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Washcloths are often overlooked, but they can make a big difference in your skincare routine. House
Whether you use them to bathe, remove makeup, or wash your face—washcloths are the unsung heroes of skincare. “As a dermatologist, I recommend that my patients use washcloths to clean their faces, with a proper facial cleanser that is tailored to their skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie of Image Dermatology.
To help you select the best washcloth for your needs and skin type, we researched different types of washcloths and spoke with dermatologists to get their professional opinion on material, texture, size, and more.
These soft and gentle cotton washcloths come with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, so they’re safe from harmful substances.
While they are very absorbent, this also means they hold onto moisture for longer.
Soft and gentle cotton washcloths like these prevent your skin from becoming irritated. With this set, you get four washcloths that you can use to bathe, dry your face, or remove makeup. The washcloths come with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances. The Turkish cotton material is extra soft against the skin, resistant to tearing, and absorbent. Just keep in mind that because of its absorbency, it can hold onto moisture for longer than other washcloths. Thus, we recommend hanging them to dry somewhere with good airflow and swapping them out regularly. The towels are machine washable for easy cleaning and come in over a dozen color options, so you’re sure to find a set to match your existing bath towels. You can even purchase a separate set in a darker color to be used exclusively for makeup removal in order to avoid makeup stains.
Material: Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 13 x 13 inches | Colors: 15 | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
Two dozen washcloths come in this affordable set, so you can swap them out after every use to prevent bacteria growth.
Lighter colors are prone to discoloration from makeup and skincare products.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive set of washcloths that won’t irritate your skin, look no further. Whether you’re washing your face first thing in the morning or cleaning your face post-workout, you’ll always give your skin the soft treatment it needs. This set comes with 24 washcloths, allowing you to reach for a fresh one each day without having to constantly do the laundry. This is also a great purchase for someone who frequently has guests over at their home and needs plenty of clean washcloths to go around. While the washcloths are lightweight, you’ll still want to hang them to dry in good airflow if you plan to reuse them. To prevent discoloration, the manufacturer also advises not using the washcloths to remove any facial creams, cosmetics, or scrubs. However, we’d suggest purchasing a darker color should you want to use them to remove makeup. And even if they do get stained, at less than $1 per cloth, it’s not a huge loss.
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches | Colors: 23 | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
This plush and absorbent washcloth feels as soft and thick as your favorite blanket.
It only comes in a set of two.
If luxury is what you seek, these ultra-plush, heavyweight washcloths will make your daily skincare routine all the more spa-like. At a whopping 820 GSM (grams per square meter), these washcloths are as thick as they come. The long-staple Turkish cotton material gives them an extra soft and smooth feel, not to mention increased absorbency and durability. But to prevent the washcloth from collecting excess moisture, we do recommend hanging it up in between uses somewhere with good airflow.
Like a number of the washcloths on our list, the Brooklinen Super-Plush washcloths come Standard 100 certified by Oeko-Tex. The set of two washcloths is available in a variety of colors to work with your existing bathroom color scheme. But given the price, we do wish the set included more than just two towels. Material: Turkish cotton | Dimensions: 13 x 13 inches | Colors: 7, plus limited-edition colors | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
The Turkish cotton material will grow softer over time.
It doesn’t come with any certifications.
Thanks to the Turkish cotton and modal blend, these washcloths are extremely soft and will only grow more so with each wash. At 700 GSM, this is a relatively thick cloth, though not quite as thick as the Brooklinen. As is always the case with a thicker cotton towel, you’ll need to allow it ample time to dry in between each use in a spot with good airflow. It comes in eight different colors, each with tonal border stripes for an elegant look. You can purchase the matching hand towels and bath towels from the Southern Living collection to complete the look.
Material: Turkish cotton, modal | Dimensions: 13 x 13 inches | Colors: 8 | Certifications: N/A
This quick-drying washcloth helps to cut down on bacteria growth and odors.
While soft, they do not have the plush, spa-like feel of cotton washcloths.
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose washcloth, then this is a great pick. This textured washcloth can be used to remove makeup, clean your face, and exfoliate your skin. The thin microfiber is moisture-wicking and quick-drying, making it the perfect towel to use for drying your face and hands. While these washcloths are quick to dry, we still recommend swapping them out regularly, since dirt, cosmetics, and other residue will remain trapped in the washcloth. And keep in mind that they won’t provide you with the plush, spa-like feel of cotton towels. But the woven texture provides a gentle exfoliation that aids in makeup removal and drying.
Material: Microfiber | Dimensions: 13 x 13 inches | Colors: Cream, grey brown, white | Certifications: N/A
The bamboo-rayon fiber is hypoallergenic.
They do not come with any certifications.
Made from hypoallergenic bamboo-rayon fiber, these soft and breathable washcloths are perfect for sensitive skin. The supple texture is gentle on the skin, making it great for use on the face. We also love that stains come right out in the wash, so you can use them to remove your makeup without worry. And they are quicker to dry than cotton towels, so they are less likely to breed bacteria. When it is time for a deep clean, all you have to do is toss them into the washing machine with similar colors. Material: Bamboo rayon | Dimensions: 13 x 13 inches | Colors: White, orange | Certifications: N/A
The navy blue hides makeup stains.
