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A basic bathroom essential, cotton rounds make a nice addition to your daily and nightly facial routine as they make applying and removing your favorite cosmetics and skincare fast and easy. Use them to apply and remove everything from your favorite cosmetics and cleansers to toners and essences and they are sturdy enough to get your nail polish off in a pinch.
Below are some quality cotton rounds in 2024 that are made from 100% cotton. These gentle and soft rounds come in both organic and non-organic options, are hypoallergenic, and have multi-layer designs that keep them sturdy with less breakage.
These rounds also boast extra absorbency so you can worry less about any wasted product while enjoying a lint-free, consistent user experience.
Compare the Top Cotton Rounds of 2024
Cliganic Premium Cotton Rounds for Face — Best Overall
Made from 100% pure natural cotton, these premium cotton rounds are double-sided, multi-layer pads that are extra absorbent and ideal for removing makeup and nail polish to apply toners, cleansers, and lotions. These rounds are also hypoallergenic and gentle enough for all skin types.
Pros
- These cotton rounds are lint-free
Cons
- These rounds are not eco-friendly
Sky Organics Cotton Rounds — Runner Up
If organic cotton is more your speed, these cotton rounds are made with ethically sourced, 100% certified organic cotton. These rounds also have a high absorbency rate which ensures a leak-free experience and easy application of facial toners, makeup removers, and other beauty products. Their higher absorbancy rate also ensures your favorite beauty products never go to waste.
Pros
- These cotton rounds are chlorine and fragrance-free
Cons
- The plastic packaging is not biodegradable
Simply Soft Cotton Rounds — Honorable Mention
These pure and natural, 100% cotton rounds have a special 4-layer design that makes them highly absorbent and ideal when used for any beauty application or removal. These cotton rounds also go through an advanced water jet technology process that produces a cleaner, lint-free round that is gentle on the skin yet still strong and durable.
Pros
- Three packs of 100 cotton rounds each are included in this set
Cons
- These cotton rounds are not made from organic cotton
AnnaLisa 100% Pure Cotton Rounds — Contender
For a slightly different cotton pad experience, check out these luxurious, dual-sided, 100% cotton rounds. Made from combed cotton, these cotton pads are ideal for cosmetic and skincare applications as they have dual sides – one for deep cleansing and the other side for gentle application. These rounds are also ultra-absorbent, lint-free, and tear-resistant.
Pros
- These cotton rounds are free of chemicals and are hypoallergenic
Cons
- If you prefer thinner cotton pads another option might be better
ForPro Premium Stitched Cotton Rounds — Also Consider
Another great textured cotton pad option is these professional-grade rounds with premium stitching, finished edges, and fine quilting to guard against shedding or leaving traces of lint. These rounds are plush and absorbent which creates a luxe application and removal experience and are made from 100% pure, natural cotton.
Pros
- The pads are quilted on both sides
Cons
- These are not made from organic cotton
Organyc 100% Organic Cotton Rounds — Editor's Pick
Made from 100% certified organic cotton inside and out, these rounds are soft, gentle, and ideal for sensitive skin types. In addition to being soft, they are strong and able to handle extensive cosmetic and skincare applications without tearing or breaking apart. They are also pH balanced for sensitive skin with no bleach, latex or parabens added.
Pros
- All packaging and materials are biodegradable and compostable
Cons
- These cotton rounds are whitened with hydrogen peroxide
Solimo Cotton Rounds — Another Option
Another option that is made from 100% cotton are these rounds that are lint-free and soft and gentle on the skin. Use these for everything from applying and removing cleaners and creams to the skin and they are even soft enough for use on a baby’s delicate skin. These cotton rounds are also lint-free and use only hydrogen peroxide to whiten the cotton.
Pros
- These cotton rounds are bleach-free
Cons
- The plastic packaging does not reseal
Buying Guide: Cotton Rounds
Cotton rounds come in different sizes and quantities. They also come in different thickness levels, and with various levels of absorbency. There are several other differences between cotton rounds, and the best type of cotton round will depend on your personal needs and preferences.
To help you find the right cotton round for your needs, we’ve covered some need-to-know topics and features, you know exactly what you need to look out for at all times.
Interested in finding out more? Keep on reading.
Benefits of a Cotton Round
There are many benefits to using a cotton round, some of which may surprise you. Some of these benefits include:
Less harsh on your skin than face wipes
Face wipes are made with certain chemicals that can be an irritant. Cotton rounds are mostly chemical-free, allowing you to choose what substances you apply. This allows you to keep better track of what you apply to your skin.
More absorbent than wipes
Cotton rounds are super absorbent and will fully absorb any cleanser or toner you apply. This is better for your skin because it allows it to breathe.
Cost-effective
Cotton rounds are great value for money. You can purchase more cotton rounds for the same price as a pack of face wipes.
What You Need to Consider About Cotton Rounds
There are several things you should consider before purchasing cotton pads to ensure you make the best purchase possible. Continue reading to see what we suggest.
Number of cotton rounds per pack
Consider how many cotton rounds you want to purchase. You can get the amount you need in one pack or multiple packs. Purchasing multiple packs will keep the cotton rounds dust-free and fresher for longer.
If you have a small amount of storage space, you may prefer to purchase one smaller pack of cotton rounds.
Size of cotton rounds
Cotton rounds are generally about the same size. However, some large and extra-large cotton rounds are also available.
Double-sided
Double-sided cotton rounds have a larger usable surface area than single-sided cotton rounds. This allows you to remove more makeup or nail varnish.
Number of layers
The more layers a cotton round has, the more absorbent it will be. This is useful for removing products from the skin. More absorbent cotton rounds mean you do not need to use as many. This will save you money in the long run.
Reusable
Consider purchasing reusable cotton rounds. This is better for the environment than purchasing disposable cotton rounds. Farming cotton uses up a lot of water, which is bad for the environment. Reusable cotton rounds will also save you money in the long run, although the initial outlay will be more.
Organic cotton
Purchasing disposable organic cotton rounds is also better for the environment than purchasing non-organic cotton rounds. Organic produce uses fewer pesticides and chemicals. Some people find organic cotton feels better on their skin.
Eco-friendly packaging
You may want to look for cotton rounds that come in eco-friendly packaging. Consider looking for recyclable packaging. After all, you are already making an environmentally conscious decision buying cotton rounds in the first place. You may as well go one step further and choose a brand with eco-friendly packaging.
Customer reviews
Read the customer reviews of a product you are interested in purchasing. This will give you a better idea about the quality of the cotton rounds and their durability.
Sure, looking up customer reviews about cotton rounds may not sound necessary, but you’ll be surprised how much they differ in quality. We considered all of these features and more when compiling our recommendations list.
What Can You Use Cotton Rounds for Apart From Removing Makeup?
Cotton rounds have multiple uses. You can use them to apply toner to your face. You can also use it as a gentle exfoliator. Many people use cotton rounds in combination with nail varnish remover to remove nail varnish, as they do not leave any kind of residue.
Some artists use cotton rounds to apply paint to canvas or manipulate their artwork and create new textures and styles. A little unorthodox, but creative use of a cotton round could potentially result in your next artistic masterpiece!
When Should You Use Cotton Rounds Over Cotton Buds?
As aforementioned, cotton rounds are perfect for skincare routines and applying certain makeup products. However, cotton buds have more specific uses, especially when you need to use more product. For example, cotton buds are better for removing stubborn nail polish, creating DIY diffusers (soak the cotton bud in your favorite essential oils), or creating a remedy for rashes and itchiness.
