I tried to wipe my face with it when I exercise 2 times a day. I washed them twice before use and even washed them once with bleach to make them softer and more absorbent. Getting scratches from the edges of the handkerchief didn't help me. My forehead and areas near my nose still hurt after exercising just 15 minutes ago. I would say they look great and have nice colors but they are for display purposes only or very rarely used. Ouch!