Lotion vs Non-Lotion Tissues: Which Should You Buy?
Lotion tissues feel better when you’re blowing your nose all day. Non-lotion tissues are better for everything else. Here is how to set up your home.
Facial tissues come in two main types: tissues with a lotion coating and plain tissues without one. They look almost the same in the box, but they feel different and suit different jobs.
What's the difference?
| Lotion tissues | Non-lotion tissues | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Very soft, slightly smooth | Soft and dry |
| Best for | Frequent nose-blowing during colds and allergy season | Everyday use, glasses, screens, makeup, kitchen |
| Leaves residue? | A light film on glass | No |
| Examples in our store | Puffs Plus Lotion, Puffs Plus Lotion with Vicks scent | Puffs Ultra Soft, Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong |
When lotion tissues make sense
If you're blowing your nose many times a day, plain tissues can start to feel rough. A lotion coating makes repeated use more comfortable. That's why lotion tissues are the most popular choice during cold and allergy season, and for anyone whose nose gets sore easily.
Puffs Plus Lotion, 8 Family Boxes gives you 992 tissues to spread around the house. Puffs Plus Lotion with Vicks scent adds a soothing scent many people like at night. It's a scented tissue, not a medicine.
When non-lotion tissues are better
For everyday jobs, plain tissues are the better pick. Lotion can leave a light film on eyeglasses, phone screens and mirrors, and it isn't ideal for removing makeup. Non-lotion tissues are also the better choice for offices, waiting rooms and cars, where people use them for all kinds of things.
Cube or family box?
- Cube boxes hold 48 to 72 tissues in our range. They take up little space and look neat on a nightstand, desk or bathroom counter.
- Family boxes hold 124 to 132 tissues. They're the better value for living rooms, kitchens and shared spaces.
A simple setup for your home
- Lotion cube in each bedroom
- Non-lotion family box in the kitchen and living room
- Non-lotion cube in each bathroom
- A spare multi-pack in the closet before cold season starts
How many tissues do you need for cold season?
One bad cold can use up a box in a day or two. A household of four that gets a couple of colds over the winter can easily go through several family boxes. Buying a multi-pack in the fall means you aren't running to the store when someone is sick.
Frequently asked questions
Are lotion tissues good for allergies?
Many people with allergies prefer them because repeated use feels gentler. If you have sensitive skin, try a small pack first to see how you react.
Can I flush facial tissues?
It's best not to. Facial tissue is made to stay strong when damp, so it doesn't break down like toilet paper. That's especially important for septic systems.
What's the difference between Puffs Plus Lotion and Puffs Ultra Soft?
Plus Lotion has a lotion coating. Ultra Soft has none and is the everyday tissue.
Compare every box size in our facial tissue and Puffs collections.
Written by the TissuPaper team. We stock and ship these products from Plano, Texas, and we update our guides when brands change their rolls or packs.
