How We Tested

Cottonelle Summer Fresh Flushable Wipes were evaluated by 18 judges and consumer testers, including experts in consumer products, personal care, dermatology, formulation, packaging and sustainability. Cottonelle shipped the samples directly to participants, as coordinated by Best of the Year.

During July and August, testers used the wipes as directed in their own routines. They were encouraged to try them in their bathrooms and on the go. Their scoring covered ease of use, comfort, cleansing performance, packaging, convenience, overall quality and likelihood of recommending the product.

Expert judges also reviewed the product’s ingredients, packaging, environmental claims and supporting materials. To assess the breakup claim, Best of the Year analysts reviewed manufacturer-provided substantiation that included results from the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) 2020 PAS3 Slosh Box Test. They considered that information along with the completed feedback from judges and consumer testers and their own use experience before reaching a decision.

What Experts and Consumer Testers Said

The wipes made a good impression in everyday use. Reviewers liked the textured surface, the amount of moisture, and the fresh feeling afterward An expert found that a single wipe was usually enough for her needs and that the scent was lighter and fruitier than she expected. "They were moist enough to provide effective cleansing without being excessively wet, drippy, or messy, " she added. The flip-top pack also drew her praise, though she noted that a wipe occasionally tore while being pulled through the opening.

"They were moist enough to provide effective cleansing without being excessively wet, drippy, or messy." –Best of the Year Judge & Consumer Product Expert

Consumer testers generally liked the scent and convenience, especially for use away from home. One, who described her skin as sensitive, said the fragranced wipes worked well for her: "My skin is generally on the sensitive side, and these wipes worked really well with it." Another also reported no reaction and found the pack useful while traveling.

"My skin is generally on the sensitive side, and these wipes worked really well with it." –Best of the Year Consumer Tester

Those are individual experiences, though, and our gynecologist judge raised a different consideration and cautioned that fragrance could be irritating to sensitive intimate skin: "The only concern I would have is that the scent might irritate more sensitive skin. But for those without any sensitivity issues, I would recommend highly." A dermatologist judge also questioned whether a fragranced wipe was a good choice for everyone.

"The only concern I would have is that the scent might irritate more sensitive skin. But for those without any sensitivity issues, I would recommend highly." –Best of the Year Judge & Gynecologist

One expert, drawing on his water treatment experience, rejected the flushable-wipe category outright. One Consumer tester said she would use these wipes while traveling but would not flush them into a septic or fragile plumbing system.

Best of the Year analysts also requested and reviewed the data from the manufacturer's controlled slosh-box test. The wipe material used in Summer Fresh broke apart comparably to the company’s toilet paper. After 30 minutes under the test conditions, 99% of the wipe material passed through a 25-millimeter screen, slightly surpassing the results for their toilet paper.

Best of the Year Bottom Line

Cottonelle Summer Fresh makes a good case for keeping wipes in the bathroom or travel bag: reviewers liked the textured wipe, light scent, and easy-to-use pack. While we didn't receive any sensitivities reported in our tests, fragranced wipes may not suit everyone, particularly people sensitive to scented products. Kimberly-Clark’s laboratory tests showed the wipe material breaking into small pieces under controlled conditions, though some judges and consumer testers remained cautious about flushing it at home.

Why Trust Us?

The Best of the Year Media team comprises award-winning editors, analysts, subject-matter experts and consumer specialists who have spent their careers helping people make smarter, more confident decisions. With deep expertise across consumer lifestyle categories, our team brings decades of experience evaluating products, brands and services. Our recommendations are grounded in rigorous evaluation combined with expert judgment and consumer insights, giving readers trusted guidance on products, services, and experiences worth bringing into their lives.

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