Are Toner Pads Necessary? The Truth Behind the Trend.
Toner pads have taken over skincare shelves, but do you actually need them? Learn what they do, how to use them, and the pros and cons of adding them to your routine.
This week, I got into a heated debate in the comments section of a TikTok post (where else) about, of all things, toner pads. A particularly passionate user insisted that toner pads were an essential part of any proper skin prep routine, and that skipping them showed how ignorant I was about Korean beauty practices.
We went back and forth (civilly… mostly), but it did make me think: Did she have a point? Always one to accept the possibility I may be wrong, I decided to do a little more research for myself. They certainly have exploded in popularity over the last couple of years, but are toner pads actually essential to a routine, or just a clever marketing trick?
Toner Pads vs Bottled Toners: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever looked at toner pads and thought, “Wait… isn’t this just a cotton wipe soaked in toner?”, then I’m glad you’re reading this blog, because we’ve got a lot in common.
As much as toner pads want to position themselves as cutting edge skincare innovation, at a basic level, they do the same thing as bottled toners, which is to deliver lightweight hydration and (sometimes) mild exfoliation right after cleansing. I would actually argue that bottled toners are more versatile, because you can choose how much product you want to use, and you can layer them if you need more. Heck, you could just soak a regular cotton pad in your bottled toner and stick it on your face for a while if you really wanted.
The two legitimate arguments I’ve seen in favor of toner pads are:
They deliver a uniform amount of product, which gives your routine more consistency
They come with a textured side for a bit of light physical exfoliation, which makes them especially popular with people who want a prep step that helps smooth out skin texture before they apply makeup.
How People Use Toner Pads (And Which Ways Are Worth It)
Devotees of the toner pad will tell you it’s an extremely versatile product that must be a staple in every routine. But does that logic hold up? Here are the 3 main ways I’m seeing people use toner pads, along with my impression of whether I think the toner is worth the squeeze:
As a toner swipe
The most basic way to use toner pads is to simply swipe the smooth side of one or two pads gently across your face (or body) after cleansing. This is also the use case that feels most wasteful to me, because you could just buy a bottled toner—for far less, may I add—and pat in an appropriate amount with your hands.
As a mini sheet mask
You’ve probably seen people create a collage of toner pads on their faces in an attempt to DIY a kind of mini sheet mask. I understand this may provide a nice hydration boost on occasion but, like sheet masks, I can’t imagine this being a daily necessity unless you have incredibly dehydrated skin. Even then, just layering your regular toner could do the trick.
As an exfoliant for skin prep
This is one use case, I kind of understand (kind of). Some people use toner pads to target oily or rough parts of their face. The mild exfoliating effects of the textured side of the cotton pad, combined with the hydrating ingredients in most pads, can provide a hydrated, but smooth base for makeup.
TL;DR If you’re using toner pads for regular hydration, there are definitely better, and less wasteful, ways to get that effect. If you’re unusually dehydrated or are using it for mild exfoliation, you maybe get a pass.
Who Should Actually Use Toner Pads?
Ok, I know I’m coming off really dismissive of toner pads, but I’ll admit that they’re not all bad. They can be helpful in certain contexts and for certain skin types.
Here’s who I would recommend toner pads for:
For Extremely Dehydrated, Damaged Skin
If your moisture barrier’s been badly damaged, and applying your toner (or layers of toner) still isn’t helping it recover, then maybe it’s time to reach for a hydrating, calming toner pad. Spread the toner pads out across your face, and let them sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the toner to really seep into your pores. Just make sure the pads you choose don’t contain any exfoliating ingredients. Some good options are:
For Textured Skin
If traditional exfoliation toners are too strong for your skin, it may be worth trying a toner pad, especially ones that contain mild exfoliants. These can also be great for skin prep before makeup. Like with any exfoliant though, I wouldn’t recommend using these more than 2-3 times a week. Some good options include:
The Pros and Cons of Toner Pads
Having said all that, I still can’t get over some of the pitfalls of using toner pads. There are areas where I think toner pads shine, and some where they fall seriously short.
✅ Help you stay consistent with your routine: Because they’re pre-soaked, you don’t have to think about how much toner to use, and you can consistently apply the same amount every day
✅ Good for skin prep: The combination of hydration and mild exfoliation can make them a good choice for skin prep before makeup, especially if you have textured skin
❌ Wasteful: Didn’t we all collectively agree that soaking cotton rounds in toner was wasteful and that our hands would suffice? These pads don’t add a lot to change my mind about that
❌ Overpriced for what they are: You're often paying a premium for the medium of the toner pad, not better ingredients
❌ Can lead to over-exfoliation: Physical friction, no matter how gentle, can damage your skin if done too often. I would think twice about using these for daily exfoliation if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to getting damaged.
The first two cons, especially, are what give me pause. Toner pads are essentially skincare’s version of pre-sliced fruit—they’re undeniably convenient, but often overpriced and in wasteful packaging. I’m just not convinced I can’t get the same benefits by getting the fruit whole.
Final Thoughts: Nice to Have, But Not a Must
Overall, toner pads aren’t bad, but they’re definitely not essential either. If you already have a toner you love and a clean pair of hands, you’re good to go. If you want to occasionally let your toner do deeper, just soak a regular cotton pad in some of your bottled toner.
Toner pads might feel like an upgrade to your routine, and that’s okay. Skincare should feel good. But don't be fooled into thinking your skin needs them to thrive.
If you're struggling with breakouts, barrier issues, or pigmentation, it's better to invest in targeted serums or barrier-repair moisturizers, not a pad that promises the world in a swipe.
About The Skinimalist
Hi, I’m Mal, a 30-something recovering skincare addict, and this is my blog. A space where I attempt to de-influence you from chasing trends and buying more skincare products you may not need.
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