This might sound dramatic, but studies confirm your towel can hold more bacteria than your phone, maybe even more than your browser history. Let’s explore the science, the risks, and how to keep your skin (and microbiome) clean.
Studies from the University of Arizona have found bath towels crawling with common skin pathogens like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus after just a few uses.
Warm, damp fabric is the perfect breeding ground for microbes, and every time you dry your freshly cleansed face, you risk transferring those bacteria straight back onto your skin. Dermatologists warn that this can lead to acne flare-ups, irritation, and even infections if the skin barrier is already compromised.
To protect your skin, experts recommend treating towel hygiene as seriously as the products in your skincare routine. That means ditching your towel or face cloth and replacing it with something kinder for your skin, like Cleansing Cloths which are 100% biodegradable and help protect your skin barrier and reduce bacteria transfer
Even the most expensive serums can’t compete with the damage caused by a bacteria-laden towel, so switching to a freshly laundered or single-use cloth isn’t just a neat habit, it’s a science-backed step toward clearer, healthier skin.