COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad [REVIEW]

I bought this on my first trip to Korea in A-Land after hearing many good reviews about it, both from friends who have tried it and from other online reviewers. I have to admit that I was sucked in by the cute and quirky packaging right from the start, and didn't need much convincing before making my purchase.

Product Info:

• 70 sheets per container

• works as a chemical exfoliator

• claims to dissolve oil and dead skin cells, which helps control breakouts

• two-sided: embossing (for exfoliation) and smooth (gentler on skin)

(here is the link to the actual product page in case you're interested in the ingredients list/how to use/more product info)

How I used the product:

After cleansing my face, I used the embossing side first to wipe my face, before wiping it again using the smooth side. I used it once a day, usually at night.

Product's effect:

I first started using this daily back in 2017 for about a month. Although I don't have pictures, I found that it did clear my acne significantly - the amount of pimples on my cheeks and forehead had decreased. However, there were no other visible effects (eg. shrink in pore size). I was quite shocked when I first started using it, as there was actually visible dirt caught on the pads even though I had already washed my face.

I'm not sure how to describe the smell of the product... It had a kinda medicinal smell? But not in an unpleasant way. The pads did feel kinda sticky when I picked them up due to the solution it was soaked in, but disappeared after a while. My skin tingled a little when wiping with the embossing side - not sure if it was due to the ingredients in the solution or the roughness of the exfoliation, but it went away after a while.

I was so impressed with the results that I ordered two more containers online (from Shopee and Gmarket). Unfortunately, I found the quality from the former to be slightly lacking - the pads kept furring up upon usage and they dried up when I was about 2/3 done with the container, something that I didn't experience with my first purchase. I stopped using for quite some time after that, but recently decided to repurchase it from Gmarket not only because it was on sale but also because my acne condition had started to worsen again.

Product Rating:

Effectiveness: 9/10

Price: 7/10

Rebuy Value: 7/10

Other Comments:

Unfortunately, one thing that I didn't really like was the fact that I had to pick up each individual pad with my fingers, which I felt was a little bit unhygienic and troublesome. Sometimes the pads stuck to each other and I had to use my fingernails to pry them apart.

If I recall correctly, I bought the pads for less than $20 (SGD) each time, which is a pretty reasonable price IMO. It's selling in local stores in Singapore like Watsons for around $20 too. Alternatively, you can get it online (though do remember to ensure that you are buying from a trustworthy source to prevent getting a dupe!!). I really like this product, but am also trying to cut down my reliance on it by forgoing the product when my acne condition isn't too bad. Some people also cut the pads into half when using as they feel like one whole pad is too big for the face, but I just use it as it is.

Also, seeing how this is the first COSRX product that I've used, I'm quite impressed by the brand. I especially love the quirky packaging they have, and am looking forward to trying more products by them! Heard that they recently launched a calming version of these pads to tackle sensitive skin which sounds really interesting. Would maybe purchase it next time when I'm not so broke :,)