If you, like me, were a young teenager in the early 2000s, there's a good chance your first 'skincare routine' involved a tub of Stridex pads sitting under the bathroom sink. I can still remember the intense burning sensation that somehow convinced me they had to be working. Back then, the goal was: dry out every blemish as quickly as possible, and the harsher the product felt, the more effective I assumed it was. Thankfully, skincare has evolved quite a bit since those days, and so have I!
Peel pads have been one of the few constants in my routine for nearly two decades, but today's formulas are a far cry from the stripping versions many of us grew up with. Instead of aggressively removing everything in their path, most now rely on balanced blends of AHAs, BHAs, soothing, hydrating ingredients, and barrier-supportive actives that deliver results gradually. Thankfully, not much burning is going on in 2026!
I never skip peel pads because when I use them consistently, my skin looks clearer. Everyone's skin is different, but in my personal routine, I would argue that they are just as important as vitamin C, moisturizer, etc.
It is my understanding that skin cells turn over every so many days and that turnover slows as we age. When it slows, the dead skin sits topically for longer, and that's what can create the look of dull skin, and for me, acne. I personally notice that using peel pads helps keep blackheads and clogged pores at bay, smooths uneven texture, and fades acne marks quickly. They're not an overnight miracle, sadly, nothing is, but they're one of the highest-return products in my routine.
If you haven't used a peel pad, it's essentially a cotton round soaked in a serum that usually contains chemical exfoliants, among other ingredients. The goal of a peel pad is to remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother.
I've tested more peel pads than I can count over the years, and while there are many good options on the market, I've narrowed my favorites to five (in no particular order):
Dr. Dennis Gross (there is a large set on sale in the anniversary sale!)
Dr. Dennis Gross (there is a large set on sale in the anniversary sale!)
These were among the first peel pads I learned about as an 'adult'. They come in different strengths, and I typically buy the extra strength. It says you can use these daily, though at the extra-strength level, I mostly use them once per week as a 'touch up'. Another way I love to use them is every other day for a week leading up to an important event where I'd like my skin to look its best, and then I return to my daily peel pads. These are expensive, so these are more my 'special occasion' peel pads or when my skin is extra dull, and I really need a big boost. If you are new to peel pads, the extra strength may burn a bit, so it may be better to try a lower strength. Unlike many other peel pads, this is a two-step process: you use the pads with the active ingredients, then a second pad neutralizes and soothes the skin. My code SUMMERWIND may work on these.
This is a double-ply peel pad. It comes with 45 pads. I don't think the double-ply design is necessary, so I rip the pad in half and get 90 uses out of one tub. Of all the pads on this list, I like the texture of these the most. They have a little bit of texture but are still very soft, and they soak up the serum without being sopping wet. I think this is the best middle-of-the-road option, as the formula seems strong but well-balanced with hydrating ingredients, so I never feel like my face burns or feels dried out. I think these are effective pretty quickly, too.
Like YSE, these are also two-ply, but they're much harder to break apart, so I just use them as-is. There are 45 in the tub. The first week or two, I actually did not love these. I felt like they weren't doing much, and they might have been too gentle for my skin, which is very used to a stronger acid product. However, around week two or three, I was blown away by the results. I felt like my skin looked so clear and very hydrated. Out of all of the peel pads on this list, I felt like these were the most gentle on my skin and the most hydrating. I think it took longer to see results, which isn't always a bad thing. I really love how this is slow and steady. This is the perfect kind of thing to use if you are like me and get pretty dry skin during the winter months. These do not at all dry out my skin; in fact, I would go so far as to say they add a boost of hydration.
There are 60 pads in this tub, all single-ply. These contain lactic acid, which is generally gentler than glycolic. The different acids have different sized molecules which penetrate skin differently. These are very lightly fragranced, which I wanted to note in case that may bother you. Scent doesn't bother me, but I think there is no reason any skincare product needs to be scented. It does drive me crazy when a lip product is scented! I tolerate it, but I truly think every lip product should be unscented! I think these are similar to the InnBeauty in that they are gentler, hydrating, but still very effective. I find these to be a touch less hydrating than the Innbeauty on my skin. My code SUMMERWIND may work on these.
To me, the M-61 and Dennis Gross are the most similar in 'feel' both of the actual pad (it's more like a cloth) and the serum that the pad is soaked with. This is a single-ply pad and comes in different strengths. This one just has glycolic and salicylic acid, whereas Dennis Gross includes a few more acids. They're individually wrapped. I typically prefer the tubs, but I think the individually wrapped pads are great for travel. These go on sale quite a bit, so if you don't want to shell out for Dennis Gross, I think this is a competitive alternative!
I also have my eye on SkinMedica's Brightening Pads, which have good reviews and are generally a top-notch brand, and I'm currently testing the Dr. Loretta Resurfacing Peptide Pads, so I'll report back once I've used them long enough to form a solid opinion.
As for how I use peel pads, I reach for them in the evening after cleansing and before serums or moisturizer. I also make sure my face is completely dry before moving on to the next skincare step.
This is not medical advice. This is my personal experience with these products and what I've learned over the years. Every person's skin is different. Consult your dermatologist for recommendations specific to your skin!
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