Glycolic acid pads are basically cotton pads soaked in a solution of glycolic acid. They are designed for ease and convenience of use. You don’t have to buy a separate glycolic acid serum or toner. Simply swipe the pad across your clean face (or any other area) to reap its benefits. And benefits, it has many. Glycolic acid is known for having the smallest molecular weight that allows for superior penetration (1). It has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an incredible exfoliant by breaking down the top layer of dead skin cells, promoting cell renewal. It goes hand-in-hand with acne and post-acne scars. Studies have shown it to be effective on acne. It reduces the appearance of comedones, papules, and pustules while reducing their frequency of occurrence. It fades out scars and spots with consistent use. Moreover, patients with melasma and those with mature skin can also expect a reduction in their brown patches, sun spots, and fine lines, thanks to this incredible ingredient (2). Several more studies show its effectiveness as a treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (3).  

So, here we are with our curated selection of the top glycolic acid resurfacing pads that will transform your troubled skin. They are available in a variety of concentrations, ranging from 5% to 70%, and we have tried to cover the whole spectrum to make it easier for you to find your ideal exfoliating match. Keep reading to know more about our handpicked recommendations and how to use them effectively.

• 1
  Best for Textured Skin

  Peter Thomas Roth | Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads

  BUY ON AMAZON

Even out your textured skin with these exfoliating pads by Peter Thomas Roth. Infused with glycolic acid and retinol, these pads can easily sort all your skincare queries. Whether it's random patches, acne scars, redness, uneven skin tone, or blemishes, one pad a day is all your skin needs. This convenient box comes with 60 pads that treat your skin without purging or pilling. An Amazon user went on to say that this product drastically changed the skin texture. Moreover, it shrunk her pores and made her skin smooth.

2

Best for Pigmentation

QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Exfoliate with convenience, thanks to these QRxLabs glycolic acid pads which are infused with 20% glycolic acid. This is not a beginner-friendly percentage nor something that can be advised to be used daily. However, it boasts a series of soothing and antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as allantoin, green tea extracts, calendula, panthenol, and vitamins C and E, that will work wonders for your skin. Our team discovered through using this product that it can easily be used as a multipurpose product for your elbows, ankles, and underarms.

3

Best for Beginners

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

These Nip+Fab glycolic acid serum-infused exfoliating pads are a must-have in your skin routine, especially if you have to deal with those pesky breakouts that won’t let you go. With the power of 5% glycolic acid, you can bid them goodbye with ease. These pads also come packed with the goodness of lactic acid and salicylic acid, making them a holy grail for those with oily and congested skin. Their gentle yet powerful exfoliating action gets rid of the gunk and whiteheads over time to reveal a rejuvenated complexion. After putting it to the test, we found that the pads are slightly textured, offering a better grip.

4

Best for Sensitive Skin

Remedial Pax Glycolic Acid Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Making pigmentation a thing of the past has never been easier. Get your hands on these Remedial Pax pads. These are the best glycolic acid exfoliating pads made from 100% cotton. One jar contains sixty pads, which will last you a long time. They feel soft and gentle against the skin. They are infused with several antioxidant-rich ingredients, apart from glycolic acid, such as panthenol, allantoin, and green tea extract. They work together to improve the skin's texture and tone with regular use. Based on our firsthand experience, these pads effectively reduce the size of enlarged pores.

5

Best Vegan

Touch 20% Glycolic Acid Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Get ready to glow like never before with these 20% glycolic acid pads from Touch. From discoloration to skin texture, there's nothing that these exfoliating pads cannot combat. While glycolic acid works its magic as an excellent exfoliator, there are other ingredients like cucumber and green tea extracts for soothing the skin and adding to its radiance. When we trialed this product, we discovered this pack of fifty pads will last you a good deal of time as you only need to use them twice a week.

6

Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

These glycolic acid exfoliator pads from L'Oréal Paris are your match made in heaven if you wish to fight signs of aging early on. Whether you want to minimize the appearance of fine lines or fade out the sun spots, these exfoliating pads infused with 10% glycolic acid come in quite handy. After conducting experiments with it, we observed that the exfoliating pads are soft and gentle but also thick and sturdy so that it doesn't break in your hands while using.

7

Best Overall

NassifMD Dermaceuticals Detox Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Say hello to a clean and smooth complexion with the best glycolic acid peel pads from NassifMD Dermaceuticals. Also infused with salicylic acid, these pads make it easier for you to achieve a smoother complexion, without feeling the need for harsh scrubs or too many exfoliants. Through our practical knowledge, we can say that these are more like cleansing pads that also offer exfoliation. They are gentle enough for daily use but also adequately effective to work on several skin concerns.

