I was this close 🤏 to buying one time use face towels, but concern for the planet and the amount waste this product would bring meant I just couldn’t hit that purchase button on Amazon. This product really seems like it would work as its marketed as a product that kills bacteria on the face, soft as a babies butt, sponsored by many influencers (some actual dermatologists), super absorbent, and biodegradable … and I still think it sucks. An absolute menace in its ideology and impact.

Just because you can do something, doesn’t always mean you should do it.

What are single use face towels and why are they great?

There’s a reason these towels became trendy:

• Hygienic: No bacteria buildup like on reused washcloths or regular towels
• Convenient: No laundry, no fuss — just toss and go
• Soft & Gentle: Many are ultra-soft and don’t tug at the skin
• Travel-Friendly: Perfect for tossing into a gym bag or suitcase

If you’re someone who’s dealt with repeated breakouts or has ultra-sensitive skin, I get the appeal. And I’ll admit — the feeling of using a fresh towel each time does sound to be super luxurious.

But Here’s the Problem… The Environmental Cost

While these towels might be kind to your skin, they’re not kind to the planet. Most single-use face towels are:

• Made from non-biodegradable fibers or bleached wood pulp
• Individually packaged in plastic (depending on the brand)
• Disposed of after one use, adding to landfills and waste streams
• Not all are recyclable or compostable

If you’re using one every morning and night, that’s 60 towels a month — 720 a year. Multiply that across the thousands of people doing the same, and the waste adds up quickly.

What I like to do instead?

Buy a pack of normal face towels off Amazon and use one per day. After use, throw it in the laundry and use a fresh new one the next day. I used to use the same towel everyday till laundry day, so even with this method the amount of acne I am getting now has reduced and I feel way better knowing I’m not contributing to daily waste.

If you’re in the middle of an acne flare-up or traveling, one-time use towels can be helpful as a short-term option. But for everyday use, they’re not sustainable — and there are gentler, eco-friendlier alternatives that are just as effective.

I encourage anyone using them to think about the long-term environmental impact and consider reusable solutions. Your skin — and the planet — will thank you.