I'm back! It is a Sunday and I'm posting! Why? Because COSRX is celebrating its first birthday and as a big fan myself I want to make it special for COSRX! (So many exclamation marks, woo!) Since I've already shared an introduction on COSRX in my previous review on the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, I will not repeat here. If you are interested you can head over there to take a look, we will wait patiently for you here! Those who already did can skip the next sentence and dive into the review with me.
Have you done reading? Okay, let's begin our little review!
THIS IS A TONER
Little surprise! You are looking at another toner from COSRX. These little pads are soaked with a toning solution made up of the following ingredients:
(Skincarisma)
(Skincarisma)
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water (BHA), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Panthenol, Allantoin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate
COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad (RM89 for 70s/135ML)
EXFOLIATE WHILE YOU ARE AT IT
All cotton pads come with an embossing (which means it has little bumps) and a soft side. The application method on the box that came with it strongly suggests us to first use the embossing side. This should cover the oily or acne-prone areas to remove shine and help fight future breakouts. Then use the soft side to wipe over the whole face to assist absorption. I follow these steps religiously because I feel that they work the best (and I want to get the most out of each halved cotton pad)! I can't tell if it truly exfoliates but my skin feels smoother now after I started including this in my routine. Maybe it does contribute a little to my clearer skin (reduced acne!) but I still strongly believe the effect mainly came from the COSRX acids (AHA/BHA) I bought.
MAKE 70 PIECES LAST FOR FIVE+ MONTHS
I apologise beforehand because I've used them for quite some time now hence the messy cotton pads below. I didn't rearrange them for the picture as I don't want to contaminate the pads with my hands after adjusting the camera and stuff. But I really want to show you guys the products inside so here they are! The pads are round and they definitely don't look this messy (and cut in half) when I first got it. I apologise again because I don't have any full size ones left and can only help you guys imagine them with my words and pictures, please still stay with me!
Just imagine joining the halved cotton pads together and that's how big they are.
I've cut all 70 pieces in half to make the tub last longer and ta-daa! I manage to extend its life to five months (and still counting)! I learnt this from a YouTuber and I'm glad I followed her advice. I would recommend you to do the same because I feel that using the full-size cotton pads directly is quite a waste. I get enough product to cover my whole face (mind you, I have a huuuge face) with just half a cotton pad and sometimes they were still pretty moistened when I threw them away. Just make sure you clean your scissors carefully before you cut them and beware of rust! I almost dirtied mine with a rusty scissors which could have rendered a lot of my cotton pads useless! Suggestion: use an alcohol swab. Another reason that helped the 70 (now 140) pieces last so long is that I only use it at night to double confirm my skin is properly cleansed. This is just how I do it since I have both this and the AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. If you want to make it last, this is how you do it!
ONE REASON YOU NEED TO PURCHASE
I bought this tub because it was on a buy-three-free-one sale. I've wanted it for so long it finally became more affordable during the sale! It came with a screwing lid that is easy to open while keeping the soaked cotton pads moist. All you have to do is unscrew-lift-screw-wipe and you're good to go! How convenient is it? This is why I love it for my night routine. Even if I'm tired I can still ensure I tone since it's so easy to use!
Note: no matter how tired you are, the one thing you MUST do is to make sure you screw back the lid tightly every time. You don't want to put all the effort in to extend its life and end up losing it to a carelessly screwed lid.
BROKE OUT? NO. IRRITATION? YES.
Normally when I choose a toner, I look for one that is not sticky nor heavy and most importantly, not filled with alcohol. I am done with toners that claim to provide you with hydration but end up drying out your skin (the alcohol!). This does not. My skin feels like they've just had a drink of water each time I use it. It also feels very lightweight and doesn't cause my skin to become extra oily despite the oils on its ingredient list. Generally I've not broken out from using this. But if I wipe it over my eyelids, little red bumps will run rampant around the inner conner of my eyes the next day. I don't know what they are but I'm sure they are not acnes. They go away very quickly usually within the day itself. As long as I refrain from doing so, my skin stays pretty and clear. Again, patch test patch test! Do it on multiple areas of your skin to be sure. Look, it works fine on my whole face but my eyelids.