8

Best for Breakouts

Replenix Acne Gly-Sal 10-2 Clarifying Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Discover results like that of a chemical peel without actually putting your skin and wallet through it with these 10% glycolic pads. Also infused with 2% salicylic acid, these pads are quite good at what they do. They effectively reduce breakouts and give way to a smoother complexion. They reduce excess oil production and flatten out the acne bumps. Even hormonal acne won't be spared by these exfoliating pads. Our investigation demonstrated that they are beginner-friendly and can be used without the worry of skin irritation.

9

Best for Rejuvenating Skin

umiwill Cosmetics Glycolic Acid Pads 35% Facial Peel

BUY ON AMAZON

Rejuvenate your skin with an enhanced cell renewal brought upon by the best glycolic acid serum-infused exfoliating pads from Lumiwill. With fifty pre-soaked pads in a jar, it is an ideal option for advanced users, given that they contain 35% glycolic acid. Other star ingredients include green tea, panthenol, witch hazel, vitamin E, eucalyptus, and calendula, which work together to calm, soothe, and heal the skin. Our findings show that these resurfacing pads are quite effective on fine lines and body acne.

10

Best for Fine Lines

Organys Glycolic & Salicylic Exfoliating Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

The Organys resurfacing pads provide an all-around exfoliation that doesn’t require much effort on your part. Just swipe away your skin woes with these pads infused with 20% glycolic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid,  Whether it's your face, neck, elbows, or even your armpits, they can be used on the areas you wish to exfoliate with ease. Each pad is adequately saturated and starts showing results within a few uses. Just once to twice a week of use is enough to transform your skin from dull and drab to fresh and fab. We have found from using this product that it is more suitable for oily skin and evens out skin tone.

11

Nuvadermis 35% Glycolic Acid Peel Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Smooth skin is a goal that many want to achieve. And now it has been made easier, thanks to the best glycolic acid pads from Nuvadermis. They contain 35% glycolic acid but don't let the high strength of these pads make you nervous. Despite being high in concentration, they have a gentle formulation, because of several skin-soothing ingredients, like green tea, calendula, panthenol, allantoin, and vitamins C and E, being a part of the formulation. Our research indicates that these pads are easy on the skin and don't cause any stinging or burning.

12

bliss That’s Incredi-peel Glycolic Resurfacing Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

There is a reason that the bliss glycolic pads are a class apart. Their Incredi-peel facial peel pads are truly incredible. They are infused with 10% glycolic acid, which is a beginner-friendly concentration. One pack contains 15 pads that are in individual sachets. After trying out this product, we found that the size of each pad is quite big, especially when compared to other exfoliating pads available in the market. You can either take half the pad or use the entire thing to cover your face, neck, chest, and other parts of your body.

13

MAJESTIC PURE Cosmeceuticals Glycolic Acid Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Your skin deserves the best care and you can get it with the help of the best exfoliating pads for face from MAJESTIC PURE Cosmeceuticals. There are sixty pads in a jar that are infused with 20% glycolic acid. That's not all. They also contain a range of soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol, vitamins C and E, chamomile, green tea extract, and glycerin. They are very effective on acne and you can use these pads as a spot treatment or all over your face. Based on our observations, they might leave a sticky feeling but it will subside after applying moisturizer.

14

NEWPORT Cosmeceuticals Glycolic Acid Pads 20%

BUY ON AMAZON

Shrink your enlarged pores and say goodbye to acne with these glycolic acid pads for face from NEWPORT Cosmeceuticals. Each pad is nicely saturated with 20% glycolic acid and works wonders for your skin. It may take some time, but you can expect a spa-like transformation. These pads are quite effective at fading hyperpigmentation, whether it is on your face or body. We determined through our tests that they also work on mature skin without causing any side effects.

15

Windsor Botanicals Glycolic Acid Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Refresh and rejuvenate your dull and tired skin with these Windsor Botanicals skin resurfacing pads. Each pad is adequately saturated with the best glycolic acid toner and is more than enough to cover larger body parts. Whether you have an oily skin type or a dry skin type, you will notice great results with consistent use. These pads will slough away the dead skin cells with ease and remove any dry, flaky skin while doing so. On the other hand, they will dry out acne, active or not to give you clear skin.

16

ANAI RUI Glycolic Acid Pads

BUY ON AMAZON

Enjoy exfoliating your skin for a clean and refreshed feeling with these glycolic acid resurfacing pads from ANAI RUI. Formulated with 35% glycolic acid and other skin-soothing ingredients like panthenol, witch hazel, calendula, and vitamins C and E, they will leave your skin smooth and radiant. Each pad is adequately saturated, which makes using them a breeze. Our analysis of this product revealed that it has a non-irritating formula that is quite effective on acne scars and spots.

