Best tissues

The differences among facial tissues are nothing to sneeze at. Overall scores in our tests, based on strength (tested by a machine) and softness (judged by human hands), ranged from fair to excellent. We found:

• Five products were worth recommending, including Kleenex Lotion Aloe & E, a CR Best Buy.
• You can’t rely on a name’s claim. Ology Soft & Strong was one of the least soft; Total Home Soft & Strong was among the least strong; Great Value and 365 Everyday Value were not the best values.
• Tissues with lotion did well overall, but some without it are very soft. Kleenex Ultra Soft (no lotion) was a bit softer than Puffs Plus Lotion and Kleenex Cool Touch (both with lotion).
• The number of plies may not matter. Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong, two plies, bested all three-plies.
• Scotties claims it’s dye-free, and Ology claims it’s biodegradable, but neither performed very well.
• Kleenex Cool Touch tissues do feel cool right out of the box. “Body heat activates the formula [including moisturizers and aloe] to release cooling comfort to soothe a sore nose,” says the website. Do you need cold Kleenex? Up to you.

Bottom line. The highest-rated products can be welcome company during allergy season. Lotion tissues may keep your nose from getting irritated. And remember not to use them to clean eyeglasses.

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