Mini guide to Toner Pads, the new must-have product in Korean skincare

We do everything to appear more beautiful and younger. To show off perfect skin, we undergo the most advanced treatments, experiment with every kind of cream or serum, and learn to pronounce and use ingredients like hypochlorous acid or tretinoin. We follow the strangest beauty tips found on TikTok and look to different cultures for secrets to help us look our best. Among these, Korea stands out. Often at the forefront of innovations and trends in skincare, the routine from Asia has won over many. With its ten steps, it has become part of our daily lives, but the cosmetics industry is constantly evolving, introducing new products that complicate or simplify K-beauty. The latest trend, with over 1.4 million views on TikTok and the current beauty obsession? Toner pads—soft, convenient pre-soaked cotton pads infused with active ingredients, replacing traditional facial toners to hydrate the skin intensely. Perfect for targeting specific skin concerns, they are especially appreciated for offering a simplified but effective approach to skincare. Curious?

What are toner pads? 

As the name suggests, toner pads are slightly textured cotton pads soaked in high-concentration toner that, depending on the type chosen and its formula, can hydrate, exfoliate, soothe, brighten, cleanse pores, or fight aging. They usually feature one textured side and one smooth side. The first is useful for gently exfoliating and removing dirt, excess sebum, and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, while the second side is used to soothe and hydrate. Their small size, fitting in the palm of your hand, makes them easy to apply to areas of the face that need special treatment. You can even mix different toner pads depending on the skin concerns you need to address. For example, astringent pads can be applied to the T-zone and emollient-soaked pads to drier areas.

How to Use toner pads

Korean toner pads are ready to use, quick-drying, and rapidly absorbable. They generally replace the fourth step in the Korean beauty routine and are used like a toner, though they are multifunctional products that can also serve as exfoliants. After cleansing your face, take a pad and pass the textured side over the skin to gently exfoliate and remove dead cells. Then, with the smooth side, apply it to your face and neck. You can also leave it on for a few minutes like a sheet mask to allow the ingredients soaked into the fabric to penetrate deeply, working their magic. Only 3-5 minutes are needed to revitalize the appearance of your face. For oily or acne-prone skin, experts recommend using toner pads before cleansing, so the pad's hydrating power prepares the skin for the soap’s acidity. Meanwhile, it’s always best, especially if you have sensitive skin and want to avoid irritation, to not reuse the pad or rub it too vigorously near the eyes and lips.

How to choose toner pads

Not all toner pads are the same, and each one addresses a different skin concern. So, choose them based on your skin type and the issues you want to resolve. Especially when buying a product just because it’s viral on social media, make sure it’s the right choice for you, not just another trend to follow. Keep in mind that what works for others may not work for you. The good news is that there are plenty of options on the market for those with dryness, hyperpigmentation, acne, enlarged pores, or wrinkles. It’s always helpful to check the ingredients and make sure the pads have a pH between 5.0-7.0, meaning slightly acidic or neutral, are hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores and being safe for sensitive skin. One final tip: do a patch test before adding a new product to your skincare routine.

The benefits of toner pads

Toner pads are becoming a beauty must-have because they offer a versatile and convenient skincare solution with numerous benefits. Here are the main ones:

• They are practical: Pre-soaked and packaged in a container, they are easy to take on trips or keep in your bag for a last-minute hydration boost. They’re also much less bulky and heavy than the combination of a regular toner and cotton pads.
• They are easy to use: Just a few simple steps to enjoy their benefits, leaving your skin cleansed, balanced, and soft.
• They act as a micro-exfoliant: The textured side can be used to eliminate dead skin cells and other debris, leaving the skin healthier and more radiant.
• They boost hydration and balance pH: Toner pads are often infused with hydrating ingredients that give the skin a hydration boost and help restore its pH balance, preparing it for subsequent skincare steps and improving the absorption of serums and moisturizers.
• They are multitasking: A wide variety of toner pads are available, each with its own set of ingredients designed to address various skin concerns, from dryness to dark spots. Pro tip: if stored in the refrigerator, the pads can provide an instant cooling and soothing effect, reducing puffiness and revitalizing tired skin.

The disadvantages of toner pads 

Despite their many benefits, which make them useful and loved, toner pads have some downsides that might make you reconsider purchasing them. Let’s take a look:

• They are not cost-effective: They are often more expensive than traditional toners, which also contain a larger amount of product and last longer.
• They are not sustainable: Those who care about the environment may feel guilty about the amount of cotton thrown away after each use of toner pads. So, if your goal is zero waste, it’s better to opt for another skincare method.
• They are not suitable for everyone: People with sensitive skin or a weakened skin barrier may find toner pads, especially the exfoliating side, too harsh to use as a daily toner.
• Watch out for hygiene: Most toner pads come in plastic or glass jars, a moist environment that, if not sealed and used correctly, can be a breeding ground for bacteria. To avoid problems, never grab individual pads with your hands—always use the provided tweezers, close the lid tightly, and store in the fridge to extend their shelf life.