Editor’s Picks: 15 of the Best Exfoliating Pads to Resurface, Clarify and Brighten Your Skin

As a beauty editor, I’ve tested and evaluated exfoliating pads from a range of brands. These are my top picks for every preference:

Best Gentle

• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
• ELEMIS Dynamic Gentle Resurfacing Pads

Best for Acne

• TULA Skincare Breakout Breakthrough Acne Maximum Strength Biodegradable Toner Pads
• First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma White Clay Acne Treatment Pads

Best for Dry Skin

• COSRX Moisture Up Pad

Best for Anti-Aging

• Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Exfoliating Peel Pads
• Dr Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads

Best for Face & Body

• Skinfix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads

Best K-Beauty

• COSRX Original Clear Pad

Best Clean Beauty

• Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Pads

Best Intensive

• DCL Skincare G20 At-Home Facial Peel Pads
• Kerstin Florian Correcting At-Home Professional Peel
• Jan Marini Marini Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads

Best Splurge

• Luzern L’Essentials Au Vin Exfoliating Treatment

Best Budget

• Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads

For more details on each formula, read on.

Since the brand specializes in sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads are among the most gentle exfoliating pads on the market.

This is a set of 60 exfoliating pads soaked in a lactic acid and glycolic acid solution (concentration not disclosed). They’re also infused with aloe, glycerin and cucumber extract, and are free of drying, irritating ingredients like fragrance and alcohol. According to the brand, they’re safe to use as often as twice daily. Bonus: They’re now made of compostable materials!

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, gentle, compostable
• Cons: Not suitable for very reactive skin

Sephora reviewer: “As someone with rosacea, I have sensitive skin that can have skin build-up on my cheeks. I use these pads every other day and can’t tell you how soft/fresh they make my skin feel. It’s the perfect exfoliant for my skin without being too harsh. It also seems to help unclog my pores when I’m breaking out. I only have good things to say!”

Although lactic acid is one of the gentlest and most hydrating acids, exfoliating pads typically use it in combination with other acids. But not ELEMIS Dynamic Gentle Resurfacing Pads—they’re powered by lactic acid alone.

This is a set of 60 exfoliating pads soaked in a lactic acid solution (concentration not disclosed). But that’s not the only ingredient doing the heavy lifting. They also exfoliate with a patented enzyme blend and probiotics (which work without disrupting the skin barrier). The brand recommends using these daily to improve texture and fade dark spots.

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, gentle
• Cons: Pricey, contains fragrance

Ulta reviewer: “These pads make my skin look smooth, even toned and overall youthful. It’s like magic!!! I hardly ever wear foundation now. I had been on a hunt for a pore minimizing/acne regimen for years. This does everything! It’s pricey but it goes over and beyond my expectations.”

To target not just breakouts but also the marks they leave behind, try TULA Skincare Breakout Breakthrough Acne Maximum Strength Biodegradable Toner Pads.

This is a set of 30 exfoliating pads soaked in a 2% salicylic acid solution—the most effective dose to both clear existing acne and prevent future flare-ups. But unlike most acne treatments, these pads also contain niacinamide and azelaic acid to help fade any lingering post-acne marks. Plus, they’re biodegradable and free of alcohol and fragrance.

• Pros: Clears acne, fades post-acne marks, biodegradeable
• Cons: May not be suitable for dry or sensitive skin

Ulta reviewer: “I’ve been having very bad maskne and hormonal cystic acne. Ever since I started using this product my face has completely cleared up! My acne scars are also disappearing. I have oily skin so I can use this product pretty regularly. If you have sensitive/dry skin I wouldn't recommend this product.”

If you find most salicylic acid exfoliants too drying or irritating, consider First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma White Clay Acne Treatment Pads. They’re formulated to be tough on breakouts but still gentle enough for sensitive skin to use daily.

This is a set of 60 exfoliating pads soaked in a 2% salicylic acid solution along with hydrating glycerin and soothing feverfew. They also contain willow bark (a natural BHA), oil-absorbing kaolin clay, and hydrating glycerin. Plus, they’re alcohol-free and fragrance-free.

• Pros: Clears acne, gentle
• Cons: May not be suitable for dry skin

Sephora reviewer: “Love this product. I was looking for something to help with occasional breakouts and blackheads and this product exceeded my expectations. I have dry skin and it tends to be on the more sensitive side. Other products like this that I have tried have burned or made my skin worse. This not only didn’t dry my skin out but has made my face so soft. It feels like it helps my moisturizer soak in better.”

Yes, even dry skin types can use exfoliating pads—as long as it’s a product like COSRX Moisture Up Pad.

This is a set of 70 exfoliating pads soaked in a 0.5% betaine salicylate solution. So they contain a mild BHA in a low concentration—making them ideal for anyone one with dry, dehydrated skin who finds most exfoliators too drying. Besides gently removing dead skin cells and smoothing your skin texture, they also soothe and hydrate with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin and squalane.

