I used to think applying toner was a step I could skip in my skin care routine, but after testing some of the best toner pads, I can’t go a day without them. I have oily, combination skin and produce a lot of sebum, which leads to a shiny complexion, or worse, breakouts. A toner helps balance everything by removing additional oil and dirt. TMI: After using them consistently, I learned that it cleanses areas like the crevices on your nostrils, behind your ears, under your jaw, and the top of your forehead where face wash might not reach. It’s a (somewhat pleasant) surprise when the pad goes from white to yellow (like I said, TMI). Even if you don’t have oily skin though, toner pads help target various skin concerns like discoloration, texture, and dullness. To find the best one for your skin type, I spoke with dermatologists and beauty editors for their recommendations and application tips, and then tested the most highly rated options myself. After testing, these are the ones I regularly use and recommend to everyone.
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Mediheal PDRN Lifting Pads
Original video from Grace McCarty testing Mediheal PDRN Lifting Pads
These Korean toner pads were a hit among Glamour editors and even won a 2026 Glamour Beauty and Wellness Award. The pads are made of gauze fabric (like wound or medical care bandage material) and are packed with skin-boosting ingredients like rose PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) for antiaging and niacinamide for pore improvement. PDRN is a buzzy K-beauty ingredient derived from salmon sperm and DNA fragments and is known for skin healing. Mediheal’s pure rose PDRN though, is a plant-based alternative and is 200 times smaller for better penetration. Another standout feature is the updated packaging. Most toner pads have plastic tweezers, but they’re often fragile and not effective, Mediheal’s thoughtfully designed picker is much better at grabbing a single pad. We also like that the pad’s fabric is thin, soft, stretchy, and stays put. If you’re not a fan of dealing with full sheet masks, put a couple of these pads on just your cheeks and forehead for 5–10 minutes to really treat your skin.
“I’ve been a fan of Mediheal toner pads and face masks for some time now. I started using the Mediheal Madecassoside Cotton Facial Pads and saw noticeable improvements in my blemishes, so I was excited to try its new PDRN version. I was impressed by the cooling feel of the pad. I like to image I’m a nurse and I’m treating my face when I use them. I also appreciate the picker because I normally end up using my hands, so this makes it more sanitary. Since these are for antiaging, I really love that the pads stay put because I like to place these around my laugh lines.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
“I’ll confess, I never really truly believed toner did anything meaningful (at least for my skin) until I tried these Mediheal pads. They’re non-irritating on my sensitive skin and don’t leave me with the tight, stripped feeling I get from other toners. Instead, they give my skin a hydrated, dewy glow thanks to moisture-locking ingredients like niacinamide and rose-derived PDRN. I typically swipe the pads over my skin before applying serums and moisturizer, but you can also stretch and stick them over problem areas to use as a targeted, mask-like treatment. After about two weeks of consistent use, I noticed that my pores (especially on my nose and T-Zone) were less clogged and visible. I recently left them behind when visiting my family for a little over a week, and felt like my skin was palpably more congested; I couldn’t wait to use them when I got back.” —Grace McCarty, Glamour associate beauty editor
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pads
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated 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, layer the Numbuzin No.5 Serum, a Korean vitamin C serum, after the toner.
“These toner pads are a mainstay in my 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.” —Denise Primbet, Glamour beauty contributor
“The pads are very hydrating and work like a sheet mask. 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.” —J.C.
Tested and reviewed by Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads
You might have seen Biodance face masks blow up on TikTok (I’ve tested the overnight mask on a long flight myself and recommend them to everyone). Good news: The brand also makes toner pads that are just as hydrating. The brand’s TikTok-viral sheet mask goes from a white hydrogel to a clear material as it dries, and the toner pads flip this process, starting off as translucent gel pads and fading to white as the coated essence absorbs. You can choose from different formulas to best suit your skin type; the original collagen one here is great for every skin type especially dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. It’s formulated with collagen for skin elasticity and firmness, oilgo hyaluronic acid for hydration, and galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF), a multitasking fermented ingredient often found in K-beauty products that’s rich in antioxidants and helps with dullness.
