Post Alpha Cooling Pad
Post Alpha Cooling Pad
Product Description
Cell Fusion C Post Alpha Cooling Pad is a dermocosmetic Korean toner pad (70 pads / 180ml) soaked in a glacial-water essence that instantly cools heated, flushed and irritated skin. Powered by MDP โ a non-menthol cooling agent โ plus Panthenol, three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and soothing botanicals, it's a clinic-favourite for calming redness after sun, laser or peeling and for prepping skin before makeup.
โจ Texture & Feel
Instant Cooling, No Menthol
MDP (Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide) drops skin temperature by a clinically measured 5.7ยฐC without the sting or tingle of menthol โ gentle enough for reactive skin.
Triple Hyaluronic Hydration
Glacial-water essence with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid plus Panthenol floods skin with lasting moisture while calming heat-induced dryness.
Botanical Soothing Complex
Chamomile, Feverfew, Pine Bark extract and Guaiazulene (azulene) work together to visibly reduce redness and comfort irritated, post-treatment skin.
Pore & Puffiness Care
Clinically shown to reduce the look of heat-enlarged pores by 42.5%, de-puff and refine texture โ the perfect cool, smooth canvas before makeup.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No harsh denatured alcohol, parabens, silicones, sulfates or common allergens โ a clean, barrier-friendly formula.
Cooling comes from MDP, not menthol โ far less likely to sting or trigger sensitive, reactive skin.
Contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, a fatty-acid ester that can feed malassezia. Avoid if you're prone to fungal acne.
A soothing chamomile-derived colourant with a mild scent. Generally well tolerated, but very fragrance-sensitive users should patch test.
As a hydrating prep step it pairs well with retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids, helping buffer potential irritation.
The brand advises wiping the full face but avoiding directly around the eyes, where the essence may sting.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
โ๏ธ Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide (MDP) Cooling Agent Proven
The hero "non-menthol" cooling molecule. It delivers a refreshing, lasting cool-down sensation by acting on the skin's cold receptors without the harsh tingle, irritation or burning that menthol can cause.
- Brand clinical: Lowers skin surface temperature by 5.7ยฐC on application.
- Mechanism: Triggers cold-sensitive (TRPM8) receptors for perceived cooling without active fragrance burn.
๐ง Sodium Hyaluronate & HA Complex 3 Weights Proven
Hyaluronic acid in multiple molecular weights hydrates at different depths of the skin. As a humectant it binds many times its weight in water, plumping fine dehydration lines and reinforcing a heat-stressed barrier.
- Function: Draws and holds moisture for lasting, lightweight hydration.
- Pairing: Works alongside glacial water and Trehalose for deep, multi-layer moisture.
๐งช Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Soothing Proven
A well-studied humectant and skin-conditioning agent that hydrates, calms and supports the skin's natural repair process โ a core reason these pads are recommended after dermatological procedures.
- Benefit: Improves hydration, soothes irritation and supports barrier recovery.
- Best for: Red, compromised or post-treatment skin.
๐ผ Chamomile, Feverfew & Guaiazulene Botanicals Promising
A trio of calming plant actives. Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita) and Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Parthenium) are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while Guaiazulene โ the deep-blue azulene from chamomile โ is prized for visibly reducing redness.
- Chamomile: Traditional soothing botanical, helps comfort redness and dryness.
- Guaiazulene: Azulene compound known for anti-redness, anti-irritant action.
๐งฌ Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) Peptide Promising
A popular "Botox-like" peptide that helps relax micro muscle movements linked to expression lines, and may support collagen and barrier strength. It gives the pad a subtle anti-aging angle on top of its cooling and soothing job.
- Action: May soften the look of fine lines with continued use.
- Note: Research on long-term efficacy is still developing.
27 ingredients
Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Betaine, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Guaiazulene, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aspartic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use right after cleansing as your first "toner" step to cool, soothe and hydrate before the rest of your routine. Great morning or night, and a perfect post-sun, post-workout or pre-makeup reset.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse First
Wash your face and pat lightly. Use the cooling pad as the very first skincare step on clean skin.
Wipe Outward
Gently sweep one pad across the whole face from the centre outward, avoiding the eye area.
Intensive Cool-Down (Optional)
For redness or heat, lay a pad on the area for 3โ10 minutes like a mini sheet mask, then remove.
Pat & Layer
Lightly tap the leftover essence into skin, then follow with serum, moisturizer and (AM) sunscreen.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- Your skin runs hot, flushed or red, especially in summer
- You want post-sun, post-workout or post-procedure relief
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You like a quick, hydrating prep step before makeup
- You prefer non-menthol, alcohol-free cooling
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You want exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA/PHA) in your pad
- You need a rich, occlusive moisture step (this is a light prep)
- You're highly reactive to any fragrance/azulene
- You want a strong, icy menthol "shock" cooling
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, watery essence cools and hydrates without greasiness โ ideal in heat and humidity.
Hydrating and soothing, but layer a richer moisturizer on top as it's a light prep step.
