The 13 Best Exfoliating Pads of 2023

Best Overall

HydroPeptide 5X Power Peel

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These pre-soaked towelettes are a powerful, skin-boosting cocktail of alpha-hydroxy, glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, as well as peptides, to clear up blemishes and tighten pores, revealing more radiant skin.

Price at time of publish: $69

Count: 30 | Benefits: Anti-aging | Skin Type: All | Usage: Start by using 3 times a week and build up to every day | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Budget

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

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As a renowned favorite for many (including Kylie Jenner), there’s not much else that can be said about these much-loved exfoliating pads. Pre-soaked in a 2.8 percent concentration of glycolic acid, they are gentle enough for daily use. The pads also contain witch, hazel, hyaluronic acid, and blue daisy for a moisturizing, soothing exfoliator that won’t leave your skin stripped dry.

Price at time of publish: $15

Count: 60 | Benefits: Even skin tone, anti-aging, moisturizes | Skin Type: All | Usage: 1 to 2 times daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Drugstore

Thayer’s Blemish Clearing Pads

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Thayer’s is another much-loved brand for their skincare products containing natural ingredients and that tradition continues with their Blemish Clearing Pads. Not only do these pads work to clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne blemishes, they are formulated to help prevent new breakouts from occurring. Made with 91% natural ingredients, the pads utilize a combination of witch hazel, 2% salicylic acid, and tea tree oil to unclog pores and reduce redness while aloe vera moisturizes the skin. 

Price at time of publish: $10

Count: 60 | Benefits: Treat acne | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Usage: 1 to 3 times daily | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Beginners

Malin + Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads

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If you have trepidation about using exfoliating pads, Dr. Nazarian recommends these vegan pads for anyone just dipping their toes in. “They are great for all skin types. There’s no alcohol or fragrance in them. They are really simple and basic,” she says. “If you want to, you don’t even have to leave the solution on. You can wipe a pad over your skin and rinse it off if you’re really nervous.”

Price at time of publish: $44

Count: 50 pads | Benefits: Resurfaces dry, dull skin and promotes collagen production | Skin Type: All | 1 to 3 times per week | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Natural

Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys

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Instead of using the usual glycolic acid-based solution, naturally derived lactic acid (the gentlest of the acids), essential oils, and aloe vera work together to reveal a radiant complexion and even out your skin tone, and hydrate the skin. It's recommended to use these pads at night two to three times a week to avoid over-exfoliating.

Price at time of publish: $35

Count: 50 | Benefits: Refine skin texture, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and deeply moisturize skin | Skin Type: All | Usage: 2 to 3 times a week at night | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Extra Strength

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads

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A super dose of amino acids, acids, and natural extracts, these pads from Peter Thomas are a rejuvenating, anti-aging godsend for the skin. Boasting a 20% concentration, they’re formulated with restorative peptides to help firm the skin, improve texture, and refine pores.

Price at time of publish: $55

Count: 60 | Benefits: Anti-aging and optimizes absorption of treatment products | Skin Type: All | Usage: 1 to 3 times a week  | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Gentle

RE:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pad

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If you’re concerned about what you put on your skin or have a low tolerance for acids, these pads are a great option. They are free of common skin irritants such as mineral oil, parabens, and surfactants. Formulated with calendula, damask rose, and lavender extracts, they are gentle enough to use both day and night.

Price at time of publish: $37

Count: 90 | Benefits: Hydrate the skin | Skin Type: Sensitive or dry skin.  | Usage: Twice a day, or as needed  | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Body

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel

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Packed with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, this all-over body exfoliating treatment rejuvenates dry, dull skin. Standout ingredients include Bromelain (a pineapple-derived enzyme) and bakuchiol (a K-beauty staple). The acids and natural enzymes work together with squalene and hyaluronic acid to give you firmer, glowing healthy skin.

Price at time of publish: $58

Count: 8 | Benefits: Evens out complexion and improves the appearance of in-grown hairs | Skin Type: All | Usage: Twice weekly | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Resurfacing At Home Peel Pads

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Struggling with dark marks that just won’t seem to go away? These pads contain lactic acid, retinol, and arbutin, which are great for clearing up dark marks and hyperpigmentation to reveal a smoother, even texture and complexion. If you’re more concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, there’s a retinol version of these pads too. 

“Those of us with melanated complexions should look for ingredients that help to brighten the complexion, such as mandelic acid, azelaic, and lactic acid,” says Aguilar. “Be cautious with lighteners such as hydroquinone and strong forms of glycolic acids as this can complicate the uniformity of skin tone.”

Price at time of publish: $46

Count: 12 | Benefits: Smooths, exfoliates, evens skin tone, reduces the appearance of dark spots and pores | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Usage: 1 to 2 times per week  | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Beards

Bevel Exfoliating Toner

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Founded by Tristan Walker, these double-duty pads help prevent acne and ingrown hairs. Enriched with aloe vera, lavender, green tea, niacinamide, and 10% glycolic acid, they gently slough away dead skin to reveal a smoother texture while giving your skin a nice healthy glow.

Price at time of publish: $14

Count: 45 | Benefits: Reduces ingrowns and dark spots | Skin Type: All | Usage: Daily after face wash | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Clean Beauty

Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Pads

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If you’re not acquainted with Kinship, now is the time to get familiar with the conscientious, clean, and cruelty-free skincare brand. Their exfoliating pads blend glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids to gently slough away dead skin cells, unveiling radiant skin. Some of its star ingredients include lemon (anti-microbial), manuka honey (antioxidant + anti-inflammatory),  glycerin, aloe vera (moisturizing + hydrating), and Kinbiome (a plant-based probiotic) that work to restore and help protect your skin’s barrier. Once they’re also used, the recyclable jar is compostable.

Price at time of publish: $24

Count: 45 | Benefits: Unclogs pores, reduces breakouts | Skin Type: All | Usage: 3 times a week then build up to daily use | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Medical-Grade

Skin Pharm Clarifying Pads

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Price at time of publish: $50

This medical-grade brand was founded by a nurse practitioner and undergoes regular clinical testing. The clarifying pads contain a powerful blend of three acids—salicylic and glycolic to unclog pores and exfoliate, plus lactic to hydrate, which helps prevent any irritation. We love how they feel on your face—leaving behind no sticky residue.

Count: 60 | Benefits: Unclogs pores, reduces breakouts, reduces appearance of dark spots | Skin Type: All | Usage: 3 times a week then build up to daily use | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes