If I had a dollar for every time I used a bad cotton pad to remove my makeup or nail polish, I’d definitely be a rich woman. While you might think that heading to the beauty supply store and buying a pack of cotton pads is enough, let me tell you that no two pads are exactly alike. (Yes, really.) So to make applying and removing your makeup a little easier, I’ve rounded up the 13 best cotton pads for makeup remover that you should be using. Thank me later.
Whether you want to exfoliate, apply toner, or remove mascara or nail polish, you’ll need a good cotton pad. The key is to find a cotton pad that (1) absorbs moisture well and (2) has the right texture for you. For personal reasons, I have a cotton pad for every occasion. Here’s a preview of the upcoming cotton pads…
Curious? I think so. Without further ado, here are the 13 best cotton pads from brands like Shiseido, White Rabbit, Q-tips, and even Chanel. For easier makeup removal, keep using this product.
If you are looking for multi-purpose cotton pads, Shiseido cotton pads are the perfect choice. Made from 100% cotton, these cotton pads are super soft but also very durable, as they are made up of 27 layers.
Reviews: “These are my favorite pads. When they are on sale, I stock up. I like that they don’t fall apart while I’m using them, which sometimes happens with some cheaper pads,” one reviewer said.
There’s nothing worse than a cotton pad that falls apart immediately after application. Use: Rael Facial Sponge Pads. With superior absorbency, tear resistance, and silky softness, these cotton pads are just what you need.
Comments: “If you use serums, you know they can be expensive. I still use regular cotton pads, but only for witch hazel and cheaper products. For serums, etc., I use these cotton pads. They are not very absorbent, so you use less of your face product with them. Now, just a few drops of serum last a long time, since they don’t get absorbed by the cotton pad,” one commenter said.
If you don’t want to buy a new pack of cotton balls every time you run out, you can buy a pack of reusable cotton balls. The pack comes with 20 cotton balls and a cute little cotton laundry bag.
Reviews: “I had no idea reusable pads existed, but I’m so glad I did. The pads I used to use irritated my skin and caused redness. These are so soft and won’t happen again. So far they work great and stay clean,” one reviewer wrote.
Korean beauty brand White Rabbit is on a mission to take essential but often overlooked beauty products to the next level, and that’s exactly what these cotton pads do. These cotton pads are made from 100% cotton and won’t leave any lint or other fibers on your skin.
Reviews: “I’ve tried a lot of different cotton pads lately. These seem to have all the qualities I’ve been looking for so far – they don’t irritate my skin and they have optimal absorption. They’re not like those fluffy pads that soak up the product you put on them,” one review says.
If you have sensitive skin, some products and tools can cause serious harm to you. That’s why it’s so important to choose carefully. These cotton pads from MUJI are made from unbleached 100% cotton, which means they’re perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Reviews: “The amount of product in the package is great, the absorbency is just right, and the blackheads are not noticeable on the natural cotton fabric. I use these for many things… eye makeup removal, toner, micellar water, foaming lip scrub, you name it. I would definitely buy these again,” wrote one reviewer.
Hello, hello! Did you know that you can actually exfoliate your skin with a cotton pad? If you’re looking for a more “rough” treatment when applying toner, cleanser, astringent, or removing nail polish, cotton pads are a great, gentle option.
Review: “I’ve been buying these exfoliating pads for years. They’re the best! I’ve used so many other brands and they’ve fallen apart. These Ulta exfoliating pads are so well made and last so long that I’m only buying them now. I love that one side has raised dots for a little *exfoliation*… I use them with my cleanser to remove dirt/makeup from my face. I use the smooth side when I apply toner. Great product, Ulta!” one tester wrote.
Sometimes you don’t want to spend too much money on cotton pads, and I understand how you feel. This highly rated set of cotton pads (600 pieces!) is perfect for everyday use. Plus, it’ll take you a long time to use them up.
Review: “I’ve had this set for about 7 months now!!! I use it every day! I can’t believe how stupid it would be to buy a pack from Walmart every few weeks for $3-4. Instead, you only have to pay $12 for all these products and know they’ll last for months!” wrote one tester.
There’s a reason cotton swabs are classics—they’ve stood the test of time. These pads combine the best of both worlds: a quilted side for when you need an extra dose of sand, and a soft side for more delicate areas of your face.
Reviews: “I was so surprised! I thought Q-tips only made real cotton swabs – I had no idea they made such an amazing product! I use the pads to remove my makeup at night and they are so gentle and absorbent! I would recommend them to a friend in a heartbeat!” one tester wrote.
Let’s face it: Trying to apply product all over your face with a tiny cotton pad can be annoying. Luckily, you won’t have that problem with these BBS from Sephora, as they come in large, perfect sizes. They’re chemical-free, have a thick, square texture, and are sure to be a part of your beauty routine.
Reviews: “These are the best makeup pads on the market. They are nice and thick so they really do remove heavy, stubborn makeup. They don’t roll at all like the ones you get at the drugstore,” wrote one customer.
Look, soft, gentle cotton pads are great for your face. But what do you do when it’s time to remove your nail polish? You’ll need a durable mat. Application: Graham Hands Down Ultra Nail and Makeup Pads. Your nail polish won’t stand up to these BBS.
Review: “These are great for removing nail polish—both your toenails, problem nails, and other people’s nails—and the plastic separators and tabs keep your fingers from getting the nail polish remover smeared,” wrote one tester.
These hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial pads are the best reusable cotton pads on the market. Not only are they great for removing makeup, but they also work as great exfoliators thanks to their soft, terry texture. Oh, and they come in a cute pink carrying case.
Reviews: “I recently realized how many cotton pads I’ve been using over the last few months and switched to these. They’re so well thought out! The pouch the pads come in is so cute and can be used for other things. The laundry bag is perfect. The pads themselves are nice, thick and exfoliating,” says one reviewer.
Everyone can enjoy understated luxury with these ultra-stylish Chanel cotton pads. Yes, they look pretty on your vanity, but they’re also super soft and perfect for applying makeup. I think it’s a win-win situation, right?
Reviews: “Okay, if you’re anything like me, these pads are an absolute five-star. Could you live without them? Well, yes. Would you want to after seeing how soft and luxurious they are? No! These pads are super soft and worth the price, and the fact that they’re Chanel definitely makes them worth it,” wrote one tester.
These eco-friendly cosmetic cases are made from 100% natural fibers, are chemical-free, and are completely biodegradable. This set from Kitsch includes 7 cosmetic cases that are perfect for every day of the week and are super easy to clean and reuse.
Reviews: “As we become more aware of waste and its impact on the environment, I am always looking for ways to reuse any items I have in my daily life. Cotton pads are one of them! I fell in love the moment I saw them and they are the perfect seven-pack – one for each day of the week. I wash them weekly with laundry detergent so I have a clean pad for the next time I use them,” one reviewer says.
You don’t want half of your toner to soak into the cotton pad before you apply it to your face, right? That’s right. That’s why absorbency is so important. Cotton is highly absorbent, but some products have properties, like woven textures, that reduce that absorbency. Which brings us to…
In addition to using woven or tightly stitched cotton pads, which can reduce excessive absorption, pay attention to the texture of the cotton pad that suits your skin type or the purpose for which you plan to use the pad. If you have sensitive skin, you should choose cotton pads with a soft and smooth texture. If you want to exfoliate your skin or remove nail polish, you can use a cotton pad with an exfoliating or rough surface.
Sienna Galliano is the Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan magazine, with three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s an expert in researching and writing about skincare and beauty, like the best lip balms with sun protection and the cutest makeup bags, and she’s also an expert on makeup sponges, having struggled to find ones that last longer. She regularly tests and analyzes the effectiveness of cotton pads on herself, and collaborates with industry leaders to evaluate new products.