No. 1 Centella Re-Leaf Green Toner Pads
K-Beauty Cica Cult Favorite
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +89% plant extract concentration with centella, licorice, and heartleaf as the top three ingredients
- +Innovative dual-sided pad — cica-leaf exfoliation on one side, smooth bamboo soothing on the other
- +Clinical data showing measurable reductions in oil, blackheads, and whiteheads in 4 weeks
- +Immediate calming and soothing effect visible after the first use
- +Versatile format works as toner, light exfoliant, or 5-10 minute calming mask
- +Biodegradable pad material with included hygienic tongs
- +Strong value at roughly $0.26 per pad for a multi-functional product
- −Contains essential oils (tea tree, rosemary, grapefruit, geranium) that may irritate very sensitive skin
- −Pads are extremely saturated — can drip when first removed from the jar
- −Herbal-green scent from essential oils may not appeal to everyone
- −Not moisturizing enough for dry skin types — primarily targets oily/combination skin
- −Limited retail distribution outside K-beauty specialty channels
The full review.
Numbuzin won the 2022 Olive Young Awards because of these toner pads, not its marketing. In a K-beauty market full of centella products, the Centella Re-Leaf Green Toner Pads stand out. They are not just cica-infused liquid. They use a dual-sided pad where one surface contains embedded cica leaf material, making toning a soothing, exfoliating ritual similar to a Korean dermatology clinic.
The formula uses an 89% plant extract base. Centella asiatica extract is first on the INCI list, replacing the water found in most skincare products. Licorice root extract is second, and houttuynia cordata (heartleaf) is third. This formulation choice is unusual. Most K-beauty toner pads use water as a base and add extracts at lower concentrations later in the list. Using three soothing botanicals as the foundation makes the essence a concentrated botanical treatment.
Centella asiatica anchors K-beauty’s soothing category for a reason. Its actives—madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid—have clinical evidence for anti-inflammatory activity, wound healing acceleration, and barrier repair. Licorice root provides anti-inflammatory effects via glabridin and glycyrrhizin, plus brightening properties that fade post-inflammatory marks. Heartleaf adds antibacterial and antioxidant activity, which helps acne-prone skin.
The dual-sided pad differentiates this product. The textured side uses actual cica leaf material rather than a patterned cotton pad. Swiping it across the face provides gentle physical exfoliation without being abrasive. The smooth bamboo side delivers a soothing, hydrating pass that seals in the botanical essence. Using both sides in sequence creates a two-step process: exfoliate, then calm. This takes thirty seconds and benefits the skin.
The pads are almost oversaturated. One pad drips when pulled from the jar. Some users like this; others want less essence per pad. The liquid is lightweight and watery, absorbing quickly without stickiness. After use, skin feels calmer, slightly dewy, and less red. The instant soothing effect works for daily irritation from heat, pollution, or mask-wearing.
Brand-sponsored clinical testing reports these numbers after four weeks of use: a 28.6% reduction in excess oil, a 28% reduction in blackheads, and a 26.9% reduction in whiteheads. While these are brand claims rather than independent studies, the gentle daily exfoliation, antibacterial botanicals, and oil-regulating heartleaf make these results plausible based on the formula.
The formula includes tea tree, rosemary, grapefruit peel, and geranium essential oils at the bottom of the INCI list. For most, these concentrations are too low to cause issues, and tea tree oil adds to the antibacterial profile. However, people with essential oil sensitivities or reactive skin should note this. The resulting scent is a mild, herbal-green aroma that fades in minutes.
At $18 for 70 pads, the cost is roughly $0.26 per pad. This is reasonable for a product that replaces a toner, light exfoliant, and calming treatment. One pad daily makes the jar last about two and a half months. The biodegradable pad material is an eco-conscious feature.
These toner pads have a cult following. They deliver multi-step skincare in a fast format. The 89% plant extract concentration is visible in the INCI list, where three botanicals lead before humectants or solvents. For oily, combination, and acne-prone skin needing daily calming without heaviness, this is a top K-beauty product from recent years.
Formula
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hyacinthus Orientalis (Hyacinth) Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Extract, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Arginine, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Betaine, Panthenol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
Centella asiatica, the formula's primary active, has extensive evidence supporting its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology documented that centella's four key triterpenoids — madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid — stimulate collagen synthesis, inhibit inflammatory cytokines, and accelerate wound closure. These mechanisms directly support the product's soothing and barrier-repair claims.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice root), the second ingredient, contains glabridin, which inhibits tyrosinase activity and has demonstrated skin-brightening effects in clinical studies. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that licorice root extract significantly reduced UV-induced pigmentation and inflammation, making it particularly relevant for post-acne marks.
Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf), widely used in traditional Korean medicine, has demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties in modern research. A study published in Phytomedicine showed that houttuynia cordata extract inhibited the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the primary bacterial driver of acne, supporting its inclusion in this blemish-targeting formula.
The dual-sided pad design leverages principles of gentle physical exfoliation to enhance ingredient penetration. Research has shown that mild physical exfoliation — particularly using textured pads rather than abrasive scrubs — can improve transdermal delivery of active compounds while causing minimal barrier disruption.
