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Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads

Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads

Product Description

Product overview

Made in South Korea K-BEAUTY

A daily brightening toner pad infused with Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Niacinamide, and Green Tea Enzyme (Protease) that gently exfoliates dead skin cells while fading dark spots, post-acne marks, and uneven tone. Biodegradable dual-sided pads deliver both exfoliation and a targeted brightening mask treatment in one step.

Vegan Cruelty-Free Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Gluten-Free Dermatologist Tested Biodegradable Pads Clean at Sephora
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
60 Pads (170ml)
Price
$28.00
Per Pad
$0.47
Key Active
Vitamin C (MAP)
Type
Toner Pad
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Dual Brightening System

Vitamin C (MAP) and Niacinamide work synergistically to fade dark spots, post-acne marks, and sun damage while evening out skin tone.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Essence-soaked pad
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Under 30 seconds
Finish
Dewy, luminous

Dual Brightening System

Vitamin C (MAP) and Niacinamide work synergistically to fade dark spots, post-acne marks, and sun damage while evening out skin tone.

Green Tea Enzyme Exfoliation

Protease enzyme derived from green tea gently dissolves dead skin cells without harsh physical scrubbing, paired with PHA (Gluconolactone) for mild chemical exfoliation.

Hydro-Soothing Complex

Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Madecassoside, and Allantoin cushion the formula to hydrate and soothe skin while actives work.

Antioxidant Shield

Ferulic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), and Glutathione provide potent antioxidant protection against environmental stressors and free radical damage.

Dual-Use Design

Orange side doubles as a mini sheet mask for 10 minutes of targeted brightening treatment on dark spots, or swipe for quick all-over toning.

Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Pads

Pads are made with biodegradable vitamin C fibers. innisfree partners with TerraCycle for recyclable packaging.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable Vitamin C derivative considered safe during pregnancy. Always consult your OB-GYN.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Use with Caution

Contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, a fatty acid ester that may feed Malassezia yeast in some individuals. Most other ingredients are FA-safe. Patch test if prone to fungal acne.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

No heavy oils, silicones, or known pore-clogging ingredients. Lightweight, water-based formula absorbs cleanly without residue.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, no parabens or sulfates. Dermatologically tested. Contains soothing Madecassoside, Allantoin, and Panthenol to calm reactive skin.

Avoid Combining with Retinol Simultaneously

The brand recommends not pairing with retinol in the same routine. Use Vitamin C pads in the morning and retinol at night, or alternate days.

Sunscreen Recommended

Vitamin C and PHA can increase sun sensitivity. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ during the day for best results and protection.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) 1,000 ppmProven

A stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fades hyperpigmentation without the irritation and oxidation issues of pure L-Ascorbic Acid. Especially effective for skin brightening.

  • Clinical: In-vivo studies show MAP effectively reduces melanin production and visibly brightens skin tone over 8-12 weeks of use.
  • Stability: Unlike pure Vitamin C (L-AA), MAP is stable at neutral pH, making it ideal for pre-soaked pad formulations.
  • Bonus: In-vitro data suggests MAP may also stimulate collagen synthesis similar to L-Ascorbic Acid.
Gentle enough for daily AM + PM use. Suitable for sensitive skin types that cannot tolerate pure L-Ascorbic Acid.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 40,000 ppm (4%)Proven

A multi-tasking superstar with extensive clinical evidence for skin brightening, barrier repair, pore minimization, and sebum regulation.

  • Brightening: At 4-5% concentration, proven to fade brown spots alone or in combination with other actives.
  • Barrier: Increases ceramide synthesis, strengthening the skin barrier and improving hydration.
  • Anti-aging: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production.

Protease (Green Tea Enzyme) UndisclosedProven

A proteolytic enzyme derived from green tea that breaks down protein bonds holding dead skin cells together, providing gentle enzymatic exfoliation without abrasion.

  • Mechanism: Enzymatic exfoliation targets keratin proteins in dead cells rather than dissolving bonds like chemical acids.
  • Gentleness: Works at skin's natural pH, significantly less irritating than AHA/BHA chemical peels.

Gluconolactone (PHA) UndisclosedProven

A polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates while simultaneously attracting moisture to the skin, making it the gentlest acid exfoliant category.

  • Exfoliation: Larger molecular size than AHAs means slower skin penetration and less irritation.
  • Humectant: Draws moisture into the skin while exfoliating, unlike most other acids.

Sodium Hyaluronate UndisclosedProven

A low-molecular-weight form of Hyaluronic Acid that penetrates deeper into the skin for intense hydration, holding up to 1,000x its weight in water.

  • Hydration: Extensively proven to improve skin hydration, plumpness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Ferulic Acid + Tocopherol + Glutathione UndisclosedProven

A trio of antioxidants that stabilize Vitamin C and provide broad-spectrum free radical defense. Glutathione additionally inhibits melanin synthesis for enhanced brightening.

  • Synergy: Ferulic Acid is known to boost the efficacy and stability of Vitamins C and E when combined.
  • Glutathione: A master antioxidant that lightens skin by converting dark eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin.

Madecassoside + Panthenol + Allantoin UndisclosedProven

The Hydro-Soothing Complex: Madecassoside (from Centella Asiatica) calms irritation, Panthenol (Vitamin B5) strengthens the barrier, and Allantoin soothes and promotes cell regeneration.

  • Soothing: This trio counterbalances any potential irritation from exfoliating actives, making the formula well-tolerated.
  • Repair: Panthenol acts as a humectant and penetrates deep into skin layers for lasting moisture.

29 ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dipropylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Phytate, Dextrin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Gluconolactone, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Propanediol, Cyclodextrin, Beta-Glucan, Protease, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Tocopherol, Glutathione, Ferulic Acid, Madecassoside

FREE FROM: Alcohol, Animal-Derived Ingredients, Formaldehyde, Added Fragrance, Gluten, Mineral Oil, Parabens, Phthalates, Silicone, SLS/SLES, Sulfates, Talc
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
This Product
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use AM & PM after cleansing. This replaces your toner step. Follow with serum and moisturizer. Always apply sunscreen in the morning.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Face

Start with a clean, freshly washed face. Pat dry or leave slightly damp for better absorption.

2

Quick Swipe Method (30 seconds)

Grab a pad with the included tweezer. Swipe the orange (vitamin C) side down across your face and neck in gentle upward motions. Perfect for busy mornings.

3

Mask Method (10 minutes)

For targeted brightening, press the orange side onto dark spots or areas of concern and leave on for 10 minutes like a mini sheet mask. Cut pad in half with clean scissors for under-eye or chin areas.

4

Continue Your Routine

Gently pat in any remaining essence. Follow with your serum and moisturizer. Apply SPF 30+ in the morning.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have dark spots, post-acne marks, or uneven skin tone
  • You want a gentle daily exfoliator that won't over-strip skin
  • You prefer a quick, mess-free toner step over traditional liquid toners
  • You have sensitive skin that can't tolerate L-Ascorbic Acid or strong AHAs
  • You want a multifunctional product (toner + exfoliator + mask)
  • You're looking for a clean, vegan, fragrance-free K-beauty product

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need high-concentration Vitamin C (15-20% L-AA) for advanced hyperpigmentation
  • You have severe fungal acne (contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate)
  • You prefer a longer-lasting product (PAO is only 3 months once opened)
  • You want strong physical exfoliation (pads are smooth on both sides)
  • You're looking for immediate dramatic results (this works gradually)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight watery essence absorbs instantly. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum. No greasy residue or added shine.

Dry Skin
Good

Hydrating ingredients (HA, Panthenol, Glycerin) provide moisture, but dry skin types may need a richer moisturizer on top. Use mask method for extra hydration.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances oily T-zone and dry cheeks effectively. Gentle exfoliation smooths texture across all zones without over-drying.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Fragrance-free with soothing Madecassoside and Allantoin. MAP is a gentle Vitamin C form. Start with every other day and patch test first.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic (1/5), oil-free formula. Niacinamide soothes inflammation and fades post-acne marks. 2025 Beauty Award winner for acne-prone users.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 8+
Day 1

Immediate Brightening & Smoothness

Skin looks visibly brighter and feels smoother after the first use. Gentle enzymatic exfoliation removes surface dead cells, improving radiance.

