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In skin care, there are plenty of terms and chemicals thrown around that are used as buzzwords. You will also find many products that feature natural ingredients such as aloe vera or hemp oil. While some of these terms are hit or miss, others hit the mark at dead center, and glycolic acid is one such compound.
Made of sugarcane, this compound is said to help improve your skin by using a phenomenon known as cell turnover. It’s a pretty interesting process, and if you’re looking to try out new ways to keep your skin young, then this is one way to do it. Read on to find the highest-rated glycolic acid pads in 2024.
Our Favorite Glycolic Acid Pad of 2024
NUVADERMIS Exfoliating Facial Glycolic Acid Pads — Best Overall
Experience the transformative power of NUVADERMIS Exfoliating Facial Glycolic Acid Pads, your secret weapon for achieving a radiant complexion. Infused with the exfoliating prowess of glycolic acid, these pads gently but effectively slough away dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. Say goodbye to dullness and uneven texture as these pre-soaked pads work their magic, leaving your skin looking revitalized and rejuvenated with each use. Indulge in the convenience of the best overall NUVADERMIS Exfoliating Facial Glycolic Acid Pads, designed for effortless application and maximum results.
Pros
- Gently exfoliates while in use
- Removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Could be irritating on sensitive skin; patch test before use
Remedial Glycolic Acid Pad — Most Versatile
The ideal glycolic acid pad is able to work across all skin types with minimal effort. Remedial’s glycolic acid pads are one of the best in the market, featuring a 30% concentration of the chemical in each pad. They’re usable on any part of your body, though you’ll find that they’re especially comfortable in areas such as the face. One pad kit will last you around two months, which is enough time to see the results for yourself.
Pros
- Made of 30% glycolic acid
- Works on all skin types
- Very affordable pricing
Cons
- Packaging could be a little better
QRxLabs Glycolic Acid Pad — Great Formula
If you’re going to rub glycolic acid all over your face, you may as well throw in other healthy compounds, right? QRxLabs takes advantage of this idea by adding extra substances to their glycolic acid products. These include vitamins C and E and green tea and calendula among other ingredients. You also have vitamin B5, and combined with the rest of the ingredients, this results in a very potent product that relies on more than just glycolic acid to make your skin look young and rejuvenated.
Pros
- Includes various vitamins such as C and E
- With natural ingredients and substances
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Only comes with 50 pads
Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Pad — Honorable Mention
One of the best times to do your skincare routine is during the evenings. You won’t be doing much before going to bed, and your skin won’t be exposed to dust and other outside elements, either. This allows your skin to repair itself overnight while you’re asleep, giving you healthy skin in the morning. Made specifically for night use, Nip + Fab’s glycolic pads are definitely worth checking out. While you only get 5% glycolic acid per pad, it’s a very affordable product at just $12, so you won’t be spending that much to give the pads a try.
Pros
- Made to be used at night
- Helps hydrate your skin
- Exfoliates and removes discoloration
Cons
- Only 5% glycolic acid
TOUCH Glycolic Acid Pad — Most Convenient
Most, if not all, glycolic acid pads feel good on your skin, but this pack of pads by TOUCH is especially therapeutic to use. It’s made of compounds that help with various problems in the skin, and it deals with anti-aging, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. With 20% glycolic acid, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the compound’s more prominent qualities such as improved cell turnover rate.
With an easy application and a satisfaction guarantee policy, you can try the product out with no issues or your money back.
Pros
- Very soothing on the skin
- Heavily concentrated with glycolic acid
- With satisfaction guarantee policy
Cons
- Not always available
Replenix Glycolic Acid Pad — Also Consider
Do you have the extra cash to try out some of the more premium skin care products? If so, consider giving this set of acid pads a shot by Replenix. It’s a set of natural pads that are made to help exfoliate your skin.
The entire pad kit fits perfectly inside your bags or suitcases, making it perfect for travel. It’s also got 60 pads, so you can go up to two months without needing to buy another one. The only real downside is the price, but with how many high-quality pads are provided, it’s not a bad product at all.
Pros
- Premium design and ingredients
- Can be used for travel
- Comes with 60 pads in total
Cons
- The most expensive set of pads in the roundup
Glycolic Acid Pads Buyer’s Guide
Glycolic acid pads are one of the more efficient ways of improving your skin’s condition. This guide will cover what you need to know about glycolic acid pads.
What Is Glycolic Acid, Anyway?
Glycolic acid, in a nutshell, is a type of acid or compound that is derived from sugarcane. It’s used for one specific purpose in skin care — to improve the cell turnover rate of your skin. But you may wonder — what even is cell turnover rate?
Cell turnover rate refers to the rate at which your skin replaces itself with a new “batch” of skin. It’s the rate at which old skin cells die and new skin cells reappear in their place. Cells die all the time, and it’s pretty common for skin cells to die. In fact, the dead skin you wash off every day is just layers of dead skin cells.
The reason cell turnover rate is so important for skin care is that it gives your skin a “reset” of sorts. Instead of sticking around with old skin cells for longer, your body churns out a new batch, and this results in fairer-looking skin by comparison. It’s not doing anything with existing skin cells but think of it as cleaning up a whiteboard of dirty penmanship and replacing it with well-written text. You’re resetting the canvas and paving a way for something better.
Now, is cell turnover rate the end-all-be-all of skincare? No. Does it mean you shouldn’t care about it? No. Cell turnover rate is important, but that doesn’t mean you should always look for it in products. So while glycolic acid is fantastic for cell turnover rates, you shouldn’t rely on it all the time for good-looking skin.
The Benefits of Glycolic Acid Pads
Easy to apply
When you’re using lotions or creams, you need to use just the right amount if you don’t want any problems. Using too little will cause some parts of your skin to remain dry, and using too much will make your skin feel all sticky and greasy.
With glycolic acid pads, you don’t need to worry about any of that. Glycolic acid pads ensure you can make the most out of each pad, as they won’t be as slippery, greasy, or creamy as other skin care products. They also come in pads, which makes them very easy to rub around your skin.
Use at night
Nightly skin care is an often underappreciated pastime. It helps a lot with improving your skin and you don’t need to worry about the products sticking to you, as you’ll be in bed the entire time. Some glycolic acid products are made to be used at night, and this ensures that your skin feels the benefits of the substance by the time morning comes.
Tips When Using Glycolic Acid Pads
Rub evenly
Each glycolic acid pad is full of powerful and beneficial components, but that doesn’t mean they’ll last forever. When rubbing the pad on your skin, try to get an even application as much as you can. Many people use only one pad per day, so you’ll want to get as much coverage as possible with a single pad.
Wash your face first
This is a given when using most if not all skincare products, but it’s something that others may take for granted. Before you use glycolic acid pads, be sure to wash the area you intend to use them on. This ensures that no dust, dirt, or dead skin stands in between the glycolic acid and the skin you want to apply the acid on.
