Quick List - Top Face Towels
Canopy
A Face Towel With PremiuA Premium Face Towel That Gets Softer With Each Washm Quality
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
For more information, read through our buying below.
The important things to consider when buying a face towel are softness and absorbency. The face towel’s texture feel and absorbency will depend on the material being used. If you plan on purchasing towels online, checking the materials used will help you imagine the texture feel to help you decide.
Cotton is the most common material we see in the market, but there are different types of cotton that change the quality of towels. Some face towels are made of pure cotton, and some have added natural materials. There is Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton, Pima cotton, and bamboo, a soft material with a nice feel widely used by everyone.
If you want a soft yet absorbent face towel, you can go with Turkish cotton. This type of cotton is grown exclusively in Turkey, and it has a thick and luxurious feel. It also has longer fibers that make it durable and soft. With every wash, it becomes softer and fluffier, so it absorbs moisture well.
When it comes to our skin, it's important that we treat it gently and carefully to ensure the integrity of our skin barrier remains intact. And while a lot of advice is given on how to wash your face, not much is given on how to dry it.
Above and beyond selecting the right material for your towel, using it properly is of the essence. Pat dry only!
Another kind of cotton used in towels is Egyptian cotton, which has extra-long, fibrous threads. It is highly absorbent, durable, and breathable. This is one of the best materials for towels because it can absorb water well. You might want to look for this material when buying a face towel.
If you have sensitive skin and allergies, you may want to consider buying a face towel made with bamboo, which has anti-bacterial features. Bamboo towels are eco-friendly, soft, and affordable. You do not have to worry about having allergic reactions if you choose this material for your face towel.
You can't go wrong with quality cotton. Cotton is naturally attracted to water, so it will do a good job in absorbing and drying the skin. However, a study by Oller, Anna, et al. entitled "Staphylococcus aureus recovery from cotton towels" concluded that absorbent towels may harbor more bacteria (Staphylococci) than less absorbent ones. Make sure to hang dry that towel and change it often!
Gauze is a material that is highly breathable and is very soft to the skin. The drying speed is twice that of ordinary towels, so it dries up very quickly even after washing making it easier to keep it clean. This material is best for hot summer days to keep you fresh and dry.
However, towels with this material do not absorb as much water compared to towels made with cotton. If you are looking for a breathable and fast-drying face towel, it is better to get one with this material.
From a medical perspective, 'gauze' is immediately associated with the gauze bandageーthat single layer of woven fabric (sometimes made of cotton). While gauze towels are marketed to be very soft to the skin, remember any form of rubbing, even from the softest towel, is still a form of physical exfoliation. So definitely, try to resist that urge!
Linens are known to have high absorbency. It is popular for its natural texture, so a lot of people choose this as a part of their interior design, too. Linen towels will give you a fresh feeling after wiping. It is also known to keep away the moisture for a smoother and fresher feel.
Linen dries in a short amount of time and has antimicrobial properties, so it does not retain odors. It is also lighter than cotton towels, so you can bring it anywhere and it does not take much space. Linen is smooth to the touch, and it gets softer every time you wash it. If you are looking for another material for your face towel, you can go with this one.
Interestingly, a research study conducted by Dalbaşi, Eylen Sema, et al. entitled "A Research on the Comfort Properties of Linen Fabrics Subjected to Various Finishing Treatments" states that not all linens were created equal. Linen fabrics, along with all the different fabric types, undergo a multitude of finishing treatments (e.g., enzymatic, softening, and/or wrinkle-resistant treatments). And all these processes at the end of the day can alter the final product's physical properties.
Microfiber is more absorbent than cotton. It is made with synthetic fiber such as polyester and can quickly absorb water. Microfiber towels are ideal to use on the face because they can act as facial exfoliators. It also dries up quickly after washing. You won't even need to wipe because damping it on your skin is good enough to absorb water.
It is also lightweight, so it does not add much weight to your baggage when going on a trip. If you are looking for a face towel that you can bring anywhere and won't take much space, you can buy one made with microfiber.
