9 Best Exfoliating Pads for Glowier, Clearer Skin

03.07.2025, 22:06 allure.com

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You already know exfoliation is key to brighter, smoother skin—and while there are plenty of ways to do it, the best exfoliating pads are among the easiest (and most satisfying) options out there. Once known for being harsh and stingy, today’s formulas are far more skin-friendly, with a wide range of actives that cater to every skin type and concern. Whether you’re targeting dullness, breakouts, rough texture, or dark spots, these pre-soaked pads help sweep away dead skin cells and clear out pores—even if you’re traveling or on the go. And if we’re being honest, there’s something oddly gratifying about seeing that leftover grime on the pad that your makeup remover or face cleanser may have missed.

From gentle, hydrating PHAs to more potent blends with salicylic or glycolic acid, there’s truly a pick for everyone.

YSE Beauty

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: With a name like Your Favorite Ex, you know it’s all about letting go, specifically, of dullness, dead skin, and clogged pores that have seriously overstayed their welcome. This Best of Beauty Award-winning resurfacing treatment from YSE Beauty combines glycolic acid (an AHA) with gluconolactone (a gentle PHA) and fruit enzymes to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more radiant skin underneath. Unlike harsher exfoliators that can leave your skin red or parched, it’s buffered with calming grape extract and ultra-hydrating sodium polyglutamate—an underrated moisture magnet that outperforms hyaluronic acid in water retention.

Sarah Han using the YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads

Sarah Han after using the YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads

Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

“While I take my skin-care pretty seriously, I can’t always be bothered to apply a mask, wait for it to do its thing, and then wash it off (mess and all). So, if I can achieve intense exfoliation through the convenience of toner pads, my skin is the better for it. Glycolic acid and PHAs refine my pores, but I don’t find that my skin stings, even though I really go in on my nose and T-zone and swipe multiple rounds. It might be because of the ectoin and sodium polyglutamate, which are the acids’ soothing counterparts, but whatever the case, my skin looks glowing (a little redness is par for the course, and it clears up quite fast) and my pores look a little less obvious.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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SkinMedica

Amazon

Dermstore

Bluemercury

Deanna Pai using the SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads

Why it’s worth it: Each SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pad is pre-soaked with 10% glycolic acid—more than you’ll typically find in your average at-home exfoliator—for a serious glow boost, plus witch hazel to tone and refine without drying you out. However, the real innovation is the brand’s proprietary 2% LTN Complex, a powerful blend of tranexamic acid, lotus sprout extract, and niacinamide that targets dark spots, discoloration, and those stubborn post-acne marks that just won’t quit.

Deanna Pai before using the SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads

Deanna Pai after using the SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

“I'm so prone to hyperpigmentation that I get a dark spot if I even think about a zit (or so it feels), so following a gnarly breakout, I usually come in hot with these exfoliating pads. They're not what I'd call gentle, but that's what I like: The combo of glycolic acid and witch hazel basically resurfaces my skin, leaving it brighter and baby-soft.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

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StriVectin

Amazon

Nordstrom

Christa Joanna Lee using the Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Face Pads with AHA + BHA + PHA + TXA

Why it’s worth it: Before the alphabet soup of AHA, BHA, PHA, and TXA makes your head spin, here’s the simple version: StriVectin’s Daily Reveal Exfoliating Face Pads are your shortcut to smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin. Glycolic acid (AHA) smooths texture, salicylic acid (BHA) clears out pores, and gluconolactone (PHA) gently exfoliates without irritation. Tranexamic acid (TXA) and azelaic acid team up to visibly brighten and fade dark spots, while lactobacillus ferment helps calm and support your skin’s barrier. “This is a powerhouse of exfoliation,” says Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. “It’s a great choice for those with hyperpigmentation.” If decoding an ingredient label isn’t your thing, basically, it’s a well-rounded cocktail of acids that exfoliate, brighten, and balance.

