COSRX vs Mediheal — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Madecassoside Blemish Pad
9/10 · Mediheal
| One Step Original Clear Pad | Madecassoside Blemish Pad | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | COSRX | Mediheal |
| Category | exfoliant | exfoliant |
| Editor Rating | 8.6/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | exfoliant | exfoliant |
| Texture | Pre-soaked exfoliating pads | Soft textured pad soaked in a gentle, watery exfoliating essence |
| Finish | Refined, clear | clean, calm, semi-matte |
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| Verdict | The original COSRX exfoliating pads — the Reddit-fueled gateway product that turned 'treatment pads' into a global skincare category. Willow bark water as #1 ingredient (a plant-derived salicin source), betaine salicylate as the gentler BHA derivative instead of free salicylic acid, plus panthenol + allantoin + tea tree oil + hyaluronic acid in a 14-ingredient minimal deck. No fragrance, no alcohol, no synthetic colorants — the formula has been stable for nearly a decade and remains the safest entry-level chemical exfoliation pad on the K-beauty market. | Ranked #1 blemish pad on Olive Young for two consecutive years and the product that made Mediheal #1 overall. The magic is the balance — salicylic acid does the exfoliating work while madecassoside from centella calms any reaction. Use 2-3 times a week and acne-prone skin visibly clarifies within 3-4 weeks. |
