Introduction
There is a category of skincare products that does not get enough attention in mainstream beauty conversations — the products that sit between basic cleansing and active treatment, performing the essential renewal and preparation work that allows everything else in your routine to achieve its full potential. Cleansing balms that remove makeup without a trace of residue. Exfoliating treatment pads that deliver consistent acid exposure in a perfectly calibrated, foolproof format. And multi-active skin boosters that address multiple concerns simultaneously with a single thoughtfully formulated product.
This second list brings together ten of the best products in these categories for 2026 — spanning Korean first-cleanse balms from beloved brands like Then I Met You and APRILSKIN, the sophisticated European luxury of BABOR’s enzyme powder cleanser and hyaluronic balm, the clinical exfoliation of StriVectin’s treatment pads and Barefaced’s glycolic and salicylic acid pads, and Barefaced’s innovative bakuchiol skin booster. Each product has been chosen for its formulation intelligence, its real-world effectiveness, and the meaningful role it plays in a complete skincare routine.
Why the Products Between Cleansing and Treatment Matter So Much
The skincare routine steps that most consumers are aware of — cleanse, treat, moisturize — represent the major categories, but within and between those categories exist some of the most high-impact products available. First-cleanse makeup removers determine the state of the skin that the second cleanse and all subsequent products encounter. Exfoliating treatment pads deliver consistent active exposure that builds the progressive renewal results that once or twice-weekly intensive treatments cannot achieve alone. And skin boosters — the category that Barefaced’s Overachiever represents — provide a concentrated, multi-active treatment layer that sits between serum and moisturizer, addressing multiple concerns in a single efficient step.
Understanding how these products work and how they interact with the rest of the routine is what separates a truly optimized skincare practice from a collection of individually good products used without strategic intention. This guide provides both the products and the context needed to use them most effectively.
What to Consider Before You Buy
- First-cleanse balms require a water-based second cleanse: Cleansing balms dissolve oil-based products — makeup, sunscreen, sebum — but they do not remove water-soluble impurities like sweat and environmental particulate. Always follow a balm cleanse with a water-based gel or foam cleanser for truly thorough cleansing.
- Glycolic acid and salicylic acid in exfoliating pads work on different targets: Glycolic acid is a water-soluble AHA that works at the skin surface to dissolve dead cell bonds and brighten tone. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble BHA that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum and dead cell buildup within the pore lining. Combined in a single pad, they address both surface and pore-level concerns simultaneously — a genuinely comprehensive approach to exfoliation.
- Bakuchiol as a retinol alternative: Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound that has demonstrated retinol-like effects on skin in clinical studies — stimulating collagen production, reducing wrinkle depth, and improving skin firmness — without the irritation, photosensitivity, or pregnancy precautions that retinoids carry. It is an excellent choice for sensitive skin, pregnant women, or anyone seeking retinol-like benefits with a gentler tolerance profile.
- Enzyme powder cleansers require activation: Water-activated powder cleansers like the BABOR Enzyme formula are used by dispensing a small amount into the palm, adding water, and working into a paste before applying to the face. This activation process creates fresh enzyme activity immediately before use — ensuring maximum potency that pre-formulated liquid enzyme products cannot always maintain.
- Korean cleansing balm philosophy: Korean skincare’s first-cleanse approach prioritizes zero residue — the cleansing product should completely remove itself and all dissolved makeup when rinsed, leaving no film, no greasiness, and no interference with the skin’s natural surface. Look for balms that specifically describe this zero-residue quality rather than those that leave a conditioning film.
The Top 10 Cleansing Balms, Exfoliating Pads & Skin Boosters for 2026
1. Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser – Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Gently Cleanses & Melts Away Makeup, Paraben-Free
Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple franchise has remained one of the most beloved and trusted in the brand’s extensive portfolio for years — and the One-Step Facial Cleanser demonstrates why with a formula that delivers genuine versatility in a single product, removing makeup and cleansing the skin simultaneously without the need for a separate makeup remover step.
The meadowfoam seed oil at the heart of this formula is a fascinating ingredient choice — meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) produces a seed oil with an unusually high concentration of very long-chain fatty acids, giving it exceptional oxidative stability and a silky, non-greasy skin feel that most plant oils cannot match. In a facial cleanser, meadowfoam seed oil provides the oil-based makeup dissolving function while conditioning the skin surface with fatty acids that closely support the skin’s own lipid barrier composition. The result is cleansed skin that feels nourished and comfortable rather than stripped.
The one-step positioning is substantiated by the formula’s ability to genuinely handle both cleansing and makeup removal in a single application — a practical advantage for those who want an efficient, low-step approach to their routine. Philosophy has calibrated this formula carefully so that it removes foundation, eye makeup, and even moderate long-wear products effectively without requiring multiple passes or a separate dedicated eye makeup remover.
Paraben-free formulation reflects philosophy’s evolving commitment to cleaner ingredient choices, and the accessible price point makes this one of the most democratic quality cleansers available for everyday use.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4utSSxv
2. Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm – Makeup Remover, First-Step Korean Skincare, Non-Stripping Zero Residue, Vegan
Then I Met You has quickly established itself as one of the most credible and beloved names in contemporary Korean skincare for consumers who want the full integrity of the K-beauty philosophy without compromise. The Living Cleansing Balm is the product that most clearly defines the brand’s approach — a first-step cleanse that embodies everything Korean skincare means when it talks about gentle thoroughness and zero skin compromise.
The zero residue promise is the central performance claim, and it is one that Then I Met You delivers consistently and impressively. Many cleansing balms, while excellent makeup removers, leave a slight conditioning film on the skin after rinsing — a quality that some users appreciate but that can interfere with the efficacy of water-based second cleansers and active products applied afterward. The Living Cleansing Balm emulsifies completely on contact with water and rinses away entirely clean, leaving the skin surface genuinely free of any trace of product or dissolved makeup. This complete removal is what makes it the ideal first step in a double cleanse — it does its job and then gets out of the way completely.
The clean, vegan formulation reflects Then I Met You founder Charlotte Cho’s philosophy of skincare that is as intentional about what it excludes as what it includes — no synthetic emulsifiers that leave residue, no ingredients that compromise the skin’s natural balance, and no formulation shortcuts that prioritize cost over skin compatibility. The result is a cleansing balm that respects the skin it cleanses at every level of its formulation.
The makeup removal effectiveness is comprehensive — it handles foundation, long-wear products, and water-resistant sunscreen with equal efficiency, requiring only gentle massage without pulling or rubbing that could stress the skin.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dnkPRM
3. APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm – Grapefruit Peel Oil, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sensitive & Oily Skin, Korean Skincare – 3.04 Fl Oz
APRILSKIN brings a specific and thoughtful innovation to the cleansing balm category with the Carrotene Hydromelt formula — a balm designed specifically for sensitive and oily skin types, which are typically the most challenging demographic for cleansing balms to serve well. Oily skin often finds standard balms too rich and potentially pore-clogging. Sensitive skin struggles with many of the emulsifiers and fragrance compounds common in balm formulas. APRILSKIN has directly addressed both concerns with formulation choices that make this one of the most inclusive and broadly applicable cleansing balms available.
Carrotene — beta-carotene from carrot-derived sources — is the hero active that gives the balm its name and its distinctive nourishing quality. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting the skin’s renewal processes during the cleansing step. It also gives the formula a naturally warm, golden tone that is visually distinctive and that reflects the quality of its botanical ingredient sourcing.
IPMP (isopropyl methylphenol) and O-Cymen-5-Ol are antimicrobial actives with specific efficacy against the bacteria and microorganisms that contribute to blackheads and breakouts — making this a cleansing balm that actively addresses acne-related concerns rather than merely dissolving surface makeup. For oily and breakout-prone skin types, this antimicrobial dimension adds meaningful value beyond what standard cleansing balms provide.
Grapefruit peel oil contributes natural brightening and pore-refining properties alongside a clean, citrus freshness that makes the first-cleanse step genuinely invigorating.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d2u4pn
4. Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm – Second Pack Option
The second listing of Then I Met You’s Living Cleansing Balm reflects the genuine, sustained excellence of this product and the practical wisdom of maintaining an adequate supply of a daily-use first cleanser. As the foundation of a double-cleanse routine used every evening, a cleansing balm is consumed at a relatively steady rate, and running out interrupts the thoroughness of the evening cleanse at the worst possible moment — when makeup removal is most needed.
The Living Cleansing Balm’s zero-residue Korean philosophy and vegan clean formulation represent qualities that, once experienced, make returning to lesser cleansing options genuinely difficult. Users who find this balm typically report that it becomes the product they most frequently repurchase in their entire skincare routine — a testament to both its functional excellence and the daily ritual quality of the application experience.
For those who have not yet tried this balm, the availability of a second option here serves as additional encouragement to invest in a product that routinely earns some of the most enthusiastic reviews in the cleansing balm category. First-step cleansing is the most foundational investment in skincare — the product that makes every other step more effective — and investing in the best available option at this step pays dividends across the entire routine.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdhYQ2
5. BABOR Hyaluronic Cleansing Balm to Oil – Gentle Cleansing for Demanding Skin, Infused with Hyaluronic Acid – 150ml
BABOR is a German luxury skincare brand with deep roots in professional aesthetics and spa treatment — a heritage that shows clearly in the Hyaluronic Cleansing Balm to Oil’s formulation sophistication and the quality of sensory experience it delivers. This is a product positioned for demanding skin — skin that has high expectations of what a cleanser should be and that benefits from the concentrated nourishment that BABOR’s professional-grade formulations are designed to provide.
The balm-to-oil transformation that occurs during application on this product is one of the most refined tactile experiences in the cleansing category. The balm begins with a thick, cushiony texture that melts with remarkable speed on contact with the warmth of the skin, transforming into a silky oil that allows genuinely luxurious massage while dissolving makeup and sunscreen completely and efficiently. This texture transformation is not merely sensory — the rapid melting ensures even distribution of the cleansing and conditioning actives across the full face surface without dragging or inconsistent coverage.
Hyaluronic acid in a cleansing balm is a formulation choice that reflects BABOR’s understanding of the particular needs of demanding, mature, or frequently treated skin — skin that loses moisture rapidly and that benefits from hydration at every possible routine step, including the cleanse. As the balm is massaged across the face, the hyaluronic acid has brief but meaningful contact with the skin surface, beginning to deliver moisture support that the follow-up skincare products can then build upon.
At 150 milliliters, this is a generously sized product for a premium cleansing balm, providing several months of daily use from a single purchase.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QFeCIl
6. BABOR Enzyme & Vitamin C Powder Cleanser – Water-Activated Brightening & Exfoliation, Gentle Daily Polish – Travel-Friendly
BABOR’s Enzyme & Vitamin C Powder Cleanser occupies a unique position in the cleansing category — a format that is simultaneously the most innovative on this list and one of the most practical, providing freshly activated enzyme and vitamin C treatment with every single cleanse in a travel-friendly powder format that maintains ingredient potency far better than pre-formulated liquid alternatives.
The powder-to-paste activation mechanism is the key to this product’s exceptional freshness and potency. Enzymes and vitamin C are both highly susceptible to degradation when formulated in water-based solutions — they oxidize, lose activity, and sometimes discolor over time in ways that reduce their efficacy before the product is finished. By keeping these actives in dry powder form until the moment of use, BABOR eliminates this degradation entirely. Every morning and evening, the activation of a fresh amount of powder with water creates a new, fully potent enzyme and vitamin C preparation that delivers maximum activity to the skin surface.
Papain and bromelain — proteolytic enzymes derived from papaya and pineapple — digest the protein bonds in dead skin cells during the brief contact time of the cleanse, providing gentle progressive resurfacing that accumulates into meaningfully smoother, more radiant skin with consistent daily use. Vitamin C brightens, provides antioxidant protection, and contributes its tyrosinase-inhibiting activity to the exfoliation synergy, creating a formula that addresses both surface renewal and tone correction simultaneously.
