The 13 Best Exfoliating Pads of 2024, Expert-Approved

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.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

HydroPeptide 5X Power Peel at Amazon $73

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Best Budget:

SALE

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads at Amazon ~~$20~~ $15

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Best for Acne:

Thayer’s Blemish Clearing Pads at Amazon $10

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Best for Beginners:

Malin + Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads at Nordstrom $44

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Best Natural:

Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys at Revolve $41

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Best Splurge:

Retrouvé Skin Brilliance Priming Pads at Nordstrom $65

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Best Anti-Aging:

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads at Amazon $52

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Best Gentle:

RE:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pad at Amazon $32

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Best for Body:

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment at Sephora $18

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Best for Beards:

Bevel 2-in-1 Exfoliating Pads at Target

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Best Overall

HydroPeptide 5X Power Peel

PHOTO: Dermstore

$73 at Amazon $73 at Nordstrom $73 at Dermstore

What We Like

Has anti-aging properties
Tightens pores
Full of natural ingredients

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Nip+Fab

$15 at Amazon $23 at Walmart View on Nipandfab.com

What We Like

Evens the skin tone
The most affordable pads on our list
Dissolves dead skin cells, boosting brightness

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Amazon

$10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walmart

What We Like

Contains antioxidants
Affordable
Penetrates pores

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$44 at Nordstrom $38 at Bloomingdales View on Harrods.com

What We Like

Promotes collagen production
Addresses age spots
Decongesting
Minimal ingredients

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Revolve

$41 at Revolve View on Tracycosmetic.com

What We Like

Assists in cell renewal
Refines texture
Very gentle for sensitive skin

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Retrouvé

$65 at Nordstrom View on Retrouve.com $65 at Bluemercury.com

What We Like

Uses fruit acids to gently exfoliate the skin
Soothing and non-drying
Leaves the skin glowy and smooth

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Sephora

$47 at Amazon $33 at Walmart $55 at Nordstrom

What We Like

Optimizes absorption of treatment products
Reduces look of pores
Infused green tea and chamomile soothe

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Amazon

$32 at Amazon

What We Like

Very moisturizing
Infused herbal water balances skin
Improves skin elasticity

What to Consider

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.

Best for Body

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment

PHOTO: Sephora

$18 at Sephora $60 at Nordstrom $60 at Dermstore

What We Like

Strengthens skin’s moisture barrier
Stimulates natural collagen production
Contains fruit-based enzymes

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Bevel

View on Target View on Getbevel.com View on Jcpenney.com

What We Like

Treats razor bump marks
Enriched with soothing aloe vera
Affordable

What to Consider

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

Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Pads

PHOTO: Kinship

$26 at Amazon $26 at Ulta View on Lovekinship.com

What We Like

Full of natural ingredients
Contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants
Evens the skin tone

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Skinpharm

View on Skinpharm.com

What We Like

Blend of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids exfoliate and unclog pores
Hydrating formula
Pregnancy-safe formula

What to Consider

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

PHOTO: Medicube

$29 at Amazon $26 at Medicube.us

What We Like

Contains BHA complex to reduce oil production
Exfoliates without causing irriation
Helps minimize the appearance of pores

What to Consider

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.

FAQ

How often should you use exfoliating pads?

Dr. Nazarian and Aguilar both advise no more than two times a week. “I prefer using my exfoliating pads before bed as our skin rejuvenates overnight,” adds Aguilar. “We can also finish with a beautiful layer of rich nighttime moisturizer on top. In addition, it also gives the skin a break before any sun exposure.”
Are exfoliating pads safe for all skin types?

Generally speaking, yes. However, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients and choose the right exfoliating pad for your skin type. Aguilar says “one should look for ingredients that address their unique skin concerns.” She also cautions against using trichloroacetic acid (aka TCA) as well as high percentages of salicylic or glycolic acid. Keep in mind that if you don't want to use an exfoliating pad, there are other types of facial exfoliators.
What are some signs that I am over-exfoliating?

Dry, easily irritated, and inflamed skin are typically signs that you’re overdoing it and might need to dial down on the exfoliation. “Peeling and flaking are not necessary for the type of peel we’re talking about here,” Dr. Nazarian explains. “That means you are exfoliating faster than your skin can make new skin cells.” One tip she recommends for repairing the skin is to use a gentle, non-foaming wash for at least a week followed by emollients and humectants like hyaluronic acid that is sealed with a little bit of Vaseline.”
Is it safe for people with skin conditions like rosacea and keratosis pilaris to use exfoliating pads?

“Yes, definitely,” says Aguilar. “I strongly encourage my clients with rosacea and/or keratosis pilaris to exfoliate daily; ensuring that they are not experiencing irritation or over-exfoliation. Gentle exfoliation helps to remove oils that allow bacteria to flourish and the dry, dead superficial layer of skin that often prevents your products from penetrating the skin effectively. I love exfoliating pads with lactic acid or mandelic acid for these skin types.”

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.

Updated by Shannon Stubbs

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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