DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Multi Pad
K-Beauty Hydration Hero
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid provide layered hydration from surface to deeper epidermis
- +Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and vegan — exceptionally gentle for sensitive and reactive skin
- +Dual-textured pads offer both light exfoliation and essence pressing in one step
- +Centella derivatives and ceramide NP add meaningful barrier support beyond basic hydration
- +Pads are generously saturated with 160ml of essence for 80 pads
- +Doubles as a spot-masking treatment when left on dry patches for 5-10 minutes
- +Affordable K-beauty pricing at roughly 27 cents per pad
- −Pads are thin and can tear if separated too quickly from the stack
- −Hydration-only formula — no active treatment for acne, pigmentation, or aging concerns
- −Twice-daily users will deplete the jar in approximately three weeks
- −Jar packaging with twist lid can be fiddly to open with wet hands
- −Witch hazel extract may concern those with known sensitivity to the ingredient
The full review.
Most Western routines skip a specific Korean skincare staple: toner padding. This practice involves pressing a saturated cotton pad against the skin to let the essence sink in, rather than just swiping. While common in Korean beauty for years, the technique requires the right pad and formula. Torriden built the DIVE-IN Multi Pad for this exact purpose.
Torriden, a Korean brand founded in 2015, gained fame through its DIVE-IN serum—a simple hyaluronic acid product that became an Olive Young bestseller and a favorite among ingredient-conscious K-beauty users. The DIVE-IN Multi Pad applies that same hyaluronic acid philosophy to a ready-to-use toner pad, evolving the brand for users who value both efficacy and convenience.
The formula uses Torriden’s 5D Hyaluronic Acid Complex. One essence layers five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid: sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid at 500ppm, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate. Multi-weight HA is a long-standing K-beauty fixture, but this execution is solid. The sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer forms a moisture-retaining film on the surface, standard sodium hyaluronate works in the mid-layers, and the hydrolyzed forms are small enough to pass through the stratum corneum to hydrate the epidermis. The sodium acetylated hyaluronate binds to skin more readily than standard HA, so hydration lasts longer between uses.
Supporting ingredients are also notable. Madecassoside and madecassic acid—two of the four primary actives from centella asiatica—are used as isolated extracts rather than a whole-plant extract. This targets centella’s anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties directly. Ceramide NP and cholesterol support barrier repair, while panthenol adds soothing benefits. Allantoin provides gentle keratolytic action, which complements the light mechanical exfoliation from the pad’s physical motion.
The pad has two sides: an embossed side for gentle exfoliation and a smooth side for pressing essence into the skin. The pads are heavily saturated; 160ml of essence is divided among 80 pads. The essence acts like a serum: watery but with enough viscosity to coat the skin without residue or stickiness. It has zero detectable scent.
The experience is pleasant. The pad feels cool, and a single swipe and pat leaves the face feeling plumper and calmer. It provides quiet competence rather than a dramatic transformation, which fits a daily hydrating step. The dewy finish absorbs within one to two minutes, leaving skin ready for the next steps in a routine.
The product is well-behaved for sensitive or reactive skin. It contains no fragrance, no alcohol, and no essential oils. Witch hazel extract is present, but it sits low on the INCI list at a soothing concentration rather than an astringent one. If you have a known sensitivity to witch hazel, be aware.
The limitations are predictable. These pads hydrate; they do not treat brightening, anti-aging, or acne. You must layer active treatments on top. The pads are also delicate and can tear if pulled apart too quickly, a common user complaint. While 80 pads is a large amount, using them twice daily lasts about three weeks, increasing the cost-per-use.
At approximately $22 for 80 pads, the value is strong for K-beauty pads. You get a clean, multi-HA formula with supporting actives at a reasonable price. Torriden sells a solid formula in a convenient format rather than mystique.
This product does exactly what it promises. It hydrates, soothes, and fits into almost any routine. It is a high-quality vehicle for toner-padding and a gentle entry point for new users.
Formula
PM routine
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (500ppm), Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Trehalose, Betaine, Propanediol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Malachite Extract, Cholesterol, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PVM/MA Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
Torriden's DIVE-IN Multi Pad uses a multi-weight hyaluronic acid approach backed by dermatological research. A 2015 study in Skin Research and Technology used Raman spectroscopy to show that hyaluronic acid penetration depends on molecular weight. Low molecular weight HA (20-300 kDa) passes through the stratum corneum, while higher molecular weight forms stay on the surface to create a hydrating film. This justifies using both crosspolymer (surface) and hydrolyzed (penetrating) forms in one product.
A 2024 clinical evaluation in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology assessed multi-weight hyaluronic acid formulations. It found that combining high and low molecular weight HA with antioxidant complexes improves skin hydration, texture, and appearance more than single-weight formulations. The study confirmed HMW HA hydrates by forming a protective surface film, while LMW HA penetrates the epidermis to moisturize the stratum corneum from within.
The formula includes sodium acetylated hyaluronate. The acetyl group increases lipophilicity, so this HA form binds to the skin surface more easily and resists wash-off. This helps in a pad format where the essence is applied in a thin layer.
Madecassoside and madecassic acid from Centella asiatica are anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating compounds. A review in Phytomedicine confirmed these triterpene saponins promote wound healing and collagen synthesis, supporting skin structural integrity alongside hydration. Using isolated centella actives instead of whole-plant extract creates a more targeted formulation.