The travel-friendly powder format is genuinely practical for frequent travelers — no liquid restrictions, no spillage risk, and a surprisingly long product life given its format efficiency.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PhfQZM
7. StriVectin Daily Reveal Face Exfoliating Treatment Pads – 60 Count
StriVectin’s clinical skincare heritage makes the Daily Reveal Exfoliating Treatment Pads one of the most credible and consistently effective products in the at-home exfoliation category. Sixty pre-soaked treatment pads represent two months of daily use — enough time to experience the full arc of progressive improvement that consistent chemical exfoliation produces, from the initial brightening visible in the first two weeks to the deeper texture and tone improvements that emerge with four to eight weeks of regular use.
The pre-soaked pad format is one of the most underrated delivery mechanisms in skincare. By precisely calibrating the amount of exfoliating formula on each pad, StriVectin eliminates the inconsistency in application amount that comes with pouring toners onto cotton — too much on one night, too little on another, product wasted in the cotton rather than delivered to the skin. Every pad delivers exactly the right amount of formula, applied with exactly the right level of textural interaction with the skin surface, creating the most consistent and predictable exfoliation result possible in an at-home format.
The textured pad surface adds a mild physical exfoliation component that complements the chemical exfoliation from the active formula — a dual-mechanism approach that provides more thorough surface renewal than either physical or chemical exfoliation alone. This combination is particularly effective for addressing the rough, dull skin texture that builds up between more intensive weekly treatments, maintaining a consistently smooth and refined surface with daily use.
For those new to chemical exfoliation, this product offers a gentle but genuinely effective introduction to the category in a foolproof format that removes all the guesswork from application.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4uutNm9
8. Barefaced Toning Pads – 2% Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid, Brightens & Cleanses Skin, Clears Pores, Reduces Fine Lines – 60 Count
Barefaced’s Toning Pads represent one of the most intelligent formulation combinations available in the exfoliating pad category — the pairing of 2% glycolic acid with salicylic acid in a single pad that simultaneously addresses surface cell renewal and pore-level congestion. This combination targets the two most common everyday skin concerns — dull, rough surface texture and clogged, visible pores — in a single efficient step that takes under a minute to complete.
Glycolic acid at 2% is a concentration calibrated for daily use — effective enough to provide consistent progressive brightening and surface smoothing without the irritation risk of higher concentrations that are more appropriate for weekly treatments. At this level, daily glycolic exposure gradually accelerates cell turnover, progressively fading hyperpigmentation, smoothing rough texture, and evening skin tone in a manner that builds meaningfully over weeks of consistent use.
Salicylic acid’s oil-soluble BHA action works in a completely different dimension from glycolic — penetrating through the sebum layer directly into pores to dissolve the buildup of dead cells and oil that causes blackheads, congestion, and the enlarged pore appearance that results from chronically clogged openings. Regular pore-level exfoliation with salicylic acid keeps pores consistently clear, reducing their visible size over time and preventing the congestion that leads to blackheads and breakouts.
The 60-count format provides two months of daily use, which is the minimum timeline needed to evaluate the full brightening, smoothing, and pore-refining results that consistent dual-acid exfoliation produces.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48GfylO
9. Barefaced Overachiever – 10-in-1 Skin Booster with Bakuchiol, Resveratrol & Green Tea – Retinol Alternative – 1 Fl Oz
The name Overachiever captures exactly the ambition and the performance reality of this product — a 10-in-1 skin booster that approaches multi-active skincare with the philosophy that the most effective routines are the ones people actually maintain, and that simplifying without sacrificing results is the highest formulation achievement.
Bakuchiol is the most important active ingredient in this formula and the one most worth understanding deeply. Derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, bakuchiol has been shown in clinical studies to produce gene-expression changes in the skin that parallel those produced by retinol — upregulating collagen production, increasing cell turnover, and reducing the expression of markers associated with skin aging — without the photosensitivity, irritation, and pregnancy safety concerns that retinoids carry. For the growing number of skincare users who want retinol-like anti-aging results without the tolerance-building period or the lifestyle restrictions, bakuchiol is the most credible alternative currently available.