“I’ve gone through so many tubs of toner pads from Biodance, I’ve lost count. There’s just something about the slippery hydrogel texture my skin can’t get enough of. Out of all the toner pads I’ve tested, these adhere best to my face and work best for makeup prep (try sticking them on before you apply your foundation for the smoothest, dewiest application). The translucent gel fades to white as the formula absorbs, so I know exactly when to remove them for maximum hydration. They’re particularly effective for making skin look less red when I have blemishes or when my face is overheated. With regular use, the formula’s sebum-controlling properties also help my nose pores and blackheads look less congested.” —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour contributor
“These toner pads are great on very sensitive skin because they instantly hydrate and soothe. My face always feels more plump after using it and the round pads are big enough to use as a sheet mask. Biodance toner pads never let me down when my skin needs a revive.” —J.C.
Original video by Jenifer Calle testing Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad
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 any type of 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.
“Whenever I feel like my face needs a deeper cleanse, I reach for these toner pads. I notice I’m less oily when I keep them on rotation. The scent is subtle and herbal. I never feel like my face is raw or irritated after using, and it helps clear my clogged pores.” —J.C.
Original video from Sarah Y. Wu testing Aestura A-CICA365 Cooling Relief Toner Pads
Aestura’s various skin care products are focused on skin barrier health, and these toner pads are no different. If you have inflammation, whether it’s from rosacea or sensitive skin, a toner pad that adds hydration is key. The star ingredient here is the proprietary PH4.5CICA, a mix of centella asiatica, zinc, and PHA, which work together to soothe and calm irritated skin. You can refrigerate it and leave it on for a few minutes on the face for a more cooling effect. If you have mild rosacea on your face we recommend these toner pads to help calm redness.
Glamour contributor Wu says:
“I tried these incredibly refreshing toner pads in Seoul last month and instantly knew I had to stock up. They’re made of ultra-thin material, so thin that I actually recommend using the included tweezers to separate each pad (I almost never do this). The result is that they cling comfortably to my face without slipping off, but the main reason I love them is the intense cooling, calming effect. I have mild rosacea on my midface and I swear by these to noticeably reduce redness in 10 minutes. They’re so good, I’ve started slipping them in my bag just in case I need on-the-go calming. Aestura, please make a mini pack for me?” —S.Y.W.
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Plenty of Medicube products have found their way to our editors hands, including the viral Medicube collagen peel mask, the Medicube Age-R Boster Pro, and of course, the toner pads—all of which are editor-approved. The Zero Pore pads have AHA and BHA for pore tightening and exfoliation. Even though the pads are pre-soaked, they never feel slippery or too drenched. The double texture sides help to glide it on your face and gently exfoliate. Over time our editors noticed less enlarged pores and a more glowy, radiant complexion.
“I’m on my second jar of Medicube toner pads because they’re just that good. I have large pores and blackheads around my nose and I noticed that these pads helped minimize the appearance. Technically, pores can’t be shrunk but I definitely saw an improvement in the overall look and feel of my nose area.” —J.C.
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Mixsoon Galactomyces Toner Pads
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 GFF for skin texture and pores. 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.
“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. After months of testing, I’ve noticed that my face looks more radiant and smooth.” —J.C.
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Pad
These dark spot toner pads are ideal for targeting age spots, hyperpigmentation from acne scars, dark circles, and more thanks to the brightening ingredients. Tranexamic acid helps gradually fade discoloration by regulating melanin production. The patented melazero V2 contains loquat leaf extract, spearmint extract, and propanediol. The first two antioxidants help with inflammation and oil control while the latter helps with adding hydration. Combine all of this with brightening and skin barrier–boosting niacinamide, and you have a hardworking mix of ingredients on this toner pad.
“I’ve always dealt with mouth pigmentation and I’ve noticed some sun spots on my face lately, so I’ve been applying these toner pads in those areas. I like placing them right under my eyes or around my mouth where I have hyperpigmentation. They do a great job of staying put, they don’t leak or drench my face but instead add moisture and treat my discoloration.” —J.C.
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Oliviaumma Milky Resurfacing + Brightening Toner Pads
These milky toner pads are amazing at adding hydration back to your skin. Although they’re a milky toner, they have hardworking ingredients like niacinamide and bakuchiol. The latter is a plant-based ingredient that comes from the leaves of the babchi tree and is a great retinol alternative. Applying the toner feels like applying a serum since they’re very drenched. If you’re looking to boost elasticity, brighten skin, and smooth fine lines, these K-beauty toner pads do it all.
