What Is The Best Japanese Exfoliating Towel?

A closer look at materials, skin, and what “best” really means

Search for “Japanese exfoliating towel” and you’re stepping into something that feels quite traditional — a simple bathing tool linked to time-honoured Japanese rituals of cleansing and skin care.

But the reality of what shows up in search is something else entirely.

Most of the towels dominating your search today are made from coloured synthetic nylon. They may look fun and last a long time, but they are a long way from nature.

It begs the question, how did this trend shaped by Japanese bathing culture — that is typically associated with simplicity and natural materials — become so heavily defined by modern plastic fibres?

You'll notice that most marketing focusses on how much lather you get, and how scrubby it feels, rather than what the towel is made from. Yet for something used regularly, directly on the skin, that feels like an important part of the story.

So when it comes to choosing the “best" exfoliating towel, it's worth looking a little deeper.

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What people usually mean by “best”

When people talk about the “best” exfoliating towel, they’re usually describing a feeling.

Something that:

• Has enough texture to properly exfoliate
• Works effectively with a small amount of soap
• Reaches your back without effort
• Suits your skin type
• Dries quickly between uses
• Holds up over time

That satisfying, just-scrubbed feeling is what people are chasing.

And it’s absolutely possible to get that...but not all towels get there in the same way.

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What they’re made from

Most modern Japanese exfoliating towels, like Goshi, Salux and Sima are made from either nylon or polyester — petroleum-derived synthetic fibres.

Natural fibres — like sasawashi, made from washi paper and kumazasa plant fibres — can create just as effective an exfoliation, but in a way that feels more balanced on the skin.

Feature	Nylon towels	Natural fibre towels (e.g. sasawashi)
Exfoliation	Can feel quite abrasive	Effective, but more balanced
Skin feel	Can be harsh over time	Scrubs well without being too harsh
Soap use	Encourage more product	Works well with less soap
Daily use	Often used less frequently	Comfortable to use more regularly
Environmental impact	Synthetic fibres, microplastic pollution	Plant-based, biodegradable

 

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Problems with nylon towels

Some people love the strong, scrubby feel of nylon towels at first, but it’s not uncommon to hear them described as “a bit like sandpaper” or “too much for regular use.”

That immediate sense of exfoliation can be satisfying, but over time, many find themselves reaching for something gentler, that feels more comfortable to use day after day.

Here’s some of the comments we’ve seen in forums about nylon towels:

• "Way too much for my sensitive skin."
• “Great at first, but my skin felt a bit raw after a few days.”
  
• “Feels plasticky.”
• "Scratchy in a fake way."

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A different approach: texture that works with your skin

In Japan, bathing has traditionally been less about scrubbing hard and more about a daily ritual. A practice you can return to every day without thinking too much about it. Natural fibre towels fit into that rhythm more easily. 

They still give you that satisfying sense of exfoliation — they “get in there and scrub really well,” as one customer put it — but without tipping into that slightly raw, overdone feeling that can come with harsher materials.

What we love about natural exfoliating towels:

• Work effectively with less product
• Rinse clean easily
• Dry quickly between uses
• More suitable for people with sensitive skin, eczema, delicate skin, reactive skin
• Feel so much nicer in your hand than the plasticky feel of nylon.

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Are Japanese towels meant to lather?

Many modern versions are promoted as creating a big, foamy lather with very little effort. But, traditionally, that wasn’t really the point.

In Japanese bathing, soap plays a quieter role. It’s used, but usually in small amounts. The focus is on cleansing the skin thoroughly and gently, not coating it in bubbles.

A well-made towel supports that. It helps distribute soap evenly, lifts away dirt and dead skin, and leaves the skin feeling clean — without needing much product at all.

That’s why you’ll often hear people say they use less soap with a good quality Japanese towel.

Lather is not a measure of a good exfoliating towel.  Lather is just bubbles — most commonly these days it is synthetic detergent that is designed to create bubbles for visual appeal only!

A better sign is how your skin feels afterwards — clean, smooth, and comfortable, without any sense of overdoing it.

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So… what is the best Japanese exfoliating towel?

The best Japanese exfoliating towel isn’t the one that feels the harshest.

It’s the one that gives you proper exfoliation and feels good enough to use regularly.

That’s where plastic-free, natural fibre towels quietly stand apart.

They deliver everything people are looking for — texture, soap distribution, reach, that clean-skin feeling — without needing synthetic fibres to get there.

And once you notice the difference, it’s hard to go back.

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A note on materials and why it matters over time

There’s also a broader layer to this.

Synthetic towels are made from petroleum-derived plastic fibres. Over time, they can shed tiny microfibres during washing and use.

When a natural fibre option performs just as well, it becomes an easier, quieter  choice. Better for your skin, and lighter in impact.

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Thoughtful options to consider

If you’re curious about trying a natural fibre Japanese exfoliating towel, here are a couple of beautifully made options with kumazasa fibre and washi paper blend.