• Pros: Hydrating, gentle, affordable
• Cons: Contains essential oils

iHerb reviewer: “I bought it because I was worried about dead skin in my 40s. I like it because it makes my skin smooth and shiny when I take care of my whole face. I can get rid of the rough skin around my nose, and I feel like my skin is getting brighter. It not only exfoliates, but also moisturizes, so it kills two birds with one stone.”

Besides giving your skin a smoother texture, Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Exfoliating Peel Pads promise to soften the look of expression lines and emerging wrinkles, while also boosting the absorption of your topical treatments.

This is a set of 60 exfoliating pads soaked in a 20% phytic acid, salicylic acid and sodium lactate solution. Don’t be scared by the high concentration of acids here. Phytic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs, while sodium lactate is a hydrating lactic acid derivative. In fact, these pads are intended for daily use once you build up a tolerance. For best results, use them before a peptide treatment—they deposit amino acids, which make the peptides absorb better and work more effectively. 

• Pros: Smooths texture, improves look of fine lines, brightens
• Cons: May not be suitable for dry and sensitive skin

Ulta reviewer: “I needed a good peel because my skin was looking dull and dry with some fine lines. I have extremely sensitive, temperamental skin, and this doesn’t irritate it or cause any breakouts whatsoever, which is so rare! I’ve been using this nearly every day, and I swear, I look years younger—this is like what my skin was 10 years ago!! (I’m 47.) This is a super effective yet non-irritating product. My skin is radiantly GLOWING and my fine lines are almost non existent!!”

What makes Dr Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads unique is that they were created by a dermatologist (Dr. Loretta Ciraldo) and are formulated at a low pH level (3.5) for maximum efficacy.

This is a set of 60 exfoliating pads soaked in a 10% glycolic acid solution. While the acid will brighten dull skin and smooth fine lines, you’re also getting algae-based peptides, which firm and replenish moisture. You can use these as often as daily, if tolerated.

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, improves look of fine lines
• Cons: May not be suitable for acne-prone skin

Dermstore reviewer: “I am in love with this product. It has significantly lightened some of the sun spots on my face after a few weeks of use. My skin feels softer, looks clearer and brighter. I use this after I take off my makeup and cleanse with a Dr. Loretta cleansing product. I would recommend this product.”

If you’re looking to treat skin concerns on both your face and body—including excess oil, acne, wrinkles or discolourations—then Skinfix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads are just the ticket.

This is a set of 60 extra-large exfoliating pads soaked in a 5% lactic acid, 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid solution. Not only do they have AHAs and BHAs, they also exfoliate with 2% fruit enzymes and refine pores with 2% niacinamide. You can use them up to three times per week to start, and then build up to daily use if tolerated. They’re biodegradable, too.

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, suitable for face and body, biodegradeable
• Cons: Not as much liquid as other pads

Sephora reviewer: “I absolutely LOVE this product! I love how the pads are gentle yet effective. They do not strip my skin after cleansing and produce really incredible results. My skin is extremely glowy and I feel confident going out without any makeup. That is my ultimate goal and these pads have got me there!!! The pads smell good, they’re biodegradable, they’re non-toxic, and they are large (you can even cut them in half if you are cost conscious) or use them on your body (bumpy parts of the back of arms). My skin is clear, my acne is gone, my tone is even, and I’ve got the glow I’ve always dreamt of. I cannot express how much I love these resurfacing pads!!!”

In the K-beauty world, the most popular exfoliating pad is the COSRX Original Clear Pad, and for good reason.

This is a set of 70 exfoliating pads soaked in a 1% betaine salicylate solution. As a salicylic acid derivative, betaine salicylate is a gentler and more hydrating type of BHA, so most skin types should be able to tolerate it daily. (The 1% concentration is said to be equivalent to about 0.5% salicylic acid.) The essence-like solution also contains 85.9% willow bark water, which helps to control oil and soothe irritated skin.

• Pros: Smooths texture, clears acne, gentle, affordable
• Cons: Contains essential oils

iHerb reviewer: “I’m really impressed with how they’ve improved my skin’s texture and feel. They're gentle yet incredibly effective at clearing away excess oil and dirt from my pores. Not only do they help stave off breakouts, but they also soothe any inflammation. I incorporate them into my skincare routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, and they consistently leave my skin feeling velvety smooth. Their convenience factor is also a major plus, particularly when I’m pressed for time or on the go.”

For an eco-friendly option, consider Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Pads. These ultra-thin pads are compostable, with clean ingredients and sustainable packaging.

You get a set of 45 exfoliating pads soaked in a glycolic acid and malic acid solution (concentration not disclosed). There’s also a mix of moisturizing humectants, plus toning lemon extract and antibacterial honey. So they’re a good option for both brightening and keeping breakouts under control. Meanwhile, the brand’s signature probiotic complex supports a healthy skin barrier. 

