Skip-care Saviors: Figure Out Which of These COSRX Multitaskers Is Right For You

COSRX is known for its HG acne pads, but did you know there are two other facial pads that make skip-care a breeze? We break them down for you.

Following on the heels of their One Step Original Clear Pads, everyone’s favorite brand has released two new versions of their popular exfoliating pads with ingredients to target different skin issues. You might have seen these COSRX pads featured on blogs and websites but have no idea what their purpose is and how they work. After you’re done reading this, you’ll have a decent idea.

The COSRX One Step Moisture Up and Green Hero Calming Pads are great multitaskers that work for any time of the year, no matter the season. You can tailor them to fit whatever your needs may be, whether it’s a dose of watery hydration, some gentle exfoliation, or as an all-in-one product to shorten your routine. And as a bonus, the ingredient lists are pretty simple, with the star actives near the top and in impressive concentrations.

I haven’t tried the One Step Original ones since they aren’t tailored for my skin type, but I remember seeing a lot of positive reviews when they were released. It contains sebum-controlling, skin-clearing willow bark extract and betaine salicylate, which are great for oily, acne-prone skin.

These facial pads are marketed as “daily toners,” with directed use one to two times a day. Personally, I only use them in the morning because the jar lasts longer that way. Also, my skin is very weird about exfoliation no matter the strength of the formula, so once a day is plenty. Each jar contains 70 pads, which is about two months and 10 days worth. Each side of the pads are meant to be used, the embossed side first, and then the flat side to pick up any residual dirt or dead skin.

COSRX One Step Moisture Up Pad

The One Step Moisture Up Pads were the first version that I tried. I had seen many reviews lauding their ability to infuse the skin with a substantial dose of moisture, and being a member of the dry skin club, I just had to try it. When I did, I was not disappointed at all. I’m pretty sure these pads helped me survive the cold, dry winter. Before I introduced them to my routine, I was really struggling. No matter how many layers I slathered on, or what kind of oil I mixed into my moisturizer, I would wake up with dry patches, and my foundation would crack during the day. Enter Moisture Up pads and boom! No more White Walker face.

Noteworthy ingredients are all-round superstar propolis extract at a whopping 79%, along with exfoliating betaine salicylate, skin-smoothing allantoin, hydrating sodium hyaluronate, and moisture-retaining glycerin. Simply swipe this on after cleansing your face, and continue with the rest of your routine.

It’s worth mentioning that these pads leave a layer of something akin to residue on your skin after you swipe them over your face. It’s not sticky or uncomfortable, it just feels like you’ve got … something on your face. It makes me feel like I’ve sealed in the layer of moisture I just put on. Try it and let me know what you think.

The COSRX website claims that these pads are great for dry/dehydrated skin, and I wholeheartedly agree. I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5, only because I’m sensitive to BHAs. That aside, it gave me dewy, hydrated skin that didn’t feel tight at the end of the day. And all of that propolis had me glowing brighter than Carol Danvers in flight.

COSRX Green Hero Calming Pad

The COSRX Green Hero Calming Pads, on the other hand, are marketed towards people with sensitive skin, and rely on Centella asiatica and green tea extract to do the heavy lifting. In lieu of betaine salicylate for mild exfoliation, the Green Hero Pads contain lactobionic acid, a kind of polyhydroxy acid (PHA). If your skin doesn’t tolerate AHAs and BHAs and you’re looking for a gentler alternative, the Green Hero Calming Pads are yet another great PHA product that you can turn to.

These pads are hydrating as well, but not as much as the Moisture Up pads. I would recommend using the former in the colder winter months, and the latter in the warmer months when you can get away with fewer layers and your skin doesn’t need as much help. In the month or so that I’ve been using the Green Hero pads, I’ve noticed that I have better texture, and the few comedones I do get heal very quickly. These leave no residue and layer well under other skincare products. I’d give them a 4.5/5 as well, docking half a point for the amount of hydration they provide.

The great thing about these pads, aside from the hydration, chemical exfoliation, blemish fighting, and soothing care, is that they are very travel-friendly. Yes, the jar is kind of bulky, but COSRX also offers a slim travel case so you can take along just the amount you need. It even comes with stickers so you can decorate your case with cute Mr. Rx stickers.

And as I mentioned in a previous post, their nature as a moisture-intensive toner product make them ideal for times when you just don’t have the time or energy to complete a full routine. So the next time you come home from a night of drinking, need to turn in quickly after an exhausting day, or want to give your skin some TLC while convalescing from an illness, reach for these.

Have you tried any of the COSRX pads? Which version is your favorite? And what did it do for your skin? Tell me all about it.