Once upon a time, toner pads were soaked in acids and astringent ingredients, designed to mattify and clarify the skin. Despite these intentions, the most common outcomes were dryness and irritation, causing most of us to ditch the toner step from our routines entirely.
Fortunately we’re past this era, and thanks to the globalisation of K-beauty, toner pads have been reimagined. Now, depending on the formula you go for, they offer mild brightening exfoliation or plumping hydration — one convenient step for smooth, glass skin. Whether you want to streamline your existing routine or add an additional step, our edit of the best toner pads, below.
The best toner pads for glass skin
Medicube Zero Pore Pads
These viral toner pads are soaked in lactic and salicylic acid, so they offer mild exfoliation, reducing the incidence of congestion, breakouts and large pores. Perfect for oily skin types.
Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads
From the makers of the very viral Collagen Sheet Mask, these Collagen Gel Toner Pads are soaked with ‘collagen water’, but what they really offer is hydration. Because of the humectant ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) and peptides, they’ll pull water into your skin, leaving it plump and fresh-looking.
Mediheal Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad
Formulated to enhance the skin’s natural exfoliation process, these pads are soaked in plant enzymes to improve texture and shine. They’re super gentle, so a great means of gentle daily exfoliation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha-Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads
Dr. Dennis Gross is the expert behind the very cult Alpha-Beta two-step peel pad, known as a silver bullet for fine lines, texture and discolouration. The first step involves sweeping an acid-rich solution over the skin, while the second step neutralises the acids, preventing over-exfoliation while infusing the skin with antioxidants. It’s an active skincare step, and great for minimising the look of wrinkles, dark spots, bumps and breakouts.
Cosrx One Step Original Peel Pad
If you’re looking to target blackheads and clogged pores, the Cosrx Toner Pad is one to try. They’re soaked in Willow Bark, a naturally occurring form of salicylic acid, plus tea tree to remove excess oils. There’s also hydrators (like panthenol) to rehydrate.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
This toner pad is formulated to brighten, refine and re-plump dull skin. It’s soaked with lactic acid, enzymes and probiotics, reducing the look of texture, redness and fine lines.
Eve Lom Rescue Peel Pads
If you’re looking for easy but super effective means of exfoliation, Eve Lom has you covered. These toner pads are soaked in a solution of alpha- beta- and poly-hydroxy acids, meaning they resurface the skin’s surface and within the pores, while simultaneously pulling moisture into the skin. Like a mini facial you can do in minutes.
What is a toner pad?
A toner pad is essentially a cotton round pre-soaked in a solution designed to improve skin health. The specific benefits will vary depending on the ingredients. For example, acids will resurface the skin, leaving it brighter while reducing the look of bumps and breakouts. Other toner pads might be soaked in hydrating ingredients only, increasing skin moisture for a plump, bouncy finish. You can alternate different toner pads morning and night, or just choose one based on a major skin concern.
How to use a toner pad?
Like a classic toner, a toner pad can be pressed into clean skin before serums and moisturisers. If you’re using something hydrating, you can even leave it on your face for a while to increase moisture absorption.
