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Facial tissue

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Facial tissues are soft and thin papers.

They are made to be used on the face. People often use them to blow their noses. This helps them get rid of nasal mucus. Tissues are a disposable choice. This means you use them once and throw them away. They are a quick alternative to cloth handkerchiefs.

Box of Scotties tissues
Box of Scotties tissues

Making these tissues is a careful way of working. The paper is very light and thin. It usually has two or three plies. A ply is just one layer of paper.

Paper handkerchiefs on a shelf
Paper handkerchiefs on a shelf

Makers often use pure chemical pulp to make the base. Some makers also add recycled fiber to the mix. They might add lotions or perfumes to the paper. This helps the tissue have a nice feeling or smell. Some tissues even have colors or prints on them.

People have used soft paper for a very long time. In Japan, people used a paper called washi. A European account from October 1615 described this. It said people used soft, silky papers the size of a hand. They would throw the papers on the ground after using them. Later, a company called Kimberly-Clark changed how the world used tissues. In 1924, they introduced Kleenex to the public.

Kleenex was not first made for blowing noses. It was invented to help people remove cold cream. Cold cream is used to take off makeup. Early ads even showed movie stars using it. One star was Helen Hayes. Another famous star was Jean Harlow. Soon, customers began using them as handkerchiefs instead. A 1926 report from Peoria, Illinois showed this change. It said 60% of users used them for their noses. The other 40% used them for things like napkins.

Today, many different companies make these products. Some big names include Procter & Gamble and Essity. In the United States, you might see brands like Puffs or Scotties. Other brands include Seventh Generation and Nice 'N Soft. Outside the United States, people use brands like Tempo or Renova. These tissues come in many shapes. You can find them in large boxes or small pocket packs. They are part of many homes around the world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (3)
File:Box of Scotties tissues.jpg
Box of Scotties tissues.jpg
File:Paper handkerchiefs on a shelf.jpg
Paper handkerchiefs on a shelf.jpg
File:Tissue (46057881222).jpg
Tissue (46057881222).jpg
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