{"id":1052265,"date":"2025-12-13T18:25:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T15:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1052265"},"modified":"2025-12-13T18:25:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T15:25:36","slug":"korean-toner-pads-are-the-new-sheet-mask-so-i-tried-one-of-the-most-popular-brands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1052265","title":{"rendered":"Korean Toner Pads Are the New Sheet Mask, So I Tried One of the Most Popular Brands"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

Korean Toner Pads Are the New Sheet Mask, So I Tried One of the Most Popular Brands<\/h1>\n

Rael’s Brightening Carotene Pads have arrived. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
By<\/span><\/p>\n
Holly Rhue<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"byrdie\"byrdie<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nHolly Rhue\n<\/div>\n
\n
    \n
  • \n
  • \n
  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    Holly Rhue is the editorial director for Byrdie, covering all things beauty for the brand. She has 7 years of experience in beauty editorial and has been with Byrdie since 2019.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Published on October 08, 2024 04:16PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n
    \n
    View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n
      \n
    • \n
      What Are Toner Pads?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      The Benefits<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      Ingredients<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      How to Use Them<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      My Results<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \"byrdie\"byrdie<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Holly Rhue<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      \n

      Korea is often at the forefront of skincare innovations and trends. And right now, a perhaps unfamiliar modality (if you’re American) is exploding on the Korean market: toner pads. Brands like Mediheal are responsible for the recent TikTok virality behind the pre-soaked, gauzy pads, which are said to be rivaling traditional sheet masks within Korean retailers like Olive Young. So naturally, demand is starting to rise in the U.S. as well.\n<\/p>\n

      Here to fulfill that demand is Korean-founded skincare brand Rael, which has launched a brightening toner pad for the U.S. market. So ahead, discover everything you need to know about Rael’s toner pads, the benefits, and how to use them\u2014straight from brand co-founder Yanghee Paik and double board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

      \n
        \n
      • Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand is a double board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas, TX.<\/li>\n
      • Yanghee Paik is the co-founder of Rael, a Korean skincare brand focused on the intersection between the skin and the menstrual cycle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        What Are Toner Pads? <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Originally popularized by Korean skincare, toner pads are a multi-functional skincare step that can exfoliate, hydrate, tone, or even be used as a “spot” sheet mask. \u201cA toner pad is typically a dual-sided, pre-soaked cotton pad infused with toner or essence, designed to provide quick and easy application of skincare products, offering convenience and efficacy in one simple step,” says Paik. “They can be used on the skin quickly as a wipe or left on for a longer duration like you would with a sheet mask.\n<\/p>\n

        \u201cWhile hydration remains a key benefit of toner pads, today\u2019s market offers a variety designed to address different skin concerns,” Paik continues. “Depending on the formula, they can provide calming, brightening, exfoliating, or pore-clearing effects. The material and design of the pad can also enhance its exfoliating and soothing properties.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

        The Benefits of Rael’s New Toner Pads <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Like traditional toner pads, Rael’s Miracle Clear Brightening Carotene Pads are dual-sided for the ultimate customization in your routine. One side features textured (but gentle) cotton to help exfoliate the skin and wipe away any makeup or debris\u2014consider this side your quick sweep. On the reverse side, you’ll find a cushiony, cooling gel texture that’s meant to hydrate the skin. With this side, you can either sweep the saturated pads across your skin for a quick brightening and hydrating boost, or adhere the gel side to your skin for 10-15 minutes for a more noticeable effect (think of it like a miniature sheet mask).\n<\/p>\n

        The smaller size of the squares (compared to a full sheet mask) allows you to spot-treat only the areas that need treatment, but also makes for more convenient wear. (If you’ve already blown out your hair for the day and can’t commit to a full, drippy sheet mask, just place the pads on your cheeks for a low-commitment treatment.)<\/p>\n

        \u201cFrom a product perspective, toner pads are rapidly becoming the fastest-growing skincare category, challenging the long-lasting popularity of facial sheet masks in Korea,” says Paik. “Many Korean women are now opting for toner pads over traditional toners in the morning and using them instead of sheet masks at night.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

        Rael Miracle Clear Brightening Carotene Pads <\/span><\/h2>\n
        \n
        \n
        \"rael\"rael<\/div>\n<\/div>
        <\/p>\n