References
- Centella asiatica in cosmetology — Phytochemistry Reviews (2014)
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists generally recommend centella asiatica-based products for patients with inflammatory skin conditions, post-procedure irritation, and acne-related redness. The high concentration of botanical soothing agents in this formula aligns with dermatological approaches to calming reactive skin. Board-certified dermatologists note that the dual-sided pad format provides a convenient way to deliver gentle exfoliation and soothing treatment simultaneously — a practical solution for patients who struggle with multi-step routines. The essential oil content, while low, is typically flagged as a caution for patients with contact dermatitis or fragrance allergies.
Where it fits in your routine.
Cleanse your skin, then use the included tongs to take one pad from the jar. Swipe the textured cica-leaf side over your face with gentle, outward strokes to exfoliate and deposit the botanical essence. Flip to the smooth bamboo side and swipe again to soothe and hydrate. Apply serum and moisturizer next. For extra calming, leave the smooth side on irritated patches for 5-10 minutes as a mini mask. Use in the morning, evening, or both.
At $18 for 70 pads ($0.26 per use), these multi-functional K-beauty pads offer strong value. The 89% plant extract concentration uses centella, licorice, and heartleaf to deliver premium active content at an accessible price. This costs less per routine than buying a separate toner, exfoliant, and calming treatment. The jar lasts about 10 weeks with daily use, making this an economical way to add centella-based soothing to a daily regimen.
Oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types seeking a convenient, soothing toner that exfoliates gently and controls oil. K-beauty enthusiasts who like innovative product formats. People with daily skin irritation from environmental factors who want a quick calming step.
People with very sensitive skin or essential oil allergies must use caution because of the tea tree, rosemary, grapefruit, and geranium oils. These pads do not moisturize enough for dry skin without a heavier cream or oil on top.
Product details.
Natural essential oils (tea tree, rosemary, grapefruit) give it a mild herbal-green scent. The scent is noticeable but not overwhelming and fades within a few minutes of application.
A round jar with a twist-off lid holds 70 pads submerged in essence. It includes small tongs for hygienic removal. The biodegradable pads are an eco-conscious touch.
The pads have plenty of essence and feel refreshing when applied. The cica-leaf textured side exfoliates lightly, while the smooth side calms skin instantly. Many users see visible redness reduction within minutes. There is no stinging or tightness, only immediate comfort.
5-10 weeks with once-daily use (70 pads)
6 months
spring summer
The backstory.
These toner pads helped put Numbuzin on the international K-beauty map. After winning the 2022 Olive Young Awards, the Centella Re-Leaf pads became one of the most sought-after K-beauty products globally, frequently selling out on platforms like YesStyle and Olive Young Global. The product exemplifies Numbuzin's 'What's Your Number?' philosophy — the No. 1 line focuses specifically on soothing and calming irritated, acne-prone skin.
About Numbuzin
Emerging Brand (2–5 years)Korean beauty startup Benow founded Numbuzin in 2019. The brand gained prominence after winning 2022 Olive Young Awards for top skin and toner products. Numbuzin sells in 16+ countries. It uses well-studied ingredients, but its track record is short and independent clinical validation of its specific formulations is limited.
Common myths.
Toner pads are just liquid toner on a cotton pad.
These pads do two things liquid toner cannot: the textured side exfoliates gently and delivers the essence, while the pad format ensures even distribution and consistent contact time. The biodegradable pad material improves the delivery of the 89% plant extract formula.
Essential oils in products do not soothe irritated skin.
High concentrations of essential oils can irritate skin, but the tea tree, rosemary, and grapefruit oils in this formula sit at the bottom of the INCI list. This shows they have very low concentrations. At these levels, they provide gentle antimicrobial and aromatic properties without significant irritation risk for most skin types.
FAQ.
Are Numbuzin toner pads good for sensitive skin?
These pads use 89% soothing plant extracts, including centella asiatica and licorice root, to calm irritation. However, the formula contains low concentrations of essential oils (tea tree, rosemary, grapefruit, geranium) that may irritate very sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Patch test first if you have highly reactive skin.
Do Numbuzin toner pads help with blackheads?
Clinical testing shows a 28% reduction in blackheads and a 26.9% reduction in whiteheads after 4 weeks of use. The dual-sided pad's textured surface exfoliates physically to loosen debris, while centella and heartleaf extracts regulate oil production and soothe inflammation.
Can you use Numbuzin toner pads every day?
These pads work for daily use — morning, evening, or both. The exfoliation is gentle enough for daily use on most oily and combination skin types. If you feel tightness or irritation, use them every other day until your skin adjusts.
Are Numbuzin toner pads biodegradable?
Yes, the pads use biodegradable materials. One side has embedded cica leaf material to soothe and exfoliate. The other side uses smooth bamboo-based material to deliver hydration. Both designs prioritize environmental consciousness.
Community
What the community says.
"Remarkably soothing — calms redness and irritation almost immediately"
"Dual-sided pad design is practical and effective"
"89% plant extract content feels genuinely hydrating"
"Reduces visible oil and blackheads with consistent use"
"Can double as a quick calming mask when left on for 10 minutes"
"Contains essential oils that may irritate very sensitive skin"
"Pads can feel too wet, dripping when removed from the container"
"Tea tree oil scent may be too herbal for some preferences"
"Not suitable for very dry skin types"
"Limited availability outside of K-beauty retailers"
