Shop COSRX OneStep Original Tone Clarifying Moisture Pad (100 Pads)
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COSRX

OneStep Original Tone Clarifying Moisture Pad (100 Pads)

~$16
AcneDark spotsFine lines & firmnessRadiance

Evidence behind the ingredients

Real citations from our research database — one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.

NiacinamideStrong evidence11 citations

A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.

Moro F et al., Skin Cancer Prevention and Antiaging: Role of Nicotinamide, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42278444View source ↗

Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026

2026Positive — efficacyPMID:41240206View source ↗

Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:39171587View source ↗
Vitamin CStrong evidence14 citations

Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.

Pullar JM et al., The roles of vitamin C in skin health, Nutrients 2017;9(8):866 — concluded topical efficacy "poorly understood"; supports dietary vitamin C

2017Mechanism onlyPMID:28805671View source ↗

Lee JH et al., Effects of VitabridC12 on Skin Inflammation, Annals of Dermatology 2017

2017Mechanism onlyPMID:28966510View source ↗

MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Ascorbic Acid and derivatives (whitening). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — L-ascorbic acid and stabilized derivatives (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) are approved whitening actives in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex; authorized concentrations documented in Jeon JS et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2016;38(3):286-93 (PMID:26564311)

2016Regulatory approvalMFDS:AscorbicAcid-WhiteningView source ↗
Hyaluronic AcidStrong evidence7 citations

A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.

Bravo B et al., Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence, Dermatology and Therapy 2022;12(12):2657-2680 — HA-based cosmeceuticals reliably improve hydration and signs of skin aging

2022Meta-analysis — positivePMID:36200921View source ↗

Lee SG et al., Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Improve Rosacea-Like Phenotype through Anti-Inflammatory and Epidermal Barrier-Improving Effects, Annals of Dermatology 2020

2020Mechanism onlyPMID:33911737View source ↗

An JH et al., Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin, Annals of Dermatology 2019;31(3):263-271 — cross-linked HA microneedle patches improved wrinkles on Korean skin with minimal discomfort

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:33911590View source ↗
+3 more ingredients
SqualaneModerate evidence7 citations

A lightweight oil that mimics what your skin already makes. Softens and seals in hydration without feeling greasy.

Wolosik K et al., Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast, Molecules 2025;30(9):1964 — low-dose squalane (0.005-0.015%) restored collagen biosynthesis and wound healing in UVA-exposed human dermal fibroblasts

2025Mechanism onlyPMID:40363772View source ↗

Morgan AB et al., Explicating the multifunctional roles of tocotrienol and squalene in promoting skin health, Skin Health and Disease 2024;4(5):e448 — squalene/squalane promotes skin health via antioxidant, hydrating, emollient, anti-inflammatory mechanisms

2024Mechanism onlyPMID:39355739View source ↗

Prakoeswa CRS et al. (Indonesia), The Role of Moisturizer Containing Anti-inflammatory on Skin Hydration in Mild-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis Patients, Dermatology Research and Practice 2024;2024:3586393 — multi-ingredient anti-inflammatory moisturizer (shea butter + bacterial lysate + allantoin + bisabolol + botanicals + squalane as one emollient among many) improved skin hydration over 14 days vs standard in AD patients. NOTE: result cannot be attributed to squalane alone

2024Positive — efficacyPMID:39741562View source ↗
PanthenolModerate evidence5 citations

Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.

Gao Y et al., Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70223 — double-blind RCT (n=60): panthenol mask decreased erythema, enhanced hydration, repaired barrier vs saline

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40613435View source ↗

Cho YS et al., Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(14):3943 — Korean-authored review; dexpanthenol improves barrier and reduces severity in mild-to-moderate AD

2022Meta-analysis — positivePMID:35887707View source ↗

Heise R et al., Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 2019;38(3):274-278 — RCT: dexpanthenol significantly faster wound closure vs petroleum jelly post-laser

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:30897983View source ↗
AdenosineModerate evidence7 citations

A Korean-approved anti-wrinkle ingredient that encourages collagen production for a smoother, firmer look.

Nguyen NH et al., Translational Evaluation of a Disodium Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP2Na)-Based Topical Formulation for Physiology-Aligned Skin Rejuvenation, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42278371View source ↗

MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Adenosine (anti-wrinkle). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List

2020Regulatory approvalMFDS:Adenosine-AntiWrinkleView source ↗

Jang M et al., Dissolving microneedle with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density and elasticity, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2020;42(3):302-309 — Korean comparison: HMW HA + adenosine outperformed LMW HA across wrinkle and elasticity parameters

2020Positive — efficacyPMID:32421218View source ↗

Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.

Layering conflicts

Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.

  • Benzoyl peroxide breaks down vitamin C, making both less effective. Use one in the morning and the other at night.

  • Vitamin C and retinol work best at different pH levels. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.

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Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.