Balances and refreshes across the whole face while calming warm, reactive zones.
Non-menthol, alcohol-free and dermocosmetic-grade โ but patch test due to azulene scent.
Low comedogenicity and soothing, but not fungal-acne safe โ skip if malassezia is your trigger.
A clinic favourite for calming heat and redness after laser, peeling or microneedling.
๐ Results Timeline
Cool, Calm Relief
Skin temperature drops on contact (โ5.7ยฐC in brand testing). Redness, heat and that tight, flushed feeling ease right away.
90% noticed coolingHydrated & De-Puffed
Skin looks plumper and more comfortable; morning puffiness and post-sun warmth visibly settle.
82% felt hydratedSmoother, Less Reactive
With daily use skin feels calmer and more balanced, with the look of heat-enlarged pores refined (โ42.5% in testing).
71% saw refined poresHealthier-Looking Barrier
Consistent soothing and hydration support a more resilient, even-toned complexion, especially through hot, humid months.
68% repurchase intentโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Genuinely cooling and soothing without menthol sting
- Excellent for post-sun, post-procedure and summer redness
- Hydrating glacial-water essence with triple HA + B5
- Generous, essence-soaked pads (70 per tub)
- Clean formula: alcohol-, paraben- and silicone-free
- Doubles as a quick 5-minute cooling mask
โ Criticized
- Not fungal-acne safe (Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate)
- Contains Guaiazulene/azulene with a light scent
- Cooling effect can be short-lived
- Pricier than minimalist competitor pads
- Light hydration โ dry skin needs a richer follow-up
- Should be kept away from the eye area
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Dual-sided cooling gauze pads with 10 HA types, zinc and cica. Cools up to 5.4ยฐC and adds sebum control, though it lacks the soothing botanicals/peptide of Cell Fusion C.
Centella-rich calming pads with PHA for gentle exfoliation. A simpler, soothing minimalist formula โ calming but with a milder cooling feel than MDP-based pads.
Oversized snowflake pads with Dual-Cool Sync and erythritol cooling (โ3.76ยฐC). Strong de-puffing focus, but it contains fragrance and silicones unlike this pick.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Cell Fusion C Post Alpha Cooling Pad
$33.00ISNTREE HA Zinc Cooling Pad
$26.50TIRTIR Ice-Cooling Toner Pads
$28.00SKIN1004 Centella Quick Calming Pad
$22.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the lid closed to prevent the pads drying out. Refrigerate for extra cooling.
Resealable tub with inner lid holding 70 essence-soaked pads
Tub is over 100ml total, but you can decant a few pads into a small case for travel
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It's generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding: it contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. Its main actives are hydrating and soothing (hyaluronic acid, panthenol, botanicals) plus a topical peptide. As always, pregnancy needs are individual โ confirm with your doctor or OB-GYN before adding any product.
No. The formula contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, a fatty-acid ester that can feed malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne, this isn't the best choice โ consider a fungal-acne-safe soothing pad instead.
Yes. Used as your first hydrating, soothing step after cleansing, it actually helps buffer the skin before stronger actives. Apply the cooling pad first, let it absorb, then layer your retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating treatment. It's a popular way to calm skin on "active" nights.
It suits virtually all skin types and shines for oily, combination, sensitive and post-treatment skin, plus anyone whose skin runs hot or flushed. Dry skin can use it too but should follow with a richer moisturizer. The main exception is fungal-acne-prone skin.
The cooling and calming effect is immediate โ skin temperature drops on contact. Hydration and de-puffing are visible after the first use, while smoother texture and the look of refined pores build over 1โ2 weeks of regular use.
Right after cleansing, as your first toner/prep step โ morning or night. Wipe the pad over the face, pat in the essence, then continue with serum, moisturizer and (in the AM) sunscreen. It's also ideal as a quick reset after sun, exercise or before makeup.
It has a low comedogenic rating (around 1/5). The lightweight, water-based formula is non-greasy and unlikely to clog pores for most people โ it's even shown to reduce the look of heat-enlarged pores. The main caveat is fungal-acne safety, not comedogenicity.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Because the pads are soaked in essence, keep the inner lid and outer cap firmly closed so they don't dry out, and store somewhere cool and dry.
Verdict: The Cell Fusion C Post Alpha Cooling Pad is a standout among Korean cooling pads โ a dermocosmetic, clinic-trusted formula that delivers genuine, menthol-free cooling (โ5.7ยฐC) alongside meaningful hydration from glacial water, triple hyaluronic acid and panthenol. It's a near-essential for hot weather, post-sun and post-procedure skin, doubles as a 5-minute soothing mask, and keeps the formula clean (alcohol-, paraben- and silicone-free). The two things to know before buying: it's not fungal-acne safe, and it contains a lightly scented azulene, so very reactive skin should patch test. For everyone else chasing calm, cool, hydrated skin, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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 ยซpromisesยป 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
Redness
Irritation
|