I finally gave the SKINFOOD Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pads a shot because I was curious about the whole carrot hype. Honestly, my expectations were low and, well, they weren’t exactly blown away either.ㅤ

The pads come soaked in a decent amount of liquid, which feels refreshing when you swipe them on. The scent is subtle, kinda like fresh veggies but not in a weird way. It’s mild enough that I didn’t mind it. My skin felt cool and calm right after applying, which was nice for my usually sensitive cheeks.ㅤ

That said, the calming effect wasn’t super dramatic. After a week of daily use, I didn’t notice a huge difference in redness or irritation. My skin didn’t freak out, so that’s a plus, but it also didn’t magically fix anything. More like gentle maintenance than active treatment.ㅤ

I liked that the formula includes carrot extract, which is known for antioxidants and vitamins, plus some humectants like glycerin to keep skin hydrated. The ingredient list looks pretty clean, no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. If you’re into gentle, natural stuff, this might be up your alley.ㅤ

One thing I wasn’t a fan of was the slightly sticky residue that lingers after the pads dry down. It’s not uncomfortable but can feel a little tacky, which made me hesitant to layer heavy creams on top right away. For someone who likes a matte finish, that might be annoying.ㅤ

Price-wise, it’s middle of the road. Not super cheap, not super expensive. I’d say it’s worth it if you want a simple, soothing toner pad without bells and whistles. But if you’re looking for something with more punch like brightening or exfoliating, you’ll want to keep searching.ㅤ

Overall, these pads feel like a safe bet for calming and hydrating, but don’t expect a miracle. I might repurchase if I’m in the mood for something gentle, but it’s not a must-have in my routine.