The Best Washcloths For Faces, Tested & Reviewed

Shopping for a washcloth to rinse off makeup, sweat, and oil sounds simple enough, but not even the plushest of towels is necessarily suitable for use on your face. In fact, the best washcloths for your face are made from durable yet oh-so-soft fibers that are intentionally woven to erase all traces of makeup and trap dirt and oil without causing irritation. “The texture of the cloth can help determine how abrasive and potentially exfoliating the washcloth is on the skin,” dermatologist and dermatopathologist Brendan Camp, M.D., tells Bustle of your different options. In general, you’ll want to stick with cloths made from cotton (like muslin or flannel), microfiber, or bamboo fibers. “It is important to avoid anything that is too abrasive on the skin and to avoid vigorously rubbing, as this can disrupt the skin barrier,” says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., who Bustle also consulted for this article.

The Experts

Dr. Brendan Camp, M.D., is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist practicing with MDCS Dermatology in New York, where he specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. He has previously served as an assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist seeing patients in Manhattan, NY, and Clifton, NJ, through MDCS Dermatology. She specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, and also serves as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center.

What To Look For In A Washcloth For Your Face

The best washcloths for your face (as opposed to those for your body) mostly come down to material. Here’s a deeper dive into three of the best materials for face washcloths, which can help you determine which one you might prefer.

• Microfiber: These washcloths are made from synthetic fibers that have 1/20th the diameter of silk, making them super gentle. The fibers also attract dirt, oil, and other gunk, which is why they’re excellent for everything from removing makeup to basic cleansing.
• Cotton: When in doubt, opt for classic cotton, which Dr. Camp says is “a good option for most skin types”; Dr. Garshick agrees, calling it “gentle, absorbent and helps to remove makeup.” Cotton isn’t as soft as microfiber, but it’s generally inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to clean.
• Bamboo: The most environmentally sound option, bamboo is not only super soft, but it’s also quick to dry. And due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it’s an especially great choice for people with extra sensitive and/or acne-prone skin. However, to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality (and silkiest) option possible, you’ll want to check that the washcloth is made from 100% bamboo.
• Muslin: Spun from cotton, muslin has a very lightweight, linen-like texture, and has an open-weave design (like cheesecloth). This gives it the unique qualities of being both gentle and exfoliating since it helps trap dirt in the open spaces between the threads. The catch is that the fabric is thin and definitely not that “plush” feeling you’ll find with microfiber, bamboo, and other weaves of cotton like terry.

Shop The Best Washcloths For Your Face

In a hurry? Here are the best washcloths for your face:

1. Best For Removing Makeup ($$): The Original MakeUp Eraser
2. Budget-Friendly For Removing Makeup ($): SINLAND Microfiber Facial Cloths (6-Pack)
3. Best For Sensitive Skin ($): Loran Luxury Bamboo Face Washcloths (6-Pack)
4. Best Value Pack For Sensitive Skin ($): HIPHOP PANDA Bamboo Baby Washcloths (30-Pack)
5. Best For Exfoliating ($$): Eve Lom Muslin Cleansing Cloth (3-Pack)
6. Best Dual-Purpose Washcloths ($$): Pai Skincare Twin Flyer Cloths (3-Pack)
7. Best Value Set ($): Amazon Basics Terry Cotton Washcloths (24-Pack)
8. Best Disposable Washcloths ($$): Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL (50-Pack)
9. Best Mini Cloths For Removing Eye Makeup ($$): Face Halo Reusable Makeup Remover (3-Pack)
10. Budget Mini Cloths For Removing Eye Makeup ($): Greenzla Reusable Cotton Pads (20-Pack)

1. The Overall Best For Removing Makeup

Also available on Sephora, $20, and Ulta, $20

What We Like:

• Very soft
• Very effective at removing makeup
• Over 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon
• Easy to wash
• Comes in lots of fun colors

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit pricey

A cult favorite among beauty fans, The Original Makeup Eraser has more than 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon for its patented polyester blend that wipes away makeup with water alone. It actually features a short fiber side to concentrate on removing makeup, and a longer fiber side that works better to exfoliate, and both sides feel incredibly soft. I was skeptical about how much makeup could possibly be removed only using water, but I was pleasantly surprised that this really did take off foundation, sunscreen, and lipstick with ease. I did, however, need to use some eye makeup remover for my waterproof mascara.

Size: 15.5 in. x 7.25 in. | Set Of: 1 | Available Colors/Patterns: 14 | Material: Polyester | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes

2. Best Budget-Friendly For Removing Makeup

What We Like:

• Very soft
• Has a loop to hang-dry
• Budget-friendly multi-pack
• Easy to wash

What We Don’t Like:

• Slow to dry

These SINLAND Microfiber Facial Cloths are similar to the MakeUp Eraser in terms of feel and performance (though they’re not quite as thick), but they’re shaped like traditional washcloths. Made from a blend of polyester and polyamide, these do a pretty good job of removing makeup with just warm water, though you may want to add a cleanser or makeup remover for any waterproof formulas. Available in larger sets of six and 10, you can also opt for a pack of two if you want to put these to the test before committing.

Size: 12 in. x 12 in. | Set Of: 2, 6, 10 | Available Colors/Patterns: 21 | Material: Polyester, Polyamide | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes

3. Best For Sensitive Skin

Also available on Sears, $19

What We Like:

• Very soft
• Hypoallergenic
• Antimicrobial
• Made of 100% organic bamboo

What We Don’t Like:

• Slow to dry

Dr. Garshick shares that if you want something ultra-soft, bamboo is considered to be the gentlest option. My favorite cloths I tried (apart from the Makeup Eraser, which is superior at removing makeup), I found these Loran Luxury Bamboo Face Washcloths to be the plushest on this list (tied with the HipHop Panda cloths ahead), thanks to the bamboo fibers that are made from organically grown bamboo. “Cloths made from bamboo are reportedly antibacterial, potentially making them a good option for acne-prone skin,” Dr. Camp adds of bamboo fiber’s benefits. These towels are hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin, too. But on the downside, I found that they took a really long time to dry.

Size: 10 in. x 10 in. | Set Of: 6 | Available Colors: 6 | Material: Bamboo | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes

4. Best Value Pack For Sensitive Skin

What We Like:

• Very soft
• Hypoallergenic
• Has a loop to hang-dry
• Great for a big family
• Easy to wash

What We Don’t Like:

• Slow to dry

These hypoallergenic bamboo washcloths were made for babies, so it’s no surprise that they have a cloud-like softness to them. These are super absorbent and perfect for pairing with a cleanser to thoroughly clean your face without causing irritation. (Pro tip: I personally prefer to start with a balm cleanser to do most of the work, and then follow up with a face cloth to help get rid of any stubborn makeup.) Because these are made from bamboo fibers and are double-layered, they do take a while to dry. But I love that each cloth has a little loop sewn in, so you can hang it up to dry more efficiently and hygienically. The other great thing about these cloths is that they’re sold in a pack of 30, making them ideal for bigger families (or people who use a new washcloth each night and don’t want to have to do laundry as frequently). The 30-pack also comes in a gift box, which means these would be a great housewarming present.

Size: 10 in. x 10 in. | Set Of: 6, 30 | Available Colors: 7 | Material: Bamboo | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes

5. Best Washcloths For Exfoliating

Also available on Nordstrom, $27, and Revolve, $22

What We Like:

• Helps to exfoliate and remove makeup
• Dries quickly
• Large size

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit pricey
• Not dryer safe

I’m a big fan of Eve Lom’s balm cleanser, so I’ve actually had some of these muslin cleansing cloths on hand for years (I’m just embarrassingly lazy and never used them). It turns out, they’re a great addition to your cleansing routine if you want to remove heavy, waterproof makeup, or if you’d like to exfoliate without using a chemical exfoliant Each muslin cloth in this set of three is made from 100% cotton, and the material is thinner, so it dries quickly. I found that using this helped to remove my makeup much faster than just using a cleansing balm on its own. This is also the largest cloth on the list, great for anyone (like me) who finds they need more material to get their face fully clean.

