Face masks are going to be with us for some time to come. In many places, they are mandatory accessories in any public place. While some stores and restaurants will offer disposable face masks, these aren’t safely recyclable and end up as trash or litter. A reusable face mask that can be easily and regularly washed is a more eco-friendly—and stylish—choice. You’ll also be more likely to find a fabric and fit that is comfortable for you if you test some reusable options. 

This list includes face masks only—no bandanas, neck gaiters, or funky scarves. That’s for two reasons: First, other face coverings may be less effective at filtering particles than a properly fitting face mask. Second, many places require masks that fit snugly over the nose and mouth and exclude other types of face coverings. 

Note that these masks are not medical-grade and are not intended for use by medical professionals; all are meant to be worn by the general public.

Ahead, the best (and most eco-friendly) reusable face masks.

United by Blue hits the eco-friendly trifecta. The three-pack is budget-friendly and made from deadstock fabrics including organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. Deadstock fabric is material that’s leftover from other textile and fashion manufacturers, and might otherwise end up in landfill.For every pack sold, a mask is donated to Chosen 300, which helps Philadelphia residents experiencing homelessness. In addition, the mission-driven company removes a pound of trash from the world’s oceans and waterways for every product sold.

Best Overall

United by Blue Salvaged Hemp Blend Face Mask 3-Pack

Price at time of publish: $20

With a super-simple modern black design, Buck Mason’s poly/rayon blend face masks have an inner layer treated with an anti-microbial coating that the brand says will last up to 30 wash cycles.

Best Buy-One-Give-One

Buck Mason M1 All-Day Anti-Microbial Face Mask 5 Pack

Buck Mason aims to donate a million masks to those in need via its one-for-one “Masks for America” project. So far, the brand has donated over 750,000 masks, which come in a package of five.

Available in two sizes and three colors, every purchase of an Eileen Fisher mask gets one to an essential worker in need. Made in Irvington, New York, from super-light and breathable organic handkerchief linen, the fabric is made from French flax grown without harmful chemicals.

Best Organic Linen

Eileen Fisher Double Layer Organic Linen Mask

These masks come in a five-pack, making them the least expensive option that still had eco bona fides we found. Made from two layers of organic cotton and including a filter pouch, these masks are made in Los Angeles and only come in all-black, but they still have a bit of a style edge with a low-key smiley face on one side.

Best Budget

For Days 5 Smiley Mask Pack

Price at time of publish: $25

Tonlé masks come in two sizes, which means you can get a more precise fit for your particular face. Masks are made in Tonlé’s own Cambodian workshops, where workers get fair wages, benefits, vacation, free lunch, training, and team retreats.

Best Fair Trade

Tonlé Reusable Cotton Face Masks

Fabric comes from remnants from larger manufacturers, which the ethical fashion company typically uses to make incredible jackets and other clothes as one of the world’s first zero-waste fashion companies. Tonlé masks, which come in packs of five, are lined with organic cotton t-shirt jersey, the fabric recommended by the CDC for non-medical masks (it’s just the right thickness and weave—plus it’s nice and soft).

Those with sensitive skin might want to try a silk mask—but a single layer of silk doesn’t offer much protection, which is why Ravella’s mask has three layers of silk as well as a pocket for a removable filter. Silk is naturally biodegradable, and this OEKO-TEX-certified silk is made without toxic chemicals in monitored facilities dedicated to minimal waste.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Ravella Hope Silk Face Mask

Twenty percent of proceeds from the masks is donated to a charity of choice (you get to choose when you order if you want to benefit women’s empowerment, social justice, or healthcare workers).

Price at time of publish: $48

Why Trust Treehugger

Starre Vartan has been covering sustainable consumer products for 15 years, 10 of those with Treehugger (under the MNN brand). She’s also a science writer who has covered biotech, astrobiology, animals, women’s health, and space for a variety of publications including Scientific American and National Geographic.

Our top reusable face mask pick is United by Blue’s hemp blend design (view on United by Blue). If you’d prefer organic linen, consider Eileen Fisher’s double layered mask (view on Eileen Fisher).

How to wear a face mask: For complete instructions, check out the mask-wearing instructions from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If a mask is truly uncomfortable to wear, you should try a different style or fabric. But some minor discomfort is inherent to mask-wearing and is easy to get used to, just like wearing a belt or a bra is for the first few days. Once you put your face mask on, try not to touch it. If you do, wash your hands or sanitize them. Be especially careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when you take it off, and wash your hands after you do.