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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
In its most basic form, exfoliating scrubs away dead skin while breaking down bacteria that clog your pores, which prevents acne and blackheads from forming. But, long gone are the days when exfoliating meant using physically abrasive scrubs such as sea salt to improve the appearance of our skin. Chemical exfoliation is the new standard for solving skin woes such as acne scars, blemishes, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, to name a few.
Dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar believes that exfoliating pads are a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of chemical exfoliation. “Pre-mixed solutions with a pad have removed the inconvenience of having separate products,“ she explains, “making it easy for suitable skin types to pick up a pad and wipe across face, neck, décolleté or body.”
We conducted hours of research on the best exfoliating pads, evaluating each based on active ingredients meant to chemically exfoliate: namely salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids. We looked at how these pads combine acids—and what concentration of acids is used—for the best exfoliation possible without irritating skin. We also considered different skin types and concerns to find which pads work most effectively. Finally, we consulted with skin experts before landing on these 13 as our favorite exfoliating pads to simplify your beauty regimen.
Best Overall
HydroPeptide 5X Power Peel
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Dermstore
Has anti-aging properties
Tightens pores
Full of natural ingredients
Only a month's supply
Count: 30 | Skin Type: All | Usage: Start by using 3 times a week and build up to every day | Cruelty-Free: Yes
These pre-soaked towelettes are a powerful, skin-exfoliating cocktail of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, which work by penetrating the hair follicle and oil gland and dissolving dead skin cells. Paired with peptides (the building blocks for making collagen and elastin fibers) they clear up blemishes and firm skin simultaneously. Admittedly, these pads are the most expensive on our list, but they are undeniably effective at revealing radiant skin, making them worth the investment, in our opinion.
Who It’s For
This is a great product for anyone who is concerned about the signs of aging, like fine lines and dark spots. The peel pads provide powerful chemical exfoliation while also firming the skin.
Best Budget
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads
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Nip+Fab
Evens the skin tone
The most affordable pads on our list
Dissolves dead skin cells, boosting brightness
Might not work for sensitive skin
Count: 60 | Skin Type: All | Usage: 1 to 2 times daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Nip + Fab’s Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads are a skincare favorite of many celebs, including Kylie Jenner, for a reason. Pre-soaked in a 2.8% concentration of glycolic acid, they are gentle enough for daily use. The pads also contain antiseptic witch hazel (a natural skin cleanser) hydrating hyaluronic acid, and blue daisy (a natural antioxidant) for a moisturizing, soothing effect. These pads won’t leave your skin stripped dry.
Who It’s For
These celeb-approved exfoliating pads are a great budget option for anyone who wants to make chemical exfoliation a part of their daily skincare regimen.
Best for Acne
Thayer’s Blemish Clearing Pads
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Amazon
Contains antioxidants
Affordable
Penetrates pores
Rough texture
Count: 60 | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Usage: 1 to 3 times daily | Cruelty-Free: No
Thayer’s is a brand known for using natural ingredients in its skincare products, and that tradition continues with these Blemish Clearing Pads. Not only do these pads work to clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and acne, but they are also formulated to help prevent new breakouts from occurring. Made with 91% natural ingredients (which we love), the pads use a combination of witch hazel, 2% salicylic acid, and antiseptic tea tree oil to unclog pores and reduce redness while aloe vera moisturizes the skin. We did find these pads a little abrasive so they’re probably not the best for sensitive skin types.
Who It’s For
If you grapple with regular breakouts and acne, these powerful blemish-clearing pads will help clear skin congestion and reduce inflammation.
Best for Beginners
Malin + Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads
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Nordstrom
Promotes collagen production
Addresses age spots
Decongesting
Minimal ingredients
Rough surface
Count: 50 pads | Skin Type: All | Usage: 1 to 3 times per week | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re new to exfoliating pads and have a little trepidation about them, dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian recommends these Malin + Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads. “They are great for all skin types. There’s no alcohol or fragrance in them. They are really simple and basic,” she says of the pads, which contain only water, glycolic acid, and ammonium hydroxide (an ingredient that helps maintain an acidic pH in the product). For an even gentler solution, Dr. Nazarian recommends quickly wiping a pad over your skin and then rinsing immediately.
Who It’s For
One of the downsides of exfoliating pads is that they can cause a little irritation for sensitive skin types or newbies. But this product keeps the ingredient list pared back, shortening the adjustment period and making them suitable for everyday use.
