5 Great Alternatives To Cotton Pads For Toner

Are you transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle? Or do you want to find small ways to reduce your carbon footprint? It doesn't matter if you're an eco-warrior or simply don't like the feel of cotton pads because using a cotton pad alternative for toner can benefit everyone. To make the swap easier for you, we have researched the best green choices out there.

There are many alternatives to cotton pads for applying toner to your face. The alternatives can even be washed and reused repeatedly. The following materials are eco-friendly alternatives to disposable cotton pads:

1. Flannel pads
2. Muslin pads
3. Bamboo pads
4. Microfiber pads
5. Konjac sponges

You probably have more questions about these reusable alternatives to cotton pads. Keep reading to find out more information over each type of pad. We also look more into some of your toner-related questions. Get ready for some answers!

Reusable Cotton Pad Alternatives For Toner 

Switching out your disposable cotton pads for a reusable option is a simple way to reduce your waste. And you’ll never wake up to an empty cotton pad package and have to resort to slapping your toner on by hand again. Let's look at some of your options:

Flannel Pads 

Flannel is typically a very soft fabric made from natural fibers like cotton or wool woven together. You can wash any cotton pad made from flannel in the washing machine. Throw them in with a regular load of laundry, and they will come out ready for reuse. It's that easy!

Assorted Flannel Facial Rounds

These eco-friendly pads come in a variety of fun prints. Applying toner becomes an entirely different experience with a product like this. It comes in a 16 pack, so you have plenty of flannel pads on hand.

Click here to see more on Amazon. 

As far as do-it-yourself pads go, flannel is the most popular material for all you crafters out there. Go to any fabric store and you will find soft flannel material for an affordable price. Alternatively, you can repurpose an old shirt and skip purchasing new material. Next, cut even circles. Then, simply sew two circles together. Voila, you have a reusable pad for toner.

Even though flannel is very soft to the touch, some people find it too rough on the face. If you have very sensitive skin, make sure to test out a flannel product before you commit to buying a whole pack of reusable pads.

2. Muslin Pads 

Muslin is also made from cotton. It is woven in a looser style than flannel, making it extremely breathable. Muslin is more delicate than certain fabrics, so once you have used your muslin pads to apply your toner, you have to hand wash them. Leave them flat to dry. You can use them as soon as they're dry.

Muslin may be a little too rough for applying toner, but you can still use it. Most people use their muslin cloths or pads for removing makeup.

Muslin Cloths

This cloth is an alternative to cotton pads. It works great as an exfoliator too.

Click here to see more on Amazon. 

Ané Face Cloths

These double-sided cloths have a gentle and coarser side to fit the needs of your skin. Apply toner with one side, then remove your makeup with the other side.

Click here to see more on Amazon. 

3. Bamboo Pads 

Bamboo pads come from the pulp of bamboo grass. It's durable and extraordinarily soft. All bamboo toner pads can be washed in your washing machine on standard settings. Most bamboo pads come with a special washing bag so that your pads don't get mixed up, lost, or damaged.

If you're searching for alternative cotton pads for toner, then bamboo is the most popular material available.

Bamboo Facial Rounds

These cotton pad alternatives come in a set of 12 with a laundry bag and bamboo holder. They are also dual-sided. The softer side is designed to remove makeup, and the other side if for applying toner.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

4. Microfiber Pads

Microfiber pads are another great cotton pad alternative. However, microfibers are not all-natural material, so many eco-conscious people opt for a different pad choice. But, at the end of the day, using a microfiber pad does cut back on waste. So, even though they are synthetic, they will still lower your carbon footprint.

Microfiber Pads

These black and white microfiber pads come in a pack of 16 with a reusable laundry bag. The white side is for toner, and the black side is for removing all that stubborn makeup at the end of the day.

Click here to see more on Amazon. 

Reusable Microfiber Makeup Pads

These microfiber pads come in six different textures, so you can find the one that works best with your toner and skin type.

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5. Konjac Sponges

The use of konjac sponges in the cosmetic industry is becoming increasingly popular. This type of sponge is deceivingly named because it is not an actual sponge from the ocean. Instead, it is a sponge-shaped tool made from the root of a porous Asian vegetable. It's all-natural and vegan.

The sponge comes in different colors. The different colors correlate to the active ingredients inside. These ingredients range from activated charcoal to green tea.

Konjac sponges can be used to apply toner, remove makeup, and wash your face because they are a gentle exfoliant. However, unlike the previous cotton pad alternatives, konjac sponges are not entirely reusable. You should use a new one every one to two months to prevent excess bacteria build-up. You can compost it when you are done, so you are still reducing your waste if you make the switch.

Natural Konjac Facial Sponges

This 4-pack comes with activated charcoal and aloe vera infused sponges. You can exfoliate your face while you apply your toner.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Konjac Color Sponges

With a rainbow of konjac sponges, you have your choice of which vitalizing infusion you want to use. This pack is a year's supply, so you are drastically decreasing the amount of waste you would produce if you stick to disposable cotton pads.

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More Questions About Applying Toner

Now that you know all about eco-friendly ways to replace your disposable cotton pads, let's discuss a few more toner-related questions.

Should You Pat Or Rub Toner?

It's best to pat toner as you apply it to your skin. Rubbing works too, but less product will be absorbed into your skin if you rub it. Patting may take more time, but this extra effort allows your skin to absorb the product without the additional stress from a rubbing motion.

Do Cotton Pads Irritate Your Skin?

Cotton pads can be irritating to sensitive skin, especially if you are using disposable cotton pads. These are commonly treated with harsh chemicals. These chemicals can cause your delicate facial skin to be irritated or even have an allergic reaction. This is why switching to a reusable cotton pad for your cosmetic application is an excellent choice.

Reusable Cotton Pads

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Do You Apply Toner To A Wet Or Dry Face?

It's best to apply toner to a dry face after cleansing. Applying toner to a wet face can dilute the product, which means your skin won't get all of the beautiful benefits of the toner. You may want to use vitamin C serum, too.

Read more: How To Use Vitamin C Serum [Including How, When, And How Often]  

Is Liquid Toner Better Than Spray?

Both liquid and spray toners can be great products. Liquid toner is more effective at cleansing the skin and prepping it for a moisturizer. More product is applied to your face and neck when you use a liquid toner.

Spray toner can achieve a cleaner result with less product. It may even be better for people with sensitive skin. Spray toner can also be used as a makeup refresher throughout the day. Some people find having both a liquid and spray toner is the best solution.

Can I Put Toner In A Spray Bottle?

You can put toner into a spray bottle. Switching to a spray bottle for your toner application extends the life of the product. However, a light mist from a spray bottle is not as effective as patting on a liquid toner. Some people find a light mist is enough for their skin, but others find they need to apply liquid toner directly to their face to achieve the best results.

How To Apply Spray Toner On The Face?

You can directly spritz spray toner to your face, but this makes it difficult to pinpoint target spots on your face. Beauty experts recommend spraying the toner onto a cotton pad and directly applying that pad to the target area. Usually, people only use toner for their T-zone.

Can I Use My Hands To Apply Toner?

You can apply toner with your hands, but you will likely waste product as it drips through your fingers or is absorbed into your skin.

In Closing

Be environmentally conscious and make your cosmetic routine more green. Swapping your disposable makeup pads with a reusable alternative reduces your waste and saves you money. It's a win-win scenario.

There are alternative cotton pads for all skin types, so you are sure to find the perfect product for your face. Make the switch today! Before you go, be sure to check out these other articles that may be of interest:

Do You Use Moisturizer Or Toner First?

Is It Bad To Use Moisturizer Every Day?