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

Korea is commonly 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 chargeable for the current TikTok virality behind the pre-soaked, gauzy pads, that are stated to be rivaling conventional sheet masks inside Korean retailers like Olive Younger. So naturally, demand is beginning to rise within the U.S. as nicely.

Right here to satisfy that demand is Korean-founded skincare model Rael, which has launched a brightening toner pad for the U.S. market. So forward, uncover every part that you must learn about Rael’s toner pads, the advantages, and the best way to 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 offer fast and straightforward software 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 good thing about toner pads, at present’s market affords a range designed to deal with totally different pores and skin considerations,” Paik continues. “Relying on the components, they’ll present calming, brightening, exfoliating, or pore-clearing results. The fabric and design of the pad may also 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 last 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 possibly can 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) permits you to spot-treat solely the areas that want remedy, but additionally makes for extra handy put on. (For those who’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 remedy.)

“From a product perspective, toner pads are quickly changing into the fastest-growing skincare class, difficult the long-lasting recognition of facial sheet masks in Korea,” says Paik. “Many Korean girls at the moment are 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 targeted on brightening and hydration, and Dr. Houshmond notes that the product’s key components are “typically nicely tolerated.” Nevertheless, in case you have delicate pores and skin, it is all the time greatest to finish a patch take a look at in your wrist earlier than attempting 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 potential to guard in opposition to UVA-light-induced injury.”
• AHA: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a delicate type of chemical exfoliant. “Alpha Hydroxy acids are one among my favourite components to include for pores and skin brightness, hyperpigmentation, and wonderful traces and wrinkles,” says Dr. Houshmand
• Tranexamic Acid: Dermatologists typically advocate tranexamic acid to deal with darkish spots related to solar injury and/or pimples scars, says Dr. Houshmand. She provides that for many who are cautious of or unable to make use of hydroquinone, tranexamic acid can also be thought of to be a protected various.

The way to Use Them

As a result of dual-sided construction, Rael’s toner pads are multipurpose, but additionally light sufficient for each day use. The wonder is that you could mix or skip any of the under makes use of (both altogether or on sure areas of the face). For instance, you possibly can use the exfoliating facet throughout your face, however solely use the smooth (AKA extra hydrating) facet the place wanted—and vice versa.

1. Light Exfoliation: Use the textured facet of the sq. as your second step in a double-cleanse to offer light exfoliation and take away any extra make-up that is perhaps left behind.
2. Brightening Toner: After you’ve got used the exfoliating facet, sweep the smooth, 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 smooth 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 remedy enhance when left on the pores and skin for 10-Quarter-hour, just like how you’ll use a sheet masks. They’re significantly handy for busy mornings, permitting you to use them to your cheeks whereas multitasking, reminiscent of drying your hair or deciding on your outfit.”

My Outcomes

I’ve mixture pores and skin that may positively be susceptible 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 high all of it off with sunscreen—each single day).

Rael’s Miracle Clear Brightening Toner Pads basically change the primary two steps in my routine. I take advantage of 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, uninteresting, or drained, I am going to 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 really 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.