Choosing the best cotton pads for your face care routine is an important step towards maintaining healthy skin. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Material: The first thing to consider is the material of the cotton pads. Ideally, they should be made of 100% pure, natural cotton. This ensures that they are gentle on the skin and do not cause any irritation. Avoid synthetic materials as they can be harsh on the skin.

2. Texture: The texture of the cotton pad is another important factor. It should be soft and smooth to prevent any damage to your skin. However, a slightly textured pad can be useful for exfoliation purposes.

3. Absorbency: The cotton pad should have good absorbency. This ensures that it can hold enough of your skincare product, be it a toner, essence, or makeup remover, without it seeping out and wasting the product.

4. Thickness: The thickness of the cotton pad can also affect its performance. Thicker pads are usually more absorbent and can hold more product. However, they can also feel heavier on the skin. On the other hand, thinner pads are lighter and can feel more comfortable, but they may not hold as much product.

5. Size: The size of the cotton pad is largely a matter of personal preference. Larger pads can cover more area and are useful for applying toners or essences. Smaller pads, on the other hand, offer more precision and are ideal for applying products around the eyes or other smaller areas.

6. Lint-free: Choose cotton pads that are lint-free. Lint can stick to your face and can be irritating, especially if it gets into your eyes.

7. Eco-Friendliness: If you are environmentally conscious, consider choosing cotton pads that are biodegradable and come in recyclable packaging.

Remember, everyone's skin is different, so what works best for you may not work as well for someone else. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect cotton pads for your skincare routine.