Key takeaways
- Modern exfoliating pads combine chemical actives like AHA, BHA, and PHA with soothing ingredients like cica and allantoin, making them suitable for all skin types when you choose the right formula.
- Gentle formulas with 1% lactic acid work for sensitive skin, while powerful options like Medicube (4.5% lactic acid) and SkinMedica (10% glycolic acid) suit oily and congested skin.
- Dr. Dennis Gross's two-step peel pads neutralize acids after exfoliation, while InnBeauty's peptide pads target mature skin with anti-aging benefits alongside gentle exfoliation.
- Start with twice-weekly use if new to exfoliating pads, always follow with sunscreen, and avoid combining them with retinoids on the same night.
Exfoliating pads have evolved from harsh, stingy formulas to gentle options that pair chemical actives—polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and fruit enzymes—with soothing, barrier-strengthening ingredients like allantoin and cica. Whether you’re battling dullness, breakouts, rough texture, or dark spots, these pre-soaked pads sweep away dead skin cells and deep-cleanse pores in just a few swipes. For busy mornings or travel, they offer a convenient addition to any routine.
Two-Step Exfoliation: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
According to Allure’s testing, Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel represents the iconic peel-pad format, launching in 2000 as an at-home alternative to in-office chemical peels. The system works in two steps: step one contains five exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and salicylic among them—to sweep away dead skin and smooth texture, while step two neutralizes those acids and restores your skin’s pH with calming ingredients like green tea extract.
New York-based dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, told Allure that these pads “contain both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to improve the appearance of pores, radiance, fine lines, texture, and tone.” The two-step process delivers a fresh-from-a-facial glow in just minutes. Apply both pads in circular motions until they feel dry, then wait two minutes between steps.
For those concerned with oiliness and hyperpigmentation, Miami-based dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, previously told Allure this is “a tried-and-true product that works especially well for people with oily skin or those prone to breakouts.” The brand offers Extra Strength and Ultra Gentle versions for customization, and individual wrapping prevents the pads from drying out—ideal for travel.
Gentle Formulas for Sensitive and Dry Skin
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
According to Allure’s testing, Elemis’s Best of Beauty-winning Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads solve a common problem: most exfoliators feel harsh on sensitive and dry skin. These pads use lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid with a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, meaning it exfoliates only the upper skin layers and carries less risk of irritation. At just 1% concentration combined with moisturizing glycerin and shea butter, they can even be used daily.
The dual-sided texture adds another benefit: a textured side provides light physical exfoliation while the softer side smooths and soothes. Elemis’s proprietary Tri-Enzyme Technology—papain, protease, and subtilisin—dissolves the keratin proteins that bind skin cells together, helping reveal brighter, smoother skin over time. Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto reported that after one month of use, her facialist noticed significant improvement in dark spots, with no stinging, dryness, or strong smell.
First Aid Beauty Brighten & Glow Facial Radiance Pads
According to Allure’s testing, First Aid Beauty’s Brighten & Glow Facial Radiance Pads offer a one-step shortcut to a brighter complexion. Glycolic and lactic acids slough away grime and buildup that leaves skin lackluster, while smoothing bumps and uneven texture. Citrus and other fruit extracts pair with hydrators like hyaluronic acid, cucumber water, and aloe to prevent the stripped feeling common to exfoliating products.
Powerful Formulas for Oily and Congested Skin
Medicube Zero Pore Pads
According to Allure’s testing, Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads—popular on TikTok and Amazon—pack a strong dose of actives: 4.5% lactic acid and 0.45% salicylic acid to tighten the look of pores and minimize oiliness. The embossed side and cypress tree leaf add physical exfoliation to combat excess sebum, while hydrating panthenol, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and Centella asiatica (cica) protect your barrier. Allure commerce editor Sarah Han used the textured side for about 30 seconds on her T-zone, then used the smooth side to soothe, reporting extra-soft skin afterward with refined-looking pores despite initial mild redness that faded quickly.
SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads
According to Allure’s testing, SkinMedica’s Even & Correct pads deliver 10% glycolic acid—a high concentration for serious texture smoothing—plus anti-inflammatory witch hazel. The brand’s proprietary 2% LTN Complex combines melanin-synthesis-slowing tranexamic acid, hydrating lotus sprout extract, and brightening niacinamide to fade dark spots, discoloration, and post-acne marks. Note that witch hazel draws water from skin, making these better suited for oily and combination types than dry or sensitive skin.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai tested them and noted the resurfacing power: while not gentle, the combination of glycolic acid and witch hazel left her skin brighter and baby-soft after dealing with a breakout.
Anti-Aging Peptide Pads for Mature Skin
According to Allure’s testing, InnBeauty’s Skin Prep Exfoliating Pads address aging concerns with plumping and wrinkle-smoothing peptides as key ingredients. New York City-based dermatologist David Kim, MD, told Allure that peptides help starting in the late twenties to early thirties, when the body begins losing collagen at a faster rate. The pads blend glycolic and mandelic acids with PHA to smooth fine lines, even tone, and boost elasticity.
To counteract irritation, the formula includes ectoin and squalane to strengthen your barrier. A unique finger pocket lets you slide your pointer and middle finger in for better control over application. With consistent use three times per week, these pads support firmer, smoother skin over time. Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee found the finger pocket design goof-proof for sensitive skin, using them in the morning before makeup and at night to remove leftover makeup and grime.
How to Use Exfoliating Pads Correctly
According to dermatologist Claire Wolinsky, MD, based in New York City, exfoliating pads work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells and debris with gentle chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA, and PHAs, improving texture and tone by unclogging pores and smoothing rough patches. She loves exfoliating pads and uses them almost every day, though frequency depends on your skin type and the formula’s strength.
When starting with these products, Dr. Wolinsky recommends introducing them only two days per week. While you can use pads morning or night, she personally prefers morning application before vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen—with emphasis on SPF, since exfoliants make your skin more sensitive to light. Be cautious about combining exfoliating pads with retinoids, as both can irritate skin; alternate nights instead to avoid overwhelming your skin’s barrier.
Source: Allure
Frequently Asked Questions
Are exfoliating pads safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, according to dermatologist Claire Wolinsky, MD. Choose formulas with gentler acids like lactic acid at lower concentrations—such as Elemis's 1%—combined with soothing ingredients like glycerin, allantoin, and cica. First Aid Beauty's Brighten & Glow Pads also work for sensitive skin by pairing acids with hydrators like cucumber water and aloe.
How often should I use exfoliating pads?
If you're new to exfoliating pads, start with just twice a week, according to dermatologist Claire Wolinsky, MD. Frequency depends on your skin type and the formula's strength. You can use pads morning or night, but morning is preferable so you can follow with sunscreen, since exfoliants increase sun sensitivity.
Can I use exfoliating pads with retinoids?
According to dermatologist Claire Wolinsky, MD, you should be cautious about using exfoliating pads with retinoids, as both can irritate skin. Rather than using them on the same night, alternate nights to avoid overwhelming your skin's barrier.