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, clears acne, clean ingredients, compostable
• Cons: Contains essential oils

Kinship reviewer: “I have sensitive skin, occasional but persistent acne and recently started fighting with hyperpigmentation/melasma which led me to try these. I’m amazed. They evened my skin tone and complexion out entirely. I used to swear by Drunk Elephant but their packaging isn’t recyclable. I’m glad that led to these... they are significantly better and their overall environmental efforts and clean ingredients are impressive.”

If you’re an experienced acid user who already tolerates treatments with 10% glycolic acid, then you may be ready for DCL Skincare G20 At-Home Facial Peel Pads.

This is a set of 50 exfoliating pads soaked in a 20% glycolic acid solution at a low pH of 2.5-3.4. As an intensive, professional-strength peel, it targets both acne and signs of aging. Because the active ingredient is so potent, it should only be used twice per week, max. You’ll need to leave the solution on your skin for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, improves look of fine lines
• Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive skin

Dermstore reviewer: “The first time I used these pads was after a consultation at a medspa. As the woman was going over their various treatments, I kept staring at her skin. I finally said, ‘I want to do what you do, your skin is amazing.’ She laughed and said, ‘That’s because I just used my glycolic pads this morning. Whenever I use them, people always comment on my skin because they make it glow.’ SOLD! I bought my first jar of pads from her five years ago and have been buying them here ever since. She was right, my skin glows from them. Now even my dermatologist tells me I have great skin. I’m over 50 and thanks to these pads I have very few, barely visible fine lines. They even help keep my crow’s feet in check. And my skin gets compliments constantly. Not bad for a woman of a certain age. I’ll never stop using these pads!”

Think of Kerstin Florian Correcting At-Home Professional Peel as the next best thing to a professional chemical peel.

This is a set of 50 exfoliating pads soaked in a 20% glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and phytic acid solution. So you’re getting a high concentration of four different AHAs and BHAs to brighten and refine skin texture. Plus, there’s a Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex that helps to soften wrinkles. You can use these up to three times per week, rinsing your skin off after three minutes (they’re that strong!).

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, improves look of fine lines
• Cons: Pricey, may not suitable for sensitive skin

SkinStore reviewer: “I’ve used this product for seven months now and I’m amazed at how well it works. I have sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin. I’m in my sixties and I’ve never come across a product that helps me so well. My blackheads are gone and pores noticeable reduced in just three weeks! Yes, there is tingling but no lasting effects other than clean, smooth skin. I highly recommend this product.”

With four different acids, Jan Marini Marini Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads give you an at-home chemical peel that is comparable to professional treatments.

This is a set of 30 exfoliating pads soaked in a glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid and salicylic acid solution (concentration not disclosed). To counteract dryness and irritation, the solution also contains multiple humectants and skin-soothers (like hyaluronic acid, aloe, chamomile and allantoin) and no alcohol or fragrance. These are potent, so you’re only meant to use them every two days, rinsing off the solution after 15 minutes (or after five minutes if you’re sensitive).

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, improves look of fine lines, minimizes pores
• Cons: Pricey, may not be suitable for sensitive skin

Jan Marini reviewer: “These pads have truly aided in transforming my skin. My hyperpigmentation went away, acne almost never happens and when something does happen the healing process is so much quicker. Also, my skin is so smooth and radiant. I have very large pores and these pads have helped with that as well. There was a time I never went out of the house without makeup because I needed to cover hyperpigmentation. Now I only wear makeup on extremely special occasions.”

For an everyday splurge, my top pick is the Luzern L’Essentials Au Vin Exfoliating Treatment, since it contains a unique combination of ingredients that you won’t see anywhere else.

This is a set of 45 exfoliating pads soaked in a 10% lactic acid and 1% willow bark solution. That’s an ideal concentration of lactic acid to gently resurface and brighten. Meanwhile, the willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid) will keep your pores clean without over-drying. These pads also contain a brightening vitamin C derivative (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) and moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, and can be used by all skin types—even sensitive. What more could you ask for?!

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, clears acne, gentle
• Cons: Pricey

Dermstore reviewer: “I’ve been using these peel treatment pads for a few years now and I must say that I LOVE them! I use them 2-3 times per week, or if I see a blemish appearing on my skin. When I wake up in the morning, I notice that my skin is glowing! I also see a considerable decrease in the size/appearance of whatever blemish I was trying to get rid of. Highly recommend!”

If you’re on a budget, my recommendation is Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads—they’re affordably-priced, with natural ingredients and the three most popular AHAs and BHAs.

This is a set of 60 exfoliating pads soaked in a 10% lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid solution. Besides gently exfoliating and brightening, they also have niacinamide, which helps with glow and minimizing pores. Plus, there are dewy humectants (like aloe, apple extract and glycerin) for light moisture. You’re meant to use them up to three nights per week.

• Pros: Smooths texture, brightens, minimizes pores, gentle, affordable
• Cons: Contains essential oils

iHerb reviewer: “Better than the other brands. Great packaging. Quality is superb. I have sensitive skin and had no problem using this on a nightly basis. It goes on nice and does not leave any type of residue. You can't beat the price for the amount of pads you receive and the unbeatable quality.”