Hot Take—I Prefer This Korean Skincare Staple Over Viral Sheet Masks for Instantly Glowy Skin

I've been a lover of Korean skincare for years—long before I was a bonafide beauty editor and K-beauty products were readily available Stateside. Now, in 2025, I feel like I have extensive knowledge of Korean brands, products, ingredients, and techniques. In fact, over half of my skincare routine is made up of Korean items. There's no denying that it's a hotbed of skincare innovation.

I used to rely on Korean sheet masks to give my skin a glow, I now use another Korean skincare staple...one that's perhaps lesser known in the U.S., although it's becoming more popular with each passing day. I'm talking about toner pads.

These aren't the toner pads of yesteryear. You know, the ones that were all the rage in the mid-2000s and were soaked in harsh, astringent solutions? (If I even go near one of those, my dry, sensitive skin will freak out.) No, these are differnet. They're hydrating, softening, soothing, and plumping. Basically, they're my key to an easy, instant glow. Ahead, learn all about Korean toner pads, how to use them, and which ones I think are worth adding to your cart.

What Are Toner Pads?

Toner pads are small pieces of cotton soaked in a serum-like solution. Just like traditional toners, they target a variety of skin concerns. You can buy toner pads that brighten dark spots and discoloration. You can buy toner pads that treat and prevent breakouts. You can even use ones that soothe redness and irritation. In other words, there are toner pads for pretty much any skin concern.

How to Use Toner Pads

There are a couple of different ways to use toner pads. Start by cleansing your skin (I like to use the Korean double-cleansing method that involves using an oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen and makeup, followed by a water-based formula to whisk away any remaining oil or debris. It ensures the cleanest skin possible).

Then, you can A) sweep a toner pad across your skin, throw it out, and move on to the rest of your skincare routine. This is an efficient way to use them and gives your skin an instant boost of hydration and skin-benefitting ingredients. However, I prefer a different method. You can also B) stick them to your skin and wear them for a few minutes as if they're mini sheet masks. This will keep your skin in contact with the skin-benefitting solution for a longer time, which could boost results. Plus, the cotton acts as an occlusive, locking the solution's moisture on the skin and thereby preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

The best part is that they don't fall off your face like sheet masks so often do. They're often incredibly thin and generously soaked with the solution, so they stick to the skin like magic. Gone are the days of constantly adjusting a sheet mask while you go about your business.

I use toner pads like they're mini sheet masks every night. I apply one toner pad to each cheek, one to my forehead, and often, one to my chin and/or the sides of my neck. Then, I'll style my hair or apply body lotion while I wait for them to work their magic. After about five minutes or so, I remove them and move through the rest of my skincare routine.

Sure, you'll go through them faster than if you just swipe one across your skin, but I think it's worth it. It's been just under a month of using them, and I can tell my skin is calmer, smoother, plumper, and glowier. This is one K-beauty staple I won't be giving up anytime soon.

My Skin Immediately After Using Toner Pads

My sensitive, redness-prone skin always looks and feels calmer after I let toner pads sit on my face for 5-10 minutes. It's also smoother and plumper than it was before, but to me, the most noticeable difference is how dewy my skin looks. I mean, look at that glow! It sets my skin up perfectly for flawless makeup application....although, do I really need makeup when my skin looks this good?

The 10 Best Korean Toner Pads