The Easiest Way to Get the Smooth, Glowing Skin of Your Dreams
If your skin is looking a bit dull and lifeless, you might want to consider adding an exfoliating pad to your routine. Loaded with beneficial acids that break down dead cells, they're much easier to use than their scrubby counterparts (and gentler, too). Plus, there’s a wipe for just about every skin concern under the sun—from acne to dark spots and fine lines. Not sure where to start? We’ve picked five of our favorites.
RELATED: PSA: We Should All Be Exfoliating Our Brows
Best for Brightening: Goopglow Glycolic Overnight Glow Peel
Inspired by the chemical peels Gwyneth used to get at her derm’s office, this weekly treatment is packed with an impressive 15 percent glycolic acid (making it one of the most potent at-home peels we’ve ever tried). To use, slip your fingertips inside the glove and swipe the soft side over the delicate skin of your face and the textured side over your neck, chest and shoulders. Note: You will likely feel a tingling sensation at first, but you will also wake up with a noticeable glow.
Best for Acne: Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads
For those of us with stubborn blackheads and breakouts, these peach-scented pads are a godsend. Formulated with both salicylic and glycolic acids, they work double duty to clear pores of excess oil while dissolving any dead skin cells that sit on and beneath the surface. Within a few weeks of use, we’ve noticed that our normally speckled noses are much clearer.
Best for Combination Skin: Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine
A cult favorite within the K-beauty community, these wine-soaked pads are unique in that they offer both physical and chemical exfoliation. Each wipe is made with a lattice-woven gauze that gently scrubs away surface debris, while the blend of lactic and glycolic acids tackle anything that’s left behind. (You’ll want to rinse this off after a few minutes because it has a slightly sticky residue.)
Best for Sensitive Skin: Indie Lee Gentle Daily Peel
For the easily irritated, these gentle pads are a safe bet. Made with natural beta and alpha hydroxy acids (from wintergreen and Australian caviar lime, respectively) and balanced with jasmine and burdock root extracts, you’ll get the skin clarifying benefits of exfoliating without any afterburn or redness.
Best All-Around: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
When your skin is ready for something a bit stronger, we recommend the OG of peel pads. Jam packed with malic, mandelic, salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids, there’s not much they don't make better. Fine lines? Softened. Acne? Smoothed. Dark spots? Faded. But don’t just take our word for it; a quick search will yield thousands of fanatic reviews.
