Having sensitive skin can make finding the right bath towels a challenge. The wrong materials can cause irritation, redness, and discomfort. With so many towel options on the market, how do you know which ones are gentle enough for sensitive skin?
Don’t worry, we’ve researched for you. We reviewed dozens of bath towels specifically made for sensitive skin. We looked at materials, construction quality, absorbency, durability, and user reviews.
Based on our research, here are the best bath towels for sensitive skin in 2023:
Top Bath Towels for Sensitive Skin
| Towel | Key Features |
|---|---|
| American Soft Linen Bath Towel | 100% organic cotton Soft, lightweight feel Gentle on sensitive skin Very absorbent |
| Chakir Turkish Linens Bath Towel | 100% Turkish cotton Extra-long staple cotton fibers Smooth, lightweight texture Highly absorbent |
| Coyuchi Organic Cotton Bath Towel | GOTS certified organic cotton Loomed for softness Free of harsh dyes/chemicals Quick-drying |
| TowelSelections Bamboo Bath Towel | Viscose from bamboo Naturally antibacterial Ultra soft and lightweight Highly absorbent |
Below we provide in-depth reviews of each towel, including pros, cons, key specs, and comparisons to alternatives. Read on to learn which towel is best suited for your sensitive skin needs.
Reviews of the Best Bath Towels for Sensitive Skin
American Soft Linen 100% Organic Cotton Bath Towel
American Soft Linen 100% Organic Cotton Bath Towel
- 100% organic cotton – Grown and processed without synthetic chemicals that can irritate skin.
- Soft, lightweight feel – Not rough or abrasive against the skin. The gentle texture is perfect for sensitive skin.
- Highly absorbent – Made from premium long-staple cotton that absorbs moisture well and dries quickly.
- Durable construction – Double-stitched hems last through repeated use and washings.
- Multiple sizes are available – Choose from hand towel, bath towel, and bath sheet sizes.
If you have highly sensitive skin, the American Soft Linen 100% Organic Cotton Bath Towel is an excellent choice. It’s made from extremely soft, lightweight organic cotton that’s gentle on even the most sensitive skin types.
The main downside is that the American Soft Linen towels are fairly expensive. But given the ultra-soft organic cotton and quality construction, it’s worth the investment for sensitive skin. This towel is free of dyes, chemicals, and other irritants.
Key Specs
- Material: 100% organic long-staple cotton
- Weight: Lightweight, approx. 14 oz per bath towel
- Sizes: Hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet
- Colors: White, ivory, gray
Alternative Pick: For a lower cost option, the Utopia Towels Organic Cotton Bath Towels are also made of soft organic cotton. Just keep in mind they may not be quite as soft and durable as the American Soft Linen.
Chakir Turkish Linens 100% Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
Chakir Turkish Linens 100% Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
- 100% Turkish cotton – Known for its superior softness, absorbency, and durability.
- Extra-long cotton fibers – Minimizes irritation and lint compared to shorter fibers.
- Smooth, lightweight texture – More delicate and less abrasive than typical towels.
- Highly absorbent – Soft loops efficiently absorb water without feeling overly thick or heavy.
- Dries quickly – Less dampness against sensitive skin.
- Multiple rich colors – Choose from aqua, ivory, mandarin, slate blue, and more.
For an ultra-lightweight and absorbent towel, the Chakir Turkish Linens 100% Turkish Cotton Bath Towel is a top pick. These towels are woven using premium extra-long staple Turkish cotton known for its soft, gentle feel.
The only downside is these towels may pill slightly over time with frequent washing. But the smooth feel helps prevent irritation against sensitive skin.
Key Specs:
- Material: 100% Turkish cotton
- Weight: Lightweight, approx. 13 oz per bath towel
- Sizes: Hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet
- Colors: Aqua, ivory, mandarin, slate blue, white
Alternative Pick: The SAMPSON Turkish Cotton Bath Towel is very similar to its soft Turkish cotton material. The main difference is it only comes in white or charcoal gray.
Coyuchi Organic Cotton Bath Towel
Coyuchi Organic Cotton Bath Towel
- GOTS-certified organic cotton – Meets stringent standards for organic farming and processing. Better for sensitive skin.
- Custom loomed for softness – Proprietary technique creates a smooth, plush feel.
- Free of dyes/chemicals – Uses a safer clay dyeing process to avoid irritants.
- Quick-drying – Less dampness and mildew risk compared to typical organic cotton.
- Durable construction – Reinforced hems maintain quality with repeated washing.
- Variety of muted colors – Choose from light blue, blush, graphite, ivory, and more.
