Isntree Clear Skin BHA Toner Versus COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad
Updated on June 26, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Isntree Clear Skin BHA Toner 21 ingredients
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad 14 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
Isntree Clear Skin BHA Toner 21 ingredients
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad 14 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Betaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Hizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Fragile Extract
Skin ConditioningEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soy Isoflavones, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Panthenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AllantoinBetaine 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 SalicylateButylene 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 GlycolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Isntree Clear Skin BHA Toner 21 ingredients
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad 14 ingredients
Reviews
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