Best Natural
Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys
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Revolve
Assists in cell renewal
Refines texture
Very gentle for sensitive skin
Results may take time
Count: 50 | Skin Type: All | Usage: 2 to 3 times a week at night | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We’re all for products with natural ingredients (when we can find them) because it always feels better knowing what exactly we’re putting on/in our bodies, right? Lactic acid—a gentle exfoliator found in sour milk—is the active ingredient in this formula, which uses all-natural ingredients but still exfoliates with the best of them. The addition of essential oils and aloe vera help even out your skin tone while providing a dose of hydration. It's recommended to use these pads at night, two to three times a week, to avoid over-exfoliating and irritating the skin.
Who It’s For
If you prefer to avoid harsh ingredients and lean towards natural formulas, this lactic acid-based product will suit you.
Best Splurge
Retrouvé Skin Brilliance Priming Pads
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Retrouvé
Uses fruit acids to gently exfoliate the skin
Soothing and non-drying
Leaves the skin glowy and smooth
Small amount of product
Count: 24 | Skin Type: All | Usage: Up to twice weekly at night | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Don't have the time or the money to get a professional peel? These luxurious but effective pads from
Retrouvé will get the job done for half the price. While they're more expensive than the standard exfoliating option, after use, your skin will be glowing like you went to get a top-of-the-line facial. It's a favorite of Byrdie's editor in chief Hallie Gould, and we even named it the Best At-Home Peel in the 2024 Byrdie Beauty Awards. "Soaked in sugar maple extract and a blend of fruit acids like orange and lemon (for gentle exfoliation), as well as panthenol (for its soothing, moisturizing properties), this little pick-me-up pad nixes dead skin cells to brighten and balance your skin," she says. "I use it whenever my skin is feeling dull or sallow, and it works every time." We love that it's packed with natural ingredients to improve the complexion and that it's gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin types.
Who It's For
If you had a recently damaged skin barrier or very sensitive skin and trying to ease your way back into exfoliation, this pick is a great place to start. It has a combination of potent and gentle ingredients to effectively remove dead skin cells while keeping the complexion hydrated.
Best Anti-Aging
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads
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Sephora
Optimizes absorption of treatment products
Reduces look of pores
Infused green tea and chamomile soothe
Can be too intense for sensitive skin
Count: 60 | Skin Type: All | Usage: 1 to 3 times a week | Cruelty-Free: No
These pads from Peter Thomas are a rejuvenating, anti-aging godsend for the skin. They feature a powerful blend of amino acids (proteins known to hydrate and protect against free radicals, the unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells), exfoliating acids, and soothing chamomile and green tea. They’re formulated to help firm the skin, improve texture, and refine pores for an anti-aging boost. While most pads contain a 4-10% concentration of exfoliating acids, this product boasts a 20% concentration of phytic acid, salicylic acid, and sodium lactate (a moisturizer), so you know they mean business.
Who It’s For
These pads work to improve fine lines and wrinkles as well as general dullness and pore congestion, making them an effective anti-aging product. The addition of amino acids preps the skin for optimal absorption of treatment products, meaning your serum and night cream will work even harder.
Best Gentle
RE:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pad
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Amazon
Very moisturizing
Infused herbal water balances skin
Improves skin elasticity
Strong smell
Count: 90 | Skin Type: Sensitive or dry skin. | Usage: Twice a day, or as needed | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re concerned about what you put on your skin or have a low tolerance for acids, these herbal pads are for you. They are free of common skin irritants such as mineral oil, parabens (preservatives), and surfactants (detergents). Formulated with soothing calendula, damask rose, and lavender extracts, they are one of the most gentle options on our list. While most exfoliating pads should only be used at night because of increased skin sensitivity and vulnerability to UV damage, you can swipe these over your face in the morning, too.
Who It’s For
Sensitive skin types will love this gentle, herbal formula, which sweeps away dead skin cells and surface dirt to reveal a brighter complexion.
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Sephora
Strengthens skin’s moisture barrier
Stimulates natural collagen production
Contains fruit-based enzymes
Prone to oxidation
Count: 8 | Skin Type: All | Usage: Twice weekly | Cruelty-Free: Yes
These exfoliating pads are designed to be used all over the body, targeting ingrown hairs, body acne, keratosis pilaris, and dry skin. Packed with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, bromelain (a pineapple-derived enzyme), and bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol that helps target fine lines and hyperpigmentation), the product makes skin smoother and more even from head to toe. The acids and natural enzymes are supported by hydrating squalene and hyaluronic acid to give you firmer, glowing healthy skin.
