This was my first introduction to toner pads, and the reason why I love them so much now. As a fan of Korean skin care products, the Mixsoon Bean Essence, a popular Korean serum, was already on my radar for its skin-plumping benefits. Mixsoon’s toner pads are also great for hydrating while exfoliating. Their main ingredient is Galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF), a multitasking fermented ingredient often found in K-beauty products that’s rich in antioxidants and helps with dullness. The actual material has one side made of Lyocell fabric, which helps remove any leftover makeup, oil, and dirt, and a soft cotton side for more sensitive areas. Basically, one side to gently exfoliate and one side to add moisture back.
What our reviewer says: “I use the textured side around my nose, where I produce the most oil, and then the other side around my eyes, cheeks, and forehead. They’ve never caused any irritation or sensitivity. My face felt completely clean after using them. And even when I was using them daily, my face never felt dry or tight,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “After months of testing, I’ve noticed that my face looks more radiant and smooth.”
Best for Brightening: Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad
- What we love: Gentle exfoliation; doubles as a sheet mask; incredibly hydrating
- What could improve: Subtle fragrance may not be ideal for sensitive skin
Similar to the Mixsoon toner pads, Numbuzin has double-sided pads that add hydration, boost radiance, and gently exfoliate. They’re made with glutathione, vitamin C, and niacinamide, so they can target hyperpigmentation and dark spots all while improving uneven skin tone and reviving dull skin. If you want even more of a brightening boost, I layer the Numbuzin No.5 Serum, a Korean vitamin C serum, after the toner and I’ve noticed that it has significantly brightened the hyperpigmentation around my mouth, so I can really back up the effectiveness of the brand’s products.
What our reviewers says: Glamour beauty contributor Denise Primbet says these toner pads are a mainstay in her morning skin care routine. “I tend to leave them on as a K-beauty face mask for a good five minutes to let my skin soak up all of the brightening and hydrating benefits. After using them consistently, I noticed a great improvement to my post-acne dark spots, revealing a brighter and healthier-looking complexion,” she says.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad
Original video by Jenifer Calle testing Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad
- What we love: Effectively removes dead skin cells; improves skin texture
- What could improve: If you have very dry skin this might not be for you; takes some time to absorb
When I think of toner, I think of my college days when I used to burn my skin using harsh, alcohol-based astringent ingredients. This is why I was hesitant to use a toner with acids. But after using this Some by Mi toner, I’ve noticed how effective it is at gently exfoliating while not stripping my face. This Korean toner pad is noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and has alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which are great for textured or acne-prone skin. You might be thinking, That’s a lot of acids, but the formula is very gentle thanks to the natural ingredients like willow bark water and tea tree leaf water, which help calm and soothe the face.
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