<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Royale journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I owe my healthy and glowy skin to my Korean skincare routine. K-beauty brands have revolutionised the beauty industry by focussing on skin health, prioritising advanced ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol and centella asiatica (cica) that not just brighten and smooth the skin, but help to restore and support the skin barrier.
And they’re known for their innovative packaging too. K-beauty brands often introduce new application methods that enhance usability and hygiene. The latest skincare staple that’s been given a functional re-brand? The cotton pad.
Rather than applying your toner with a cotton round (or your hands, as I do), Korean toner pads come pre-soaked in a toner solution and ready-to-use; they’re stored in lidded containers with a pair of mini tweezers (so it’s easier and more hygienic to lift a single pad from the tub) and deliver the perfect dose of product with a single swipe.
Many Korean toner pads are double-sided; there’s a smooth side for soothing and hydrating and a textured side for gentle exfoliation. Some also double up as mini sheet masks; they can be placed across your face for longer periods of time (think: around 20 minutes or so) to deliver concentrated skincare benefits.
These Anua brightening pads are crescent-shaped to fit comfortably under the eye
There are countless varieties, depending on your skin type and goals. Whether you want to brighten your skin tone, soothe your skin barrier, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, remove dead skin cells or unclog pores – there really is a pad for everyone. So, let’s get into my favourite Korean toner pads I’ve tested.
The 7 best Korean toner pads, tried and tested
Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pads
Product Specs
- Size60 pads
- Ingredientsniacinamide (5%) and tranexamic acid (TXA)
What we love
-
ResultsBrightens the skin tone, reduces hyperpigmentation and treats discoloration and dark spots
-
ComfortCrescent shape fits comfortably under the eyes
What we love: These toner pads contain two key actives: 5% niacinamide (to brighten the skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation) and tranexamic acid (to treat discolouration and dark spots). Plus, their crescent shape fits comfortably under the eyes.
Anua Azelaic 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Pads
Product Specs
- Size90 pads
- Ingredientsazelaic acid (10%), hyaluronic acid and cica
What we love
-
ResultsEvens out skin tone, hydrating, reduces excess oil and redness
-
SuitabilityGood for sensitive skin
What we love: Formulated with 10% azelaic acid (evens out skin tone), hyaluronic acid (provides deep hydration) and cica (calms, soothes and supports the skin barrier), these toner pads help to reduce excess oil and visible redness. And they’re suitable for sensitive skin.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0
Product Specs
- Size70 pads
- Ingredientslactic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA)
What we love
-
ResultsRemoves dead skin cells, reduces blackheads and pore visibility
-
SuitabilityGreat for oily to combination skin
What we love: Great for those with oily to combination skin, these toner pads combine brightening AHAs (lactic acid) with pore-penetrating BHAs (salicylic acid) to gently remove dead skin cells and help reduce blackheads and the visibility of pores. Start by applying once a week and gradually increasing frequency if tolerated.
Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Toner Pads
Product Specs
- Size60 pads
- Ingredientsvitamin C and green tea enzyme
What we love
-
FormulaGentle, exfoliating
-
ResultsHelps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, smooths and brighens
What we love: Formulated with a gentler, more stable form of Vitamin C to help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and green tea enzyme to gently exfoliate, these toner pads will smooth and brighten the skin when used daily – just don’t forget to apply SPF after.
Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads
Product Specs
- Size60 Pads
- Ingredientscollagen water
What we love
-
ResultsRefines pores, improves elasticity and evens skin tone
-
FormulaQuick absorption
What we love: Infused with 10% collagen water, a topical form of collagen that absorbs faster than collagen extract and helps to refine pores, improve elasticity and even skin tone, these gel toner pads can be used daily to give your skin a dewy glow.
Biodance Cera-nol Gel Toner Pads
Product Specs
- Size60 pads
- Ingredientspanthenol, hyaluronic acid and ceramides
What we love
-
ResultsProvides hydration, soothes and calms redness
-
SuitabilityGood for dry and sensitive skin, not irritating
What we love: These gel toner pads contain panthenol, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to provide instant hydration, intensive soothing and calm redness for dry and sensitive skin, without worrying about irritation. Use in the morning to prep your skin for the day.
Aestura A-Cica 365 Relief Mask Pads
Product Specs
- Size60 pads
- Ingredientscica and allantoin
What we love
-
ResultsHelps to restore skin barrier and provide quick hydration
What we love: Formulated with Aestura’s derm-approved cica complex, CICA BPM, and allantoin (calms irritation and supports healing), these toner pads will help to restore your skin barrier and provide quick hydration when used daily.