Who It’s For
Regular use helps reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and body blemishes, helping resolve issues like body acne and stubborn ingrown hair.
Best for Beards
Bevel 2-in-1 Exfoliating Pads
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Bevel
Treats razor bump marks
Enriched with soothing aloe vera
Affordable
A bit on the dry side
Count: 45 | Skin Type: All | Usage: Daily after face wash | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you have facial hair, it’s important to exfoliate and moisturize to ensure the skin underneath doesn’t become clogged and prone to acne and ingrown hairs. Founded by Tristan Walker, these double-duty pads are enriched with soothing aloe vera, lavender, and green tea, plus niacinamide (a common treatment for acne) and 10% glycolic acid. Use daily to gently slough away dead skin, revealing a smoother texture while giving your complexion a nice healthy glow.
Who It’s For
These easy pads will remove dead skin cells, ease congestion, and prevent ingrown hairs for anybody with facial hair.
Best Clean Beauty
Kinship Lemon Honey AHA Pads
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Kinship
Full of natural ingredients
Contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants
Evens the skin tone
Has a somewhat chemical smell
Count: 45 | Skin Type: All | Usage: 3 times a week then build up to daily use | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re not acquainted with Kinship, now is the time to get familiar with the conscientious, clean, and cruelty-free skincare brand. Their exfoliating pads blend glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids to gently unveil a brighter more even-toned skin. Some of its star ingredients include antimicrobial lemon, manuka honey (an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient), glycerin, aloe vera, and Kinbiome (a plant-based probiotic) all of which work together to restore and help protect your skin’s barrier.
Who It’s For
Clean beauty connoisseurs will love this award-winning product, which favors plant-based ingredients known for their potent effects. However, some uses have reported a chemical smell (odd, considering it’s a plant-based product), so if you think that’ll bother you, best to avoid.
Best Medical-Grade
Skin Pharm Clarifying Pads
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Skinpharm
Blend of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids exfoliate and unclog pores
Hydrating formula
Pregnancy-safe formula
Might have to start with gradual use
Count: 60 | Skin Type: All | Usage: 3 times a week then build up to daily use | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This medical-grade brand was founded by a nurse practitioner and undergoes regular clinical testing. The active ingredient in these pads is salicylic acid, which is great for treating acne. The addition of exfoliating glycolic and lactic acids helps exfoliate and brighten the skin. We love how they feel on your face—leaving behind no sticky residue.
Who It’s For
A combination of three acids makes this product a powerful addition to any skincare regimen. It’s ideal if you want professional-level results without a visit to the dermatologist.
Best for Oily Complexion
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
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Medicube
Contains BHA complex to reduce oil production
Exfoliates without causing irriation
Helps minimize the appearance of pores
Can leave a sticky residue
Count: 70 | Skin Type: All | Usage: Daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
No pad can truly deliver a poreless complexion, but these pads are highly effective at ridding skin of excess oil while helping to control future oil production. Salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids work to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear sebum, making pores appear smaller and less noticeable. The one downside is that some reviewers noticed the product leaves a sticky residue after it dries.
Who It’s For
If your skin tends to be more oily, these pads will help bring sebum under control without drying your skin out.
What to Look for in Exfoliating Pads
- Actives and other ingredients: “Active ingredients such as gentle acids are best for frequent use such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as well as lactic acid and most fruit acids such as citric and malic acid,” says Aguilar. “These have a long reputation for being gentle, effective, and safe for long-term use.” Some ingredients you do want to avoid are alcohol, fragrance, acetone, and parabens as they can be overly drying and irritating to the skin.
- Concentration: You want to be careful to not overdo it. Over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and cause long-term damage. “If you are new to exfoliating pads, this is not something that you need to jump into the deep end with. This is a slow and steady process. Try a product for a couple of months and see how your skin handles it,” Dr. Nazarian recommends. “You’re not going to waste your time if you start with a weaker product. You're going to avoid a lot of the pitfalls that happen when people just go straight for the strongest.”
- Gentle ingredients: It’s always best to start with gentle ingredients and work your way up to higher doses as your skin familiarizes itself with the acids. Also, keep in mind that the active ingredients make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so you’ll need to be more diligent about sunscreen use. Dr. Nazarian recommends that you pair exfoliation with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 every morning.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Danielle Ransom is an NYC-based writer and has covered a myriad of topics ranging across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
Additional guidance was provided by Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., F.A.A.D. a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology at Schweiger Dermatology, and dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar.
Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in November 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list of the best exfoliating pads.