Choosing the best glycolic acid pads may feel daunting, particularly for a newbie. But you no longer have to worry about this overwhelming or daunting task, as we are here to solve all your doubts and queries with our comprehensive guide. Here are a few aspects that you must keep in mind while finding your ideal match in glycolic acid pads:

Skin Type

Firstly, you must consider your skin type. Determine whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin. Go a step further and check if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. This is because different concentrations of glycolic acid pads cater to different skin needs.

Concentration

As mentioned earlier, glycolic acid pads come in varying concentrations. The pads meant for at-home use typically range from 5% to 40%, and sometimes even higher. It is advisable to start low and slow with glycolic acid. If you're new to it, start with a lower concentration, like 5%. You can gradually increase it as per your skin's needs and tolerance.

pH Level

The best glycolic acid products work effectively when they are at a pH level of around 3.5 to 4.0.

Additional Ingredients

Look for pads that contain additional skin-friendly and skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, vitamins B5, C, and E, and hyaluronic acid, to name a few. You may look for glycolic acid pads that also contain lactic acid and salicylic acid for enhanced benefits.

Packaging

Choose products with proper packaging that keeps the resurfacing pads shielded against any sort of contamination. You may opt for flip-top lids or individually wrapped pads for a more hygienic use.  

Size 

Glycolic acid pads come in different sizes and textures. Choose a size that is neither too big nor too small. It must be adequate for use on your face and neck. You may choose a bigger size to cover larger body parts like your arms and legs. A small size can be used to treat your nose for those pesky blackheads or any other area prone to acne. 

Texture

Ensure that the glycolic acid pads are made from soft and biodegradable material. It should be thick enough to not fold or tear during application. You may opt for a smooth pad or one with some texture for extra exfoliation, depending on your skin's needs and your personal preferences.

Read Reviews

Do your research and read customer reviews on various online platforms and beauty blogs. This will give you valuable insights into the working and efficacy of your favorite glycolic acid pads.

Consult a Dermatologist 

If you have super sensitive skin, or if you suffer from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or melasma, it is advised to consult your dermatologist. They will be able to give you personalized recommendations that won't harm your skin. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use glycolic acid pads for maximum benefits and minimum risks:

• Always start with a clean and dry face. Though these acid pads may look like your regular cleansing pads, they are not! They are exfoliating pads and must be used as such.
• Make sure your skin is dry as damp skin may add to its penetrating abilities and cause irritation.
• Do a patch test before applying it to your skin, irrespective of whether you have sensitive skin or not. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on the inside of your forearm and wait for 24 hours. Use it on a wider area only if it doesn't cause any reaction during the patch test.
• You may wear disposable gloves and use tweezers for picking up and using these pads.
• Take one pad and gently swipe it over your skin. Avoid the delicate skin around your eyes.
• It is advisable to follow the product's instructions but don't follow them blindly.
• As opposed to what many brands suggest, you don't need to use these glycolic acid pads daily. That's a recipe for pain, redness, and irritation.
• Avoid using BHAs, AHAs, retinol, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide in the same routine. If any of these are included in the glycolic acid pads, then it's okay.
  Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Using ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C along with glycolic acid, can cause skin irritation and dryness. Therefore, it's best to avoid using these together and opt for a gentler skincare routine.”
• Don't use these pads on irritated and sunburned skin. Avoid using it on active acne and open wounds.
• Once done with the application, allow the glycolic acid solution to absorb into your skin. You must rinse it off, if it is a higher concentration, if you have sensitive skin, or if it is your first time using glycolic acid.
• Advanced users can let the solution stay on for longer hours if it is of a lower concentration. 
• Overuse can cause skin issues so don't use these resurfacing pads for more than twice a week.
• Apply a nourishing moisturizer afterward.
• Don't forget to apply and reapply sunscreen during the day.

From fine lines and wrinkles to blemishes and enlarged pores, there's nothing that glycolic acid cannot combat. This is why the best glycolic acid pads have been winning hearts and transforming skin with their incredible prowess. While glycolic acid serums and toners are equally popular, they don't have the same kind of ease of use and convenience brought by glycolic acid pads. Unlike serums, they are available in a wide range of concentrations. You may use it on your face or your legs to achieve brightened and even-toned skin. As already popular on TikTok, these pads can also be used on your armpits to deal with discoloration and odor. So, give up on the FOMO and join this bandwagon of glycolic acid exfoliator pads to achieve the best version of your skin.

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam