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We've all been there. You're in the shower, excited to get ready for your big day, and then… you see the dreaded blackheads on your nose and a pesky pimple on your chin. At that moment, when your skin is at its worst, you want to reach for something that will make your skin feel smooth and silky again, without having to wait for hours or days for results. That’s where exfoliating pads swoop in like a knight in shining armor, ready to make all of your acne-prone woes disappear. Just wet them under the faucet and rub them over your face — they'll remove the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells without having to use a harsh scrub! They also help to stimulate collagen production, resulting in a more youthful appearance. We’ve reviewed some of our favorite exfoliating pads of 2024 that'll improve the overall appearance of your skin and give it a healthy glow.
Our Picks of the Hottest Exfoliating Pad
QRxLabs Exfoliating Pads — Best Anti-Aging
QRxLabs Exfoliating Pads are the new way to get healthy, glowing skin. Soaked in glycolic acid and boosted with vitamin B5, C, and E, these exfoliating pads have a textured surface with a waffle pattern that gently exfoliates your skin, clears blemishes, tightens pores, and removes dead cells from its surface, revealing younger-looking skin underneath.
With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it also reduces photo damage and improves cell turnover rate. Made with non-woven rayon/polypropylene material, these pads are gentle on the skin, so they won't irritate or scratch as you rub them over your face. For easy application, they are designed with a convenient finger notch so you don’t have to worry about getting your hands wet. With 50 pads per jar, you can freshen up your face anytime, anywhere.
Pros
- Fully saturated with premium acids
- Suitable for different skin types
- Soothing scent
- Paraben and sulfate-free
Cons
- Might be a bit sticky
Dermalogy by Neogenlab Exfoliating Pads — Best for Texture Improvement
Take your skincare game to the next level with DERMALOGY by Neogenlab Exfoliating Pads. Saturated with wine extracts, hyaluronic acid, and PHA, these exfoliating pads have a three-layer design that exfoliates dull skin while reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines, resulting in effortlessly smooth skin with a dewy glow.
With the inclusion of 300 nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, these exfoliating pads also help your skin look fresh, healthy, and vibrant without drying out your skin or causing irritation. Dermatologists tested and found that these pads are suitable for different skin types — from sensitive to dry. Plus, each jar contains 30 pads, so you'll have plenty to last you through multiple exfoliating sessions.
Pros
- Made with 100% pure cotton
- Non-irritant formula
- Provide much-needed nourishment
Cons
- The smell might be appalling for some people
Nip + Fab Exfoliating Pads — Honorable Mention
Tired of pesky zits and dull skin? With Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Pads, you can finally get rid of acne and hyperpigmentation — and even fine lines and wrinkles in one little swipe! These pads are infused with glycolic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of pores.
Offering a refreshing and delightful experience, these pads also contain hyaluronic acid and witch hazel, which help to hydrate and plump up your skin for a fresh and youthful look. Suitable for different skin types, these luxurious pads are gentle enough to use every day on your face or body! As an added bonus, they come in a convenient jar containing 60 pads, so you'll have enough pads for months of good skincare!
Pros
- Brighten skin tone
- Help with hormonal acne
- Available in two different jar sizes
Cons
- It may have to follow up with a moisturizer
First Aid Beauty Exfoliating Pads — Also Consider
last Aid Beauty has made it its mission to provide effective skincare products that are also cruelty-free and environmentally conscious. These exfoliating pads fit right into that ethos: they're made with 99% naturally derived ingredients, including cucumber, Indian gooseberry, lemon peel, and licorice root — all of which work together to brighten the skin tone and complexion, so you can flaunt your flawless skin in all its glory.
Featuring a powerful combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, as well as lactic acid and glycolic acid, these exfoliating ingredients help clear away dead skin cells while soothing inflammation and irritation. Free from harsh ingredients and parabens, these pads are suitable for different skin types — including dry and sensitive skin — and can be used every day or whenever your skin needs a little TCL.
Pros
- Improve skin texture for flawless makeup application
- Provide visible results within four weeks
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
- Might dry out the skin
Buyer’s Guide to Finding an Exfoliating Pad
Exfoliating pads are the wonder products that can make your skin look and feel like silk. With their unique ability to remove dead skin cells without irritating the surrounding area, and their gentle formulation, exfoliating pads are quickly becoming a staple in the beauty routine of anyone who wants to look and feel like a million bucks. Before you rush out and buy one, there are a few things to consider:
Consider the Material of Exfoliating Pads
Exfoliating pads are made of different materials including cloth and mesh. Cloth pads are made out of cotton and they have a rough texture on one side while being smooth on the other side. Cotton-based exfoliating pads are not very good at removing excess oil from the skin but they work effectively to cleanse the dead skin. Mesh pads have a woven texture on both sides and they tend to be less abrasive than cloth pads. These pads gently exfoliate the skin while also improving blood circulation.
Check the Ingredients
Exfoliating pads are made up of different combinations of acids, which usually range from milder to stronger formulas. Milder formulas include glycolic acid and jojoba beads, while stronger formulas include salicylic acid and enzyme-based ingredients.
If you have sensitive skin, stick with a formula that is milder — but if you have stubborn acne or other conditions that require a more powerful formula, then you should look at something that has a higher concentration of acids.
A good exfoliating pad will also include an ingredient called aloe vera or another type of plant-based emollients. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin while providing much-needed hydration.
Besides active ingredients, read the product label to make sure it doesn’t contain irritants and harmful preservatives like paraben, sulfates, and fragrances as they might cause an allergic reaction.
Your Skin Condition Matters!
Exfoliating pads are designed to address a variety of concerns, including dullness, uneven texture, and pore size. Some products also include AHA and BHA to help clear clogged pores and treat acne. If you have dry and flaky skin, opt for an exfoliating pad soaked in hyaluronic acid as they can slough off some of the dead skin while locking in moisture. Those who want to get rid of sun tan and uneven skin tone should stick with facial exfoliating pads infused with vitamin C as they help brighten out the skin and get rid of hyperpigmentation.
Number of Pads in a Box/Package
The number of pads in a box/package can help you decide if the product is worth the price. Some brands offer one-time use pads, while others include 50-60 pads per jar. The more pads there are, the longer it will last. If you plan on using exfoliating pads on a regular basis, then go for the ones that come with more pads per jar as it will save you money.
