I’ll admit it. I always thought toner was a step I could skip in my skin care routine, but after testing the best toner pads on the market for the past two months, I can’t go a day without using them. As someone with oily, combination skin, I produce a lot of sebum, which leads to a shiny complexion, or worse, breakouts.
The best toner can help balance your skin by removing additional oil and dirt – and trust me, even after washing your face, there’s probably some leftover residue that you’re not catching. TMI: After using them consistently, I learned that it can also help clean areas like your neck, the crevices on your nostrils, behind your ears, and the best of your forehead, where face wash might not reach. It’s a (somewhat pleasant) surprise when the facial toner pad goes from white to yellow (like I said, TMI!), especially on days when I’ve worn a lot of makeup.
Even if you don’t have oily skin, though, toner pads can help target various skin concerns like discolouration, pore size, skin texture, and overall radiance. Purchasing pads instead of just a big bottle has its perks, too. “Pads help ensure the right amount of product is used and help minimise possible contamination of the remaining product in a jar,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
To find the best toner pads, I spoke with dermatologists and beauty editors for their recommendations and tips, and then tested the most highly rated options myself. After testing, the best overall pick was the Mixsoon Toner Pads, which is a Korean toner pad with dual-sided sheets that can be ripped in two. I found that the gentle exfoliation was great for my combination skin. I used them daily, and they helped prep my skin for other skin care products, didn’t dry my face, and gave me a gorgeous glow over time. We also found options that target hyperpigmentation, soothe rosacea, and more.
The best toner pads, at a glance
Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Max Complexion Correction Pads
SKIP TO:
1. Best Overall: Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Complexion Correction Pads
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Complexion Correction Pads
- What we love: They remove every last bit of makeup; they manage to shrink pimples overnight.
- What could improve: They definitely cause tingling and are a little abrasive, so I would not recommend them for sensitive skin.
If you need a toner pad that really exfoliates your face, this up-to-date launch from Peter Thomas Roth is one that our beauty editors recommend, particularly if you offer with breakouts. The combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acid help decongest pores without stripping your barrier.
What our reviewer says: Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary uses these pads on her oily, combination skin. “Whenever my skin is in major need of a deep clean, I always find myself reaching for these pads. Fair warning: They’re not for the weak, and I wouldn’t recommend them if your skin is sensitive or dry, but they’re a nice match to my combination-oily skin and they help suck up extra makeup and dirt that I missed while cleansing. I also love to spot treat pimples with them and every time I use them, I see a huge difference in the size and redness of my blemishes by the next day. They have a strong alcohol-like scent that also has a touch of peach Bellini—something to get used to, but they’re absolutely great for when you need a deep clean. Note: I wouldn’t recommend pairing them with retinol or other AHA/BHAs, as this can cause them to sting.”
2. Best Korean: Mixsoon Galactomyces Toner Pads
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Mixsoon Galactomyces Toner Pads
- What we love: Dual-textured pads; hydration; improves dull skin; gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- What could improve: They’re bulky and could be easier to tear.
This was my first introduction to toner pads, and the reason why I love them so much today. 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.
About the Author