“The cushiony feel and hydration that these toner pads provide are perfection. I would recommend using these before a big event when you’re going to apply full glam because they prep and plump so well. They’re a little slippery but once you place them on, they stay put. I love a milky toner for daily use because it hydrates all day when my skin barrier feels stripped.” —J.C.
Original video from Ariana Yaptangco testing Femmue Rose Infused Toner Pads
These hydrating toner pads are great for soothing irritation and redness for a calmer feel. It has damask rose flower water to hydrate, white willow bark extract to promote cell turnover, and a combination of exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, and PHA) to help gently exfoliate clogged pores. All of these ingredients leave skin feeling smooth and plump and our editors can’t get enough.
“My skin has been freaking out recently with itchy splotches, irritation, and breakouts. To help soothe the chaos, I’ve been using these rose-infused toner pads from K-Beauty brand Femmue. The cotton pad features an embossed side, which buffs away any dead skin cells and impurities. Once finished, flip it over to the smooth side and press in the remaining essence. Formulated with gentle damask rose water, hyaluronic acid, and white willow bark, your skin feels instantly calmed and hydrated. I also found that the rest of my skin care routine absorbed better after using these as a prep step before makeup in the morning. My complexion was smooth and hydrated, making my foundation application seamless.” —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour senior beauty editor
After your face has dried down from using your go-to cleansing oil and face wash (if you’re double cleansing), apply toner as the third step in your skin care routine. Don’t forget about areas like your neck, chest, and the back of your ears. Then wait until your face is dry again before applying an eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. SPF protection is especially important if you use a toner pad that exfoliates. Always read the instructions for helpful tips on technique.
“Some brands recommend using the textured side of the pad first (typically on oilier or congested areas like the nose and forehead), then flipping to the smoother side for the cheeks and more sensitive areas. Always swipe gently and avoid harsh rubbing,” says Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery. Take it from me, I would recommend rubbing very lightly to avoid rough burns. I was moving too fast one day and accidentally scraped myself.
How often should you use toner pads?
In general, dermatologists say it’s okay to use them daily, but it all depends on the type of toner pad. “Gentle, hydrating ones with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or centella asiatica can often be used daily, even twice a day—morning and night. But if the pads contain exfoliating acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, it’s best to limit use to two to three times a week, especially for sensitive skin, to avoid over-exfoliation,” says Dr. Collins.
During my testing, I used toner pads at least once a day. If it was an exfoliating toner pad I would use it once a week because of the active ingredients. If you use it in the morning, make sure to always follow with sunscreen.
What’s the difference between toner pads, toner in a bottle, and sheet masks?
The main difference between toner pads and regular toner is the latter comes in “liquid form and can be applied to the skin using a cotton round,” says Howard Sobel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin in NYC. “A toner pad is a one-time-use product that’s saturated with toner already and can be applied directly to the skin.”
Sheet masks act more like a treatment than a daily step in your skin care routine. “Sheet masks typically deliver more concentrated hydration or active ingredients and are left on the skin longer,” says Dr. Collins. “Think of toner pads as quick, easy refreshers and sheet masks as deeper, occasional skin treatments.”
What ingredients should you look for in toner pads for acne-prone skin?
These are the ingredients to look for if you have acne-prone skin, according to the three dermatologists I spoke to:
Bonus: Hyaluronic acid for hydration
What ingredients should you look for in toner pads for hyperpigmentation?
Toner pads can certainly help with hyperpigmentation and brightening. The dermatologists we spoke to recommend looking for ones with vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root extract, or tranexamic acid. Just keep in mind that they might not have the same potency as a serum.
Are there any key benefits or differences in a Korean toner?
It’s no secret that things like toner pads, rice toners, and sheet masks became popular because of Korean beauty. The formulas will vary, but Korean toners are typically known to be more gentle and “often focus on hydration, skin-barrier support, and pH balancing,” says Dr. Collins. They tend to be packed with soothing botanicals like green tea, centella asiatica, and fermented ingredients. Many Korean toners also have a more essence-like texture—blurring the line between toner and serum—which supports the popular multistep K-beauty routine.”
Jenifer Calle testing toner pads
Jenifer Calle testing toner pads