These Toner Pads Make ‘Glass Skin’ Possible — Even With Dull, Dry And Sensitive Skin

As dermatologists will tell you, exfoliation can be a powerful addition to any skincare routine. Not only does the process remove dead skin cells, but according to previous HuffPost reporting, it can also help unclog pores, make your skin smoother and brighter and even help your skin better absorb all your other products. While this may make you want to reach for a heavy-duty scrubber, experts say, when it comes to exfoliation — less is more.

So when we spotted Medicube’s beloved “zero pore” toner pads in a mild 2.0 form, on sale for 20% off, we knew we needed to call the presses. (Ourselves.)

As Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a Mississippi-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told HuffPost, it’s all too easy to harm your skin when exfoliating. The key to correctly doing it? “Be gentle.”

Per Zubritsky, while exfoliating can help your skin, over-exfoliation can lead to a damaged and unhealthy skin barrier, “which can cause dryness, irritation, redness, more acne or eczema breakouts and even worsening of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.”

Intended for sensitive skin and softer, but still effective exfoliation, users call the Medicube mild pads “the most gentle toner pad and solution” they’ve ever used, and “not just a toner pad,” but “a calm, controlled, K-beauty mic drop for your skin,” that could be named “Pores, Be Gone!”

According to the brand, the 70 pre-soaked, double-sided mild pads are physically softer and less harsh than other options. Not only that, the toner the pads are soaked in is specially designed for gentler exfoliation, infused with soothing lavender, hydrating hyaluronic acid and a variety of plant extracts.

The real magic is the “polyhydroxy acid” exfoliant (PHA), which, without boring you to tears about chemistry, is thought to be less aggravating to the skin than other common chemical exfoliants, according to government studies and previous health reporting.

Whether you have sensitive skin, are new to exfoliating, or just prefer mild products, users say these pads are it. Reviewers with oily skin and redness who are prone to breakouts say the pads “actually help,” with reducing the appearance of pores, evening their skin tone and texture — sans irritation. Another with “dull, dry and sensitive skin,” credits the pads for giving them a bright, smooth and clear “glass skin” look — something they previously thought was impossible.

“Love how my skin feels after using,” Kb wrote. “I feel like I definitely can see the difference in pore size and texture while using this. So effective!”

As one user jokes, the mild pads “is what happens when exfoliation grows up, gets polite, and actually listens to sensitive skin.”

“One swipe in and you immediately feel it: clean, refreshed, soothed—not stripped, not angry, not screaming for moisturizer,” they wrote. ”...It’s refined, effective, and respectful — basically the skincare equivalent of someone who texts back, shows up on time, and makes your life better. 💚✨”

The brand says to use the pads after cleansing your face, starting with the embossed side to remove dead skin cells, then following with the smooth side, to tone and pat dry. While reviewers debate if there’s no scent or a light “clean” scent, everyone seems to agree, the pads leave you with “baby-smooth skin, visibly more refined pores and that glassy, balanced finish that makes serums and makeup sit better instantly.”

Reviewers are hot for these mild toning pads. Read more 5-star reviews and grab some for yourself while they’re 20% off.

“Man, has my skin taken a beating lately from trying new skincare. I have very reactive upper cheeks and acne-prone skin. Most skincare items either leave me with raised red bumps, burning cheeks, or acne. I can say that Medicube Zero Pore Pads Mild is the most gentle toner pad and solution I’ve ever used. I experienced no discomfort, no burning, no irritation, and no redness. My face felt cool and dry. The solution did not dry sticky. The pads are also unscented! Yay! I’m a fan. I look forward to seeing what good things it will do for my skin.” — Ohmy

“I have very sensitive skin with rosacea. The exfoliating ingredients in these pads are mild enough for my problematic skin. My skin feels hydrated and firm after using these pads without flaring up my rosacea. I highly recommend this product.” — Eva

“Game changing! I never thought the concept of ‘glass skin’ would be possible for me. I deal with dull, dry, and sensitive skin and this has improved the quality of my sink dramatically. The mild version is gentle enough to not agitate my dry spots or redness. My skin is brighter, smoother, and clearer than it has ever been - I am so thrilled!” — Amazon customer

Looking for more skin care upgrades? Check out these recommended K-beauty products from HuffPost contributor Shawna Hudson.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)