Dr.Althea Rapid Mild Acid Rescue Pore Pad

Values you can verify: 100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) • FA-Safe* (based on the ingredients we could identify — see caveat below) • Vegan-Friendly* (self-assessed) • Fragrance status not confirmed (see Section 24).

*Pad count sourced from two independent retailer listings (Amazon, StyleKorean); Adilsons' own packaging was not independently re-measured this session.

If your pores look larger by afternoon in Port Louis heat, that is usually oxidized sebum and dead skin sitting in the follicle opening, not a permanent change in pore size — this product's job is to keep that debris from accumulating, not to physically shrink the pore itself.

Pros: pre-dosed (no guessing liquid amounts), dual-texture pad does mechanical + chemical work in one swipe, mild enough for stated daily use, doubles as a pore/prep step before serums. Caveats: we could not verify the full ordered ingredient list this session (see Section 23), individual concentrations of the AHA/PHA/Niacinamide/Zinc PCA are brand-undisclosed, and it still contains a leave-on acid — it is not a "use with anything" product.

Classification: YELLOW (14+ with guidance). Although the brand markets this as "mild," it is still a genuine triple-acid product (Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone) targeting sebum and surface turnover — processes that pre-teen skin is not yet producing at adult levels, since sebaceous glands become fully active around puberty. It is not RED/prohibited, but it is not a basic hydrator either.

Safe alternative for younger or first-time users: a plain, fragrance-conscious hydrating toner/mist rather than an acid pad — verified in-catalog, Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist 60ml is acid-free and appropriate for skin not yet ready for exfoliating actives.

Compatibility checklist: Bedside-compatible (no sink needed) — yes, if a cleanser was already done. Requires rinsing — no. Requires precise dosage — no, one pad is one dose. Applicable with unwashed hands — yes, since the pad itself is the applicator. Requires wait time — yes, a short 1-3 minutes. Can it be a single-product routine — no, it should not replace a barrier moisturizer afterward.

Minimum viable routine position: On a genuinely low-energy night, this pad can stand in for a full cleanse-toner-serum sequence (wipe, then moisturizer) without skipping the exfoliation step entirely — but skip it rather than skip the moisturizer that follows.

Step 1 — When: PM, 3-4 nights per week to start (see Weekly Planner). Step 2 — How much: One pad per use; re-wet is not needed, the pad is fully saturated. Step 3 — How: Swipe the textured side over the T-zone and any congested areas first, avoiding the eye area, then flip and pat the smooth side over the rest of the face to press in remaining essence.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. Gentle cleanse (if needed) → 2. Hydrating toner/essence (optional) → 3. Niacinamide or hydration serum (optional) → 4. Moisturizer → 5. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable).

AM restriction: This product is best kept to PM use. Salicylic Acid and AHA exfoliation increase photosensitivity by thinning the very surface layer that normally buffers UV — using it AM without strict, reapplied SPF raises sunburn and post-inflammatory pigmentation risk in Mauritius' UV index.

SPF mandate: If you do use this pad in the morning on an occasional pore-prep basis, a broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ is mandatory afterward, non-negotiable, and reapplied every 2 hours outdoors.

1. Double cleanse (oil cleanser if wearing SPF/makeup, then a gentle water-based cleanser) → 2. Pat skin dry → 3. Dr.Althea Rapid Mild Acid Rescue Pore Pad — swipe textured side, then pat smooth side → 4. Wait 1-3 minutes → 5. Niacinamide/barrier serum if used (skip on nights you also use a stronger active elsewhere) → 6. Moisturizer/barrier cream → 7. Occlusive seal only if very dry or AC-heavy night.

Skin cycling integration: In a 4-night cycle, this pad occupies the Exfoliation night (Night 1); Night 2 is reserved for a retinoid if you use one, Nights 3-4 are Recovery (barrier/hydration only, no actives).

Technique: Sweep, don't scrub — the textured side is a mechanical debris-lift, not a scouring pad; excess friction increases irritation without adding exfoliation. Required skin state: Freshly cleansed, patted dry (not soaking wet, which dilutes the essence on contact). Wait time: 1-3 minutes before the next step, so the pH-dependent acids stay at the skin surface long enough to work rather than being immediately buffered by the next product.

