I make a lot of potholders with Insulbright and have never used it exposed. It is always sandwiched between layers of fabric. It depends on the potholder design as to whether I use warm and natural along with the insulbright. Sometimes it is just the insulbright with several layers of fabric. I don't pay any attention to front or back. I figure whoever uses a potholder is going to grab it and use it without paying attention to front or back. I've never had any problems or complaints.