Softness and strength (ply count and fibre quality).
Plain tissues for daily use. Lotion tissues help a sore nose during a cold.
Facial tissues
Kleenex Trusted Care
Kleenex's everyday 2-ply tissue: soft, strong enough not to tear, and in every US store.
4 boxes of 160
Buy on AmazonNo independent lab tests found. This pick rests on softness reports and ply count, so it's the least objective category.
What we ruled out
Perfumed tissues. Fragrance on skin that's already irritated.
Also good
Lotion tissues (e.g. Kleenex Soothing Lotion, Puffs Plus Lotion). Worth having for a cold, when your nose gets sore.