Size: 10 in. x 18 in. | Set Of: 3 | Available Colors: 1 | Material: Muslin | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: No

6. Best Dual-Textured Washcloths

What We Like:

• Double-sided
• Made with 100% organic cotton
• Dual purpose; one side exfoliates, and the other removes makeup
• Has a loop to hang-dry
• Expert-recommended
• Dries quickly

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit pricey
• Not dryer safe

For a face washcloth that can pull double duty, Dr. Camp likes Pai’s Twin Flyer Cloths. “Organic cotton is used to make these facial washcloths that are double-sided,” he says of the cloths (the brand adds that they’re made from organic cotton grown in India, without the use of synthetic fertilizers). “One [side] with muslin to gently exfoliate, and the other with flannel to gently remove makeup and residue,” he explains. Dr. Camp notes that muslin fabric is a lightweight cotton, and you can differentiate it from the flannel side as it has a rougher texture. As an added bonus, he says that it “tends to dry quickly, making it less susceptible to bacterial overgrowth.” At $19 for a set of three, these are slightly more expensive than many of the other cloths on this list, but still a pretty reasonable option.

Set Of: 3 | Available Colors: 1 | Material: Muslin, Terry Flannel | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: | Dryer Safe: No

7. Best Value Set

What We Like:

• Inexpensive
• 100% cotton
• Easy to wash

What We Don’t Like:

• Rougher texture can potentially aggravate sensitive skin types

At just under $20 for a set of 24, this is undoubtedly the best deal on the list. These Amazon Basics Washcloths have a looped-terry cotton weave that’s surprisingly absorbent. I wouldn’t describe these as rough, but when compared to the other face washcloths on this list, I found them to be not nearly as soft, so they could potentially aggravate more sensitive skin types. On the plus side, they come in several color options so you can match them to your bath towels, if you like a cohesive aesthetic.

Size: 12 in. x 12 in. | Set Of: 24, 60 | Available Colors: 8 | Material: Looped-Terry Cotton | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes

8. Best Disposable Washcloths

Also available on Walmart, $12 (25-Pack)

What We Like:

• You don’t have to worry about washing them
• Can buy in bulk or travel-size packs
• Large size
• Exper-recommended

What We Don’t Like:

• Not reusable

Another dermatologist-tested and -approved pick, Dr. Garshick recommends the Clean Skin Club Clean Towels for anyone on the go (or for anyone who just doesn’t have a good track record when it comes to regularly laundering washcloths), as they’re biodegradable and “gentle on the skin.” She adds, “They may be made up of eucalyptus or bamboo, making them gentle on the skin while also prioritizing hygiene since you never need to reuse a dirty towel,” she adds. Featured here in the eucalyptus fiber material, the cloths are OEKO-TEX-certified (so they’re free from harmful substances), USDA Certified Biobased, and biodegradable. These aren’t plush like the bamboo and microfiber cloths, but they do feel soft. They’re also large enough to clean your entire face (and even wipe your countertop dry) before throwing them out — some Amazon shoppers even use half at a time to get more mileage out of their order. They also come in a range of pack sizes, from travel-friendly sets of 10 to bigger 200- and 300-count sets that’ll last you a while.

Size: 10 in. x 12 in. | Set Of: 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300 | Available Colors: 1 | Material: Eucalyptus Or Bamboo | Reusable: No

9. Best Mini Washcloths For Removing Eye Makeup

Also available on Revolve, $22

What We Like:

• Very soft
• Quick drying

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit pricey
• Smaller size

If you prefer the softness (and quick dry time) of a microfiber cloth, these Face Halo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads are a solid investment for removing eye makeup, or for taking off a full face of makeup without a traditional washcloth. These reusable pads are slightly larger than the Greenzla pads below, and they have a fluffier texture that dries much faster than cotton. These are also machine washable, but on the downside, they don’t come with their own little laundry bag like the Greenzla cloths do. These also come in a few colors, including black, which will better camouflage makeup stains than white.

Set Of: 1, 3 | Available Colors: 3 | Material: Microfiber | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: No

10. Best Budget Mini Washcloths For Removing Eye Makeup

What We Like:

• Very soft
• Comes with a washing bag
• Comes in a 20-pack

What We Don’t Like:

• Smaller size
• Slow to dry

Even with a double cleanse, I sometimes struggle to remove all of my eye makeup on the occasions when I’m wearing waterproof mascara and eyeliner. But these Greenzla Reusable Cotton Pads are ideal for pairing with an eye makeup remover and gently getting rid of every last trace of makeup. Unlike traditional cotton pads, these bamboo and cotton pads are reusable, and they also don’t leave behind tiny pieces of cotton that get stuck to your face or on your eyelashes. This set of 20 means you’ll have plenty of cloths to get you through the week. Each order also comes with a box for easy storage, plus a mini drawstring washing bag, so you don’t have to worry about losing any of the pads in the laundry.

Set Of: 20 | Available Colors: 1 | Material: Bamboo, Cotton | Reusable: Yes | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: No

How We Tested

In addition to consulting with board-certified dermatologists, our team of editors and contributors researched materials and pored over reviews to select products for consideration. I also personally put these cloths to the test, evaluating features like texture, ease of use, and value, before giving them a spot on this list.

FAQs

Why Use A Face Washcloth?

While there’s no rule that says you need to use a face washcloth, it can be especially helpful in ensuring that every last trace of makeup is removed, thereby giving your skin a more thorough clean. Face washcloths can also act as a gentle physical exfoliant, as an added bonus. Dr. Camp shares, “Integrating a washcloth into your skin care routine can remove dead skin cells that contribute to the appearance of a dull complexion,” continuing, “Washcloths can help to reveal healthy, bright layers of skin.”

How Do You Keep Face Washcloths Clean?

All of the reusable washcloths featured above come with their own washing and drying instructions, which you’ll want to carefully follow to ensure that they perform and last well. (But when in doubt, always wash in cold water on the gentle cycle and air dry.) If you wear waterproof makeup, or find that you have a lot of makeup left behind on your cloth, you can also try soaking it in warm water and a bit of laundry detergent for a few minutes before placing it in the washing machine to prevent stains.

The important thing is that you regularly launder your face washcloths — ideally after every use, but several times weekly is still acceptable, according to the Cleveland Clinic. “Bacteria, molds, and impurities can accumulate on a used washcloth, and exposure to them can increase the risk of infection,” confirms Dr. Camp of the importance of using freshly laundered washcloths. FYI, that also means you’ll want to launder any new washcloths prior to using them for the first time, too.

More Tips For Washing Your Face

To learn more about the benefits of face washcloths, check out Bustle’s expert-driven guide on why you should be using a washcloth for cleansing your face. If you’re looking for a cleanser to use in tandem with a face washcloth, try one of the Best Cleansing Balms or the Best Makeup-Removing Cleansers. Fans of longwear formulas will especially appreciate Elite Daily’s roundup of the Best Makeup Removers For Waterproof Mascara.

About The Tester

Marissa DeSantis has worked as a beauty writer and editor for nearly 10 years. Her pieces can be found across print and digital publications like Bustle, Evening Standard, Teen Vogue, and InStyle.

Experts:

Dr. Brendan Camp, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist

Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist

Studies Referenced:

Investigating the Antibacterial Characteristics of Japanese Bamboo, by Raviduth Ramful, Thefye P. M. Sunthar, Kaeko Kamei, and Giuseppe Pezzotti; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9137583/