        Holly Rhue<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        \n
        $20 at Ulta<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        The Ingredients <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Rael’s Miracle Clear Brightening Carotene Pads are primarily focused on brightening and hydration, and Dr. Houshmond notes that the product’s key ingredients are “generally well tolerated.” However, if you have sensitive skin, it’s always best to complete a patch test on your wrist before trying a new product on your face.\n<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Beta-Carotene: <\/strong>Beta-carotene is a well-supported antioxidant with both brightening and protective powers.\u00a0<\/strong>“It helps to brighten the skin, reduce oxidative stress, and improve the overall luminosity of the skin,” says Dr. Houshmand. “It also helps with skincare formulations for its ability to protect against UVA-light-induced damage.”<\/li>\n
        • AHA: <\/strong>Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a gentle form of chemical exfoliant. “Alpha Hydroxy acids are one of my favorite ingredients to incorporate for skin brightness, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Houshmand<\/li>\n
        • Tranexamic Acid: <\/strong>Dermatologists often recommend tranexamic acid to treat dark spots associated with sun damage and\/or acne scars, says Dr. Houshmand. She adds that for those who are wary of or unable to use hydroquinone, tranexamic acid is also considered to be a safe alternative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          How to Use Them <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Due to the dual-sided structure, Rael’s toner pads are multipurpose, but also gentle enough for daily use. The beauty is that you can combine or skip any of the below uses (either altogether or on certain areas of the face). For example, you could use the exfoliating side all over your face, but only use the soft (AKA more hydrating) side where needed\u2014and vice versa.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Gentle Exfoliation: <\/strong>Use the textured side of the square as your second step in a double-cleanse to provide gentle exfoliation and remove any excess makeup that might be left behind.<\/li>\n
          2. Brightening Toner: <\/strong>After you’ve used the exfoliating side, sweep the soft, jelly-like side of the pads along your face and neck to use the pads as a brightening toner (consider it the same as a cotton round that’s been pre-soaked in toner).<\/li>\n
          3. “Spot” Sheet Mask: <\/strong> For an added boost, adhere the soft side to your skin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. \u201cThese versatile pads can be used not only for a quick facial wipe but also as a targeted treatment boost when left on the skin for 10-15 minutes, similar to how you would use a sheet mask. They are particularly convenient for busy mornings, allowing you to apply them to your cheeks while multitasking, such as drying your hair or selecting your outfit.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \n
            \n
            \"byrdie\"byrdie<\/div>\n<\/div>
            <\/p>\n

            Holly Rhue<\/p>\n

            <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

            My Results <\/span><\/h2>\n

            I have combination skin that can definitely be prone to breakouts and dullness\u2014particularly during my menstrual cycle. My forehead and chin are consistently pretty oily throughout the day, while my cheeks and under-eyes are perpetually dry and thirsty. I typically opt for a hydrating toner or serum in the morning, a vitamin C serum, and a richer moisturizer just<\/em> where I need it. (Then I top it all off with sunscreen\u2014every single day).\n<\/p>\n

            Rael’s Miracle Clear Brightening Toner Pads essentially replace the first two steps in my routine. I use the exfoliating side to cleanse my skin in the morning, then sweep the hydrating side all over for antioxidant protection (which replaces my need for vitamin C), moisture, and glow. And when my skin is feeling extra dry, dull, or tired, I’ll let the hydrating side sit on my cheeks while I enjoy my coffee. The results are sheet mask-level glow without all the dripping, seeping into my hairline, or slipping off my face. I love that these are mess-free (each cartridge even comes with little tongs to lift each square), streamline my morning, and make my skincare routine far more customizable\u2014I can target exactly where I want to hydrate and exactly where I want to exfoliate.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

            \n
            \n
            Read more:<\/div>\n
              \n
            • What to Buy<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Product Reviews<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

              Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/rael-toner-pads-review-8725097<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Korean Toner Pads Are the New Sheet Mask, So I Tried One of the Most Popular Brands Rael’s Brightening Carotene Pads have arrived. By Holly Rhue Holly Rhue Holly Rhue is the editorial director for Byrdie, covering all things beauty for the brand. She […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1052265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1052265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1052265"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1052265\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1052265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1052265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1052265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}