Christa Joanna Lee before using the Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Face Pads with AHA + BHA + PHA + TXA

Christa Joanna Lee after using the Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Face Pads with AHA + BHA + PHA + TXA

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

“I’m actually relatively new to acids—I usually stick to a super gentle lactic acid—but lately it hasn’t been cutting it. I was nervous to try something stronger, but these pads don’t feel stripping at all on my sensitive skin. Plus, the textured surface somehow grabs leftover grime and makeup my remover misses, which makes my skin feel extra clean and brighter without overdoing it.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

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Some by Mi

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Olive Young

Why it’s worth it: K-beauty doesn’t mess around when it comes to skin-care innovation, and Some By Mi’s AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pads are (the TikTok-famous) proof. These daily toner pads are soaked in a combo of exfoliants, including betaine salicylate (a gentler form of salicylic acid), willow bark extract, and PHA to smooth texture, clear clogged pores, and reduce excess oil, making them a go-to for acne-prone or oily skin. Tea tree oil helps dial down sebum, while calming cica extract keeps potential irritation in check.

Sarah Hoffmann using the Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

Sarah Hoffmann after using the Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffman

“I treat these toner pads like a first aid kit for my skin. Whenever I'm inconsistent about skin care, the first place the neglect starts to show is around my nose and chin, where I'm prone to clogged pores. Whenever I notice this kind of congestion, a day or two of using these exfoliating pads clears that right up. My skin is pretty sensitive, so I appreciate how these toner pads are perfectly dosed with the right amount of product, so I don't need to stress about over-exfoliating. The first time I used these after a week of not-so-great skin, I woke up the next day and genuinely thought, ’Well, that made my skin perfect.'" —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer

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Dr. Loretta

Dermstore

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: Here’s a quick 101 on the brand: Dr. Loretta is all about protecting skin from daily environmental stressors—think pollution, light, and other irritants—that can lead to premature damage. A standout in the lineup, the Micro Peel Peptide Pads are especially great for mature skin, thanks to a gentle dose of glycolic acid that helps smooth fine lines, even out tone, and boost elasticity. Peptides round out the formula with firming, plumping benefits. “Peptides are basically a string of amino acids that act as a message between cells,” Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Encinitas, California, previously told Allure. “They can signal skin cells to produce collagen and elastin, or to improve texture, firmness, and elasticity.” To keep things balanced, the formula also includes lactobacillus ferment, a postbiotic that supports a healthy skin microbiome—key for maintaining a strong barrier, especially if your skin tends to be reactive or sensitive.

Angela Trakoshis using the Dr. Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads

Angela Trakoshis after using the Dr. Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads

Tester feedback from Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

“I love how these peel pads gently exfoliate with glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids while the peptides infused in each pad help keep my skin smooth and plump. Each pad leaves my skin feeling refreshed without any irritation and looks instantly brighter and more radiant—like I just had a mini facial at home.” —Angela Trakoshis, shopping market editor

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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Amazon

Nordstrom

Allure features director Dianna Singh after using the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Why it’s worth it: Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is famous for its two-step system. Step one is soaked in five exfoliating acids (including glycolic, lactic, and salicylic) to sweep away dead skin, smooth texture, and clear out pores. Step two neutralizes the acids and infuses the skin with calming, anti-aging ingredients, such as retinol and green tea extract, to boost firmness and reduce irritation. “These peel pads contain both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to improve the appearance of pores, radiance, fine lines, texture, and tone,” Brendan Camp, MD, a New York-based double board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. Our testers sum it up like this: It delivers that fresh-from-a-facial glow without the appointment.

Tester feedback from Allure features director Dianna Singh

"What may look like a makeup remover wipe at first glance is actually a pad packed with chemical exfoliators that help brighten instantly and improve discoloration over time. I first discovered these back when I was a beauty assistant (so, longer ago than I'd like to admit), and yet somehow I'm