Mediheal toner pads won the #1 pad spot at the 2025 Olive Young Awards — beating out every other brand in Korea. But here's the problem: Mediheal doesn't make just one pad. They make at least five different types, and each one targets a completely different skin concern.
If you've been staring at the Mediheal shelf wondering which box to grab, this guide will tell you exactly which one is for you.
1. Madecassoside Blemish Pad — The #1 Bestseller
Best for: Sensitive skin, redness, acne scars, irritated skin
This is the one that won the Olive Young Award. It contains madecassoside — a compound from centella asiatica (cica) that calms inflammation and helps fade blemish marks over time.
Why Koreans love it: The pad is soft enough to use on irritated skin without stinging. After cleansing, one swipe calms redness, and leaving it on as a 팩토 (mini mask) for 3 minutes delivers even deeper soothing.
Who should buy this: If your skin gets red easily, you have leftover acne marks, or your skin feels angry after a long day — this is your pad.
2. Tea Tree Trouble Pad — The Acne Fighter
Best for: Acne-prone skin, active breakouts, oily T-zone
Tea tree is a natural antibacterial ingredient. This pad is designed for people who wake up with new pimples regularly.
Why Koreans love it: When a breakout hits, Korean women place this pad directly on the trouble spot and leave it on for 5 minutes. It works like a targeted acne treatment without the harshness of Western acne products.
Who should buy this: If you're dealing with active acne, hormonal breakouts, or oily skin that clogs easily — this is your pad.
3. Phytoenzyme Exfoliating Pad — The Blackhead Killer
Best for: Blackheads, clogged pores, rough texture, dull skin
This pad contains LHA (a gentler cousin of salicylic acid) and natural plant enzymes that dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores without harsh scrubbing.
Why Koreans love it: Instead of using pore strips or physical scrubs, Korean women use this pad on their nose and chin area 2-3 times a week. The chemical exfoliation is gentle enough for regular use but strong enough to keep blackheads from coming back.
Who should buy this: If your nose has visible blackheads, your skin feels bumpy, or your pores look enlarged — this is your pad.
4. Carrot Calming Moisture Pad — The Hydration Boost
Best for: Dry skin, dehydrated skin, winter skincare, tight-feeling skin
This is the newest addition that's gaining popularity fast. It focuses purely on deep hydration and calming — no exfoliation, no active treatments.
Why Koreans love it: In winter or when their skin feels tight and dehydrated, this pad delivers instant moisture. The carrot extract provides antioxidants while the essence hydrates. It's the pad you use when your skin needs a drink, not a treatment.
Who should buy this: If your skin feels dry, tight, or flaky — especially in cold weather or air-conditioned offices — this is your pad.
5. PDRN Pad — The Anti-Aging Newcomer
Best for: Aging concerns, fine lines, skin repair, dull mature skin
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is the hottest ingredient in Korean skincare right now. It's a regenerative compound that was originally used in clinical treatments and is now making its way into everyday products.
Why it's trending: Korean beauty is moving toward "medicosmetics" — skincare with clinical-grade ingredients. PDRN is part of that wave, promising collagen-boosting and skin-repair benefits.
Who should buy this: If you're focused on anti-aging, skin renewal, or want to try the latest Korean skincare innovation — this pad is worth exploring. But reviews are mixed, so it may not be a must-buy yet.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Pad | Skin Type | Main Benefit | Best Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madecassoside | Sensitive/Irritated | Calming + blemish fading | Daily, AM & PM |
| Tea Tree | Acne-prone/Oily | Acne treatment + oil control | On breakouts, 2-3x/week |
| Phytoenzyme | Clogged pores/Dull | Exfoliation + blackhead removal | T-zone, 2-3x/week |
| Carrot Moisture | Dry/Dehydrated | Deep hydration | Daily, especially winter |
| PDRN | Mature/Aging | Skin repair + collagen boost | PM routine |
How Korean Women Actually Choose
Here's something most guides won't tell you: Korean women don't just buy one type. Many keep two or three different Mediheal pads at home and rotate them depending on their skin's condition that day.
Monday morning, skin feels oily? Tea Tree pad on the T-zone.
Wednesday night, skin feels irritated from pollution? Madecassoside pad as a calming mask.
Friday, skin looks dull before a weekend date? Phytoenzyme pad for a quick glow-up.
This is the Korean approach — your skincare isn't a fixed routine. It's a daily decision based on what your skin is telling you right now.
Where to Buy & Price
All Mediheal pads are available on Olive Young Global, Amazon, and YesStyle. Most come in 100-pad containers and cost between $15-22.
At Olive Young in Korea, they frequently run 1+1 (buy one get one) deals, bringing the price down to around $14 for 200 pads. If you're visiting Korea, stock up during an Olive Young sale.
The Bottom Line
Mediheal didn't win the #1 pad award by accident. They built an entire system where every skin type has a specific pad designed for it.
Stop guessing. Match your skin concern to the right pad, and let 180 million Korean purchase records guide your decision.