Celimax Jiwoogae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad Review
What is it?
Jiwoogae Cica BH Blemish Toner Pad is a hypoallergenic toner with exfoliants such as BHA, PHA, LHA to target acne, and minimize pores while also infused with centella asiatica extract to soothe and improve skin texture.
Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Salicylic Acid (0.45%), Hydroxyacetophenone, C12-14 Pareth-12, Lactobionic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Centella Asiatica Extract (0.02%), Disodium EDTA, Lactose, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Panthenol, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Uncaria Tomentosa Extract, Agrimonia Eupatoria Extract, Corydalis Turtschaninovii Root Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf Extract, Nepeta Cataria Extract, Madecassoside (0.001%), Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
My experience
These pads can be used both day and night. If you are using this in the morning, since it has exfoliating ingredients, be sure to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen and stay away from sun exposure as much as possible. Also, do steer clear from using these pads in the same routine with other acids and exfoliants such as vitamin C, retinoids, retinols, tretinoids, Aha's and Bha's to avoid any burning sensation, sensitivity, redness and over exfoliation.
I've been using this toner for a month now and the one thing that really stood out to me was how it kept my pores clean. I haven't experienced clogged pores ever since I started using these pads. I have large pores and so sebum plugs are one of the things that really annoy me. Thankfully, the cica blemish pad have kept them at bay.
Speaking of pores, I just want to remind you that pores don't shrink. Dirty pores can make it look enlarged and clean pores makes them appear small. So it is very important to make sure that your pores are clean and you're using the right products to get rid of extra sebum without drying out your skin. Remember, products that can be too drying will stimulate your skin to produce more oil in order to compensate with the lost "good oils". And more oily = more sebum. More sebum = more bacteria = making your pores look bigger = probably more acne too. So very very important to get to know the product you are using and its effect on your skin.
I love how the pads have these ridges on them. This makes it sure that it gets rid of all the impurities and dirt your skin have accumulated throughout the day. The pads are thin and soaked with just the right amount of liquid. On one side, you'll see that it has ridges, this will help remove your skin's impurities, dirt and dust that you may have accumulated throughout the day. They're soft and they don't feel rough as you swipe them on your skin. The other side is smooth, and so it can be used as a spot mask treatment for a few minutes if you want to target a certain area.
Alcohol denat is an ingredients that is at the top of their list. As much as I can, I try to avoid using products with this ingredient because it can trigger my skin sensitivity. However, I was surprised that my skin journey with this product was as smooth as butter. I didn't experience any negative reactions whatsoever and have not encountered any dryness throughout my usage.
One caveat is that the pads carry a very strong tea tree oil fragrance. But once you're done swiping it across your skin, it doesn't linger on for long. If you're "scent-sitive" this might be one thing to take note of. As for me, the smell is very relaxing so I don't really mind.
Final verdict
Overall a great experience with this product. I'm mostly impressed with how it's really kept my pores clean! If you're looking for something to "break" your routine because you're not seeing any changes whatsoever, highly recommend this toner pad! But please do check the ingredients before hand to make sure you're not allergic to anything that will cause skin sensitivity. Last but not the least, do remember that our skins are different and what works for me, may or may not work for you.