100% saw brighter skin after 1 use (clinical test)
Week 1-2

Improved Texture & Glow

Skin texture becomes noticeably smoother and more refined. Makeup applies more evenly. Overall complexion looks more luminous and healthy.

85% noticed improved texture
Week 4

Visible Dark Spot Reduction

Post-acne marks and sun spots begin to visibly fade. Skin tone appears more even and radiant. Redness and dullness significantly reduced.

97% saw fewer dark spots (clinical test, 34 women)
Week 8+

Significant Brightening & Even Tone

Cumulative brightening effect becomes pronounced. Dark spots considerably faded. Complexion appears clear, even-toned, and glowing with consistent daily use.

100% saw brighter, clearer, more radiant skin (clinical test)
09

Ratings by platform

670+ REVIEWS
Sephora
4.3
Rating
320+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some early reviews were incentivized; results require patience and consistency over weeks
Amazon
4.4
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Short shelf life (3 months PAO) means you need to use pads quickly once opened
innisfree Website
4.7
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish the 60-pad jar lasted longer; some want a larger size option
TODAY Beauty Awards 2025
4.66
Expert Score
Winner
Best Value Exfoliator Pads
Note: Not for those wanting instant results — requires patience but outcome is well worth it
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Visibly fades dark spots and post-acne marks with consistent use
  • Extremely convenient — replaces toner, exfoliator, and mask in one step
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin; fragrance-free, clean formula
  • 2025 Beauty Award winner (Best Value Exfoliator Pads)
  • Biodegradable pads with sustainable packaging (TerraCycle recycling)
  • Can be used AM + PM for accelerated results
  • Smooth pads work great as mini sheet masks for targeted treatment
  • Clean at Sephora approved; vegan and cruelty-free

Criticized

  • Short shelf life of only 3 months after opening — need to use quickly
  • Results take 4-8 weeks; not an instant fix for dark spots
  • Lower Vitamin C concentration (MAP 0.1%) compared to pure L-AA serums
  • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may be a concern for fungal acne-prone skin
  • At $0.47/pad, not the cheapest toner pad option on the market
  • Smooth pads only — no textured side for physical exfoliation
  • Dry skin types may need additional hydrating layers on top
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Green Tangerine Vita C Cleansing Foam
$18.00
Budget Pick

70 pads for less money ($0.26/pad). Uses 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid + Niacinamide + natural fruit acids. Contains fragrance (essential oils) unlike innisfree. Less soothing complex but good for brightening on a budget.

72% Match
Deep Vita C Ampoule
$24.00
Similar Price

70 pads with 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid + Sea Buckthorn Water + PHA. Has embossed side for physical exfoliation (innisfree is smooth only). Higher Vitamin C concentration but lacks the Green Tea Enzyme and antioxidant trio.

68% Match
Anua Niacinamide 5% + TXA Toner Pads
$20.00
Budget Pick

60 pads focused on Niacinamide (5%) + Tranexamic Acid for brightening. No Vitamin C or enzymatic exfoliation. Better for those specifically targeting Niacinamide benefits but less comprehensive formula overall.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Deep Vita C Ampoule
Vitamin C Type 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Pad Count 70 pads
Cost Per Pad $0.34
Exfoliation PHA + Lactic Acid
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Antioxidants Sea Buckthorn only
Sephora Clean No
Green Tangerine Vita C Cleansing Foam
Vitamin C Type 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (100ppm)
Pad Count 70 pads
Cost Per Pad $0.26
Exfoliation Natural fruit acids only
Fragrance Contains essential oils
Antioxidants Tangerine extract
Sephora Clean No

Anua Niacinamide 5% + TXA Toner Pads

Vitamin C Type None
Pad Count 60 pads
Cost Per Pad $0.33
Exfoliation Minimal
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Antioxidants Niacinamide 5% + TXA
Sephora Clean No
13

Storage & shelf life

3 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

3 months after opening. Use within 90 days for optimal potency of Vitamin C actives.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lid tightly closed to prevent pads from drying out. Refrigeration optional but can feel refreshing.

