Collection: Face Pads

Yes, Korean toner pads work exceptionally well because they merge two crucial skincare benefits into one step: physical application and concentrated liquid treatment. Instead of just patting on a liquid with your hands, the physical structure of a face pad gently sweeps away remaining surface impurities and microscopic dead skin cells. Simultaneously, the pad is completely saturated in an active-rich essence, allowing your skin to absorb the hydration deeply. 

* Malkn Tip: You can also use toner pads as small, compact sheet masks to apply to your skin for a few minutes before removing. Simply place them in targeted areas like your cheeks and forehead to boost skin vitality and radiance.

Using Korean face pads is incredibly simple and highly customisable based on your skin’s immediate needs:

• The swipe method: Most pads feature a dual-textured design. Start with the embossed (textured) side and gently sweep it across your face and neck, avoiding the immediate eye area. Flip the pad over to the smooth side and swipe once more to refine texture and leave your skin hydrated. Gently pat any remaining essence into the skin.
• The mask method: For areas experiencing redness, intense dehydration, or enlarged pores, place two or three pads directly onto your cheeks, forehead, or chin. Leave them on for 3 to 5 minutes as a quick targeted skin treatment. 

The golden rule of a Korean skincare routine is to apply your products in order of texture, moving from the thinnest (water-like) consistency to the thickest (cream-like) consistency. This ensures every layer absorbs optimally without being blocked by heavier formulas.

Following a standard routine, you would apply your products in this exact order:

1. Cleanser (Oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser)
2. Toner Pads / Toners (To instantly hydrate the skin)
3. Essences (To give your skin deeper hydration)
4. Serums (Concentrated treatments for specific concerns)
5. Eye Cream (To protect the delicate under-eye area)
6. Moisturiser (To seal and lock all your active ingredients in place)
7. Sunscreen (For daytime routines) or a Sleeping Mask (For nighttime routines)

Using Korean exfoliating pads every single day depends entirely on the specific formula. Mild, daily-clearing pads that rely on gentle polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) or low percentages of AHAs/BHAs can be tolerated daily and used safely by most skin types. For a daily clarifying option, the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is a community favourite because of its smart, dual-textured design. The embossed side gently exfoliates the skin, while the smooth side sweeps across the face to refine skin texture and deliver pore-toning benefits.

* Malkn Tip: If you have highly sensitive skin or a compromised barrier, we recommend limiting the use of exfoliating pads to only 2 to 3 times a week. The best approach is to start slowly and gradually build up the frequency.

Since face pads are designed to act as your toner or light treatment step, you should always follow up with the rest of your routine in order of texture (from the thinnest consistency to the thickest). Once you have wiped the pad across your skin or removed it after using it as a mini sheet mask, do not rinse your face. Gently pat any remaining essence into your skin, and then move on to the next steps:

• Essences or Serums: Apply your targeted treatments next so they can sink deeply into your freshly prepped skin.
• Moisturiser: Follow up with your favourite cream, gel-cream, or lotion to seal in the active ingredients and lock in all that vital hydration.
• Sunscreen (AM) / Sleeping Mask (PM): Finish your routine with SPF during the day to protect your skin, or a sleeping mask at night for an extra boost of repair.