Key takeaways
- Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads combine tri-enzyme technology with lactic acid for gentle exfoliation without requiring high concentration of a single active.
- The formula includes glycerin, shea butter, betaine, and other hydrators to prevent dryness while exfoliating, making it suitable for reactive skin types.
- Allure editors with combination, dry, and eczema-prone skin saw improved texture and tone within three weeks of use.
- Start with once or twice weekly use if you have reactive skin or are already using tretinoin or other exfoliants.
The Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads captured a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award, joining the brand’s roster of spa-quality skincare products. Known for its buttery cleansing balms, smoothing face oils, and luxurious creams, Elemis brings professional treatments into home routines. These pre-soaked pads promise that same spa sophistication in a single swipe, with a 60-count tub lasting about a month at twice-daily use.
Formula Architecture: Two Exfoliating Systems at Work
The pads leverage a dual exfoliating strategy uncommon in single-mechanism products. At the center is Elemis’ proprietary tri-enzyme complex combining papain, protease, and subtilisin. Alongside these enzymes sits lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that attacks the problem from an entirely different angle.
How Enzymes Dissolve Dead Skin
Enzymes function by targeting the architecture of dead skin cells themselves. According to Dr. Farhaad Riyaz, board-certified dermatologist in Plymouth, Michigan, enzymes “break down the proteins that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed more easily.” This is fundamentally different from how acids operate, creating a separation of duties that strengthens overall exfoliation.
The Gentler Properties of Lactic Acid
Lactic acid distinguishes itself within the alpha hydroxy acid family for its tolerability on reactive skin. Dr. Chang Son, board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey, explains that its “molecules are larger than those of glycolic acid, so they don’t penetrate as quickly or deeply,” creating a gentler, more gradual approach to cell turnover. This slower penetration makes lactic acid suitable for sensitive types.
The ingredient carries an additional benefit beyond exfoliation. According to Dr. Dawn Queen, board-certified dermatologist in New York City, lactic acid “is also a humectant, meaning it can help support skin hydration even while exfoliating.” This dual function (simultaneous exfoliation and hydration) is rare among active ingredients and particularly valuable for skin that tends toward dehydration.
Why Combine Both Systems
Dr. Riyaz explains the strategy behind this formulation: “Using two mechanisms could improve exfoliation without requiring a high concentration of either ingredient.” Rather than relying on a high-strength acid to do all the work, these pads spread labor across two ingredient classes, each contributing its own chemical pathway. The result is smoother skin without the harshness of concentrated actives, making it suitable for those whose skin doesn’t tolerate strong exfoliants well.
Hydration: The Supporting Cast
The formula contains a coordinated network of hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients designed to counteract the drying potential of exfoliation. Glycerin and betaine, derived from sugar beets, work as humectants to draw and retain water. Butylene glycol and methyl gluceth-20 provide additional hydration, while shea butter and fatty alcohols including behenyl and stearyl alcohol soften skin and seal in moisture. These fatty alcohols differ from drying alcohols like ethanol and actively support skin comfort.
The pads also include Lactococcus ferment lysate, a postbiotic. Dr. Queen notes this functions “more of a supporting player than a star ingredient, since research into its benefits is still emerging,” though it may contribute to skin renewal and barrier health. One consideration: the pads do contain fragrance, so anyone with fragrance sensitivity should test carefully before committing to regular use.
Design, Texture, and Application
Each pad features a dual-sided design with one textured surface and one smooth side, layering light physical exfoliation onto the chemical action already at work. Dr. Queen emphasizes that “the pad vehicle is mainly about convenience and dosing” and that “one pad is designed to be enough for the full face, which removes the question of how many to use.”
The convenience factor reshapes the user experience entirely. There’s no measuring, no pouring toner onto separate cotton rounds, no hovering over a sink waiting to rinse. A single swipe across clean skin delivers a pre-dosed, pre-saturated treatment. Pressure matters, though. Dr. Queen cautions against aggressive scrubbing, since the combined enzymatic and acidic action can irritate if over-applied. Gentle swipes or even patting provide sufficient contact for the formula to work effectively.
Editor Testing Across Skin Types
Alessandra Foresto, managing editor at Allure, brought eczema-prone skin to the test, specifically the hyperpigmentation that often follows her breakouts. After one month of use, her facialist commented on visible improvement in her dark spots. Notably, the pads didn’t sting, produce a strong odor, or leave her skin feeling parched.
Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer, has combination skin battling dullness and uneven texture. She experienced mild tightness and temporary redness lasting about 15 minutes after use, but within an hour, her skin appeared “surprisingly smooth and bright.” She’s since incorporated the pads into a Saturday makeup routine, following a TikTok trend of using them as a pre-foundation prep.
Madison San Miguel, commerce editor with very dry skin, typically steers clear of exfoliating pads, which have historically left her face feeling tight or irritated. These proved different. She found them “surprisingly soothing and hydrating” and has settled into using them twice weekly during her evening routine, noticing “glowing results” the next morning.
Sarah Han, also a commerce editor, uses the pads specifically on her T-zone to decongest. She describes lactic acid as “super effective at buffing away dead skin and uneven texture” and notes that her skin appears “noticeably softer and brighter with each use.”
Timeline and Realistic Expectations
Elemis states the formula supports improved natural skin turnover over 28 days. Visible improvements in texture and tone can arrive sooner, within three weeks, but stubborn concerns require patience. Dr. Queen explains the limitation: “Conditions like melasma are more difficult to treat through exfoliation alone, as the pigment can exist at different depths in the skin and multiple factors contribute to the condition.” Superficial discoloration from sun damage or post-breakout marks responds more readily to regular exfoliation.
At the recommended twice-daily frequency, a 60-count tub spans about a month. Those with reactive skin should start with once daily or a few times per week, gradually increasing use as their skin acclimates. Anyone already using tretinoin or other exfoliants must be intentional about layering—the combination of multiple actives risks irritation and dehydration. The balanced formulation here is gentler than many alternatives, but stacking exfoliants always demands careful judgment.
Source: Allure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these pads if I'm already using tretinoin?
Yes, but carefully. If you're already using tretinoin or other exfoliating products, start with a few times per week rather than twice daily to avoid irritation and dryness, then increase frequency gradually as your skin adapts.
What is the difference between enzymes and lactic acid in this formula?
Enzymes break down the proteins holding dead skin cells together, while lactic acid uses acidity to loosen those bonds. Using both mechanisms allows effective exfoliation without requiring high concentrations of either single ingredient.
How long does a 60-count tub last?
At the recommended twice-daily use, a 60-count tub lasts about a month. If you start with once or twice weekly application, it will last significantly longer as you build tolerance.
