We Blew Our Noses on 8 Brands of Tissue So You Don't Have To

Cold season is here. And if you've ever grabbed a tissue mid-sneeze only to have it fall apart in your hand, you know that not all tissues are created equal.

So our team did what any reasonable pharmacy team would do: we lined up 8 of the most popular tissue brands and put them through a very serious, very scientific test. We sneezed. We blew. We checked for red noses. All for the greater good.

How We Tested

Each tissue was rated on a 10-point scale in four categories:

• Softness: Does it feel gentle on a nose that's already had a rough day?

• Strength (the Big Blow Test): Can it handle a full-force nose blow without breaking?

• Does It Disintegrate? We checked for shredding, lint, and those little white bits that stick to your face.

• Nose Comfort After 10 Uses: Because tissue #1 always feels fine. Tissue #10 is where the truth comes out.
  

The Results 1. Kleenex Ultra Soft

Feels like: A polite cloud that respects personal boundaries.

Softness: 9/10 | Strength: 8/10 | Disintegrate Factor: 2/10

Our take: “This is exactly what you want a tissue to be. Soft without feeling weirdly slippery, strong enough for a serious nose blow, and very little chance of discovering tissue fuzz on your face five minutes later.”

2. Kleenex Soothing Lotion

Feels like: A spa day for nostrils that have been through enough.

Softness: 10/10 | Strength: 8/10 | Disintegrate Factor: 3/10

Our take: “If your nose is already red and angry, THIS is the one. The lotion makes it noticeably gentler, although a couple of us thought it felt almost too fancy for an everyday sneeze.”

3. Kleenex Cool Touch

Feels like: A tiny air conditioner for your face.

Softness: 9/10 | Strength: 7/10 | Disintegrate Factor: 4/10

Our take: “The cooling sensation caught everyone off guard—in a good way. We'd probably save these for when we're actually sick rather than everyday use, but on a sore, irritated nose? We get it.”

4. Puffs Plus Lotion

Feels like: A hug that goes directly to your nose.

Softness: 10/10 | Strength: 9/10 | Disintegrate Factor: 2/10

Our take: “This one had some serious fans. It's ridiculously soft but still feels substantial enough that you aren't nervously doubling it up before a big blow. Cold-season bedside-table material.”

5. Puffs Plus Lotion with the Scent of Vicks

Feels like: Your grandma's cold-care routine in tissue form.

Softness: 9/10 | Strength: 9/10 | Disintegrate Factor: 2/10

Our take: “You KNOW this is a Vicks tissue the second it gets near your face. Some of us loved the scent and immediately felt like we were being taken care of; others said it was a little intense. This was definitely our most controversial tissue.”

6. Puffs Basic

Feels like: A dependable coworker who shows up, does the job, and doesn't need applause.

Softness: 7/10 | Strength: 8/10 | Disintegrate Factor: 3/10

Our take: “Nothing flashy here—and that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's sturdy, reasonably soft, and does exactly what you need it to do. Would we choose it for day four of a terrible cold? Probably not. Random Tuesday sneeze? Absolutely.”

7. Scotties

Feels like: The underdog you didn't see coming.

Softness: 7/10 | Strength: 7/10 | Disintegrate Factor: 4/10

Our take: “Better than we expected! It wasn't the softest or strongest tissue on the table, but it held its own. A perfectly respectable tissue that had several team members saying, ‘Wait...I actually like this one.’”

8. Seventh Generation (Recycled)

Feels like: Doing something nice for the planet while your nose comes along for the ride.

Softness: 5/10 | Strength: 6/10 | Disintegrate Factor: 6/10

Our take: “We love the recycled-paper idea, but our noses definitely noticed the difference. It felt a little rougher than the premium options and started breaking down sooner during our tests. We'd use it for everyday sniffles, but a raw cold-season nose might want something softer.”

The Winners' Circle

Eight boxes entered. Only a handful get to leave with the completely imaginary prestige associated with winning the Good Day Pharmacy Tissue Test. After comparing our totally-not-laboratory-grade results, these were the tissues that stood out from the pack.

• 🏆 Best Overall: Puffs Plus Lotion

• ☁️ Softest Tissue: Kleenex Soothing Lotion

• 💪 Survived the Big Blow Test: Puffs Plus Lotion with the Scent of Vicks

• ❄️ Best for a Raw, Red Nose: Kleenex Soothing Lotion

• 🎊 Most Likely to Leave Bits on Your Face: Seventh Generation (we still love you)
  

Pharmacist Tips for a Happier Nose This Cold Season

A good tissue can make cold season a little less miserable, but what you do between nose blows matters too. Repeated wiping, dry air, dehydration, and congestion can all make an already irritated nose feel worse, so a few simple habits can help keep your skin—and your patience—intact.

• Pat, don't rub. Rubbing irritates the skin faster, especially when you're reaching for a tissue all day.

• Protect raw skin. A thin layer of petroleum jelly or a gentle balm around your nose can help protect irritated skin.

• Toss and wash. Throw used tissues away right after use, then wash your hands.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep mucus thinner and easier to clear.

• Try saline. A saline nasal spray can help moisturize dry nasal passages and loosen mucus—especially during Colorado's notoriously dry months.
  

When to Check In With a Provider

Most uncomplicated colds improve on their own, but symptoms that linger, suddenly worsen, or become more severe deserve a little more attention. Pay attention to how you're feeling overall rather than assuming every cough, sniffle, or fever is something you simply have to wait out.

Consider checking in with your healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms last more than 10 days without improving.

• You start feeling better and then suddenly get worse again.

• You have trouble breathing or shortness of breath.

• You have a persistent or unusually high fever.

• You're concerned about your symptoms for any reason.
  

Not Sure What Your Cold Needs?

Tissues are just the start. Cold and flu aisles are packed with products that can look remarkably similar while containing very different ingredients, so if you're unsure which option fits your symptoms—or whether a product is safe to take with your current medications—ask your pharmacist.

Your Good Day Pharmacy team is always happy to help you sort through the options and find the right fit for your needs.

And while you're here, cold and flu season is a great time to make sure you're up to date on your seasonal vaccines. Ask your local Good Day Pharmacy team about flu shot availability.

Disclaimer: Tissue ratings and team comments in this post are for entertainment purposes and reflect our informal, completely unscientific test. Product experiences may vary. No tissues were emotionally harmed in the making of this blog.