Korean beauty excels in many longstanding arenas (see: sunscreen), but it’s broken new ground when it comes to prepping skin in particular. And now, the best toner pads have joined the other post-cleanse staples, including face essences and milky toners, to amplify the effects of your skin-care routine and deliver additional layers of hydration to skin.
But the term “toner pads” is a little misleading. “They are much more versatile than simply toner in pad form,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Depending on the exact formulation, they can hydrate, soothe, brighten, and prep skin for the remainder of your routine—often all in addition to exfoliating. That’s in line with Korean beauty’s emphasis on barrier support and consistent yet gentle treatment, as is their general tendency “to avoid any harsh ingredients that will dry out or irritate the skin,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Vogue’s Favorite Toner Pads:
To accomplish that, you’ll often find K-beauty heavyweights like cica and heartleaf woven into the pads, where they help make the most of a few swipes. With that in mind, scroll ahead for our expert recommendations.