Abib Green LHA Pore Pad: Gentle Exfoliation for Pore Clarity

Abib built its reputation on the mild acidic pad category in Korea, and this Green LHA version is their answer to clogged pores and uneven texture without the stinging that comes from traditional BHA formulas. LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid) is a second-generation beta hydroxy acid with a larger molecular structure than salicylic acid, which means slower, more controlled penetration and noticeably less irritation on sensitive skin. Each jar contains 60 pads soaked in a watery essence built around heartleaf, green tea, and centella.

These sit in the middle of Abib's pad lineup, positioned for normal-to-oily skin that wants pore refinement without the aggressiveness of a true acid peel pad. The green tint comes from real plant extracts rather than dye, and the pads use an embossed cotton weave that doubles as mechanical exfoliation when swept across skin. Price per pad works out to roughly $0.69, which is mid-tier for the Korean pad category.

What It Does

LHA works on the top layers of the stratum corneum to dissolve the glue between dead skin cells and loosen sebum trapped inside pores. Because LHA is oil-soluble but larger than BHA, it doesn't penetrate as deep, which makes it better tolerated by reactive skin. The heartleaf and centella extracts calm the mild stinging that can accompany any acid treatment, while green tea provides antioxidant cover.

Who It's For

• Oily or combination skin with visible pores: Weekly or alternating-day use keeps pores visibly clearer.
• Sensitive skin that reacts to BHA pads: LHA's larger molecule reduces the usual sting and redness.
• Acne-prone skin with mild congestion: Helps dissolve microcomedones before they turn into breakouts.
• Dull or textured skin: Surface exfoliation brings back smoothness in 2 to 3 weeks.
• Anyone new to chemical exfoliants: A low-risk entry point into acid toner pads.

Key Specs

• Volume: 60 pads
• Price: $41.60
• Hero actives: LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid), heartleaf, green tea, centella asiatica
• Texture: watery essence, embossed cotton pad
• Fragrance: mild herbal, no added perfume

How to Use

After cleansing, swipe one pad across the T-zone, cheeks, and chin. Follow with the textured side on areas with visible congestion (nose, chin). Start at 2 to 3 times a week in the evening, then build up to daily if skin tolerates it. Always follow with a hydrating toner or essence, then moisturizer. SPF the next morning is non-negotiable.

FAQ

How is LHA different from BHA?

Salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates deeper and works harder inside pores, but often irritates sensitive skin. LHA has a bulkier molecule that stays closer to the surface, which gives you most of the congestion-clearing effect with far less redness. Think of LHA as BHA's gentler cousin for people who can't tolerate the stronger version.

Can I use these daily?

Most skin can build to daily use after 2 to 3 weeks. If you're already using retinol or vitamin C, keep Abib pads to 3 to 4 nights a week instead of every day, and alternate with pure hydration evenings.

How long until I see results?

Smoother surface texture: 1 to 2 weeks. Visible pore refinement: 4 to 6 weeks. The pads don't shrink pores permanently (no topical product does), but they keep them consistently clearer so they look smaller.

Can I use these with retinol?

Yes, but space them out. Use Abib pads in the morning or on non-retinol evenings for the first month. Once your skin is comfortable with both, some users combine LHA pads and retinol in the same PM routine, but only if no sensitivity shows up.

Will these help with blackheads on the nose?

Over weeks of consistent use, yes. LHA slowly dissolves the oxidized sebum that forms blackheads. Don't expect overnight clearing. Pair with a clay mask once a week for faster visible change.

Related Products

Layer these with Abib Hydration créme Water tube for barrier support after exfoliation. For stronger actives on alternate evenings, see the broader Abib collection or browse Korean toner pads for comparisons with other brands.