Hands deliver 100% of product. Cotton pads absorb approximately 30-40%. This product is designed as a pad-delivery format specifically, so the lower per-swipe delivery is expected and already accounted for in the "mild, daily" positioning — it is not a reason to press harder or re-swipe.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global rules: viscosity ladder thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serum layers 30-60s, 10-15 min before sunscreen if going outdoors. Amount defaults: toner/essence 5-8 drops, serum 2-3 drops/1 pump, eye product ½ rice-grain per eye, gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas, occlusive rice-grain to pea-size, sunscreen 2 fingers for face. Hard cap rule: if the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, not increase.

AM Maximum Stack: 1. Rinse/Gentle Cleanse (optional) → 2. pH-Prep Toner (optional) → 3. Hydrating Toner Layers (optional, 1-3) → 4. Essence (optional) → 5. Mist (optional) → 6. Booster/Soothing Serum (optional) → 7. Antioxidant Lane (choose one) → 8. Pigment Support Lane (choose one) → 9. Hydration Serum Lane (optional) → 10. Oil-Control/Sebum Lane (optional) → 11. Peptides/Growth-Factor Lane (optional) → 12. Eye Serum/Cream (optional) → 13. Moisturizer → 14. Optional Sealing Layer (dry/AC only) → 15. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable) → 16. Lip SPF (optional). In AM, prioritize comfort + SPF adherence over stacking. In high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM Maximum Stack: 1. Micellar (optional pre-cleanse) → 2. Oil Cleanser/Balm (if SPF/makeup) → 3. Water Cleanser → 4. pH-Prep Toner (optional) → 5. Hydrating Toner Layers (optional) → 6. Essence (optional) → 7. Soothing/Barrier Serum (optional) → 8. [Anchor: this pad] → 9. Targeted Serum (optional, only if non-conflicting) → 10. Moisturizer → 11. Sleeping Mask (optional) → 12. Occlusive Seal (optional) → 13. Spot Treatment/Patch (as needed) → 14. Lip Sleeping Mask (optional). Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

Lane strictness: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier/hydration — and reduce layers.

Rung: Water-thin, pre-dosed liquid essence on a pad — applies immediately after cleansing, before any serum. Layering rule: thinnest to thickest, water-phase to oil-phase — this pad goes first among leave-on steps. Phase compatibility: water-phase; layers cleanly under serums and creams with no oil-phase interaction to manage.

Rest days: at least 2-3 non-consecutive rest nights weekly even though it is marketed as daily-use-mild — this protects against cumulative barrier stress from stacking three acid types even at low, mild doses. Overuse warning: exceeding 1x daily does NOT produce faster pore refinement — it produces barrier damage, since the AHA/BHA/PHA combination is cumulative regardless of how "mild" any single acid is individually.

Purging vs. reaction: PURGING shows up in your usual breakout zones, stays surface-level, and resolves within 4-6 weeks as turnover accelerates. REACTION appears in new areas, involves burning, swelling, or hives, and worsens rather than improves — stop immediately if you see this.

Before starting this product, your routine MUST already include: a gentle daily cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and consistent SPF if used in daylight hours at all. Without these foundations, an acid exfoliant causes more harm than benefit.

Barrier index gate: If your skin stings on moisturizer, feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, or shows visible flaking, your barrier is below threshold. Start with Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream alone for 1-2 weeks first.

Enlarged-looking pores: Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble and penetrates into the follicle to dissolve the sebum-debris plug that stretches the pore opening visually. Surface texture: Lactic Acid (AHA) loosens the bonds between dead surface corneocytes so they shed more evenly instead of clumping into rough patches. Mild sebum control: Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are commonly used at low doses to help regulate visible shine between uses.

What this product cannot do: it cannot physically shrink pore diameter (pore size is largely genetic/structural), it cannot replace a dedicated retinoid for deeper resurfacing, and it cannot "clear" pores permanently — sebum production resumes daily, so this is maintenance, not a one-time fix.

Barrier moisturizer — Primary: Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream 50ml (five-ceramide complex, replenishes lipids the acid pad strips). Alternatives: Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream 50ml, Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream 15ml, Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream 15ml. Use PM, immediately after the pad's 1-3 minute wait time.

Daytime SPF (mandatory if used in AM at all) — Primary: Dr.Althea Aqua Glowing Sunscreen 45ml. Alternatives: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50ml, Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture SunCream. Photosensitizing acids and unprotected AM use are a direct route to sunburn and rebound pigmentation.

Gentle daily cleanser — Primary: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam. Alternatives: Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser. A low-pH cleanser keeps the skin surface primed for the pad's acids to work as intended.