ABOVE ALL, SMELL
I will never forget about those of you who are worried about the smell! If you love orange, this product is an A-okay pass for you! The smell hits me every time I open the tub. It is quite strong if we are talking about the whole tub. In singular term, don't worry about smelling like you've just showered with oranges after using just one cotton pad. It is not that heavy individually and the smell fades very quickly. However I do like the hit of the smell every time. It kind of reassures me that the product is still wet and usable.
SHOULD I PAT?
One thing I never do with this toner is patting my face afterwards. I always pat when I'm using a liquid product. For this I find it unnecessary because the toner can be spread evenly and absorbed nicely using just the cotton pad. Unlike other toners, you MUST pat to 'push in' the product for better absorption. In a way, using COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad is time-saving, isn't it? If you still feel like patting your face, you can do it with the cotton pad. This way you can avoid touching your face at least at this stage.
A glimpse of the description on the tub.
This post contains affiliate links.
Where to get the COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad:
Malaysia
Hermo - RM75 (inclusive of GST)
*WM: RM6.80 / Buy two free shipping
*EM: RM12 / Min. purchase of RM150 for free shipping
For Hermo, you can use Shopback to save some money (save 2% for every purchase) when buying from Hermo. Just sign up using my link: https://www.shopback.my/hermo?raf=OxeI66, and you'll be rewarded with RM5 immediately, followed by RM5 when you make your first purchase on Hermo through Shopback. That's RM10 in total. It works in the form of cash back which you can cash out to your bank account. You'll can learn more on their website here.
*WM: RM6.80 / Buy two free shipping
*EM: RM12 / Min. purchase of RM150 for free shipping
For Hermo, you can use Shopback to save some money (save 2% for every purchase) when buying from Hermo. Just sign up using my link: https://www.shopback.my/hermo?raf=OxeI66, and you'll be rewarded with RM5 immediately, followed by RM5 when you make your first purchase on Hermo through Shopback. That's RM10 in total. It works in the form of cash back which you can cash out to your bank account. You'll can learn more on their website here.
Wishtrend - USD19 (approx. RM75)
*Free Shipping with purchases over USD60 (ships worldwide)
Keep in mind their referral program! You can get a 10% off your first purchase by inputting this Wishtrend discount code 2FD84A38 when you check out. What better way to save money? Remember to share this awesome deal with your friends too because sharing is caring!
*Free Shipping with purchases over USD60 (ships worldwide)
Keep in mind their referral program! You can get a 10% off your first purchase by inputting this Wishtrend discount code 2FD84A38 when you check out. What better way to save money? Remember to share this awesome deal with your friends too because sharing is caring!
WAIT!! YOU NEED TO READ THIS
Before you click on those links to go buy this, you may want to read my review on the Centella Green Level All In One Mild Pad by Purito. It's not entirely a dupe (in fact, the ingredients are very different) but they are both pre-soaked pads that work similarly. Take a look, who knows? Maybe you will like that one better haha. Don't be shy to ask me questions below if you need any advice. I'd try my best to help!
Thank you for reading, see you in the next post!
I post new contents on skincare every Tuesday and Friday. Follow me on Bloglovin' so you won't miss it when my next review is up!
For the affiliate links: If you use my link, I can earn some commission and it won't cost you any extra money. You don't have to use my link, but if you do, it would really help my blog!
The review is 100% my personal opinion of the product after personally trying it out. Please make sure you consult whoever is selling you the product and ask for samples if you can! Read my disclaimer here.
The review is 100% my personal opinion of the product after personally trying it out. Please make sure you consult whoever is selling you the product and ask for samples if you can! Read my disclaimer here.
Which one is better aha/bha clarifying toner or one step pimple clear pads?
