Reusable Makeup Remover Pads: Fabric Types and Sustainability Standards

The shift away from single-use cotton rounds is one of the biggest movements in beauty. However, for a brand, the “sustainability” claim must be backed by rigorous material standards to avoid “greenwashing.”Fabric Comparison & EngineeringMicro-Filament Polyester: These fibers are 100 times thinner than a human hair. Factories weave them into a “loop-pile” structure. This creates a mechanical action that lifts makeup out of the pores using only water, breaking the surface tension of the oils without chemical solvents.Bamboo Terry vs. Bamboo Velour: Bamboo is naturally antibacterial. “Terry” (looped) is better for exfoliation, while “Velour” (sheared loops) is better for sensitive areas like the eyes.Charcoal Infusion: Many OEMs now offer “Bamboo Charcoal” layers. The carbon is embedded into the fiber to help pull impurities from the skin and keep the pad smelling fresh after multiple uses.Durability Testing (The Wash-Cycle Standard)A premium reusable pad must withstand a “500-Wash Guarantee.” Factories test this by subjecting samples to industrial laundry cycles at $60^{circ}C$. The edge-binding (the “serging” or “piping”) must be reinforced with double-stitched nylon thread to prevent fraying, which is the most common point of failure for cheap imitations.