Pilling pairs: layering this pad's watery essence directly under a very thick, silicone-forward cream can pill. Mitigate by waiting the full 1-3 minutes, patting (not rubbing) the moisturizer, and applying it in thin layers.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

One Active Lane per routine: in a single AM or PM routine, run only one primary active lane (Retinoid OR Acid Exfoliation OR L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C OR Benzoyl Peroxide OR strong acne lane). If you break this rule, don't push through — reduce frequency, split AM/PM, or alternate nights. Barrier override: if moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause all actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days.

× Retinoids — Never use this pad the same night as a retinol/retinal/tretinoin/adapalene product. Instead: skin cycling (Night 1 this pad → Night 2 retinoid → Nights 3-4 Recovery), or AM antioxidant/PM retinoid split with this pad on a separate night entirely.

× Other AHA/BHA/PHA products (e.g. Dr.Althea 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad, a glycolic-acid exfoliator, or another acid toner) — Do not stack two separate acid-exfoliating products in the same routine; this is genuine over-exfoliation risk even though each product alone is "mild." Instead: pick one acid product per night, alternate which one you use across the week.

× L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C) — Avoid layering; combined low pH from both products increases stinging risk. Instead: Vitamin C in AM, this pad in PM.

× Physical scrubs or exfoliating tools — Don't combine same day; the mechanical textured side of this pad is already doing surface work. Instead: choose this pad OR a physical scrub, never both on the same day.

Scheduling templates: Template A (AM/PM split) — AM: Antioxidant lane → Moisturizer → SPF; PM: this pad OR retinoid lane → Moisturizer. Template B (4-Night Skin Cycling) — Night 1: this pad; Night 2: retinoid; Nights 3-4: Recovery. Template C (Alternate-Night) — Mon/Wed/Fri: this pad; Tue/Sat: retinoid if used; Thu/Sun: Recovery.

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night. One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier/hydration.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath. Using this pad more often in the luteal phase does not counteract that swelling — it just adds barrier stress on top of an already more reactive week. Keep the same 3-4x weekly cadence and let the barrier moisturizer step do more of the work during this phase.

Permeability: Water-Permeable (wudu-compatible). As a thin, fast-absorbing water-based essence with no reported film-forming or occlusive ingredients identified, it should not create a barrier against water reaching the skin during ablution.

Adilsons provides this assessment based on the product's physical properties. Rulings on wudu validity vary between scholars. Consult your own trusted Islamic authority.

MYTH: "Pore pads permanently shrink pores." REALITY: Pore size is largely determined by genetics, sebaceous gland size, and skin elasticity. This product manages what's inside the pore (oil, dead skin) so it looks tighter and less noticeable — it does not alter the follicle's structural diameter.

MYTH: "If a little acid works, more is better." REALITY: Increasing frequency beyond the recommended 3-4x weekly does not accelerate pore refinement — it strips the barrier faster than it can repair, producing compensatory oil and irritation.

MYTH: "Mild means you can use it with anything." REALITY: "Mild" describes the concentration of each individual acid, not the combined effect of three acid types layered with other actives — see the Conflict Solver above.

Sugar cane burning season (July-November): PM2.5 increases during harvest burns. Since this pad's essence is not tacky or occlusive, it does not trap extra particulate — no schedule change needed for this factor specifically.

Hard water note: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; hard water can leave a calcium-stearate film after cleansing that reads as tightness. Using this pad after cleansing helps counteract that residue by resurfacing the film along with dead skin, but it is not a substitute for a proper pH-balancing toner if hard-water tightness is a recurring issue for you.

*Proprietary-named complex; no independent primary-source data was found for "ExoClear Green Apple" this session, so its evidence tier is Proprietary/Marketing-Only until a primary source is located.

Full INCI list: Full ingredient list not publicly disclosed by the brand at the time of writing, in a fully ordered form we could independently verify. WebFetch access to every retailer/ingredient-database source reached this session (skinsort.com, incidecoder.com, StyleKorean, Amazon) was blocked by the network egress proxy, so only fragments were confirmable via search snippets: Water (Aqua), Glycereth-26, and Propanediol are named among the formula's roughly 35 total ingredients, alongside the actives named above. We are not reconstructing the remaining ~29 ingredients or their order from memory. For the complete, authoritative list, check the physical jar's ingredient panel or the brand's own site.

Preservative system: Not confirmed — could not be identified without the full INCI list.

