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Tarte Knockout Texture & Pore Refining Pads
Tarte

Tarte Knockout Texture & Pore Refining Pads

Efficacy80/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Betaine salicylate, Allantoin
Works well
What the product description says
“Benefits 2-in-1 skin-renewing pads for smoother & brighter-looking skin 2-sided polishing pads.”
Source: Ulta

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: betaine salicylate.

Betaine salicylateKey activeEffect: HighExfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acid~1.2–1.8%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.8%
Moisturizing
Panthenol, Madecassoside + 9 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Maintain hydration & smooth skin texture Vitamin B5.”
Source: Ulta

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, betaine.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, caprylyl glycol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: madecassoside, panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.35–0.8%
MadecassosideHeroEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.1–0.45%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.7–5.6%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.4–2%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~1–1.5%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.3%
AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.05–0.1%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.4–0.95%
Centella asiatica extractUnder-dosedA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.45–1.1%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.8%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.2–0.7%
Anti-aging
Centella asiatica leaf extract, Madecassoside + 2 more
May help
What the product description says
“textured side gently exfoliates & quilted side smooths on serum Skin appears smoother & pores appear minimized Reduces look of crow's feet, fine lines & wrinkles IN A CONSUMER PANEL STUDY (of 31 Subjects After 10 Days of Use).”
Source: Ulta

This product contains asiaticoside, centella asiatica leaf extract, madecassoside. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Centella asiatica leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.~0.1–0.3%
MadecassosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.1–0.45%
AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.05–0.1%
Centella asiatica extractUnder-dosedA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.45–1.1%
Anti-blemish
Betaine salicylate, Centella asiatica leaf extract + 2 more
May help
What the product description says
“Knockout Texture & Pore Refining Pads”
From product name

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains betaine salicylate.

Betaine salicylateKey activeEffect: HighExfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acid~1.2–1.8%
Centella asiatica leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.~0.1–0.3%
Centella asiatica extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.45–1.1%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.8%
Evens skin tone
Madecassoside, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Cleanse pores & help reduce appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, while firming, enhancing skin tone & texture Amino acids.”
Source: Ulta

This product might help improve the skin tone through exfoliation. In other words, it helps to speed up the shedding of cells from the upper layer of the skin, and this might help reduce hyperpigmentation.

MadecassosideEffect: LowAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.1–0.45%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.2–0.7%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Madecassoside, Asiaticoside + 1 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (asiaticoside, madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.1–0.45%
AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.05–0.1%
Centella asiatica extractUnder-dosedA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.45–1.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Limonene
Medium risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
Betaine salicylateExfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acidMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.45–1.1%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
MadecassosideAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulationsMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Centella asiatica leaf extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.Medium~0.1–0.3%est.
AsiaticosideAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Cicaful Calming Pad
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Higher efficacy · 100/10064% match
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Dipropylene glycol~6.7–10.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol
Glycerin~3.7–5.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Butene~3–4.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Butene
Glycol~2.1–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Betaine~1.4–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Betaine salicylate~1.2–1.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliation

Exfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acid

More about Betaine salicylate
Arginine~1–1.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Cocoyl proline~0.85–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cocoyl proline
Centella asiatica extract~0.45–1.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract
Allantoin~0.35–0.8%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces rednessReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Caprylyl glycol~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Panthenol~0.35–0.8%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.2–0.7%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Disodium edta~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Madecassoside~0.1–0.45%
Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin tone

An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations

More about Madecassoside
Centella asiatica leaf extract~0.1–0.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.

More about Centella asiatica leaf extract
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Asiaticoside~0.05–0.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-aging

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Asiaticoside
Limonene~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Ingredient list view

Water, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Butene, Glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Betaine, Betaine salicylate, Arginine, Cocoyl proline, Centella asiatica extract, Allantoin, Caprylyl glycol, Panthenol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Disodium edta, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Madecassoside, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Limonene

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
TarteKnockout Texture & Pore Refining PadsYOUR PRODUCTBeplainCicaful Calming PadAwake BeautyTravel-Size Pore Appeal Texture & Pore Refining PadsBIOHEAL BOHPanthecell Repair Cica Gauze Pads
Match—64%63%52%
Price———$26.34
Shared key ingredients—10 of 1212 of 127 of 12
Key difference—Madecassic Acid—Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Irritancy Medium Low Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Product summary

"Tarte - Knockout Texture & Pore Refining Pads" is effective for: Exfoliation, Moisturizing, Anti-oxidation and Anti-inflammatory

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Anti-blemish, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - asiaticoside 0.05% - 0.10% and madecassoside 0.10% - 0.45% The Centella Asiatica Actives, even in low concentration, can help reduce inflammation in skin, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce photodamage. They can also help to decrease scarring.
  • An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.35% - 0.80%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.10% - 0.30%, panthenol 0.35% - 0.80%, arginine 1.00% - 1.50%, betaine 1.40% - 2.00% and glycerin 3.70% - 5.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Tarte" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 35.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Titrated Extract of Centella asiatica in Phthalic Anhydride-Induced Allergic Dermatitis Animal Modelmdpi.com
  4. 4
    Centella asiatica in cosmetologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Triterpene Composition and Bioactivities of Centella asiatica mdpi.com
  6. 6
    Asiaticoside induction for cell-cycle progression, proliferation and collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblastsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Tarte Knockout Texture & Pore Refining Pads
TarteKnockout Texture & Pore Refining Pads
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.