Versus

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner Versus Mediheal Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad

Toner
Facial Treatment
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

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

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

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Antimicrobial

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

When to use

498 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
383 Routines
24% use in am
76% use in pm
64% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 6 ratings
Light (6) Great Value (4) Absorbs Well (3)
sophiesmigiel's avatar

sophie

7 months ago
Review

Gentle but seems to be working. I’ve been using it for around 2 weeks and it seems to be good at drying out and minimising ccs. Super lightweight and absorbs fast. No irritation when applying more than 1 layer.

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent
igapaulina's avatar

Iga Paulina

3 months ago
Review

It’s my every other day toner. Fungal acne safe and visibly reduces the look of large pores just after a few uses. Would probably purchase again

#great value
#light
#no scent

Mediheal Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad 20 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 6 ratings
Absorbs Well (5) Works Well (5) Light (4)
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

10 months ago
Review

I actually didn't know toner pads were a popular k-beauty product until I came across this brand. I have to say these are worth the hype! I specifically got this formulation to treat more of the textured areas of my face (forehead/cheeks). I followed the usage instructions for intensive treatment (according to the brand site) which is leaving the pads on my face for 15 min and wiping off with the Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
448's avatar

💗

7 months ago
Review

Great toner pad!! It didn’t break me out or irritate my skin. After a few uses, I did notice smoother skin texture and my blackheads did disappear. However if you have deep or large closed comedones/whiteheads, this might not be enough. Nonetheless, it’s a great mild exfoliant that’s gentle enough for everyday use.

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent