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

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

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

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

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

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

A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few products fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent exfoliation for your combination, acne-prone skin due to betaine salicylate and willow bark water, which decongest pores and smooth texture while Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil targets breakouts.
- Allantoin and panthenol provide soothing benefits, ensuring comfort and reducing potential irritation for your skin.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

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

## What the research says

- 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/))
- 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 new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability. ([The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/))
- 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 panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/))
- 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 novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract effectively improved acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores in 30 subjects with oily skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38140770/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))

## 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 PM once a week to start, and gradually increase if your combination skin tolerates it well. Always apply SPF the next morning to protect your clear skin.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer step. This ensures the treatment targets blemishes effectively.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing. Let it absorb for a minute before moving to the next step.
- Apply the exfoliant on clean, dry skin to help control breakouts safely. Since your skin is not sensitive, this dry application method ensures good product absorption.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Do not mix this exfoliant with other strong acids in the same routine.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad a great fit for acne-prone skin?

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad is a great fit for acne-prone skin because betaine salicylate and willow bark water clear out clogged pores and smooth texture, while tea tree oil targets breakouts. Allantoin and panthenol soothe your skin and keep it comfortable, helping to reduce any irritation.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

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

Betaine salicylate and willow bark water clear out pores and smooth texture, while tea tree oil targets breakouts. Allantoin and panthenol also soothe your skin to help prevent irritation.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

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

Willow Bark Water helps calm acne-prone skin by gently clearing pores and keeping oily shine under control without causing irritation. Products of this type need soothing botanical extracts and oil-balancing ingredients to effectively manage breakouts while keeping skin smooth and comfortable.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/)

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

Betaine salicylate helps clear up breakouts and calm red, irritated skin while keeping it hydrated. It is generally gentle and less likely to cause irritation compared to regular salicylic acid.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22035285/), [Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41610079/)

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

This exfoliant treatment goes in the evening routine, starting at once a week to see how your skin adjusts. People who tolerate it well and see good results can carefully use it more often.

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

Using this exfoliant with retinol can easily overwhelm acne-prone skin and trigger redness or dryness, so it is best to use them on different nights or keep at least one routine simple. When combining active treatments, always apply the gentlest hydrating layers first and give your skin extra moisture and soothing ingredients like panthenol to keep the barrier calm.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/), [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 your evening routine, and carefully use it more often only if your skin tolerates it well and shows good results. Betaine salicylate and willow bark water help clear out pores and smooth texture, while tea tree oil targets breakouts.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14725662/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16640681/)

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

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your acne-prone skin because it uses betaine salicylate and willow bark water to clear out pores and smooth texture, while tea tree oil targets breakouts. Soothing ingredients like allantoin and panthenol help keep your skin comfortable and reduce potential irritation.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/clean-and-clear/persa-gel-10/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.46 at Amazon
- [Dr. Ceuracle Tea Tree Purifine 95 Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-ceuracle/tea-tree-purifine-95-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — S$36.36 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.40 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/troiareuke/h-cocktail-purifying-ampoule-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — S$168.51 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — S$33.87 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- YesStyle: S$21.00 (https://www.yesstyle.com/en/cosrx-one-step-original-clear-pad-new-version-140ml/info.html/pid.1052684724?curr=SGD&rco=SG)
Prices checked 13 Oct 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/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/one-step-original-clear-pad/for/acne-prone-skin