Resveratrol adds a powerful antioxidant dimension — one of the most studied polyphenolic antioxidants in biological research, with documented effects on cellular aging, inflammation reduction, and oxidative damage prevention that complement bakuchiol’s structural anti-aging action. Green tea extract broadens the antioxidant protection further while contributing its own anti-inflammatory benefits to a formula that approaches skin aging comprehensively.
The 10-in-1 scope means this single product addresses hydration, firming, brightening, pore minimizing, free radical protection, and anti-aging — streamlining routines without any compromise in the breadth of benefits achieved.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48INvSF
10. Barefaced Toning Pads – 2% Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid, Second Pack Option – 60 Count
The second listing of Barefaced’s Toning Pads reflects the same supply continuity logic applicable to any daily-use exfoliating treatment — consistent use over time produces results that interrupted use cannot achieve, and maintaining an adequate supply is the most practical way to ensure the consistency the product requires to deliver its full potential.
Two months of daily exfoliating pad use is genuinely the minimum for understanding what this category of product can do for your skin. The first two to three weeks show surface brightening and slight smoothing. Weeks four through six begin to show the pore-refining and fine line improvements. Weeks seven and eight reveal the tone-evening and overall radiance improvement that is the most dramatic and most rewarding phase of consistent acid pad use. Running out at week five and waiting a week for a replacement means losing momentum in the most visibly rewarding phase of the treatment cycle.
For anyone who has tried the Barefaced Toning Pads and confirmed their skin’s positive response to the glycolic and salicylic acid combination, maintaining a second unit available is an investment in the continuity of results rather than a speculative purchase. The dual-acid approach this product takes is genuinely distinctive in the pad category and worth protecting through consistent supply management.
Check Latest Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tRNRig
Buying Guide: Using Cleansing Balms, Exfoliating Pads & Skin Boosters Effectively
- Always double cleanse after a balm first step: No cleansing balm — however excellent — should be used as a sole cleanser. Follow every balm cleanse with a water-based second cleanser to remove water-soluble impurities and any final traces of the balm itself.
- Apply exfoliating pads after cleansing on dry skin: After cleansing and patting skin dry, swipe your treatment pad across the face in gentle outward strokes. Allow the actives to absorb for thirty to sixty seconds before applying your next product — rushing past this absorption window reduces efficacy.
- Use bakuchiol at night when starting out: Although bakuchiol does not cause the photosensitivity that retinoids do, using it at night allows the skin’s overnight repair processes to work in synergy with its collagen-stimulating effects. Once tolerance is established, morning use is also appropriate.
- Do not use both exfoliating pads and a leave-on acid serum on the same evening initially: Until your skin has demonstrated its tolerance for regular acid use, using a pad and a leave-on serum on the same night creates a higher cumulative acid load than most skin tolerates comfortably. Alternate — pads on some nights, serum on others — and build to combined use only if your skin responds without irritation.
- Activate powder cleansers correctly: For the BABOR Enzyme Powder Cleanser, dispense a small amount (a pea-sized portion) into a wet palm, add a drop of water, and work between the palms for a few seconds until a paste forms before applying to the face. Under-activation reduces the enzyme activity; over-dilution weakens the exfoliating effect.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Korean cleansing balm technology at its finest — both Then I Met You and APRILSKIN represent the most current and most credible expressions of zero-residue first-cleanse philosophy.
- BABOR’s powder cleanser format solves the enzyme and vitamin C stability problem that undermines many pre-formulated liquid alternatives.
- Barefaced’s dual-acid pads and bakuchiol booster demonstrate an impressive formulation ambition — addressing multiple skin concerns simultaneously rather than targeting single ingredients at single concerns.
- The combination of daily exfoliating pads and a multi-active bakuchiol booster creates one of the most efficient and comprehensive evening treatment routines available at an accessible price point.
- Multiple vegan and cruelty-free credentials across the Korean skincare products on this list.
- Range of formats — balm, powder, pre-soaked pad, and liquid booster — gives readers choices across every application preference.
Cons
- The Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, while exceptional, is one of the more expensive first-cleanse balms on the market and may not be accessible for all budgets for daily use.
- Powder cleanser formats require a brief learning curve to achieve the correct activation consistency, which some users may find less convenient than a standard pre-formulated wash.
- The BABOR Hyaluronic Balm to Oil is positioned for demanding skin but may be too rich for oily or combination skin types who prefer a lighter first-cleanse experience.
- Exfoliating pads with both glycolic and salicylic acid require careful monitoring for over-exfoliation, particularly for sensitive skin types or those already using other exfoliating actives in their routine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes Korean cleansing balms different from Western ones?
Korean cleansing balms are formulated with a specific outcome in mind — complete zero-residue removal that leaves the skin clean rather than conditioned. Western cleansing balms more often intentionally leave a skin-conditioning film as part of their claimed benefit. Neither approach is wrong, but they serve different purposes and suit different routine contexts. For double cleansing, the Korean zero-residue approach is ideal because it does not interfere with the water-based second cleanser or any subsequent products. The Then I Met You and APRILSKIN balms on this list are excellent examples of this Korean formulation philosophy.
Q: How does bakuchiol compare to retinol in terms of results timeline?
Bakuchiol generally produces results more slowly than equivalent concentrations of retinol — its gene-expression effects are similar but occur at a gentler, more gradual rate. Where retinol users might see visible improvements in skin firmness and fine lines within six to eight weeks, bakuchiol users typically need ten to twelve weeks of consistent use to observe comparable improvements. The trade-off is that this slower timeline is accompanied by none of retinol’s characteristic irritation, peeling, and photosensitivity — meaning bakuchiol users are more likely to maintain the consistent use that produces results because the process is entirely comfortable from the first application.
Q: Can I use glycolic acid and salicylic acid together every day?
Combining 2% glycolic acid and salicylic acid in a daily toning pad — as in the Barefaced formula — is generally safe for normal to oily skin types with established acid tolerance, because the concentrations involved are calibrated for daily use. However, it is a more significant acid load than single-acid daily use, and sensitive skin types or those with a compromised barrier should begin with every-other-day use and build frequency based on how their skin responds. Signs that daily combined acid use is too frequent for your skin — sustained redness, peeling, tightness, or increased sensitivity — should prompt a reduction in frequency rather than persistence.
Q: Is the BABOR Enzyme Powder Cleanser as effective as a liquid enzyme cleanser?
The BABOR Enzyme Powder Cleanser is actually more effective than most liquid enzyme cleansers in terms of freshness and potency, because the dry powder format prevents the enzymatic degradation that occurs in water-based solutions over time. Every use delivers fully potent, freshly activated enzyme activity rather than the partially degraded enzyme activity of a liquid product that has been sitting in a bottle for weeks or months. The efficacy advantage of freshness is real and meaningful, making the powder format a genuine performance improvement over liquid alternatives rather than a mere format novelty.
Q: How do I know when to introduce exfoliating pads into my routine?
Exfoliating pads are best introduced after you have established a stable cleansing and moisturizing routine and your skin is in a comfortable, non-reactive baseline state. If your skin is currently experiencing active breakouts, barrier damage, or unusual sensitivity, address those concerns first before adding acid exfoliation. Once your skin is stable and comfortable, introduce exfoliating pads every other day for the first two weeks, using them in the evening after cleansing. Observe your skin carefully for any signs of irritation before building to daily use. If your skin tolerates alternate-day use without any redness or tightness, daily use is likely appropriate.
Conclusion
The products on this second list fill some of the most important spaces in a complete skincare routine — the first-cleanse step that determines how clean your skin really is, the daily exfoliation that drives progressive renewal, and the intelligent multi-active treatment that addresses multiple aging concerns simultaneously. From Then I Met You’s benchmark-setting cleansing balm and BABOR’s innovative enzyme powder, to StriVectin’s clinical treatment pads and Barefaced’s bakuchiol-powered overachiever — every product here earns its recommendation through formulation intelligence and consistent, visible real-world performance.
Use these products with intention, sequence them thoughtfully within your routine, and give them the consistency they need to deliver their full potential.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.