The Cosrx One Step Pimple Clear Pad (now renamed as Original Clear Pad) is one of the most highly rated Korean Beauty skincare you can get. Even though I am lucky enough to have only occasional skin congestion, its reputation is enough for me to get my hands onto a jar to try.
Concept
Pre-soaked in a serum containing 1% BHA for exfoliation. Also found in the serum are hydrating/soothing ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol (pro vitamin B5), allantoin, and sodium hyaluronate.
BHA
BHA is a chemical exfoliant.
Chemical exfoliation makes use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) or enzymes (or a combination of these) to break down adhesion of dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation can be used on many skin types, as long as the skin is tolerant to that particular acid being used.
AHAs (being water-soluble) are effective in removing dull and dry skin, whereas BHA (being oil-soluble) does a better job in clearing up congestion, such as oil plugs, dirt and dead skin cells from inside the pores.
There are different kinds of AHAs, such as glycolic acid, latic acid, malic acid, etc. In contrast, there is basically only one type of BHA - salicylic acid.
How to use
Cosrx suggests to:
1. Swipe the embossing side across the face avoiding eye area after cleansing.
2. Swipe the softer side across the face to pick up the remaining debris.
Alternatively, I have read that you can also place the pads on clean skin and for a few minutes and use them almost like a mask.
Because I use them to clear occasional pimples in small areas, I cut the pads in quarters (that's 70 x 4 = 280 applications!) and swipe one small piece over a specific area after cleansing, twice a day. I let the serum work on its own for a minute or two before layering other skincare.
My experience
In short, they work on pimples and acne.
They will not make breakout disappear overnight, but they definitely help to decrease the duration of a pimple cycle (helps the pimple to clear faster) and the severity (so that it doesn't turn into a full blown painful pimple) if I use the pads early enough.
However, they can make skin feel and appear dry, and even peel slightly on the surface, if I use them continuously for more than a week. I have normal skin type prone to dehydration. Because of this reason, I use them sparingly and only when required.
They also do not seem to clear other non-acne bumps, such as white heads and millia. These are generally more stubborn in my skin and the 1% BHA concentration may not be enough.
I am very impressed that the pads remain very wet right up until the end of the stack, considering I use them only occasionally and have had the jar opened for a very long time.
What are the changes with the new packaging and renaming
From what I can tell, not much. The old and new pads contain the same ingredients, although a few less relevant ingredients have their orders swapped around slightly.
Summary
Pros
Calms inflammation
Cuts down duration of breakout
Inexpensive
Does not dry up easily
Cons
Does not clear non-acne bumps
Can be drying on skin after continuous use
Full ingredient list
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Arginine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate,Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil,Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil , Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide.
This review was written based on my opinion after using more than 60 pads.
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.