Shop the Korean skincare staple your pores will thank you for — on sale

New York Post

11 hours ago

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Honestly, we're all obsessed with getting 'perfect skin,' and we've all been trained to fear our pores. We blot them, blur them, exfoliate them into submission — then lament when they stubbornly remain.
But every now and then, a product comes along that fights the good fight against texture and congestion. Enter: medicube Zero Pore Pads. They work and they're nearly 40% off on Amazon right now ahead of Prime Day.
Let's set the scene: You, late at night, in front of your mirror. You want that soft-focus, glassy skin that doesn't require a filter, but you also want something simple to get the job done. So, medicube, the Korean beauty brand with derm-grade street cred, understands the assignment. Not only that, but they've bottled it in a jar of 70 dual-textured toner pads that gently exfoliate, hydrate and smooth in one swipe.
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'These dual-textured toner pads are soaked in exfoliating and soothing ingredients to refine pores, control sebum and smooth texture,' Lyla Chang, department head of U.S. marketing at medicube, exclusively shared with Post Wanted in an interview. 'Key ingredients like AHA, BHA and tea tree help unclog pores and balance oily or acne-prone skin. Used daily, they visibly improve clarity and minimize the look of pores.'
They're also a favorite of Alix Earle's, BTW.
Amazon
Pros: Features a dual-textured design for truly targeted care
Visibly improves skin clarity
Hygienic packaging, perfect for travel Cons: Isn't as hydrating as some of medicube's other formulations, though not a dealbreaker
These toner pads are legendary for a reason. They gently exfoliate with AHA and BHA, swipe away gunk you didn't even know was there, and somehow shrink your pores like magic. One pad = one step closer to glass skin. It's the product you recommend to your friends, your partner, your mail carrier — because literally everyone benefits from having cleaner, tighter, happier skin.
The medicube Zero Pore Pad is like your skin's reset button, especially on those days when my pores are having an identity crisis. Each pad is soaked in a mild AHA and BHA formula that gently exfoliates dead skin while helping to unclog pores and smooth texture. What makes it even better is the dual-sided design: one side is slightly textured for a light polish, and the other is smooth to swipe away any residue. You just glide it across your face after cleansing — morning or night — and it leaves my skin feeling impossibly clean without that tight, stripped sensation.
I use it about three to four times a week, depending on how my skin's behaving. If I'm wearing more makeup than usual or my T-zone is acting up, I'll use it daily for a few days to bring things back into balance. It's especially good before applying makeup, because it creates this smooth, balanced canvas that helps foundation apply more evenly. Just follow it up with your serum and moisturizer, and you're good. It's quick, easy, and doesn't feel like a commitment, which is what I want from my skincare on busy weekdays.
Ingredient-wise, it's a thoughtful mix: salicylic acid (hello, blackhead control), lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, and a blend of plant extracts like tea tree leaf and witch hazel to calm things down. I like that it's fragrance-free too (aka, no unnecessary fluff). If you're someone who's overwhelmed by a 10-step skincare routine but still craves that polished, glass-skin look, this is a great little staple to have in your arsenal. It's not a miracle worker, but it's incredibly reliable.
Size: 5.46 ounces (70 pads) | Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tea Tree Leaf, Witch Hazel
The formula reads like a who's who of ingredients that actually do something. Lactic acid (for surface-level polish), salicylic acid (for deep pore clean-out), plus a supporting cast of tea tree, lavender and ceramides to soothe the skin instead of attacking it.
One side of the pad is textured for gentle physical exfoliation; the other side is smooth, designed to deliver the formula like a serum-soaked kiss to your face.
But let's go deeper. These aren't just pads; they're a gateway drug to good skin. Use them after cleansing and before serum, and watch how your face begins to behave: fewer blackheads, less oil, smoother texture and that elusive brightness that usually only follows a facial.
There's also something quietly revolutionary about the way these pads cater to everyone. Not just the serum-obsessed or the skincare maximalist. The packaging is unisex, the application is brainless and the results are noticeable.
And, while the medicube Zero Pore Pads are a triumph of function, they also speak to something bigger. Korean beauty has long led the charge in combining science with a sensorial experience, and medicube sits at the crossroads of both. It's not about glossy influencers or buzzy actives that burn more than they brighten. It's about skin health, the kind that doesn't require Photoshop.
That makes this sale feel like more than just a good deal—it feels like access.
So no, you don't need them. But if you're tired of pore-clogging promises and seven-step illusions, you just might want them. And when the glow hits right, and your skin looks a little more like the version you imagine under perfect lighting, you'll be glad you said yes.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.