It’s not available in any other colors.
If you’re tired of makeup stains on your white washcloths, then this pair of navy blue washcloths is the perfect solution. Weezie’s makeup towels are hypoallergenic and certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, so they’re safe for those with sensitive skin. Plus, with the soft organic cotton, these towels won’t feel rough on your skin either. They also make a great addition to a guest bedroom to prevent others from staining your towels. Choose from several different embroidered designs, or customize them with a name or phrase of your choosing (they make a great gift, too). Material: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 13 x 13 inches | Color: Navy blue | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
These doubled-sided, certified-organic washcloths are gentle enough for babies.
Though absorbent, they are on the thinner side.
For those looking for the perfect baby shower gift, we highly recommend these washcloths designed with little ones in mind. Available in a variety of styles, each set comes with three washcloths. The super soft texture makes them perfect for use on a baby’s sensitive skin. As you gently pat their skin, the water will quickly be absorbed by the washcloth. The washcloths feature a soft and absorbent terry loop on one side and a smooth side on the other, both of which are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton that gets softer with each wash. And these washcloths are not limited to just babies—they’re great for anyone with sensitive skin. Material: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 9 x 9 inches | Colors: 9 | Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard
The texture helps to exfoliate skin.
This washcloth is not suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Exfoliating your skin helps to keep your pores unclogged and prevent breakouts. As you’re searching for the best exfoliating products to use, be sure to add this washcloth to your list. With its rough texture, this is the perfect washcloth to use for exfoliating your body (although we’d caution against using it on the face). And since it dries pretty quickly, you don’t have to worry about excess moisture staying on the washcloth for too long. And, thanks to the nylon material and reinforced edges, this is a very durable washcloth that can withstand frequent use. While this washcloth is suitable for those with normal skin, those with sensitive skin should refrain from using it. We make this recommendation because the rough texture may cause sensitive skin to become easily irritated. Besides this drawback, the nylon material will ensure that this washcloth lasts a long time.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 10.6 x 9 inches | Colors: 13 | Certifications: N/A
Our best overall pick is the American Soft Linen 100% Turkish Cotton Washcloth Set. These Turkish cotton towels are safe from harmful substances, gentle on the skin, and highly absorbent. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Utopia Towels Cotton Washcloths Set. It comes with two dozen cotton washcloths for less than $1 a piece, so you can swap them out after every use.
From cotton to nylon, microfiber to bamboo, washcloths are made out of a variety of materials. Cotton washcloths are gentle on the skin but they will hold onto moisture for longer. And, while nylon washcloths dry faster, their rough edges make them less suitable to use for facial care. Microfiber is quick to dry and very moisture-wicking, but it doesn’t give you the plush feel of cotton. While each type of washcloth has different qualities, we suggest selecting one that aligns with your needs and skin type. Regardless of which material you choose, Dr. Joel L. Cohen of AboutSkin Dermatology and DermSurgery cautions against being too rough on your skin when using a washcloth: “...we just tell patients to avoid scrubbing too much—as some people are prone to getting areas of skin-thickening under the eyes (called lichenification) and others are more rash prone from continued irritation.”
The washcloths on our list range in size from 9 by 9 inches to 13 by 13 inches. If you’re just using a washcloth for your face, a smaller one will help you to get into those hard-to-reach areas such as the side of your nose. When taking a shower or bath, we suggest using a larger one so you can quickly clean your body off. It’s also important to note that smaller washcloths dry faster than larger ones.
When it comes to designing your bathroom, you should consider how washcloths affect the atmosphere of the room. Washcloths with pastel colors generally provide a calming feel while washcloths with bold colors make the bathroom seem more cluttered or busy. Instead of buying washcloths that match the color scheme of your bathroom, it’s better to go with ones that complement it. For example, if your bathroom has beige or gray colors, choose bright-colored washcloths such as red, orange, or yellow to give your bathroom a more stylish look. It's also important to note that you can easily see dirt or other residue on lighter washcloths. This can help you to know when it’s time to place them in the washer, but it also means they’re more prone to staining. Regardless of whether or not you can see the residue, Dr. Downie recommends changing your washcloth at least once every three days.
“Quality washcloths last 3 to 4 years depending on individual use,” says Dr. Downie. How you care for your washcloth is going to be a big factor in how long it lasts. You should always make sure that you are following the manufacturer’s instructions so that you will know if it’s okay to throw your washcloth in the laundry machine or if it needs to be washed by hand.
Dr. Downie recommends that you change your washcloth once every three days. However, depending on your lifestyle and skin type, you may have to change it more frequently. Those with acne-prone skin may consider using a fresh washcloth each day.
Cleaning Cloths Industry This article was written by Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living who has over a year of experience writing lifestyle content. For this particular roundup, she spent hours researching different kinds of washcloths and reached out to board-certified dermatologists Dr. Jeanine B. Downie of Image Dermatology and Dr. Joel L. Cohen of AboutSkin Dermatology and DermSurgery.