Are Medicube’s Viral Toner Pads Worth the Hype? Here’s What You Need to Know

A K-beauty writer who has been testing skincare for over a decade shares why the Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 have earned a permanent place in her routine, plus what to know before trying them yourself.

I’ve been using Korean skincare since I was a teenager, long before K-beauty took over our TikTok feeds (actually, long before TikTok was even invented!). Having tested countless products over more than a decade, I've become pretty good at separating the products that are genuinely worth buying from those that are simply the result of clever marketing by brands and influencers.

So, when it comes to Medicube’s famous Zero Pore Pads 2.0, I think it’s worth investigating beyond the hype.




These dual-textured toner pads have become a global phenomenon (no! exaggeration!), thanks to their exfoliating and pore-refining benefits. But it begs the question: are they genuinely worth the money, or is there another K-beauty product that does the job just as well?

For context, I have sensitive, combination skin, so I'm usually quite cautious about exfoliating products. And despite my hesitation, these pads… have officially earned a permanent place in my routine. If you know me, that's a pretty big call to make.

Here’s everything you need to know about Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads 2.0.

If you’ve been wondering what all the fuss is about, Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 are pre-soaked toner pads designed to exfoliate the skin, help manage excess oil and improve the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven texture.

Yes, I know, I know. Paying extra for pre-soaked pads might sound like a bit of a scam when you could simply apply toner with a cotton pad. But as a self-confessed frugal gal, trust me when I say these are well worth your money.

Each pad has two sides: a textured side for your initial swipe and a smoother side for a final pass over the skin. The idea is to exfoliate gently before smoothing the remaining essence over your face.

The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including lactic acid, alongside salicylic acid (BHA). AHAs help exfoliate the skin’s surface, while salicylic acid can help address excess oil and congestion. The formula also contains panthenol and hyaluronic acid to support hydration.

I also appreciate there's very little fuss involved. I simply swipe one over my face, flip it to the smoother side and get on with the rest of my routine.

For me, the biggest reason I’ve kept repurchasing the Zero Pore Pads is because they’ve become one of my favourite steps before applying makeup.

I've tried my fair share of toner pads, including the really hydrating ones that leave your skin looking dewy. But I keep coming back to these because of how smooth my skin feels afterwards. I find using them before makeup helps my skin feel a lot smoother, which makes a difference when I apply my BB cream (and on the rare occasions I do use foundation, it glides on much more evenly and sits better on my skin). You know those little dry patches or areas of uneven texture that can make your base look, well, meh? This is where I find the pads particularly useful.

I've also noticed my skin feels smoother after using them, particularly when I've been dealing with a bit of congestion or rough texture. While I wouldn't claim they automatically make every serum penetrate deeper, I do appreciate having this exfoliating step in place before applying my usual skincare.

Another little trick I love is using the pads as a mini mask. Rather than immediately swiping one across my face, I place it on the areas that need extra attention and leave it for around three minutes before continuing with my routine.

Just an FYI: these are still exfoliating pads, so leaving them on for longer isn't necessarily going to give you better results. Yes, less is more! Ensure you follow the product instructions and pay attention to how your skin responds.

In my opinion, a hell yes.

They're a genuinely useful addition to a skincare routine, particularly if you're dealing with rough texture, excess oil, congestion, enlarged and stubborn pores, or blemishes. The combination of AHA and BHA makes sense for these concerns, as the ingredients work in different ways to exfoliate the skin and help address buildup.

That said, I wouldn't go so far as to say they will permanently shrink your pores. Of course, no toner pad is going to physically shrink your pores since their size is largely down to genetics. But keeping excess oil and dead skin cells under control can absolutely make them look less noticeable.

I also appreciate the convenience. If you're someone who struggles to stick to a multi-step routine, having an exfoliating toner and mini-mask option ready to use can make skincare feel much more manageable.

As much as I enjoy these pads, I don't think they're a universal must-have.

Despite having ultra-sensitive skin myself, I've found they work well for me. But that doesn't mean everyone with sensitive skin will have the same experience.

The formula contains exfoliating acids, denatured alcohol and several essential oils, including citrus, lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus oils. These ingredients aren't automatically problematic, but they can be potential irritants for some people, particularly if your skin barrier is already compromised or you're sensitive to fragrances.

Actually, learn from my experience: if your skin barrier is weakened, I'd prioritise a simple routine with very, very gentle, moisturising products rather than introducing multiple new actives. Again, less really is more!

This is also where I'd consider other Korean toner pads. If you're looking for something primarily soothing and hydrating, or you know your skin doesn't tolerate exfoliating acids or fragrant essential oils particularly well, you may prefer a gentler alternative. I really like the BIODANCE Collagen Gel Toner Pads ($32, down from $40), Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Multi Pad ($28, down from $35) and the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad ($31.20, down from $39).

I'd also be careful about using the Medicube Zero Pore Pads alongside other strong actives. Combining exfoliating pads with retinoids or additional exfoliating acids can increase the risk of irritation. Take a look at what you're already using and decide whether these pads are a sensible addition or whether they should replace another exfoliating step.

And finally, there’s the cost. You're paying for the convenience of pre-soaked pads, so if you're happy using a liquid exfoliating toner with cotton pads, you may find a conventional exfoliant more economical. For me, the convenience and the results I get make the trade-off worthwhile, especially with a whopping 70 pads in each tub. But it's worth considering whether you'll use them regularly before investing in a tub.

Medicube says its Zero Pore Pads 2.0 can be used morning and evening. But personally, I think the best frequency depends on your skin and what else you're using.

If you're new to exfoliating acids, I'd start with two or three uses a week and see how your skin responds. You can gradually increase the frequency if your skin tolerates them well, but there's no need to rush into twice-daily use. Actually, I use them once a day or every other day, because, and let me stress this again and again, less is more when it comes to skincare products!

On the off chance you experience persistent redness, tightness, stinging or flaking, please reduce your use or stop altogether.

And if you're using the pads in the morning before makeup, please, please, please don't forget your sunscreen! Daily broad-spectrum SPF is an essential part of any skincare routine, and even more so when you're using exfoliating acids.

If you love the idea of Medicube's toner pads but want something gentler, the Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad ($49.01) is another great option. It includes niacinamide and centella asiatica, which are both great for blemish-prone and sensitive skin (although it's still important to introduce new products gradually). 

It goes without saying that I love Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads. I adore the way these pads leave my skin feeling polished, and I find them particularly useful before makeup. The dual-textured design makes them easy to use, while the exfoliating formula addresses stubborn concerns like uneven texture and congestion. Ugh, the worst!

They're not the gentlest option on the market, and I wouldn't recommend them blindly to anyone with sensitive skin. If your skin is easily irritated, a simpler, fragrance-free hydrating toner pad may be a better starting point. But! If you're looking for an easy way to incorporate exfoliation into your routine, particularly to help your skin feel smoother before makeup, I 100 per cent think the Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 are well worth considering.