Fun fact: Based on the journal by S.A. Hosseini Ravandi, et al. entitled "Properties of fibers and fabrics that contribute to human comfort," microfibers are characterized as having the ability to absorb over seven times their weight in water and dry in one-third of the time of ordinary fibers. Talk about super-absorbent and quick-drying!
If you have decided to go with face towels made of cotton, consider the construction that fits your needs. The construction of the towel can affect how long it can last and how comfortable it is when used. The twists make the towel durable, and the loops make the towel absorbent.
Most people prefer to use a soft face towel to avoid damaging the skin on their faces. It is better to get a cotton comber face towel if this is the case. The cotton is combed to remove impurities and shorter threads to make it uniform and straight. It also makes the fabric softer and more durable.
Towels made with combed cotton do not pill or shed. However, you need to be careful when washing combed cotton because it can shrink when put in hot water.
Not all cotton fabrics were created equal. Interestingly, a journal by Singh, Mukesh Kumar, et al. showed that if cotton is carded, combed, or compact spun, it will result in an entirely different structure in terms of the level of space inside the yarn, the number of hairs, among other factors.
You can choose ring-spun cotton if you want a durable face towel. The short and long fibers are tightly spun together to make them stronger. It has a smoother and more refined feel compared to combed cotton. Ring-spun cotton towels are highly durable and can withstand repeated washing and drying.
The colors also do not fade even if they are used often. Ring-spun cotton shrinks less than ordinary 100% cotton, so you do not have to worry about shrinkage.
A study conducted by Ghada Ali Abou-Nassif entitled "A Comparative Study between Physical Properties of Compact and Ring Yarn Fabrics Produced from Medium and Coarser Yarn Counts" shed light on the fact that different ways of processing the same type of fabric essentially produces very different products with different physical properties (e.g., breaking strength, tearing strength, air permeability, among others).
The most common shape of a face towel is square. If you plan to use it to wipe your face, then the size won’t matter that much. You can choose the size of the face towel based on your preference. The most common size of face towels is 30 x 30 cm. and can go up to 30 x 80 cm., but you can choose any size you want.
There is also a towel called a sports towel that is narrower but longer than a face towel. You can use a face towel during workouts, too, but it is a bit short to put around your neck. It will be easier to wipe your sweat with enough length. We highly recommend using a sports towel instead of a face towel when working out or playing sports!
Ultimately, the choice of the size of the towel is based on your personal preference.
A face towel with 300-400 GSM is thin and light, so it does not weigh much. It also has a fast drying time, so it is ideal to use when working out in a gym or playing sports. A 400-600 GSM is a medium-weight towel that absorbs water well. Most quality face towels have 500 GSM, and they are good for everyday use.
If you want a premium face towel, you can choose one with 600-900 GSM. Face towels in this range are considered luxury towels because they are denser, thicker, and more absorbent. However, you need to remember that this kind of towel may take a longer time to dry than other face towels with lower GSM.
The main question isーis thicker better? The answer is not necessarily. While thicker towels give us a sense of luxury and comfort, they also tend to score lower in terms of air permeabilty or the amount of air that can pass through the fabric. This can equate to the towel's breathability, and consequently, ability to air dry between uses.
It is also a good practice to check the tag to know the proper care for face towels. Most face towels are machine washable, but it is still better to check if they can be washed using a washing machine.
The same goes if they can be dried using a washing machine because they may shrink. If the tag says that it is machine washable and dryable, then there is no problem.
You also need to check if the face towel is bleach-safe. Most white towels can be bleached, but colored towels might fade if you use bleach. Use mild detergents to prevent the fibers from getting damaged, and it is not advisable to use fabric softeners because they leave residues and can affect absorbency.
Quick tipーwash towels with a mild detergent and make sure to completely rinse off the soap residues to prevent any form of contact dermatitis.
We often see “hotel quality” or “hotel-style” to describe face towels, and most people picture a very fluffy and luxurious towel. These words actually mean that the towel has the durability to endure being washed several times with high absorbency. If you see this label when buying towels online, keep in mind that it does not mean luxurious and fluffy, but durable and highly absorbent.
