TONER pads are the latest Korean beauty craze, and one brand is leading the trend.
Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads have been praised by stars including Molly-Mae Hague and Hailey Bieber, and I’ve been testing them for a month to see if they live up to their reputation.
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, £24
Toner pads are pre-soaked in acids to gently exfoliate the skin for brighter, smoother complexion, and Medicube’s version is dual-sided for double the impact.
On one side, the toner pad is textured for exfoliation, removing dead skin and tightening pores, while the smooth side works to soothe and nourish the skin.
I’ve always struggled with stubborn blackheads (particularly textured ones on my chin), so I’m constantly on the lookout for something that can minimise them without drying out my skin.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads: Quickfire Q&A
How much is it? The tub costs £24 for 70 pore pads.
Who’s it best for? Most skin types, including acne-prone, oily, combination, and those experiencing blackheads and texture.
What we loved: The multifunctional pads are easy to use and give quick results by brightening and smoothing the skin, removing texture and minimising blackheads.
What we didn’t love: Sensitive skin types should use the pads only a couple of times a week at first (or opt for the Mild Pore Pads) to avoid causing sensitivity or a damaged barrier.
First impressions
I’d seen these pore pads all over my TikTok before trying them out for myself, but I was initially apprehensive.
My large pores and blackheads make me the ideal target, but they’re soaked with salicylic acid and lactic acids, so overuse could risk damaging my skin’s barrier (I’ve learned from past mistakes).
While Medicube advises using the pads in the morning and evening, I’ve incorporated them into my night time routine only, as acids can increase sensitivity to UV damage when used in the morning.
Medicube also launched the Zero Pore Pads in Mild last year for those with sensitive skin, which use a PHA rather than AHA for a gentler exfoliation.
I was impressed by the size of the tub, which contains 70 pads; if you only use a pad once every couple of days, you’ll only need to repurchase once every couple of months.
The tub also comes with a plastic tweezer for transporting the pads to your face without even needing to touch them.
The results
Since I started using Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads a month ago, my skin looks the clearest it’s ever been.
Since I started using Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads a month ago, my skin looks the clearest it’s ever been.
The blackheads on my chin that don’t usually budge have gone down, my pores seem less noticeable and I have little to no texture on my forehead.
After cleansing, I swipe my face with the embossed side of the pad and follow up with the smooth side to give my dry skin some extra hydration.
I’ve been using them every couple of days, but they could be used daily if gradually incorporated into a routine.
Oily skin types may prefer to only use the textured side for a matte finish, but I love that the smooth side of the pad gives my skin K-beauty’s signature ‘glass skin effect’.
Residue remains on the skin for a little while (although it doesn’t feel sticky), so I like to wait a couple of minutes before applying the rest of my products.
Using pre-soaked toner pads is more convenient than applying the product to cotton pads yourself, but the Medicube tub is still quite bulky for travelling.
Medicube Zero Pore Pad, £24
My blackheads haven’t completely vanished in just a month, but the ones that are textured on my chin have significantly improved, and I’m excited to see how much better they get in the coming months.
The exfoliation has also made my skin feel brighter, and my foundation seems to be gliding on easier (which is even more impressive considering my make-up always looks worse during the winter months).
The verdict: Are Medicube Zero Pore Pads worth it?
Medicube’s Pore Pads are the best thing I’ve added to my routine all year — and with the rapid results and value for money, I truly can’t fault them.
My skin is brighter, my pores are smaller and my blackheads are on their way out.
I haven’t experienced any dryness (although those with sensitive skin should still add them into their routine slowly), and my make-up is going on smoother than ever.
It’s clear why the viral toner pads are a hit with A-listers, and the Mild Pore Pads offer an option suitable for every skin type.
