COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad

COSRX

One Step Original Clear Pad

face body toner pads

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
56%
Combination (dry)
56%
Balanced
77%
Combination (oily)
93%
Oily
93%

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14
Ingredients
4
Benefits
2
Actives
Find Dupes

These award-winning COSRX One Step Original Clear Pads (previously known as COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pads) are soaked in betaine salicylate, a natural BHA ingredient, and willow bark water that exfoliate without drying or sensitising the skin. These pads completely remove excessive sebum, polish dead cells that cause acne, and remove makeup. Using these pads will help to brighten the tone, purify without irritation, reduce pimples, and control breakouts. Exfoliation, sebum control, and hydration - the ultimate all-in-one pad! It can also be used for blemishes on the chest and back.

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
Hyaluronic acid Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

Risks

1
Allergen

Full Ingredients

14 total
SALIX ALBA BARK WATER BUTYLENE GLYCOL GLYCERIN BETAINE SALICYLATE 1,2-HEXANEDIOL ARGININE PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL PANTHENOL Vitamin B5 (panthenol) ALLANTOIN ETHYL HEXANEDIOL CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS PEEL OIL MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL SODIUM HYDROXIDE SODIUM HYALURONATE Hyaluronic acid

About One Step Original Clear Pad

Overview

One Step Original Clear Pad is a watery-light toner pads from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 14 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Glycerin and Betaine Salicylate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine Salicylate and Panthenol.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control, brightening and tone and cell renewal. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains essential oils, a common source of reactivity
  • One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 6 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 3 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 3 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Butylene Glycol

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
Glycerin

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Betaine Salicylate

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Betaine Salycilate is the product formed by the reaction of Betaine with Salycilic Acid

Anti-Acne
Arginine

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (60 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
Panthenol Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing
Allantoin

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Low

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (2)

Supporting ingredients (12)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Salix Alba Bark Water Butylene Glycol Glycerin Betaine Salicylate 1,2-hexanediol Arginine Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Allantoin Ethyl Hexanediol Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Sodium Hydroxide

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Essential oils

    Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Toning" step.

  • Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
1 ingredient could feed malassezia: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Allergen

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 14 ingredients on the label.

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

1
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Salix Alba Bark Water Soothing
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Soothing

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Salix Alba Bark Water is an aqueous solution containing volatile oils obtained by the distillation of the bark of the White Willow, Salix alba L., salicaceae

2 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
3 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
4 Betaine Salicylate Exfoliant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Preservative

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Betaine Salycilate is the product formed by the reaction of Betaine with Salycilic Acid

Anti-Acne
7 scientific references
  • Skin Purging vs Breakout – What Does Skin Purging Look Like?
  • What to Do When You Have Acne and Dry Skin
  • How to Minimize the Look of Post-Acne Marks
  • How to Manage Dehydrated, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
  • Help for Breakouts on the Hairline and Scalp
  • The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Sensitive Skin
  • Say Goodbye to Body Acne
5 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

6 Arginine
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Biobased Surfactants (Second Edition), 2019, pages 413-445
  • Scientific Reports, February 2016, pages 1-10
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-35
  • Journal of Advanced Research, July 2010, pages 169–177
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2005, page 139
  • Wound Repair and Regeneration, November-December 2003, pages 419-423
7 Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (60 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
8 Panthenol Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing
7 scientific references
  • The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534-547
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2019, pages 346-354
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2018, pages 1-51
  • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, August 2017, pages 173-180
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2011, pages 361-370
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, Volume 3, 2002, pages 427-433
9 Allantoin Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Soothing

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
  • Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
  • European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
  • Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
  • https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
10 Ethyl Hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-ethylhexane-1,3-diol

11 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Citrus Sinensis Oil,Orange Oil,Orange oil terpeneless (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) (RIFM),Orange peel oil, sweet (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) (RIFM),Orange Yu (JPN)

Allergen
12 Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil is the oil distilled from the leaves of the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae

13 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

14 Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in One Step Original Clear Pad?

SALIX ALBA BARK WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, BETAINE SALICYLATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, ARGININE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN, ETHYL HEXANEDIOL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS PEEL OIL, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE.

What are the active ingredients in One Step Original Clear Pad?

PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE.

How do I use One Step Original Clear Pad?

Use it on the toner stage after cleansing once or twice daily. Gently wipe with the pad. Pat and absorb the rest of the soothing essence on to the skin. Proceed with regular skin care without rinsing off. Replace the lid tightly to make sure the pads stay wet and clean.

What skin types is One Step Original Clear Pad good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is One Step Original Clear Pad good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is One Step Original Clear Pad fungal acne safe?

One ingredient could feed malassezia: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.

Can I use One Step Original Clear Pad while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is One Step Original Clear Pad fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does One Step Original Clear Pad contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is One Step Original Clear Pad silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does One Step Original Clear Pad contain essential oils?

Yes — it contains Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil.

Is One Step Original Clear Pad paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with One Step Original Clear Pad?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply One Step Original Clear Pad?

Use it morning and evening, after cleansing, before serums.

How many ingredients does One Step Original Clear Pad have?

It lists 14 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes One Step Original Clear Pad?

COSRX, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
COSRX
Country
Korea
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