References
- Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy — Skin Research and Technology (2015)
- Clinical Evaluation of Next-generation, Multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid Plus Antioxidant Complex-based Topical Formulations with Targeted Delivery to Enhance Skin Rejuvenation — Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2024)
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists view multi-weight hyaluronic acid as a valid hydration strategy and toner pads as effective for delivering water-soluble actives. Board-certified dermatologists often recommend hyaluronic acid for dehydrated or compromised barriers. The addition of ceramide NP and centella derivatives in this formula follows evidence-based barrier repair principles. The fragrance-free, alcohol-free profile works for post-procedure use or retinoid adjustment periods. Dermatologists note that while hydration benefits are real, patients with severe barrier damage still need a dedicated ceramide-heavy moisturizer on top — these pads act as a hydration primer, not a standalone treatment.
Where it fits in your routine.
After cleansing, use the included tongs to take one pad. Swipe the embossed (textured) side upward across the face to exfoliate and tone. Flip to the smooth side and press it against the skin, holding each area for a few seconds to help essence absorption. For extra hydration, use the pad as a spot mask on dry or irritated areas for 5-10 minutes. Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Use once or twice daily.
At about $22 for 80 pads ($0.27 per use), the Torriden DIVE-IN Multi Pad is an affordable K-beauty option. The multi-weight HA complex, centella derivatives, ceramide NP, and panthenol provide high ingredient quality for the price. Prestige brand pad products often cost twice as much and use simpler formulations. Usage rate determines value: twice-daily users finish a jar in three weeks, raising monthly costs to about $30. Once-daily users get 5-6 weeks per jar. Torriden is an established K-beauty brand that uses formulation quality, not marketing hype, to justify its price.
This product works for anyone wanting a simple hydration step that combines toning, light exfoliation, and deep HA delivery. It suits sensitive skin types, K-beauty enthusiasts, and people who want a streamlined routine with multi-layer hydration.
These pads provide pure hydration and soothing; they do not treat acne, pigmentation, or anti-aging. Users with a known witch hazel sensitivity should use caution despite the low concentration. This is also not the best choice for those wanting an economical bulk toner for heavy twice-daily use.
Product details.
Thin, round cotton pads hold a watery-gel essence that feels cool and lightweight. The essence looks water-clear but has a slightly viscous, serum-like consistency.
No detectable scent — formulated without fragrance or essential oils.
A cylindrical plastic jar uses a twist-off lid and a built-in tong slot to retrieve pads hygienically. The container uses 50% recycled plastic, meeting Torriden's sustainability commitments.
The first pad from the jar feels wet and cool on contact. It provides an immediate plumping sensation and a light dewy finish. There is no stinging, tingling, or adjustment period — it works from day one even on sensitized skin.
Use once daily (80 pads) for 5-6 weeks, or twice daily for about 3 weeks
12 months
All Year
The backstory.
Torriden built its reputation in Korea on the strength of its DIVE-IN serum, which became a viral bestseller on Olive Young. The Multi Pad extends that same 5D hyaluronic acid philosophy into a pad format designed for the Korean skincare ritual of 'toner padding' — a technique where saturated pads are pressed onto the skin for enhanced absorption rather than simply swiped across it.
About Torriden
Established Brand (5–20 years)Torriden launched in 2015 in South Korea. It quickly became a top-ranked indie skincare brand on Hwahae and GlowPick. The brand is certified vegan and cruelty-free. Its formulations use proprietary 5D Layered Delivery Technology for hyaluronic acid.
Common myths.
Toner pads are just expensive cotton balls soaked in toner.
This pad uses a dual-textured design (embossed for gentle exfoliation, smooth for essence delivery) and 160ml of multi-weight HA essence per jar. It is a targeted hydration treatment, not a toner substitute. The pad improves ingredient delivery through sustained skin contact.
Hyaluronic acid draws moisture out of skin in dry climates.
The crosspolymer and acetylated forms in Torriden's 5D complex bind to the skin surface to retain moisture instead of relying on atmospheric humidity. Using a moisturizer on top also prevents trans-epidermal water loss.
FAQ.
Are Torriden DIVE-IN Multi Pads good for sensitive skin?
Yes — this formula lacks fragrance, alcohol, and essential oils. It uses soothing centella derivatives (madecassoside, madecassic acid) with allantoin and panthenol. The pH-balanced essence and soft pad texture work well for reactive and sensitive skin types.
What does 5D Hyaluronic Acid mean in Torriden products?
Torriden's 5D uses five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid in one formula: sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate. Each weight targets a specific skin layer, from surface film-forming to deep epidermal hydration.
Can you use Torriden DIVE-IN Multi Pads with retinol?
These pads prep skin with hydration before retinol application. The ceramide NP, cholesterol, and multi-weight HA reinforce the moisture barrier to buffer retinol irritation. Use the pad first, let it absorb, then apply your retinol product.
How long does a jar of Torriden DIVE-IN Multi Pads last?
One jar contains 80 pads, lasting about 5-6 weeks with daily use or roughly 3 weeks if used morning and evening. Each pad has 160ml of essence, so every application delivers a large amount of product.
Is Torriden DIVE-IN Multi Pad fungal acne safe?
This product contains ingredients like Portulaca Oleracea Extract and certain plant extracts that feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, check the full INCI list against a fungal acne-safe ingredient checker before use.
Are Torriden products vegan and cruelty-free?
Torriden is a certified vegan and cruelty-free brand. All products lack animal-derived ingredients, and no animal testing occurs during development. The brand uses 50% recycled plastic packaging and FSC-certified paper.
What the community says.
"Intensely hydrating without stickiness"
"Pads are generously soaked with essence"
"Gentle enough for sensitive and reactive skin"
"Convenient pad format for travel and quick routines"
"No fragrance or irritating ingredients"
"Pads can tear if pulled apart too aggressively"
"Effects feel subtle rather than dramatic"
"Packaging lid can be difficult to close securely"
"Wish it came in a larger count for daily use"
