Why TikTok’s Viral Toner Pad Trend Is Worth the Hype

TikTok is a gold mine for beauty hacks. Concealer application tips, hairstyle tricks, DIY nail art—the list runs the gamut of industry secrets. But when it comes to skin care, it’s easy to be leery. Some trends seem to be more about the shock value than actually improving your skin. However, one lane of advice that never fails to deliver results is K-Beauty. The latest tidbit on TikTok involves toner pads used in a special way to improve an array of skin-care concerns. You may be familiar with traditional toner pads, but this trend takes things up a notch. Intrigued? Then keep reading to see the benefits and the viral products behind the trend.

What are toner pads?

Toner pads are usually associated with harsh astringents designed to exfoliate, clarify and rid the skin of blemishes and acne. It’s not hard to see why the popularity of these products has decreased over the years. Given that, you may be surprised at the recent trend and its success. But there’s a big difference between Korean toner pads and the drenched cotton rounds we grew up with. 

As a leader in the skin-care industry, South Korea is (as expected) lightyears ahead in toner pad innovation. Unlike the tiny-sized pads we’re most familiar with, Korean toner pads are designed to cover large areas of the face. This simple upgrade allows the pads to address specific skin-care concerns. Another big difference between the two? How each is used used. This isn’t a wipe-your-face-down-in-15-seconds-and-go kind of product. Instead, these sit on the skin, allowing it to soak up the ingredients and benefits.

What are the benefits?

Knowing how these toner pads work is the first step to understanding the benefits. The set-it-and-forget-it approach is uniquely designed to work like a sheet mask, infusing your skin with potent ingredients. Since the size is larger than a toner pad and smaller than a sheet mask, you can place each in specific areas to target concerns. For example, an oily T-zone is the perfect place for a tea tree toner pad, while the cheeks are ideal for collagen toner pads. Using a combination of pads across the face allows you to create a custom sheet mask. However, the pads can still be used the traditional way if you choose.

Viral Options to Try

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MediHeal Retinol Collagen Toner Pad ($24)

If you’ve followed the toner pad trend on TikTok, you’ve likely seen the colorful stack from MediHeal. Of the bunch, these retinol collagen pads are revered for lifting, tightening and smoothing the skin. You can swipe these all over the face, but for targeted results, use some under the eye, jawline and across the forehead to smooth fine lines.

• BUY ON MEDIHEAL – $24
• BUY ON ULTA – $24

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SKIN FOOD Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad ($21)

Carotene is the sleeper ingredient your routine may be missing. It’s rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, which is known to protect the skin from UV rays and improve tone and texture. These pads hydrate the skin and boost its defenses.

• BUY NOW – $21

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It’s Skin LI Calming Jelly Pad ($26)

These jelly pads have gone viral for good reason. For starters, the solution is formulated with licorice root and chamomile flower extract to soothe and infuse the skin with moisture. Then there’s the textured round, which gently exfoliates the surface to reveal a smoother and more radiant tone. The combination is a complete win.

• BUY NOW – $26

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Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 ($18)

TikTok has dubbed Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads the go-to for glass skin. Whether you’re swiping it all over your skin or using it to create a face mask, the results are sure to be luminous and glowy.

• BUY NOW – $18