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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner versus COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad .

Last updated on December 25, 2023. Published on July 15, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Toner South Korean Brand South Korea
Toner South Korean Brand South Korea

Toner

Toners are used as a “last-step” cleanser, a pH balancer, add moisture to the skin, or may help in reducing impurities on the skin. They have a liquid consistency and are usually used after cleansers but before treatments.

Toner

Toners are used as a “last-step” cleanser, a pH balancer, add moisture to the skin, or may help in reducing impurities on the skin. They have a liquid consistency and are usually used after cleansers but before treatments.

Price

Shop

Buy AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Starts at $8.89
Shop

Buy One Step Original Clear Pad

Starts at $2.30

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
BHA

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea (2)

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Brightening

Concerns

Rosacea
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic
Community Rating: Liked

Salix Alba Bark Water is created by distilling parts from the white willow tree. The white willow tree is native to Europe and Central Asia.

Salix Alba Bark has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.

Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.

As an astringent, salix alba bark water helps tighten the skin by drawing water out. This helps reduce the appearance of large pores.

Learn more about Salix Alba Bark Water

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 2.

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 4.

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 5.

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Antimicrobial
Community Rating: Liked

Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.

Limited studies exist proving this ingredient to be a complete alternative to salicylic acid. Based on existing research, this ingredient does not penetrate as deeply and is not shown to be as effective.

However, this makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or need gentle BHA action.

This ingredient is created using betaine and salicylic acid.

This ingredient is oil-soluble and is most effective at a pH range of 3.8-4.2.

Learn more about Betaine Salicylate

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 8.

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 9.

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad contains this as ingredient number 9.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 10.

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad contains this as ingredient number 8.

7
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethyl Hexanediol is an aliphatic alcohol. It is a solvent.

Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 11.

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad contains this as ingredient number 10.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

73% are loved or liked
27% have mixed ratings
0% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
43% are loved or liked
43% have mixed ratings
14% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 11 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 37 ratings
Absorbs Well (4) Light (4) Great Value (3) No Scent (3) Works Well (2) Drying (1)
Gracekp_827's avatar

Gracekp_827

2 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

My first chemical exfoliator. Great as an introduction for beginner or sensitive skin. Works well for a couple of months and then it didn't give...

My first chemical exfoliator. Great as an introduction for beginner or sensitive skin. Works well for a couple of months and then it didn't give the same effect as it used to. Help reduce blackheads, bumps, and prevent hormonal aches.

jojoswrld_'s avatar

jojoswrld_

4 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

When I first used this, it made my skin tingle ever-so-slightly before revealing the smoothest skin ever. The ever-present texture (closed...

When I first used this, it made my skin tingle ever-so-slightly before revealing the smoothest skin ever. The ever-present texture (closed comedones) on my forehead and cheeks have diminished greatly because of this. I only use it at night because AHA can cause sensitivity to sunlight!

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad 14 ingredients

One Step Original Clear Pad hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 49 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad.

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