincare and beauty routine! Why? Well, cotton pads are no longer just used to clean dirt and remove nail polish. Many are using it along with toners and makeup applications. Furthermore, cotton pads are extremely helpful when it comes to applying skincare. While others use their hands or tissues, some like to use the help of cotton pads to get the most of their product. Others, however, might think that cotton pads collect more dust than staying clean. So, why should you use cotton pads from now on and what are the benefits? Well, Beauty Insider will tell you just that. 

Why Are Cotton Pads Great for Good Skin Care?

Contrary to popular belief, cotton pads are actually the most hygienic method in terms of applying skincare products! Not only do they ensure that you have a clean application, but it also wipes away any product residue. Although using your hands to apply skincare products are completely fine, cotton pads are a more efficient way to apply toners and essences. Your hands won’t be able to apply the products as evenly as cotton pads do and you can’t control how much you put either! Furthermore, cotton pads are also great when you need to concentrate on a specific area of your face, such as the under-eye areas. 

But, bear in mind that there are different types of cotton pads. Facial cotton pads are the best for your face as they cause less irritation. Using the wrong cotton pad with rough textures can make your skin worse! Thus, it is important to note what materials your cotton pads are made out of too. Just in case it triggers an allergic reaction. 

Korean VS American Cotton Pads

Korean skincare products are top-notch in the beauty industry. So, it is unsurprising that it is better quality for your face too. American cotton pads, on the other hand, might not be so suitable for product application on the skin. This is because most of the cotton pads for the face tend to be absorbent and fluffy, but leave behind lint lingering on your skin. Lint can cause your skin to turn coarse and dry as it sucks the moisture out of your skin, instead of providing it! Furthermore, it can also attract dirt and clog your pores. Leading to more irritation on your skin. 

Korean cotton pads or facial cleansing pads are much smoother and stronger in texture. As they feel more like a sponge than a cotton ball, it is much gentler on the skin too. Usually, Korean branded facial cotton pads are also made with untreated and unbleached cotton to lessen skin irritation. The best part is that it doesn’t soak up all the product meant for your skin when applying. Thus, you’ll get the most hydration out of your toner or essence! Thanks to the thicker material of Korean cotton pads, people have also been using them to create sheet masks with their toners! 

Best Facial Cotton Pads

1. MUJI Soft Cut Cotton

cotton pads

The MUJI Soft Cut Cotton facial pads are best known for their incredibly soft and gentle cotton pads. Since it is made from unbleached cotton, it is suitable for all skin types to use. Moreover, it even helps to exfoliate and cleanse your skin without causing any irritation. Its thickness is just right and products absorb really fast into your skin as well! Making it one of the best cotton pads for your face. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Soft and gentle
  • Made from unbleached cotton
  • Quick absorption

Price: RM11.90

Where to buy: MUJI

2. Sephora Collection Organic Cotton Pads

cotton pads

Sephora’s Organic Cotton Pads are a fan-favourite as they are quite affordable and effective. These facial cotton pads are created from 100% organic cotton fibres, it is both dense and soft. Thus, in one swipe, it will leave your face feeling cleaner by the second. Furthermore, the sides of these cotton pads are also embossed to offer effectiveness when wiping away makeup. The smooth side of the pads, help remove any leftover residue instead! 

Why we love it:

  • Affordable
  • Made with 100% cotton
  • Packaging is eco-friendly
  • Effective with double-sided 

Price: RM11.00

Where to buy: Sephora

3. Rael Beauty Soak It Up Facial Sponge Cotton Pads

cotton pads

Ultra-soft and happens to have an incredible absorption rate? Give it to use! The Rael Beauty Soak It Up Facial Sponge Cotton Pads are designed with Airlaid Technology and created with natural pulp and rayon. It doesn’t tear easily and is also free from lint. 

Why we love it:

  • Soft and silky texture
  • High absorption rate
  • Products last longer

Price: RM76.00

Where to buy: Ubuy

4. The Body Shop Cotton Rounds

cotton pads

The Body Shop Cotton Rounds offer two different textured sides. Essential for your skincare routine, you can use it to cleanse, exfoliate and even when applying your toner. The best part is that it doesn’t cause any skin irritation as it is gentle and soft. 

Why we love it:

  • Organic cotton
  • Double-sided
  • Multipurpose use

Price: RM26.50

Where to buy: The Body Shop

5. Paula’s Choice Reusable Cotton Rounds

cotton pads

 Paula’s Choice Reusable Cotton Rounds are one of the best facial cotton pads that you can get. Besides being reusable, they are made with 70% of bamboo and 30% of cotton. Thus, it features ultra-absorbent abilities and is soft on the skin. Furthermore, it comes with a mesh bag, so you can throw it into your washing machine for an easy quick wash! Thanks to its high-quality material, it helps remove makeup and absorbs skincare products easily and effectively. 

Why we love it:

  • Reusable
  • Compostable
  • High durability
  • 100% cotton mesh bag

Price: RM85.00

Where to buy: Paula’s Choice

6. COSRX Pure 100% Cotton Rounds

The COSRX Pure 100% Cotton Rounds feature a two-way cotton pad with 2 different sides. Cleanse with the wavy side, and absorb products with the other! Made with 100% cotton, it will not be causing skin irritation anytime soon. If you see any brown spots on your cotton pads, don’t worry! It’s all because of the natural properties of cotton. 

Why we love it:

  • Skin-friendly
  • Free from heavy metal, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and fluorescent substances
  • Stronger and softer 

Price: RM32.63

Where to buy: Shopee

7. Dear Dahlia 5 Layer Soft Cotton Pad

Another incredible find on Sephora, the Dear Dahlia 5 Layer Soft Cotton Pad is well-loved by many. Thanks to its high quality and five multi-layers of separable cotton pads, it truly is unlike any other facial pad! Moreover, these are also made with 100% mesh material and soft cotton. Pour some toner and stick it to your face for a makeshift sheet mask! 

Why we love it:

  • High quality
  • Soft cotton
  • Vegan
  • Free from fluorescent and formaldehyde whitening agents

Price: RM26.00

Where to buy: Sephora

Loved this article? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more of the latest beauty news and trends! Shop Beauty. Get Rewarded at Insider Mall now!