Why I Picked Up These Pads
I have combination skin with enlarged pores on my nose and cheeks. After seeing these recommended on a few skincare forums, I ordered a jar to see if they’d make any difference. Two months later, here’s what I found.
What’s Inside
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lactic Acid (AHA) | 4.5% |
| Salicylic Acid (BHA) | 0.45% |
| Pads per jar | 70 |
| Texture | Dual-sided |
The dual texture thing means one side is bumpy for exfoliation and the other is smooth for general toning. It took me a week to figure out which side to use first (bumpy side for exfoliating, smooth side to finish).
How I Use Them
I use one pad every other night after cleansing. Started with every third night since acids can irritate if you go too hard too fast. Now my skin tolerates every other day without issues.
My routine: cleanser, toning pad, wait a few minutes, then moisturizer. Simple.
What I Actually Noticed
First two weeks: Mild tingling when I applied the pad, skin looked a bit brighter the next morning. Nothing dramatic.
Week three onward: This is when I started seeing real changes. The texture on my cheeks smoothed out noticeably. Some stubborn blackheads on my nose started clearing.
After two months: My pores look smaller - not gone, but definitely less visible. Skin feels smoother when I touch it. I get fewer breakouts now, maybe because the BHA keeps things unclogged.
The Not So Great Parts
These aren’t perfect. A few things to know:
There’s fragrance. I didn’t react to it, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance in skincare, this might irritate you. It smells vaguely floral.
The purging period is real. Around week two, I got a few small pimples in areas where I usually break out. This is normal with acids - they bring existing congestion to the surface faster. Lasted about a week for me.
They’re not budget-friendly. The jar isn’t cheap, and 70 pads means you’ll need to repurchase every 2-3 months depending on how often you use them.
Compared to Other Options
I’ve tried COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and Paula’s Choice 2% BHA. Here’s how they stack up for me:
| Product | Format | Strength | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicube Pads | Pre-soaked pad | Medium | Very easy |
| COSRX BHA | Liquid | Medium | Need cotton pad |
| Paula’s Choice | Liquid | Stronger | Need cotton pad |
The pads are just more convenient. No measuring, no cotton rounds. You grab one and go. That convenience might be worth the higher price per use depending on your lifestyle.
Who These Work For
Good fit:
- Combination or oily skin types
- People dealing with enlarged pores and texture
- Anyone who wants easy exfoliation without extra steps
- Skincare beginners who find acids intimidating
Not ideal for:
- Very sensitive or dry skin (the acids might be too much)
- Active acne or damaged skin barrier
- People who hate any fragrance in skincare
- Anyone on a tight skincare budget
Final Thoughts
These became a staple in my routine. The combination of AHA and BHA in a convenient pad format works for my skin. My pores aren’t magically invisible, but they’re less noticeable than before, and my overall skin texture improved.
Are they the best exfoliating product ever? Probably not. But they’re easy to use consistently, and consistency matters more than perfection in skincare.
If you’ve been frustrated with pore size and uneven texture, these are worth trying. Just start slow and expect some purging in the first few weeks.
Prices and availability may change. Check current deals before purchasing.