For a top-of-the-line organic cotton towel, look no further than the Coyuchi Organic Cotton Bath Towel. It’s crafted from long-staple organic cotton that’s grown and processed to the highest GOTS organic standards.
The main drawback is the very high price tag, which can be over 3x the cost of regular bath towels. But certified organic ultra-soft cotton, it provides excellent value.
Key Specs:
- Material: GOTS-certified organic long-staple cotton
- Weight: Light-medium weight
- Sizes: Hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet
- Colors: Ivory, blush, clay, graphite, light blue
Alternative Pick: The Boll & Branch Organic Bath Towels offer similar certified organic cotton at a lower price point.
TowelSelections Viscose from Bamboo Bath Towel
TowelSelections Viscose from Bamboo Bath Towel
- Viscose from bamboo – Bamboo pulp spun into ultra soft viscose fabric.
- Naturally antibacterial – Resists mold, mildew and bacterial growth.
- Ultra soft and lightweight – Feels extremely gentle against sensitive skin.
- Highly absorbent – Quickly soaks up and retains moisture.
- Fade resistant colors – Vibrant shades like sky blue stay bright wash after wash.
- Resilient texture – Stays super soft over time unlike cotton which can roughen.
For the softest possible feel, bamboo viscose towels like the TowelSelections Viscose from Bamboo Bath Towel are a top choice. Bamboo is naturally smooth, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic.
The main downside is that bamboo viscose is less durable than cotton when frequently washed. These towels may show pilling after 1-2 years.
Key Specs:
- Material: Viscose from bamboo
- Weight: Very lightweight
- Sizes: Hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet
- Colors: White, sky blue, celadon
Alternative Pick: For a lower cost bamboo option, the Wee Squeak Bamboo Bath Towels offer great quality and softness.
What to Look for in Bath Towels for Sensitive Skin
When shopping for bath towels that won’t irritate sensitive skin, here are some key features to look for:
Materials
Organic Cotton – Go for 100% organic cotton grown without pesticides and chemicals. Choose long-staple cotton for softness.
Turkish Cotton – Renowned for its lightweight, breathable, extra long fiber quality. Very gentle against skin.
Bamboo – Naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, and extremely soft. Often made into viscose fabric.
Microfiber – Synthetic microfibers create a gentle, quick-drying towel. Not as absorbent as cotton.
Construction
Lightweight – A lighter, thinner towel feels less abrasive against sensitive skin.
Tightly woven – Minimizes scratchiness. Looks for a high thread count and density.
Zero twist yarns – No twisting makes for a smoother, softer handfeel.
Dyeing/Processing
Organic dyes – Plant-based dyes reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals.
Oeko-Tex certification – Ensures no harmful substances are present.
GOTS certification – Rigorous organic processing standards for textiles.
Absorbency
Quick-drying – Less dampness and irritation. Look for looped, low-pile weaves.
Lint-free – Won’t leave lint, fuzz, or pilling behind on sensitive skin.
Tips for Caring for Towels with Sensitive Skin
To make your bath towels as gentle as possible on sensitive skin, follow these care tips:
- Wash in fragrance-free detergent – Avoid added perfumes, dyes and chemicals that deposit on towels. Use a natural, hypoallergenic formula.
- Skip fabric softener – Can make towels less absorbent and leave an irritating coating.
- Wash towels separately – Prevents lint transfer from other fabrics. Use a gentle cycle.
- Line or flat dry towels – Reduce roughness that can occur in the dryer. Prevents skin irritation.
- Replace towels annually – Over time, towels lose softness as cotton fibers break down.
- Pre-wash new towels – Flush out any residual chemicals from manufacturing for sensitive skin.
- Use a gentle brush – Weekly brushing removes lint and pilling that can cling to damp skin.
Key Takeaways
- For sensitive skin, look for lightweight, soft towels made of organic cotton, Turkish cotton, or bamboo. Stay away from heavy, rough towels.
- Prioritize chemical-free processing without dyes, perfumes, or irritants. Oeko-Tex and GOTS certified products are ideal.
- Quick-drying, smooth textures minimize irritation. Well-constructed hems increase durability with sensitive skin use.
- Proper laundry and replacement are key for maintaining soft, gentle towels. Annual replacement is recommended.
- The American Soft Linen, Chakir Turkish Linen, Coyuchi Organic Cotton, and TowelSelections Bamboo towels are top rated picks for sensitive skin.
Hopefully these recommendations help you find the perfect bath towels to pamper your sensitive skin! Let us know if you have any other questions.