Packaging

Round screw-top jar with pop-open lid and included tweezer for hygienic removal. TerraCycle recyclable packaging.

Travel Friendly

Compact jar design is travel-friendly. Note: contains liquid-soaked pads (170ml total), may need to be in liquids bag for carry-on.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this product is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The Vitamin C used is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP), a stable and gentle derivative that is not flagged as a concern during pregnancy. However, always consult your healthcare provider before adding new skincare products to your routine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Use with caution. While most of the formula is fungal acne safe, it does contain Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, a fatty acid ester emulsifier that may potentially feed Malassezia yeast in some individuals. If you are prone to fungal acne, patch test on a small area first and observe for 1-2 weeks. Many FA-prone users tolerate this product well since the ingredient is listed far down in the INCI.

The brand specifically recommends avoiding retinol at the same time as these pads. You can use Vitamin C pads in the morning and retinol at night, or alternate days. Pairing with innisfree's own Vitamin C Brightening Serum is encouraged for enhanced results. Be cautious with strong AHA/BHA products — the pads already contain PHA and enzyme exfoliation, so layering additional acids may over-exfoliate. If you want to use AHA/BHA, alternate days rather than using them together.

This product is formulated for all skin types — Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily. It's particularly excellent for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin due to its lightweight, oil-free formula with Niacinamide for sebum control. Dry skin types can use it but may want to follow with a richer moisturizer. Sensitive skin types will appreciate the fragrance-free formula with soothing Madecassoside and Allantoin, but should start every other day.

You can expect immediate brightening and smoother texture from the first use. In clinical testing with 34 women, 100% had brighter skin after just one use (with 10-minute mask method). For dark spot reduction, clinical results show 97% noticed fewer dark spots after 4 weeks of daily use. For significant fading of post-acne marks and overall even-toned results, expect 8+ weeks of consistent morning and evening use.

Use these pads as Step 2 in your routine, right after cleansing. They replace your traditional toner and exfoliator steps. The order is: Cleanser → Toner Pads (this product) → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). Can be used both morning and night. The pads also work as a 10-minute mini mask treatment when pressed onto areas of concern.

This product has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It contains no heavy oils, mineral oil, silicone, or known pore-clogging ingredients. The water-based, lightweight formula absorbs cleanly and is unlikely to cause breakouts. Niacinamide in the formula actually helps minimize pore appearance and regulate oil production, making it a good choice for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.

The PAO (Period After Opening) is 3 months — shorter than most toner pads due to the Vitamin C content, which can oxidize over time. With 60 pads and twice-daily use (AM + PM), you'll use the jar in about 30 days, well within the shelf life. If you only use once per day, the jar lasts about 2 months. Always keep the lid tightly closed to prevent drying and oxidation. If the pads change color significantly or develop an off smell, discontinue use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads deliver on their promise of gradual, gentle brightening backed by clinical results and a 2025 Beauty Award win. The combination of stable Vitamin C (MAP), Niacinamide (4%), enzymatic exfoliation, and a triple antioxidant complex makes this one of the most thoughtfully formulated brightening toner pads on the market — especially for sensitive skin types. The clean, fragrance-free formula checks nearly every box for ingredient-conscious consumers. The main trade-offs are a short 3-month shelf life, lower Vitamin C concentration compared to L-AA serums, and a slightly higher per-pad cost. If you want a convenient, gentle, daily brightening treatment that fades dark spots without irritation, these pads are an excellent choice that rewards patience with real results.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 9 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Citric Acid Gluconolactone Beta-Glucan Protease Tocopherol Ferulic Acid Madecassoside
brightening Brightening from 5 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Niacinamide Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Citric Acid Glutathione
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 8 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Niacinamide Panthenol Allantoin Citric Acid Sodium Hyaluronate Tocopherol Madecassoside
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
6
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
3
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
89% 10%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 29 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
1 A
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS