Torriden Balanceful Cica Toner Pad 60 Pads

Torriden Balanceful Cica Toner Pad: PHA-Exfoliating Calming Pads for Sensitive Skin

Torriden is a clean-formulation Korean brand with a loyal sensitive-skin following, and the Balanceful Cica Toner Pad is one of the brand's best-selling products. The pads combine centella asiatica (cica) for calming with gluconolactone (PHA) for gentle exfoliation, delivering two functions in a single swipe. Unlike AHA or BHA toner pads that can irritate sensitive skin, the PHA approach exfoliates gently without triggering reactivity.

At $11 for 60 pads, this is one of the best-value toner pads on the market. The pads are dual-textured (embossed side for gentle physical exfoliation, smooth side for essence application) and loaded with enough essence to use both sides meaningfully. For users who want daily gentle exfoliation without AHA or BHA, this is the tool.

What It Does

Gluconolactone (PHA) exfoliates surface dead skin with larger molecular size than AHAs, meaning slower and shallower penetration, which translates to less irritation. Centella asiatica's madecassoside and asiaticoside calm inflammation and support barrier repair during exfoliation. The embossed textured side provides mild mechanical exfoliation. Daily use produces smoother, brighter skin without the over-exfoliation risks of AHA or BHA pads.

Who It's For

• Sensitive skin wanting exfoliation: Primary demographic.
• AHA/BHA-intolerant users: Gentler alternative.
• Rosacea-pattern skin: PHA is one of the few exfoliants rosacea dermatologists approve.
• Acne-prone sensitive skin: Gentle pore decongestion without irritation.
• Daily toner-pad users: Workhorse format at accessible price.

Key Specs

• Count: 60 pads
• Price: $11.00
• Hero ingredients: gluconolactone (PHA), centella asiatica complex, panthenol
• Format: dual-textured cotton pads in essence
• pH: approximately 4 (active for PHA)
• Fragrance: very low

How to Use

After cleansing, lift one pad from the jar. Use the embossed side first, swiping gently across face in outward motions for 30 to 45 seconds. Flip to the smooth side and press into any remaining essence. Follow with serum and moisturizer. Daily use in AM or PM. For sensitive skin starting out: every other day for the first 2 weeks, then daily.

FAQ

Is PHA really gentle enough for daily use?

Yes. PHA is the most-tolerated exfoliating acid, and daily use is standard. If skin feels sensitized, drop to every other day. Pair with a dedicated moisturizer to support the barrier.

How does this compare to COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner Pad or Anua Heartleaf Pad?

COSRX AHA/BHA is more aggressive exfoliation, better for oily/acne-prone but too strong for sensitive. Anua Heartleaf is pure calming with no exfoliation. Torriden Balanceful sits in the middle: gentle exfoliation plus calming. For sensitive skin wanting exfoliation: Torriden. For pure calming: Anua. For stronger exfoliation: COSRX.

How long does 60 pads last?

Daily use: 2 months. Every other day: 4 months.

Can I use with retinol?

Yes, carefully. Use the Torriden pad in AM, retinol in PM, not same evening. If skin tolerates well, you can combine same evening by applying the pad first, waiting 10 minutes, then retinol.

Will it help blackheads?

Marginally. PHA works on surface exfoliation, not deep pore penetration. For blackheads, pair with a dedicated BHA leave-on treatment.

Related Products

Pair with Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream as the moisturizer, or Torriden Dive-In Toner for extra hydration. Browse the full Torriden collection.