I Tried Rael’s New Brightening Toner Pads: My Full Overview

Korea is usually on the forefront of skincare improvements and developments. And proper now, a maybe unfamiliar modality (when you’re American) is exploding on the Korean market: toner pads. Manufacturers like Mediheal are accountable for the latest TikTok virality behind the pre-soaked, gauzy pads, that are mentioned to be rivaling conventional sheet masks inside Korean retailers like Olive Younger. So naturally, demand is beginning to rise within the U.S. as effectively.

Right here to meet that demand is Korean-founded skincare model Rael, which has launched a brightening toner pad for the U.S. market. So forward, uncover all the pieces you’ll want to find out about Rael’s toner pads, the advantages, and how you can use them—straight from model co-founder Yanghee Paik and double board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand.

What Are Toner Pads?

Initially popularized by Korean skincare, toner pads are a multi-functional skincare step that may exfoliate, hydrate, tone, and even be used as a “spot” sheet masks. “A toner pad is usually a dual-sided, pre-soaked cotton pad infused with toner or essence, designed to supply fast and simple utility of skincare merchandise, providing comfort and efficacy in a single easy step,” says Paik. “They can be utilized on the pores and skin shortly as a wipe or left on for an extended period such as you would with a sheet masks.

“Whereas hydration stays a key advantage of toner pads, right this moment’s market gives a spread designed to deal with completely different pores and skin issues,” Paik continues. “Relying on the formulation, they will present calming, brightening, exfoliating, or pore-clearing results. The fabric and design of the pad may improve its exfoliating and soothing properties.”

The Advantages of Rael’s New Toner Pads

Like conventional toner pads, Rael’s Miracle Clear Brightening Carotene Pads are dual-sided for the final word customization in your routine. One facet options textured (however light) cotton to assist exfoliate the pores and skin and wipe away any make-up or particles—take into account this facet your fast sweep. On the reverse facet, you may discover a cushiony, cooling gel texture that is meant to hydrate the pores and skin. With this facet, you’ll be able to both sweep the saturated pads throughout your pores and skin for a fast brightening and hydrating enhance, or adhere the gel facet to your pores and skin for 10-Quarter-hour for a extra noticeable impact (consider it like a miniature sheet masks).

The smaller measurement of the squares (in comparison with a full sheet masks) lets you spot-treat solely the areas that want therapy, but additionally makes for extra handy put on. (When you’ve already blown out your hair for the day and may’t decide to a full, drippy sheet masks, simply place the pads in your cheeks for a low-commitment therapy.)

“From a product perspective, toner pads are quickly turning into the fastest-growing skincare class, difficult the long-lasting reputation of facial sheet masks in Korea,” says Paik. “Many Korean ladies are actually choosing toner pads over conventional toners within the morning and utilizing them as an alternative of sheet masks at evening.”

Rael Miracle Clear Brightening Carotene Pads

The Elements

Rael’s Miracle Clear Brightening Carotene Pads are primarily centered on brightening and hydration, and Dr. Houshmond notes that the product’s key elements are “typically effectively tolerated.” Nonetheless, you probably have delicate pores and skin, it is all the time finest to finish a patch check in your wrist earlier than making an attempt a brand new product in your face.

• Beta-Carotene: Beta-carotene is a well-supported antioxidant with each brightening and protecting powers. “It helps to brighten the pores and skin, cut back oxidative stress, and enhance the general luminosity of the pores and skin,” says Dr. Houshmand. “It additionally helps with skincare formulations for its capability to guard in opposition to UVA-light-induced harm.”
• AHA: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a mild type of chemical exfoliant. “Alpha Hydroxy acids are one in every of my favourite elements to include for pores and skin brightness, hyperpigmentation, and wonderful traces and wrinkles,” says Dr. Houshmand
• Tranexamic Acid: Dermatologists usually suggest tranexamic acid to deal with darkish spots related to solar harm and/or zits scars, says Dr. Houshmand. She provides that for many who are cautious of or unable to make use of hydroquinone, tranexamic acid can be thought-about to be a secure different.

Learn how to Use Them

Because of the dual-sided construction, Rael’s toner pads are multipurpose, but additionally light sufficient for each day use. The sweetness is that you would be able to mix or skip any of the beneath makes use of (both altogether or on sure areas of the face). For instance, you could possibly use the exfoliating facet throughout your face, however solely use the delicate (AKA extra hydrating) facet the place wanted—and vice versa.

1. Mild Exfoliation: Use the textured facet of the sq. as your second step in a double-cleanse to supply light exfoliation and take away any extra make-up that could be left behind.
2. Brightening Toner: After you have used the exfoliating facet, sweep the delicate, jelly-like facet of the pads alongside your face and neck to make use of the pads as a brightening toner (take into account it the identical as a cotton spherical that is been pre-soaked in toner).
3. “Spot” Sheet Masks: For an added enhance, adhere the delicate facet to your pores and skin and let it sit for 10-Quarter-hour. “These versatile pads can be utilized not just for a fast facial wipe but additionally as a focused therapy enhance when left on the pores and skin for 10-Quarter-hour, much like how you’d use a sheet masks. They’re significantly handy for busy mornings, permitting you to use them to your cheeks whereas multitasking, akin to drying your hair or choosing your outfit.”

My Outcomes

I’ve mixture pores and skin that may undoubtedly be liable to breakouts and dullness—significantly throughout my menstrual cycle. My brow and chin are persistently fairly oily all through the day, whereas my cheeks and under-eyes are perpetually dry and thirsty. I sometimes go for a hydrating toner or serum within the morning, a vitamin C serum, and a richer moisturizer simply the place I want it. (Then I prime all of it off with sunscreen—each single day).

Rael’s Miracle Clear Brightening Toner Pads primarily change the primary two steps in my routine. I exploit the exfoliating facet to cleanse my pores and skin within the morning, then sweep the hydrating facet throughout for antioxidant safety (which replaces my want for vitamin C), moisture, and glow. And when my pores and skin is feeling further dry, boring, or drained, I will let the hydrating facet sit on my cheeks whereas I take pleasure in my espresso. The outcomes are sheet mask-level glow with out all of the dripping, seeping into my hairline, or slipping off my face. I like that these are mess-free (every cartridge even comes with little tongs to raise every sq.), streamline my morning, and make my skincare routine much more customizable—I can goal precisely the place I wish to hydrate and precisely the place I wish to exfoliate.