ouate

Ouate is a soft, fluffy mass of cotton fibers used as an absorbent, padding, and cleansing material. In French, ouate typically refers to cotton wool, but the term is also applied to non-woven batting made from natural or synthetic fibers. It is produced by cleaning and refining cotton fibers to create a light, compressible material that can absorb liquids and trap debris.

Ouate is sold in several forms. Medical or sterile ouate comes as balls, compresses, or rolls and is designed for wound care, dressing, and antiseptic application. Non-sterile ouate is commonly used for cosmetics, personal care, crafts, and household tasks, such as makeup removal or surface cleaning. In addition to natural cotton ouate, there are non-woven or synthetic versions that mimic the properties of cotton wool while offering different textures or moisture-holding characteristics.

Applications and uses vary by form. In medical settings, ouate is valued for its absorbency and softness, used to cleanse wounds, apply ointments, or pad tender areas. In cosmetics, it functions as a gentle remover or applicator. For crafts and household use, it provides bulk padding, insulation, or filler. Caution is advised to avoid loose fibers in wound care and to follow sterile-use guidelines for medical products; some individuals may have sensitivities to cotton or additives in certain ouate products.

Environmentally, ouate derived from cotton is biodegradable, though some non-woven variants may contain synthetic components. Alternative materials include gauze, absorbent pads, or plant-based fibers.