Fair warning! The label "hotel quality" is not something that is standardized. So just because it's labeled as such doesn't guarantee it's the same one you use during your hotel staycation.
What should you keep in mind when purchasing a face towel online without being able to feel the texture? The first thing you should do is to check the brand. There are a lot of high-end towel brands, but that does not mean you need to buy from them even if it is not their main product.
It is better to purchase from brands that are known for making high-quality bath towels. Purchasing from these trusted brands will mean you are getting high-quality products, but towels of the same brand may have different quality levels as well.
Be sure to check the brand as a reference and not base your decision solely on it. The best thing to do to check if the product is good is through online reviews. Make sure to check the reviews prior to purchasing.
If you're still in doubt after reading reviews, you can AskYourDerma for more insights! Remember, as skin experts we obssess on all things that deal with our skinーtowels included!
Face towels are considered consumables, making them impractical if they are too expensive. If you want to buy one for each family member, it is highly recommended to buy high-quality towels in bulk.
There are a lot of towels that are sold in bulk online. You can save money when buying in bulk since they are priced differently than the individual ones. You can also save on the shipping fee if you buy bulk than buying one or two face towels at a time. If you want to have one color of face towels, this is also the way to go.
Before bulk buying, it would be a good idea to actually see the product so that you're sure that it's of good quality and meets your expectations.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Canopy Möve Luxurious Hotel Style Face Towel | ![]() | A Face Towel With PremiuA Premium Face Towel That Gets Softer With Each Washm Quality | |
2 | Muji Organic Cotton Thick Face Towel | ![]() | A Fluffy Face Towel With Excellent Absorbency | |
3 | Towelite Microfiber Hand Towel | ![]() | A Lightweight and Quick-Drying Towel You Can Use When Working Out | |
4 | Aquazorb 2-in-1 Face Towel | ![]() | An Ultra-Soft Microfiber Towel That Won't Feel Rough on Your Face | |
5 | Linen & Homes Face Towel | ![]() | Go for the All-Time Classic White Towel to Match Any Bathroom Decor | |
6 | Lifestyle by Canadian Brazilian Cotton Towel | ![]() | A Brazilian Cotton Face Towel for All-Around Use | |
7 | Premio Premium Face Towel | ![]() | An Affordable Housewarming Gift for Family Members and Friends | |
8 | Penshoppe Face Towel | ![]() | A Cotton Face Towel You Can Use for Your Skincare Routine | |
9 | Ziorca Supima Antibacterial Face Towel | ![]() | Made from Medical-Grade Antibacterial Cotton, Guaranteed Safe for You | |
10 | Naturehike Quick-Dry Towel | ![]() | A Compact and Highly Absorbent Face Towel for Your Hiking Trips |
This face towel is made of Egyptian cotton, which is considered one of the best kinds of cotton. This makes the face towel soft, luxurious, and extremely durable. You can be sure that it has high quality because of the material used. It is also gentle to the skin, has excellent absorbency, and is durable.
This towel is resistant to pilling and produces less lint, and it gets softer with repeated wash. You can wash it using a washing machine, and it is dryer safe, but you should not use bleach. With proper caring, you can be sure that this face towel will last for years. If you are looking for a luxury face towel, this one is for you.
Muji is a well-known brand worldwide for its basic yet good quality products. They have products ranging from clothing to food and household items. So it's to no surprise that they have produced a face towel that will be your daily pick because of its quality.
This face towel is made of organic cotton, which means it is grown without any harmful chemicals. This makes the cloth softer to the skin and is more durable. No need to worry about the quality going bad because it actually stays soft after repeated washing. It is great to use to dry your face as it absorbs water very well.
If you like working out and need something that you can use to wipe your sweat in the gym, this towel is a good choice. It is made of ultra-thin microfiber, which makes it lightweight, absorbent, and quick-drying. You can also use this when you travel or do outdoor activities because it does not add much weight.
Although it can absorb more water, it dries faster than other towels with different materials. It is also hypoallergenic and gentle to the skin, so if you have sensitive skin, it will not cause skin irritations. You can wash it with your other clothes, but avoid using bleach to avoid damage to its fibers. According to the reviews, it is absorbent and light, so users are satisfied with it.
If you're looking for a towel that you can easily pick up to bring to the gym or when you're traveling, this is the one for you. It is compact and light, so you can pack it inside your bag without taking up too much space. This is also great to just leave in your everyday bag just in case you need to use a towel.
It is made with a microfiber that has high absorbency and fast-drying features. It is very soft on the skin, too, which is great to avoid those microtears that rough textures can create. Reviewers are loving how comfortable it is on the skin and how absorbent it is. They also love giving this product away as gifts!
You can never go wrong with the plain white face towel! It has a wide range of possible uses, so you can use them everywhere and anywhere. This is made from 100% bamboo terry with 700 GSM, making it super absorbent and soft. It is also durable, so it can last for years. It also has moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties to keep you fresh and clean.
People who bought this towel said it is very absorbent and thick. It is machine washable and dryer safe, but you should not mix it with colored ones. You can also use bleach to remove the stains on it. However, because of its color, it can get dirty easily, and if it is exposed to too much bleach, it can turn yellow.
Brazil is the fifth-largest producer of cotton, and Brazilian cotton is one of the softest and most absorbent in the world. This set of face towels made from Brazilian cotton is soft and absorbent, so it is good for drying your face. It is durable and gentle on the skin, so you do not need to worry about damaging the skin on your face.
Its long-staple fibers have high absorbency, and it gets softer after every wash. You can wash this in a washing machine using cold water and tumble dry it, but it is not recommended to use bleach when washing it. If you are looking to buy a set of face towels, you can save by buying this without sacrificing the quality.
This set of face towels available in vibrant colors is made from 100% cotton, making them durable to make them last for a long time. It has a weight of 520 GSM, so it is soft but tear-resistant. You can bring this to the gym, pool, or outdoors because it is lightweight and compact.
It is machine washable and dryer safe, so you can wash it with your other clothes. It is recommended to use warm water and tumble dry on low to maintain its quality. You cannot use bleach on this face towel, but it is fine with the white ones. If you are looking for a nice but simple gift for your friend or family member, you can give this set.
This face towel from Penshoppe is a crowd favorite because of its enjoyable quality. This is made from 100% cotton, which means it's much more gentle on the skin. Cotton is known to be hypoallergenic, so this is suitable for those with sensitive skin.
It's also made with French Terry, which is a fabric known for its flexibility, durability, and moisture absorbability. This will be a great choice for those post-workout sweats or for pat drying your skin after washing your face because it also dries quickly after use. Make sure to get a hold of them while they are available, as they usually sell out quickly!
Supima towels make use of cotton fiber that is grown in the United States. They are said to be longer than usual cotton, making them more comfortable to the skin. Cotton fiber is also known to be tougher, which will make its quality remain even after a long time.
They make use of a german antibacterial technology that can protect the towel from getting contaminated by bacteria, so you can rest assured that you're using a clean towel! This is also safe for infants as it is free from toxic chemicals. Reviewers say that this towel is worth every penny because of its great texture and just-right thickness.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina Luz!
There are no hard and fast rules for this one. Essentially, a towel is meant to help you dry yourself off. So once your towel is significantly moist, toss that in the hamper and replace it with a new one. Remember, these moist towels can readily harbor microorganisms that can cause problems later on.
Ideally, you should use a different towel for your face and body. This just makes sure that the towel, especially the one for the face, is kept dry and clean. Not to mention, you can replace your face towel with a new one more often.
Definitely, resist the urge to scrub your face with that towel. Simply, pat dry and your skin will thank you for it!
Have you just moved into your new place or want to add some useful items to keep your home organized? Here are some things that you might consider getting for your home. Take a look at our list!
Re-editor: Tm Yuquimpo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Canopy|Möve Luxurious Hotel Style Face Towel
No. 2: Muji|Organic Cotton Thick Face Towel
No. 3: Towelite|Microfiber Hand Towel
No. 4: Aquazorb|2-in-1 Face Towel
No. 5: Linen & Homes|Face Towel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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