Two cans with round pads can look almost the same in the bathroom and still have completely different tasks. A pad is initially just the carrier. What it gets on your skin depends on the liquid in which it is soaked.

Are toner pads always an exfoliation?

No. The Biodance Cera-nol Gel Toner Pads focus on moisturizing. The formula includes panthenol, ceramides and allantoin, among other things. The pads have a gel-like surface and can be used as an additional step after cleaning.

The medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 , on the other hand, contain lactic acid and salicylic acid. This means they include an exfoliation step. A damp, soft pad can definitely be an acid product. On the list of ingredients, the two acids are called Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid.

Swipe or hang up?

With Biodance, the manufacturer describes a gentle stroke from the middle of the face outwards; the eye area remains free. He also mentions laying on individual areas as an application. If you want to try this, follow the instructions on your package. Leaving it lying there for a long time is not a necessary increase in the routine effect.

For the Zero Pore Pads 2.0, medicube first describes the structured side, then the smooth side. Both are gently passed over the skin, then the remaining liquid is lightly patted in. Additional pressure does not make the acids more targeted. These wiping instructions are also no reason to leave the exfoliating pad on the same spot like a long-acting mask.

How often – and what happens afterwards?

A frequency for all toner pads would be of little help. A moisturizing pad and a pad with exfoliating acids deserve separate choices. In particular, introduce a new acid product slowly and consider whether your routine already includes retinol or another exfoliator. If the skin burns or becomes persistently irritated, discontinue use.

The pad is followed by serum and cream if necessary. Finally, sunscreen in the morning. An additional liquid toner is not required. You can also just put the pad step in its place. If you would like to classify the order more precisely, our article on Toner and Essence will help. For the acids there is the exfoliation comparison .

Remove the pads with clean hands or the clean tweezers provided, close the can promptly and do not put a used pad back. This keeps the remaining pads clean and doesn’t dry out unnecessarily.

Sources: Biodance: formulation and application , medicube: two-sided application , AAD: exfoliation and tolerance .