# COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Superior fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

Brand: [COSRX](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/cosrx)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

One of the best products for oily acne-prone skin.

## Why this fit

- Excellent suitability for your oily skin and acne concerns is provided by betaine salicylate and Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, which work to exfoliate and combat bacteria, respectively.
- Allantoin and panthenol further support skin health by soothing and hydrating, ensuring a comfortable experience.
- The formula is safe for your skin, with no risk of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of calming components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Superior (this page)

## Key ingredients

Willow Bark Water Bark, Betaine Salicylate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf

## What the research says

- Topical 5% tea tree oil gel significantly improved total acne lesions and acne severity index compared to placebo in 60 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, showing 3.55 times and 5.75 times greater efficacy respectively. ([Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Lactobacillus-fermented Chamaecyparis obtusa reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 65.3% compared to 38.2% with tea tree oil in 34 patients over 8 weeks, demonstrating superior efficacy, faster onset, and safety. ([Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25228478/))
- Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo. ([Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/))
- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Bioactive lipid nanocarriers co-loaded with willow bark or ivy leaf extracts and UV-filters provided pronounced UVA photoprotection up to an SPF-equivalent value of 13 and a maximum in vivo skin hydration effect of 97% when prepared with pomegranate oil. ([Nanomaterials, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35889587/))
- A topical serum containing 0.5% salicin applied twice daily reduced visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and tactile roughness, in 30 female subjects over 12 weeks compared to baseline. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883292/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))
- Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two. ([Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32067777/))
- Tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene gel demonstrated significantly greater reductions in total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory acne lesions as well as acne severity index compared to adapalene marketed gel in 100 patients with acne vulgaris over 12 weeks. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/))
- Topical tea tree oil treatment confirmed efficacy on Demodex mite blepharitis across fourteen papers evaluating chronic blepharitis compared to no treatment or alternative management. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35941981/))
- Weekly treatment with tea tree oil-saturated human amniotic membrane showed superior efficacy in healing pityriasis versicolor lesions and fungicidal activity compared to daily application of 1% tioconazole cream in 120 patients. ([Cell and Tissue Banking, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32162164/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with oily and acne-prone skin frequently praise these pads for effectively reducing active breakouts and regulating sebum without being overly harsh. While many find them to be a "holy grail" for smoothing skin texture and clearing pores, a minority of users with sensitive or dry skin experienced irritation and dryness.

- Liked: Convenient application (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle exfoliation (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective acne control (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pore & sebum care (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying or stripping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Medicinal scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sticky residue (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant as part of your PM routine once a week to start, increasing frequency only if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but before your final moisturizer step.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the product directly onto clean, dry skin for the best results against breakouts.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and always use a daily SPF since exfoliating makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes COSRX Original Clear Pad one of the best fits for oily acne-prone skin?

This product is a great fit because betaine salicylate gently exfoliates while tea tree oil helps combat bacteria to keep your oily skin clear. Allantoin and panthenol soothe and hydrate your skin, ensuring a comfortable experience without irritation.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because it contains betaine salicylate to gently exfoliate and Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf to combat bacteria. Allantoin and panthenol are also included to keep your skin calm and comfortable.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### What does Willow Bark Water do for oily acne-prone skin?

Willow Bark Water helps calm oily, acne-prone skin by reducing oiliness and soothing irritation. It is unlikely to cause harsh side effects and may support a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Sources: [Experimental Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30972839/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32250551/)

### What does Betaine Salicylate do for oily acne-prone skin?

Betaine Salicylate helps clear out clogged pores and calm angry blemishes on oily, breakout-prone skin. It is a gentle exfoliator that smooths rough areas while being less likely to cause irritation than stronger acids. A product for this skin type also needs oil-controlling ingredients like niacinamide or zinc to keep shine in check.

### Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant treatment goes in the evening routine. Lovi routines start exfoliating pads once a week, and people who tolerate them well and see good results can carefully use them more often.

### Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this exfoliant with retinol, but it is best to apply them on alternate nights to keep your skin calm and smooth. Using both at the same time may cause dryness or irritation.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start by using this exfoliant treatment once a week in the evening, and if your skin tolerates it well and shows good results, you may carefully use it more often. The formula's calming components help ensure a comfortable experience with a low risk of irritation.

### Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on your oily, acne-prone skin because it uses betaine salicylate and tea tree oil to clear away dead skin and fight blemish-causing bacteria. Soothing ingredients like panthenol and allantoin also help keep your skin calm and comfortable without heavy residues.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/clean-and-clear/persa-gel-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $5.43 at Amazon
- [Dr. Ceuracle Tea Tree Purifine 95 Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-ceuracle/tea-tree-purifine-95-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — $21.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $19.99 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GMJQ8QRC?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Willow Bark Water Bark, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Arginine, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin