COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad Review [In-Depth]
These convenient pads are 85.92% Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, and 1% Betaine Salicylate (the gentler BHA alternative). If you have normal/oily skin and just starting out with trying chemical exfoliants, this might be for you. Keep reading for an in-depth COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad review.
Spoiler alert: these did not make it to my all-time favorite products list, go here to see all my top recommendations.
Quick facts:
Formulation: free from parabens, silicones, dyes and is alcohol free
Potential irritants: The Clear Pads has an overall low irritancy level. Although it contains a potentially irritating perfuming ingredient with the Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil. The alcohol-free formula means that the clear pads do not give the skin a stinging sensation after use (but I personally feel a bit of sensitivity after using these pads).
Application: The pads are double-sided; one being textured and the other being soft. The pads leave the skin feeling soft and clean, with visible improvement to the visibility of pores after first use, according to verified purchasers. As the formula is quite gentle, it can be used daily without drying the skin.
Scent: The Clear Pads have a light orange scent because of the Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil in the formula.
Packaging: The Clear Pads come in a tub with 70 pads that are heavily saturated with an acne-fighting toner. The heavy saturation means that the pads do not dry up in its packaging.
Price: $14 USD on StyleVana
Where to purchase: Select Walmarts, I usually purchase from StyleVana online because they have a huge selection, great prices and low minimum $48 USD for free shipping.
Pros: The pre-soaked pads don't dry out easily and there's a ton of product per pad to really saturate your face. You won't need additional toners or cotton rounds after cleansing and it's a great way to gently exfoliate your skin every night.
Cons: The BHA alternative in here, Betaine Salicylate, is only 1%. It's a bit too low for my preferences personally since I have combo skin and need something a bit stronger. I prefer using the COSRX BHA Blackhead Liquid or Isntree Chestnut BHA (review here) and see better results with that.
About the COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad
The COSRX website notes that the Clear Pads wipe out the excess dirt from the skin to strive towards blemish-free skin.
COSRX also notes that the willow bark maximizes exfoliating the skin without irritation. It gently exfoliates the dead skin cells and helps to clear clogged pores, providing the skin with its natural glow. Whilst the pads can be used to tone and exfoliate the skin, it will also help to wipe off any residual face makeup.
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad ingredients
I have some key points below, but you can also read our in-depth guide on how to read skincare ingredient labels to see if the formulation would be right for you.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Panthenol, Allantoin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate cosrx.com
Key Ingredients:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water 85.92%
Betaine Salicylate 1%
Under the 1% line:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil is also known to be highly effective in soothing the skin because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic actions. Additionally, the Tea Tree Oil is a well-established anti-acne ingredient that works effectively against the bacteria which causes acne.
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad BHA percentage:
The majority of the COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad formula is made up of the Willow Bark Water 85.92%, while the gentler BHA alternative, Betaine salicylate, is only 1%.
Fun fact: Betaine salicylate is derived from beets!
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad: How to use
- After cleansing, use the exfoliating side of the clear pad on your T-Zone, spreading the product lightly. Avoid your eye and lip area!
- Use the gentler side of the clear pad on the other areas of your face. Avoid your eye and lip area!
- Allow a few minutes to dry before following up with a moisturizer.
*I used to get back-ne/closed comedones when I used to work in an office (too many unbreathable shirts). So I liked using these pads, exfoliating side, on my back as well to prevent acne.
Can I use the COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad every day?
If you're just starting out with these pads or exfoliants in general, do NOT use this daily, maybe just weekly at first. The pad can be a bit on the rougher side and may make your skin more sensitive. Be sure to use sunscreen the next day!
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad purging
I personally did not experience purging with this product, but as I've mentioned above I started off using the COSRX BHA liquid and that was a lot stronger. I think with this clear pad though, the surface of it can be a bit rough so be very careful not to rub on your skin too much!
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad Review Summary
This is a great starter product to get into BHAs and is very convenient to use, but ultimately I find that the COSRX BHA Blackhead Liquid is much more effective once you start to build up tolerance for it. The Isntree Chestnut BHA (review here) is also a good option for those with oily skin.
None of those made it to my top recommendations list though because I'm currently opting out of BHAs and chemical exfoliators.
Comment below if you've tried this already though and love it!
Cheers,
Tia
*This post contains some affiliate links – however, these are all my honest opinions and experience. Leave a comment if you’ve found it helpful!