Understanding Your Cotton Pads

Understanding different types of cotton pads through three key indicators

While we pay attention to cotton removal, cleansing, toning, moisturizing and cream application, there is one kind of "assistant" that accompanies the entire skincare process – cotton pads, have you ever noticed them?

Thick vs. Thin

Thick cotton pads are usually made of de-fat cotton, while thin ones are mostly non-woven fabrics made of paper fibers. Thick cotton pads offer better touch and are gentler to the skin without causing much irritation. For sensitive or thinner skin, it is recommended to use thick cotton pure cotton pads for safety.

Pressed Edges vs. Open Edges

Thick cotton pads come in fully pressed edges, half pressed edges, and open edges. Half-pressed and open-edge cotton pads are suitable for peeling into several sheets to use for wet compress, which can save cotton water and fit the skin better. Fully pressed-edge type is not for peeling and is better for removing cotton.

Silk Mesh Surface vs. Non-woven Fabric Mesh Surface

Some circular cotton pads use silk protein-made silk mesh surface, which can gently and meticulously remove old keratin from the skin surface while wiping, and using this cotton pad to apply cotton water and emulsion can be more uniform and conducive to skin absorption. It is also more hygienic, and after massaging the skin with cotton water and emulsion, the skin will appear more full and shiny.

Whether it is non-woven fabric textured surface or pure cotton material imitation non-woven fabric structured surface, they usually have the effect of exfoliating. Some cotton pads have two different textures on the front and back. The coarse side is suitable for T-zone with more sebum secretion and more keratin, while the fine side is suitable for U-zone with drier and thinner skin.

Four key evaluation criteria for cotton pads quality

Water Absorbency and Water Holding Capacity

Pour 2 ml of cotton water on the cotton pad according to the standard dosage of general cotton water and see if it can be completely absorbed or whether cotton water leak occurs. Quality pure cotton pads can fully absorb and prevent cotton water from dripping easily.

Water Release Capability

Squeeze out the cotton water from the soaked cotton pad and see how much water can be released. The less cotton water is absorbed by the cotton pad, the less skincare product will be consumed.

Linting Resistance

Rub the wet cotton pad against your hand for 20 times and see if there is any lint residue. Quality cotton pads will not leave annoying lint on your face during skincare.

Fineness

The surface of the cotton pad can be felt more delicately and comfortably on the cheekbones, cheeks and eye areas. Even if it has the effect of removing old keratin, its touch should be delicate and comfortable so as not to over-cleanse.