Fragrance status: Not confirmed either way. No Parfum/fragrance ingredient was named in any brand or retailer copy reached this session, and no explicit "fragrance-free" claim was found either — this is an honest gap, not a claim in either direction.

EU 26 allergen screen: None identified in the partial ingredient information available; this cannot be stated with full confidence without the complete INCI list.

Alcohol disclosure: No ethanol/denatured alcohol was named in any source. Propanediol and Menthoxypropanediol (the cooling agent) are glycol-type ingredients, not drying alcohols.

Aspirin/salicylate sensitivity: This product contains Salicylic Acid (BHA), which is chemically related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). If you have a known aspirin allergy or salicylate sensitivity, patch test cautiously or consult a doctor before use, since topical Salicylic Acid can, in rare cases, trigger a reaction in salicylate-sensitive individuals even applied to skin rather than ingested.

Prescription interaction: If you are currently using prescription tretinoin, adapalene, or isotretinoin, consult your dermatologist before combining with this product — see the Conflict Solver section above for the same-lane reasoning.

Halal: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars. Note: this assessment is based on the partial INCI available (see Section 23) — treat with proportionate caution given the incomplete list.

Vegan: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body. Dr.Althea's own marketing describes this product as "Korean Vegan Skin Care," which aligns with our self-assessment, though we did not find a formal third-party vegan certificate for this specific SKU.

Cruelty-free: *Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit. *Brand states cruelty-free, but sells products in Mainland China where post-market animal testing may be required by law. Cross-border e-commerce sales may be exempt.

Microplastic status: Not confirmed — cannot be stated without the full INCI list.

MFDS classification: Not confirmed as a Functional Cosmetic registration for this SKU; treated as General Cosmetic pending evidence otherwise. "Functional" in Korea's system means the product underwent additional government efficacy testing for a specific claim — we found no record of that for this exact product.

Clinical evidence: The brand/retailer claim of "rapid pore-clearing action... suitable for daily use without irritation" has no named clinical institution, sample size, or published methodology in any source reached this session.* *Evidence Confidence: Marketing-Only.

FA safety: Likely FA-Safe based on the ingredients we could identify (Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Menthoxypropanediol, Glycereth-26, Propanediol are all standard, non-fatty-acid-ester ingredients by general consensus). We are stating this as "likely" rather than a flat FA-Safe badge because the full ~35-item INCI could not be independently verified this session — the remaining unidentified ingredients could theoretically include an FA-conditional ester not yet flagged.

Assessment: Low. As a watery pad essence, it absorbs quickly and rarely interacts badly with subsequent layers.

Specifics: pilling risk rises only if paired immediately with a very thick, silicone-heavy primer or sunscreen without a wait. Mitigation: wait the full 1-3 minutes, apply the next product in a thin layer, and pat rather than rub it in.

Color baseline: Should remain a clear-to-faint liquid; a notable yellow/brown shift or a sour smell change signals oxidation or spoilage — discard if seen. Storage: Keep the jar tightly closed between uses; Mauritius bathroom humidity accelerates both evaporation of the essence and bacterial growth in an open jar. Store away from direct sun and away from the shower stall's steam. Spoilage signs: dried-out pads, off odor, or visible discoloration. When in doubt, discard.

Patch test: Apply to the inner forearm, wait 24 hours, then test behind the ear for 24 hours, before first facial use.

72-hour barrier reset: If adverse reaction occurs, STOP ALL ACTIVES. For 72 hours, use ONLY a gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF. No acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. After 72 hours, reintroduce ONE product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately if any of these occur.

Important Safety Notice: This product contains a Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Gluconolactone combination. Although the Salicylic Acid concentration (0.5%) is below this store's standard pregnancy-caution threshold, many obstetricians still advise limiting leave-on salicylic acid exposure during pregnancy and nursing. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this product, and consider Dr.Althea 345 Relief Serum (acid-free, Niacinamide/Centella-based) as a pregnancy-friendlier alternative for barrier support in the meantime.

1. Using it daily "because it says mild" without building tolerance first. 2. Scrubbing hard with the textured side instead of sweeping. 3. Skipping SPF on mornings it's used. 4. Stacking it with another acid toner/exfoliant the same night. 5. Applying to broken or actively irritated skin.

Overuse threshold: more than 1x daily provides no additional benefit and meaningfully raises barrier-damage risk.

Usage math: 65 pads per jar, 1 pad per use. Lifespan: at the recommended 3-4x weekly, a jar lasts roughly 4-5 months; used daily, closer to 2 months.

