10 Best Cotton Pads in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

When using a cotton pad, you’d want it to glide smoothly, softly, and comfortably on your face. Hence, you need to inspect the material. If you’re browsing online, check the available images on the product listing as well as the reviews to get an idea of the quality and finish. Pure cotton pads and organic ones are preferred by most users since they feel soft on the skin.

Cotton pads that retain their shape even when you swipe them on your face or body are also preferred. Plus, they should be able to absorb just the right amount of product to prevent wastage. This is so that most of the toner or skincare solution ends up on your skin and is not just absorbed by the cotton pad.  

Cotton pads usually come in either rounds or squares. Each variant has a specific purpose—for instance, the former is best for removing makeup, while the latter is suitable for removing nail polish and making sheet masks.

Thin pads are soft and gentle, while thicker ones don't break easily as you remove makeup and nail polish. A cotton pad should have the right thickness so that it is able to hold its shape even when you swipe it on your face or body multiple times. 

Round cotton pads usually have a diameter of 50 to 70 mm, enough to cover a certain part of your face or body. This can go up to 80 to 100 mm for square or rectangular cotton pads. For daily use, smaller cotton pads are the perfect size. On the other hand, choose bigger ones if you’d like to cover a wider surface area or when you intend to make your own sheet mask. 

Cotton pads can either have a plain or textured surface. The more common plain variant is your all-around cotton pad. These multi-purpose pads can be used to remove makeup and nail polish, apply skincare products, or even as a first-aid remedyーthey're that versatile!

Meanwhile, for a deeper clean, choose textured cotton pads. The embossed grooves on the pads effectively remove dirt, grime, oil, and makeup on your face. These qualities make them great for exfoliation and give a bit of a massage to relax your skin.

If you travel a lot, disposable cotton pads are advantageous because you don’t need to worry about cleaning them. Just pull one out of the container and you’re good to go! Single-use pads may be an economical option, but they can generate a significant amount of waste in the long run.

On the other hand, reusable cotton pads are a good choice for skincare enthusiasts who want to reduce their waste. They are convenient to use at home because you can wash them immediately after. They may cost more initially, but in the long run, you will save both money and the environment because they can be reused for years. Thus, your supply will not run out.   

To keep your skin smooth and blemish-free, it’s best to purchase cotton pads from trustworthy brands. Better yet, look for brands that specialize in manufacturing cotton products or other skincare essentials. Customer reviews are also important when you are selecting between well-known brands. Scrimping on cotton pads can result in breakouts, earning you a costly trip to the derma.