ReplyDeleteHello! I personally prefer AHA/BHA Clarifying toner because it has never given me any skin issue like this one (bumps around eyes if I accidentally rub it on my eyes). I just use my hands to apply the AHA/BHA toner, so convenience issue wise I also prefer the clarifying toner since I don't need to go throw the cotton pad away (I don't have a dustbin in my room). But this depends on you, if you use a cotton pad for the clarifying toner then it's totally the opposite since one step pimple clear pads are all pre soaked (don't need to spray). :) Also for traveling, one step pimple clear pad is more convenient to bring around since no leakage issue and it's not a liquid, so it should be okay to bring on board in case you're taking a plane. Performance wise, both are rather similar if I just avoid my eyes so not much of an issue here. :) So, yeap it all depends on what your needs and how much you're willing to pay (Aha/Bha toner has a cheaper per use imo)
DeleteWow, I just did a quite complete comparison here hahaha I hope this helps! x
How did you cut the pads in halves? Ive already tried to cut it with a scissor but it would really cut at all
ReplyDeleteMine were hard to cut as well! I did it with a normal pair scissors, cleaned with alcohol wipes. My scissors were a bit blunt, it only managed to cut when the pads reached the inner part (almost at the cross) of the scissors. Also, I find cutting a few pieces together much easier than a single piece. Hope this helps! :D
DeleteHey there. I have a toner (From Innisfree Orchid Line Series) and recently won this One Step Pimple Pad at a giveaway. If I were to use this Pimple Pad, I should not use the toner from Innisfree yeah? Do you reckon I should alternate the Innisfree toner and this One Step Pimple Pad? Kindly advise. Thanks!! :)
ReplyDeleteSince they are both toner, I think it may be a little redundant to use both at the same time haha. Maybe you can use one in the morning and one at night? I'd recommend saving the pimple pads for when you're rushing for time since it's more convenient :D
DeleteTrue that! Since it is much more convenient! Omg, thank you so much for your advice! Do you think I should put the pimple pad in the fridge to preserve the wetness of the pads? :)
ReplyDeleteNah, you don't have to. :) Mine are still wet after 8 months even though I live in Malaysia (which is super hot) haha. Just make sure you tighten the lid every time after using it. :D For me, usually if I put something in the fridge I'll tend to forget its existence until it's almost past its expiry date HAHAA
DeleteAnd I forgot to say, you're welcome! Thank you for reading and leaving a comment! <3 Same goes to everyone here! <3
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHII is the COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pads kinda sticky after use ? cause for me it does TT
ReplyDeletehope to get reply from u soon :D
Hello! How long have you owned / opened yours? Mine wasn't sticky after using. It just felt like I've had a layer of something on my face. :D
DeleteHi again ^^ Would you recommend this over BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner?
ReplyDeleteThis may sound awful but I have countless stubborn blackheads on my nose :( I've read many reviews stating that these pimple clear pads have lessened their blackheads in an instant than BHA liquid (tho it has higher percentage of Betaine Salicylate)..It also seems they slightly both have similar ingredients.
Thanks so much ♡
Hello! So so sorry for the late reply! Been really caught up with work lately.
DeleteI do realise with this one my skin seems to be clearer and healthier. But I can't be sure about that part on blackhead because I haven't seen much effect from both. I just have fewer pimples popping up here and there while I still had and was using the pimple pads. I am going to repurchase soon when there is a discount so I definitely am going to recommend it (it is also super convenient to use haha).
Do take note that it will NOT lessen blackheads in an instant but it does mildly exfoliate our skin and help clean up the pores, hence resulting in fewer new blackhead formation. Hope this helps!
Hi! Can you use this first and followed by the AHA/BHA Treatment Toner? I wanted to know if you can use both in your skincare routine. Thanks..
ReplyDeleteHi Sherrie! I'm sorry for the late reply, I hope I can still be of help!
DeleteYou can use both but I won't recommend using them at the same time. They are both toners and it could be quite a waste to use them that way haha. You can use one in the morning and one at night. I would recommend choosing pimple pads for the rush hours!
Can I use this with the BHA blackhead power liquid or should I use it on days I don't use the BHA liquid?
ReplyDeleteIt’s okay to use them together. :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi! I just purchased this and I was wondering if I need to wait for a while after I put it on, before I move onto moisturiser? Or is it fine to put moisturiser right away? I read somewhere that BHA needs 30 minutes or so to fully absorb into the skin.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know, thanks Yanrula! :)
Hi Eleena! Sorry for the late reply. From my experience with my skin, I usually just wait until my skin is no longer wet with the BHA solution which usually takes around 15-20 minutes, or 10-15 minutes when in an air-conditioned room. So it all depends on how fast your skin can absorb. You can wait 30 minutes and slowly observe how your skin feels then adjust the time accordingly.
DeleteHope this helps, and no problem! :)
Hi. I have acne on my cheeks around 4 months and it won't go away. I have try a lot of treatment product but it still there. I'm a beginner in acid. Would you recommend me, One Step Pimple Clear Pad or BHA Power Liquid?
ReplyDeletehi there, my main concern is that i have lots of small bumps on my forehead. if you don't mind, do you have any product suggestion for me?
ReplyDelete