Toner Pads: How to Use Them in Your Skincare Routine

Open TikTok and you will quickly come across reviews of small discs lifted from jars with tweezers and swept across the face. These are toner pads, products that have surged in popularity alongside Korean beauty and are increasingly appearing on shop shelves.

The concept reflects the evolution of toners, once associated with astringent formulas but now an important part of facial skincare routines. One of the key benefits of toner pads is their easy application and the more even distribution of product. Each pad comes pre-soaked in a cosmetic solution containing hydrating, soothing, brightening or exfoliating ingredients, according to the formula’s purpose.

Where do toner pads fit into a skincare routine?

In general, toner pads are applied after cleansing and before serums and moisturisers. The disc should be swept gently over the face, without rubbing the skin too vigorously. Start with oilier areas, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), then move outwards towards the cheeks and jawline using light, even pressure. Avoid the eye area and any irritated patches.

A pad for every skincare need

Not every toner pad delivers the same result, however, as its effect depends largely on the formula. For skin that needs hydration, humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine are particularly suitable. Formulas featuring centella asiatica, aloe vera and other soothing ingredients are a better choice when the aim is to bring comfort to the skin.

Sensitive or dry skin

Look for ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glycerine, panthenol and ceramides, as well as centella asiatica, aloe vera and botanical extracts. Designed for sensitive or reactive skin, these ingredients help replenish moisture and support the skin barrier. “The South Korean brand Wati For Skin offers pads combining ingredients such as PDRN (salmon DNA) and madecassoside, extracted from centella asiatica, which can complement the skincare routine of skin needing hydration and attention to its protective barrier,” advises Thomas Kim, pharmacist and technical manager at Osang Cosmetic.

Oily or acne-prone skin

Choose formulas that manage excess oil and provide gentle exfoliation, such as those containing AHA (glycolic and lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid). These ingredients support cell renewal, smooth texture and help control blackheads. They should be used no more than three times a week, as overuse may trigger a rebound effect.

For radiance and improved texture

Seek out ingredients such as niacinamide and vitamin C derivatives, which work on dark marks and radiance.

Common mistakes when using toner pads

Skipping the cleansing step

Although the discs can remove minor impurities and residue left on the skin, they do not perform the same job as a facial cleanser. They are therefore best used after washing the face with a soap or cleanser suited to your skin type.

Using too much pressure

There is no need to scrub with the disc to enhance its benefits. Excessive friction can sensitise and irritate the skin, particularly if the formula contains exfoliating ingredients. Instead, glide the pad gently over the face with light, steady pressure. Soft-textured discs can also reduce friction, especially on more delicate areas.

By Juliana Vaz