Face pads might be the easiest step in a Korean routine. Open the jar, grab a pad, swipe, done. You’ll often hear them all called toner pads, but some cleanse, some tone, and some treat.
What face pads are
A face pad is a soft cotton or microfiber pad pre-soaked in liquid. That liquid might be a cleanser, a toner, or a serum-like ampoule. No pouring, no spills, and no cotton rounds drinking up half the bottle.
The four kinds you’ll see
At a glance
Cleansing pads
Lift away makeup and the day, then rinse. Some use an oil formula.
Before you washToner pads
Exfoliating ones use AHA, BHA, or PHA. Soothing ones use Centella Asiatica or Hyaluronic Acid.
After you washAmpoule pads
A richer, serum-like liquid. Many rest on skin for 10–20 minutes.
After you wash2-in-1 pads
Two pads in one tub. Most pair a cleansing pad with a toner pad.
Two stepsWhen and how to use them
Step by step
Cleansing pad
Before you wash. Wipe off makeup, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Toner pad
After you wash. Swipe gently up and out, then pat with the smooth side.
Ampoule pad
After toning or before makeup. Rest it on skin, then pat in what’s left.
Dry patch? Leave a toner or ampoule pad on that spot for a few minutes, like a mini sheet mask.
A few smart rules
Use exfoliating pads at night, and skip a day if your skin feels tight. Acids like AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Wear sunscreen while you use them and for a week after.
Pick one exfoliating pad at a time rather than stacking several. Use tweezers or clean fingers, and close the lid tight so the pads stay soaked.
Cleansing pads are made to be rinsed off, so don’t leave one on like a mask. Scrubbing too hard is the most common slip. If your skin stings, stop and rinse with cool water.
Heading out for the day? Tuck a few pads into a small clean container for a quick refresh after the gym or a long flight.
Which pad is right for you?
Rough or dull-looking skin? An exfoliating toner pad in your night routine is a good place to start.
Skin that feels thirsty or easily stressed? Reach for a soothing toner pad or an ampoule pad.
Wear a full face of makeup? Start your night with a cleansing pad, then follow with your usual cleanser.
Short on time? A 2-in-1 tub covers cleansing and toning in one jar.
Pad or bottle?
Toner pads win on speed, travel, and mess-free mornings. A bottled toner gives you more control over how much you use and how you layer it. Plenty of people keep both, using pads on busy days and a bottle on slow ones.
Why we stock so many
We carry more than 30 face pads because they make a routine feel effortless. Our favorite moment is the first cool swipe on a sleepy morning, when your skin wakes up before you do.
Find them all on our Face Pads page, or read our PDRN guide for pads with a PDRN twist. Our team can also help you pick at a Glowoori store near you.
