These Elemis Exfoliating Pads Brighten My Sensitive Skin Without Stinging

28.10.2026, 02:13 allure.com

Facials are one of my not-so-guilty pleasures, and whenever I spot Elemis on a spa's treatment menu, I know I'm in for a treat. I've long loved the British skin-care brand for its buttery cleansing balms, smoothing face oils, and rich face creams, all of which make their way into the brand's indulgent (and may I mention, wonderfully scented) spa treatments. So when I heard that the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads had won a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award, I wondered if this little tub of pre-soaked pads would give me a fraction of that post-facial satisfaction at home.

Elemis

Amazon

My skin certainly had plenty to gain. It's dry, sensitive, and still sporting the hyperpigmentation and melasma I picked up during my pregnancies. Seven years later, those dark patches are showing absolutely no signs of packing their bags. I'm always trying to get my skin a little smoother and more even-toned, but there's a catch: I already use prescription tretinoin, and my skin doesn't exactly appreciate it when I get overzealous with active ingredients.

That said, I'm not nearly as consistent with my retinoid as I'd like to be. Mine has to be refrigerated (for some reason), and some nights, the thought of walking downstairs to retrieve it is asking way too much from this tired mom. That's partly why these pads appealed to me: They're already soaked, require little brainpower, and seemed like an easy way to work a little exfoliation into my routine on nights when I’m not using a retinoid. But would they actually make a difference? A few fellow Allure editors and I gave them a try to see for ourselves.

Exfoliating pads aren't a new concept, so it really comes down to what's in the formula. And Elemis has a few interesting things going on here. For starters, there's the brand's patented tri-enzyme technology (a fancy name for a blend of papain, protease, and subtilisin), which works alongside lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), to sweep away dead skin cells.

Enzymes work similarly to acids, but there’s still an important difference. “In an exfoliant, these enzymes break down the proteins that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed more easily,” says Farhaad Riyaz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Plymouth, Michigan. Lactic acid, on the other hand, simply uses its acidity to loosen those bonds. Why use both? "Using two mechanisms could improve exfoliation without requiring a high concentration of either ingredient," says Dr. Riyaz. "That could give you smoother skin with less reliance on a strong acid."

As someone with very reactive skin, the idea of doubling up on exfoliants initially gave me pause. But lactic acid is gentle and actually one of the more sensitive skin-friendly AHAs out there, according to Chang Son, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. That's partly because its “molecules are larger than those of glycolic acid, so they don't penetrate as quickly or deeply,” he says. In other words, it takes a more gradual approach to exfoliation. And here's something I especially appreciate: Lactic acid doesn't just exfoliate. "It is also a humectant, meaning it can help support skin hydration even while exfoliating,” adds Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee's jar of Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Lactic acid is only part of the hydration story. The pads also contain "glycerin and betaine (a humectant derived from sugar beets) to help retain water,” says Dr. Riyaz. “Butylene glycol and methyl gluceth-20 also contribute to hydration.” Essentially, they're all there to help keep skin from feeling parched. On top of that, “shea butter and fatty alcohols, including behenyl and stearyl alcohol, lend a hand by softening skin and helping prevent moisture loss, too” he says. (Before the word “alcohol” raises any red flags, don’t worry: These aren't the same as drying alcohols like ethanol.) There's also Lactococcus ferment lysate, a postbiotic that may help support skin renewal and a healthy skin barrier. Dr. Queen notes that it's more of a supporting player than a star ingredient, since research into its benefits is still emerging.

One thing worth mentioning: These pads do contain added fragrance. My skin is sensitive to plenty of things, but fragrance, oddly enough, has never been one of its major triggers. If yours tends to react to scented products, though, that's something to keep in mind, especially since you're already dealing with exfoliating ingredients.

Here's where these pads really won me over: They're just so easy to use. No pouring toner onto a separate cotton round, no guessing how much to apply, and definitely no hovering over the sink waiting to rinse something off. I use tretinoin at night, so I save these pads for the morning. I just swipe one over clean skin, then move on to the rest of my routine: a moisturizing sunscreen and, usually, a skin tint.

The pads are built with some physical exfoliation, too. One side is textured and the other is smooth, so you're getting a little physical exfoliation on top of what the enzymes and lactic acid are already doing. But this is not an invitation to scrub your face like you're trying to remove a stubborn stain. "The pad vehicle is mainly about convenience and dosing," says Dr. Queen. "One pad is designed to be enough for the full face, which removes the question of how many to use." She also cautions against applying too much pressure, since all that exfoliating action can irritate skin if you get carried away. A few gentle swipes will do the job. (Sometimes I’d pat it in rather than swipe to avoid harshly scrubbing).

Lee demonstrating the texture of the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

As Dr. Queen points out, combining enzymes with an AHA can make exfoliation more effective, but “it also raises the possibility of dryness and irritation.” Elemis recommends using it both morning and night, so the standard 60-count tub should last you about a month. If your skin is similarly reactive, however, I'd start with just one pad a day like I did (or even a few times a week) and see how your skin handles it before working up to twice-daily use. And if you're already using tretinoin or other exfoliating products, you'll want to be especially careful about overdoing it.

Of course, convenience only gets a product so far. What I really wanted to know was whether these pads could smooth my skin without leaving it feeling stripped, especially since dryness is already a daily battle for me. I did notice a little redness right after swiping one on, but it faded within minutes, and my skin felt comfortable and balanced afterward. And apparently, my skin wasn't the only one that got along with these pads. Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel, who also has very dry skin, usually steers clear of exfoliating pads because they've left her face feeling tight or, worse, like it's burning. These were a different story. She found them “surprisingly soothing and hydrating,” and after using them just twice a week, she noticed her skin looked glowier the following mornings.

I was especially interested in what these pads could do for discoloration. "Regular exfoliation can absolutely help fade existing hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Queen, particularly more superficial marks left behind by breakouts or sun exposure. Melasma, unfortunately, is a little more stubborn. "Conditions like melasma are more difficult to treat through exfoliation alone, as the pigment can exist at different depths in the skin and multiple factors contribute to the condition," she explains.

Lee using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Lee after using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

As for my own melasma, I kept my expectations realistic. After three weeks of using the pads, my skin definitely felt smoother, and I noticed a slight improvement in my overall tone, though I can't say for sure how much of that was thanks to the pads versus my prescription retinoid. I'm certainly not tossing my tretinoin aside, but I can see myself reaching for these whenever my skin starts looking dull or feeling a little rough. The brand says the formula can help improve skin's natural turnover over 28 days, so I'm curious to see whether those subtle improvements become more noticeable with continued use. For now, I'm happy with the smoother texture, even if my dark spots aren’t budging just yet.

I wasn't about to let my skin have the final say, so I recruited a few fellow Allure editors to try the pads, too. Between us, we've got just about every skin concern covered: dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, and dark spots that seem determined to stick around. Here's how the pads worked for everyone else:

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Foresto after using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

“I'm new to using exfoliating pads, but lately my eczema breakouts are leaving hyperpigmentation behind almost immediately, so I'm in need of a little more regular exfoliation. I had tried a few different exfoliating toners but hadn't seen a significant change until I started using these. My facialist commented on how much better my dark spots looked after a month of use. They don't sting, smell strongly, or leave my face feeling dry.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Gulino after using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

“I have combination skin, and my biggest concerns at the moment are dullness and uneven texture, so I’m always looking for something that can help with both. These pads leave my skin feeling noticeably softer and smoother right after I swipe them on, though I do experience some tightness afterward. It’s nothing that particularly bothers me, especially since I usually follow up with a moisturizer or hydrating