	Best for: Deeper exfoliation Sasawashi Open Weave Exfoliating Towel - Deep Body Scrub Has a lighter, airier texture that gives a stronger, but still non-harsh exfoliation. 70% washi paper/kumazasa fibres, 30% cotton. Why people love it: Long enough to reach your back, works with minimal soap, and dries quickly.
	Best for: Gentle exfoliation Sasawashi Mesh Body Scrub Towel - Gentle Body Scrub Has a slightly denser weave with a softer, more gentle feel. 70% cotton fibres, 30% washi paper/kumazasa. Why people love it: A softer option for regular use.  Long length for back washing.

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Reviews for Sasawashi Japanese exfoliating towels

There’s a difference between something that feels intense… and something that works well enough that you keep reaching for it. That’s where natural fibres tend to stand out.

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How to use an exfoliating towel 

A few simple things that make a difference:

• You don’t need to press hard — let the texture do the work
• A small amount of soap is enough to work in conjunction with the towel
• Two or three times a week is plenty for most people
• Let it dry fully between uses

It’s not about being aggressive. It’s about being effective and comfortable — which usually means you actually use it consistently. And that consistency is what gives you the result most people are after: smoother, clearer-feeling skin.

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More in the Sasawashi range

Face Scrub Towel - "Lovely face cloth. Helps me avoid using expensive scrubs."

Body Scrub Mitten - a crisp texture and can be used without soap, taking advantage of the fibres natural ability to absorb oil. Dries quickly. Great for travel.

Body Scrub Towel - towel feel rather than mesh. Wet the towel and use to rub your skin without soap. Great to "towel off" after sport or activity to wipe off sweat and feel refreshed.

Deep Exfoliation Mitten - while the pile is 100% washi/kumazasa blend, the base fabric is polyester.  This one is for those wanting the strongest scrub.

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Explore related collections at Biome

Plastic Free Body Scrub & Wash Cloths

Natural Bristle Body Brushing

Natural Soap

Natural Facial Exfoliants & Scrubs

Natural Body Moisturisers

 

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Frequently asked questions

Do Japanese exfoliating towels work?

Yes, they do — when used properly, they’re a simple and effective way to exfoliate your skin.

The texture helps lift away dead skin cells while you wash, leaving skin feeling smoother and cleaner. Many people also find they need less soap because the towel does not need lather to work.

The key is choosing one that exfoliates without being overly harsh, so you can use it regularly.

What is a Japanese exfoliating towel called?

They’re often called Japanese body towels, exfoliating washcloths, salux or body cloths. They are long, textured washcloths designed to replace traditional loofahs for a deeper, more hygienic clean. Unlike bulky sponges, their long length allows you to easily scrub hard-to-reach areas like your back.

In Japan, they’re part of a broader bathing culture rather than a single branded product. You’ll find different styles made from nylon, cotton, or traditional fibres like sasawashi (a blend of washi paper and plant fibres).

How often should I replace my exfoliating towel?

Most exfoliating towels can last several months with regular use, depending on the material and how well they’re cared for.  Natural fibre towels tend to soften gradually over time, which some people actually prefer.

You’ll know it’s time to replace it when:

• The texture becomes too soft or worn
  
• It doesn’t feel as effective

What is special about Imabari towels?

Imabari towels come from a region in Japan known for its high-quality cotton weaving.They’re valued for their softness, absorbency, and craftsmanship — but they’re typically designed for drying, not exfoliating. So while they’re beautiful bath towels, they’re quite different from exfoliating body towels.

Which is the best Japanese towel?

The best towel is one that exfoliates effectively while still feeling comfortable on your skin.

A well-made towel should:

• Have enough texture to exfoliate properly
• Work well with minimal soap
• Be long enough to reach your back
• Dry quickly between uses
  

Many people find that plastic-free natural fibre towels strike that balance particularly well — effective without feeling harsh.

Who makes the best exfoliating towel?

There isn’t one single “best” brand — but there is a noticeable difference in materials and construction.

Rather than focusing on brand names, it’s worth paying attention to:

• What the towel is made from
• How it feels on your skin over time
• Whether you’ll actually want to keep using it

Often, the most appreciated towels are the ones that feel good to use consistently, not just the ones that feel the strongest at first.

Are Mizu towels worth it?

Mizu towels are known for being soft, high-quality cotton towels, often used for drying rather than exfoliating.

If you’re looking for a plush, absorbent towel, they can be a lovely option. But they don’t provide the textured exfoliation that a dedicated body towel does.

Are Japanese towels worth it?

For many people, yes — they can completely change how your skin feels after showering.

They’re simple, long-lasting, and more effective than a standard washcloth at gently exfoliating while you cleanse.

The difference is often noticeable after just a few uses.

What happens if you use a Japanese exfoliating towel every day?

Using a Japanese exfoliating towel every day can be fine — if the texture is gentle enough for your skin.

With harsher, more abrasive towels, daily use can sometimes lead to dryness, sensitivity and slightly over-scrubbed feeling.

With a more balanced, natural fibre towel, daily use tends to feel different. The exfoliation is still there, but it’s gentler.

A good guide is simply this — if your skin feels calm and healthy afterwards, you’re on the right track. If it starts to feel tight or irritated, it’s worth easing back.