The Case for K-Beauty’s Toner Pads

Toner has long been a staple in K-beauty, but here, it often comes in the form of pre-soaked pads. Think of them as concentrated, supercharged versions of your usual toner or essence. These pads are infused with ingredients like centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants. You’ll often also find exfoliating acids like AHA, BHA, and PHA in the mix.

What makes them especially useful? All the ways you can use them. Swipe one across your face after cleansing to tone and refresh. Use a few as a makeshift sheet mask. Or press one onto a specific area like your T-zone or cheeks for a targeted mini treatment.

Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pad, $26

Benefits: Hydrates and refines pores.

These gel-textured pads deliver a dewy finish with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen, and allantoin. They help even out skin tone and give pores a more refined look.

I’m From Rice Toner Pad, $23.40

Benefits: Brightens and hydrates.

Rice extract takes the spotlight here, working to brighten and fade discoloration. Niacinamide smooths the look of pores, while glycerin delivers lasting hydration.

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toner Pad, $16.80

Benefits: Soothes redness and hydrates.

With centella asiatica and panthenol, these help reduce redness and hydrate stressed-out skin. Tip: press them onto skin for a calming mini mask moment.

Torriden DIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner Pad, $20.99

Benefits: Hydrates and brightens.

These are made for dry, sensitive skin. Five types of hyaluronic acid hydrate deeply, while ceramides and allantoin support the skin barrier. Witch hazel keeps oil in check without over-drying.

EqqualBerry Swimming Pool Toner Pad, $24.03

Benefits: Balances sebum and minimizes pores.

Antioxidant-rich forest berries help regulate oil, illuminate the complexion, and calm irritation. A great pick for dull, congested skin.

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, $21

Benefits: Minimizes pores and balances sebum.

Lactic acid (AHA) gently exfoliates, salicylic acid (BHA) unclogs pores, and antioxidant-rich grape seed extract adds a brightening touch.

Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Care Pad, $21

Benefits: Pore care.

Formulated with pine extract, polyhydroxy acid (PHA), and lipohydroxy acid (LHA), these toner pads target blackheads and refine texture. Madecassoside and panthenol help prevent dryness along the way.

Anua Heartleaf 77 + PHA Clear Pad, $22

Benefits: Balances oil and gently exfoliates.

Heartleaf extract calms sensitive skin and protects against free radicals, while polyhydroxy acid (PHA) gently exfoliates.

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Skin Prep Pad, $17.99

Benefits: Brightens and supports skin barrier.

A blend of niacinamide, vitamin C, centella, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides helps fade discoloration and strengthen the barrier. Bonus: you can cut the pads into smaller pieces for targeted use.

MEDIHEAL PDRN Lifting Pad, $24

Benefits: Firms and hydrates.

With PDRN to maintain elasticity and repair the barrier, plus plant extracts for hydration, this formula refreshes tired, puffy skin

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad, $24.31

Benefits: Blemish-fighting, balances sebum, and soothes redness.

Made for breakout-prone skin, these pads use a trio of exfoliating acids—AHA, BHA, and PHA—to refine pores and fade discoloration. The Truecica complex helps calm redness for a clearer, calmer complexion.

mixsoon Galactomyces Toner Pad, $26