Using it at the correct, lower frequency extends the jar's life without sacrificing results, since more frequent use does not speed up pore refinement. Reorder timing: plan to reorder about 2 weeks before you expect to run out, to allow for shipping time.

This pad works best as the acid-exfoliation step in an otherwise barrier-supportive routine — not as a standalone "fix" for congested pores.

PM routine: 1. Double cleanse → 2. Pat dry → 3. Rapid Mild Acid Rescue Pore Pad (textured side, then smooth side) → 4. Wait 1-3 minutes → 5. Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream.

If your skin is barrier-compromised right now (stinging on moisturizer, visible flaking): pause this pad entirely, run Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream alone for 1-2 weeks, then reintroduce at 1x weekly.

If you are in AC all day: follow this pad with a moisturizer that includes a light occlusive layer, since AC air pulls moisture from skin faster than usual after an acid step.

If you are already using a prescription topical (tretinoin, adapalene, or similar): do not add this pad without your dermatologist's input — the combination is a same-lane conflict (see Conflict Solver).

Bundle 1 — Pore-refine routine: This pad + SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam (cleanser) + Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream (moisturizer). Cleanse, pad, wait, moisturize — this is included because it keeps every step in the same low-irritation, barrier-first lane.

Bundle 2 — Daytime-safe pairing: This pad (PM only) + Dr.Althea Aqua Glowing Sunscreen (AM). Included because any acid-exfoliation habit needs a daily SPF partner to avoid rebound pigmentation.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with Dr.Althea Rapid Mild Acid Rescue Pore Pad, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If you want a comparable dual-textured, pre-soaked pad at a different strength profile, three real in-catalog alternatives: Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 (brand-stated 4.5% Lactic Acid + 0.45% Salicylic Acid — a stronger AHA push, milder BHA), Medicube Zero Pore Pad Mild (PHA-only, no BHA — gentler still), and SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle TrueCica Clear Pad (a direct triple-acid competitor with a Centella-forward soothing angle). The trade-off across all three: different exact acid ratios and different soothing-ingredient stories, but the same general "pre-dosed daily acid pad" role.

Choose Rapid Mild Acid Rescue Pore Pad over Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 if you need: a gentler entry point into acid pads — this pad's 0.5% Salicylic Acid is lower than Zero Pore Pad 2.0's brand-stated 0.45-4.5% combined AHA/BHA push, so it is the more forgiving option for first-time acid-pad users or reactive skin.

Upgrade triggers (IF/THEN): IF this pad has been well-tolerated 3-4x weekly for 6+ weeks with no results plateau, THEN Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0's higher combined-acid dose is a reasonable step up. IF you are barrier-compromised right now, THEN do not upgrade yet — repair barrier first, regardless of how long you've used either pad. IF you are fungal-acne-prone and reactive to stronger BHA, THEN stay on this milder pad or move toward the PHA-only Zero Pore Pad Mild instead of stepping up.

Timing & lane compatibility: Both products occupy the same Exfoliation lane — never run both in the same week without alternating; both are PM-preferred for the same photosensitivity reason.

Don't Upgrade if: your barrier is currently below threshold; you can't commit to daily SPF; you're already running a retinoid or another acid product in the same week; you're new to acid pads altogether (start here, not with the stronger version).

If you match 2 or more upgrade triggers above, the stronger alternative is worth choosing. If not, this milder pad is sufficient and safer. Consistency beats complexity.

This pad sits at the gentle end of Dr.Althea's own toner-pad strength ladder. The brand's own stronger sibling is the Dr.Althea 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad — however, that product is currently out of stock at Adilsons, so a verified in-stock stronger step-up today is the cross-brand Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 instead. Graduate only after 6+ weeks of good tolerance on this milder pad, not on a fixed calendar date.

This product's PRIMARY function is: pre-dosed daily-use triple-acid pore/texture maintenance. You do NOT need this if you already own a leave-on liquid AHA/BHA/PHA toner or exfoliating pad you're actively using — finish that product first rather than running two acid-exfoliation products in parallel.

Inventory audit: check whether you already have an open acid toner, exfoliating pad, or leave-on exfoliant with an unknown PAO — buying a new acid product while an old one sits unused and expiring is wasted spend and unnecessary shelf clutter.

