COSRX, One Step Original Clear Pad

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COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad
COSRX

One Step Original Clear Pad

from €23

Daily BHA pads that smooth texture and clear pores.

Skin types: Oily, Combination, Acne
Targets: Blackheads, Sebum, Acne

Pros

  • convenient pad format
  • balanced exfoliation

Cons

  • can be drying if overused

Where to buy

Editorial verdict

The COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad offers a convenient way to integrate chemical exfoliation into a skincare routine, particularly for those looking to address whiteheads and overall breakouts. Its gentle exfoliating action leaves skin feeling smooth and can help in reducing the redness associated with pimples. However, individuals with a strong aversion to tea tree scent might find it off-putting, and those primarily concerned with blackheads or stubborn closed comedones may not achieve their desired results. Some users also reported tingling or increased breakouts, suggesting that while it can be a

Oily skin
Combination skin
Normal skin
Sensitive skin
Dry skin
Acne
Breakouts
Whiteheads
Uneven Texture

What people love and don't

Based on ~10 reviews

The COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad is a daily chemical exfoliant designed to smooth texture and clear pores, with reviewers noting mixed results ranging from significant improvement in breakouts and whiteheads to no noticeable difference in blackheads or even increased breakouts. Many appreciate its convenience and gentle exfoliation, while some find it irritating or overhyped.

The good

Convenient and travel-friendly

Many reviewers appreciate the portability and ease of use offered by the pre-soaked pads, making them ideal for daily routines and travel.

"Can cut the pad into smaller pieces to get more uses out of it, Convenient, can use this while travelling"

Reduces pimple redness and irritation

The pads are noted by users to help calm down inflamed pimples and reduce their redness, contributing to faster healing.

"Helps reduce the redness of pimples, doesn’t get rid of it! only helps with making it less irritated"

Smoothes skin texture

Reviewers have experienced a smoother skin surface after incorporating these pads into their routine, attributing it to the gentle exfoliation.

"Skin feels smooth after using it"

Gentle chemical exfoliation

The product provides chemical exfoliation without being overly harsh, making it suitable for regular use without causing excessive dryness or stripping the skin.

"We can expect skin to be exfoliated without being irritated."

Effective for whiteheads and breakouts

For many users, the pads effectively address whiteheads and help speed up the healing process of active breakouts.

"It has helped take my breakout from bad to manageable and barely noticeable. The pimples that I still had on my face were relatively small when they could have been way bigger."

The trade-offs

Strong tea tree scent

The pronounced tea tree fragrance is a drawback for some users who are sensitive to strong scents or prefer unscented products.

"Tea Tree scent is pretty strong, so if you’re not into that stuff it might not be the product for you"

Ineffective on blackheads and closed comedones

Several reviewers reported that the product did not significantly improve the appearance of their blackheads or closed comedones (clogged pores).

"Didn’t do much for my blackheads, My closed comedomes (CCs or clogged pores) are still there"

Can cause tingling or irritation

Some users experienced a slight tingling sensation upon application, and a few reported irritation or even new breakouts.

"Slight tingle when wiping, I got acne more frequently than I usually do which is odd?"

Perceived as overhyped

A segment of reviewers felt the product did not live up to the high expectations set by its 'Holy Grail' status among some users in the skincare community.

"Overhyped?? It probably increased my standards and expectations for this product"

Reach for it if

Reviewers with acne-prone skin, particularly those dealing with whiteheads and general breakouts, have found this product beneficial.

Skip it if

Individuals with highly sensitive skin may experience irritation, and those primarily targeting blackheads may not see desired results.

What to expect

  • Gentle exfoliation
  • Smoother skin texture
  • Reduced redness of pimples
  • Improved whiteheads and general breakouts
  • Convenient application

Don't expect

  • Complete eradication of all breakouts
  • Significant reduction of blackheads
  • Elimination of closed comedones
  • Suitable for all skin types without potential irritation

Deep facts

Texture
Pre-soaked pads with an embossed side for exfoliation and a smooth side for refining.
Finish
Skin feels smooth and refreshed.
Scent
Strong tea tree scent
Packaging
Plastic jar with 70 pre-soaked cotton pads.
Value
The product is moderately priced compared to similar offerings, but some question its effectiveness versus its cost, especially if it does not address specific concerns like blackheads.
Time to results
Immediate smoothness, reduction in pimple redness within days, but effectiveness on blackheads and closed comedones varies.
Usage frequency
Can be used daily, either in the morning or evening routine.
Routine position
After cleansing, before serum or subsequent treatment steps.
Repurchase signal
Repurchase sentiment is mixed, with some considering it a staple while others found it fell short of expectations.
Fragrance freeEssential oil freeAlcohol free

Layering tips

The pads can be cut into smaller pieces for more uses. Pair with hydrating products to prevent potential dryness, especially for sensitive skin.

Flagged ingredients

  • Tea Tree (Essential Oil)

    Reviewers note a strong tea tree scent, which can be an irritant for some sensitive skin types.

Often compared to

Pyunkang Yul PKY Low pH Cleansing PadSOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

Full INCI list

This ingredient list was auto-compiled and may be incomplete or outdated. For allergens, pregnancy or sensitivity checks, verify on the brand's official page.

Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Arginine, Aqua, Ethyl Hexanediol, Betaine Salicylate

How to use

Swipe over clean skin once daily.

Questions people ask about One Step Original Clear Pad

Answered from our enrichment data, not generic boilerplate.

What is One Step Original Clear Pad and what does it do?

The COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad is a daily chemical exfoliant designed to smooth texture and clear pores, with reviewers noting mixed results ranging from significant improvement in breakouts and whiteheads to no noticeable difference in blackheads or even increased breakouts. Many appreciate its convenience and gentle exfoliation, while some find it irritating or overhyped.

Is One Step Original Clear Pad good for oily, combination, normal, sensitive and dry skin?

Yes, it tends to suit oily, combination, normal, sensitive and dry skin. Reviewers with acne-prone skin, particularly those dealing with whiteheads and general breakouts, have found this product beneficial.

Who should avoid One Step Original Clear Pad?

Individuals with highly sensitive skin may experience irritation, and those primarily targeting blackheads may not see desired results.

How often should I use One Step Original Clear Pad?

Can be used daily, either in the morning or evening routine.

How long until One Step Original Clear Pad shows results?

Immediate smoothness, reduction in pimple redness within days, but effectiveness on blackheads and closed comedones varies.

What can I layer One Step Original Clear Pad with?

The pads can be cut into smaller pieces for more uses. Pair with hydrating products to prevent potential dryness, especially for sensitive skin.

Is One Step Original Clear Pad worth the price?

The product is moderately priced compared to similar offerings, but some question its effectiveness versus its cost, especially if it does not address specific concerns like blackheads.

Is One Step Original Clear Pad suitable for sensitive skin?

Use with caution. One Step Original Clear Pad contains added fragrance and drying alcohols, which can trigger reactive skin. Patch test before applying to the full face.

Where to buy

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