Toner Pads & Exfoliating Pads

Toner pads are one of the most popular K-beauty formats in the UK: a jar of cotton or gauze pads soaked in toner or essence, often with a textured side for gentle exfoliation and a smooth side for soothing. Swipe one over the face after cleansing, or lay a couple across the cheeks for a few minutes as a mini mask.

There are around 165 products here. Korean favourites include MEDIHEAL, medicube Zero Pore Pads, numbuzin No.3 and No.4, COSRX One Step, Torriden, Abib, celimax and SKINFOOD, with calming centella and tea tree, brightening vitamin C and niacinamide, and PHA or LHA formulas for daily use. Alongside them are exfoliating and resurfacing pads from Dr Dennis Gross, Glow Recipe, m-61, Replenix, QRxLabs and Nip+Fab, usually built on glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid. Most jars cost between about £24 and £60.

Choose hydrating or calming pads for an everyday step and save acid peel pads for a few evenings a week. If you use exfoliating pads, wear sun protection during the day and avoid layering them with other strong acids or retinoids on the same night.

Frequently asked questions

How do you use toner pads?

After cleansing, swipe a pad over the face, neck and chest, then follow with serum and moisturiser. Many can also be left on dry patches for three to five minutes as a quick mask.

What is the difference between toner pads and peel pads?

Toner pads are usually hydrating or soothing with only mild exfoliants such as PHA. Peel and resurfacing pads contain higher levels of glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid and are meant to be used less often.

Can sensitive skin use toner pads?

Look for centella, panthenol, PHA or calming formulas and use the smooth side of the pad. Patch test first and leave acid peel pads out until you know how your skin reacts.

Do I still need a separate toner?

Not usually. Toner pads replace the toner step, and you can still follow with an essence or serum.