Stacking assessment: No Benefit if you already run any other leave-on AHA/BHA/PHA product (same mechanism, same lane). Marginal Benefit if you only currently use a rinse-off salicylic acid cleanser (different contact time, some overlap). Significant Benefit if your current routine has zero exfoliation step and relies only on cleansing and moisturizing.

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Quick verification tips: genuine Dr.Althea units carry an EAN-13 barcode beginning with 880 (the Korea GS1 prefix); look for a rectangle-shaped HiddenTag authentication label, scannable with the free HiddenTag app, on the outer packaging; cross-reference the batch code at CheckFresh for a manufacture-date match. These markers are brand-wide observations, not independently re-verified against this specific SKU's packaging this session.

Brand: Dr.Althea. Founded: 2014. Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea. Parent Company: No evidence of a parent company found — appears independently held, founder-led by Evelyn Lee (medium-confidence, WebSearch-summary sourced). Manufacturing: Not confirmed in-house vs. contract.

Dr.Althea positions itself as a Korean derma-cosmetic brand focused on gentle, effective formulas for sensitive and reactive skin, with a stated emphasis on vegan formulation. This pad reflects that positioning directly — a "mild," dual-texture format built to make triple-acid exfoliation approachable for daily-adjacent use rather than reserved for advanced routines only. The brand also runs a higher-strength 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad alongside this milder version, consistent with its broader pattern of offering the same product category at different strength tiers.

Individually quotable reviews (Reddit, Amazon, YesStyle) for this exact product were not yet available in our research at the time of writing — no findable, attributable review text turned up across the platforms we searched. One retailer aggregate was findable and is disclosed here transparently rather than omitted: StyleKorean's listing for this product shows a 4.9/5 average from 14 ratings (86% 5-star, 14% 4-star). We are not paraphrasing individual quotes from this aggregate since none were retrievable — only the summary figure, with its source named, is shared.

Sustainability: Check the jar material's local recycling code before disposal; not confirmed as refillable.

Can I use this every day? The brand markets it as suitable for daily use, but we recommend starting at 3-4x weekly and building tolerance, since three acid types layered together still add up even at "mild" doses each.

Is this safe for sensitive skin? It is positioned as the brand's gentler pad option, but "sensitive" covers a wide range — patch test first, and pause if you see persistent stinging.

Can I use this with a retinol? Not on the same night. See the Conflict Solver section for skin-cycling and alternate-night alternatives.

Does this replace a toner? It can function as your evening acid step, but it is not a hydrating toner — most users still want a moisturizer immediately after, since this pad's essence is thin and fast-absorbing rather than a heavy hydration layer.

How is this different from the brand's 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad? This pad is the milder version — 0.5% stated Salicylic Acid plus Niacinamide and Zinc PCA support, versus the Clear Pad's higher 2% Salicylic Acid concentration. See the Upgrade Justification section above.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

An oil-soluble acid (Salicylic Acid here) that can get inside oily pores to dissolve debris.

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)

A water-soluble acid (Lactic Acid here) that works on the skin's surface to loosen dead cells.

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid)

A gentler, larger-molecule acid (Gluconolactone here) that exfoliates with less irritation potential than AHAs/BHAs.

Niacinamide

A form of Vitamin B3 used for barrier support and mild oil regulation.

Zinc PCA

A zinc salt used to help balance visible oiliness.

Barrier (skin barrier)

The outermost layer of skin that holds in moisture and keeps out irritants; acids can temporarily weaken it if overused.

Purging

A temporary increase in breakouts in your usual problem areas as skin cell turnover speeds up, distinct from an allergic reaction.

PAO (Period After Opening)

The number of months a product stays safe/effective after first use, shown as an open-jar icon with a number on the packaging.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: oily-to-combination skin in Mauritius' humid climate wanting a low-fuss, pre-dosed daily-adjacent acid step for pore-debris maintenance and texture, especially first-time acid-pad users who want a gentler entry point than a 2% Salicylic Acid product.

Key benefits: pre-dosed pad format removes guesswork, dual-texture design does mechanical and chemical work in one swipe, triple-acid (AHA/BHA/PHA) plus Niacinamide/Zinc PCA formula targets pores and mild sebum without a heavy routine addition.

Keep in mind: we could not verify the full ordered INCI list this session — check the jar's own label for complete ingredient transparency; individual acid/Niacinamide/Zinc PCA concentrations beyond the stated 0.5% Salicylic Acid are brand-undisclosed; and it still requires the same one-active-lane discipline as any other acid exfoliant.