18 Best Exfoliating Pads: The Ultimate List 2023

1. 1. Editor’s Choice: Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads

   

   Price: $60.78

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   Pros:

   • 20 Percent acid complex sloughs off dead skin cells
   • Gentle compared to many
   • Big jar lasts a long time
   • Leaves skin brightened and tightened

   Cons:

   • Can sting on application
   • More expensive than many
   • May cause redness and irritation

   I’ll admit it. I’m a bit of a junkie when it comes to exfoliating pads, and these exfoliating pads from Peter Thomas Roth are my current beauty darlings. Whenever I wake up feeling like I look puffy and saggy, I’ll grab one of these pads, swipe it across my face and neck (avoiding the eyes, of course), and have a cup of coffee. Once I feel the tingle and then the liquid from the pad dries, I jump in the shower and wash it off, and my skin feels baby soft.

   While the soft pillowy pads say you can use them every day, I wouldn’t recommend it because your skin will simply dry out too much. These peeling pads do a great job of minimizing discoloration and leaving your skin feeling firm, bright and shiny and looking younger. They use alpha, beta, and gamma exfoliators, peptide-boosting amino acids, botanical extracts, and antioxidants to do their work.

   This big jar comes with 60 pads, which easily last several months. Vitamin enriched, with chamomile and green tea extracts, they have a 20 percent acid complex which definitely does the trick when it comes to sloughing off dead skin cells, gently and effectively.

   Find more Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Peeling Pads information and reviews here.

2. 2. BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz Advanced 10 Percent Exfoliating Pads

   

   Price: $75.00

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   Pros:

   • Killer combo of four alpha hydroxy acids make for excellent exfoliation
   • Includes skin soothing willow herb
   • Green tea extract fights free radicals
   • Very effective for acne prone skin

   Cons:

   • Crazy spendy
   • Pads can dry out too fast in the container
   • May be too strong for sensitive skin types
   • Can irritate skin

   Glycolic acid (GA) is the gold standard when it comes to skin exfoliation, and these powerful pads contain 10 percent buffered and pH-balanced glycolic acid that sloughs away dead skin cells to deliver instantly brighter skin. But it’s more than just GA working on your behalf here.

   These pads feature a proprietary complex of four reciprocally enabling exfoliating ingredients – glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and phytic acid – for serious results without any redness, downtime, or leaving your skin looking peeling and flakey. This alpha hydroxy acid is a total power play.

   Additionally, these exfoliating pads skin soothing willow herb, that delivers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant goodness, along with green tea extract to provide protection against free radical damage and reduce signs of aging. They are especially effective at reducing breakouts for those with acne-prone skin. Each container includes 50 pads.

   Buy the BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz Advanced 10 Percent Exfoliating Pads here.

3. 3. Somme Institute Transport Exfoliating Pads

   

   Price: $72.00

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   Pros:

   • Leaves skin smooth and bright
   • Engineered vitamins improve skin tone and texture
   • Alpha hydroxy acid gently exfoliates
   • So moist, only half a pad will do

   Cons:

   • A bit of a bite to the wallet
   • May irritate sensitive skin
   • Not equally effective for every user

   These soft cotton pads from Somme Instituted feature Molecular Dispersion Technology 5 (MDT5™), their patented formula of highly engineered vitamins designed to help improve skin tone, texture, and clarity. Sounds like a winner from the get-go, but add to that powerful alpha hydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates dead cells on your skin’s surface, and you’ve got a great combination.

   These exfoliating pads come in a juicy container that’s got so much good moisture, many users claim to cut them in half, thereby doubling the number of uses per jar. At $65 for 50 pads, the price per use goes way down if you want to maximize by doing that.

   Buy the Somme Institute Transport Exfoliating Pads here.

4. 4. DERMAdoctor Kakadu C Intensive Peel Pads

   

   Price: $58.50

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   Pros:

   • Intense exfoliation without irritation
   • Contains skin brightening vitamin C and healing vitamin E
   • Features an exclusive calming complex to leave skin hydrated
   • Pads are generously hydrated

   Cons:

   • So expensive
   • May cause breakouts
   • Can be too harsh for some skin types
   • May cause eye irritation

   If you have dull dry skin, these peeling pads from DERMAdoctor could be your game changer. With seven sources of alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, as well as ferulic acid, these intensive skin treatments can reveal the amazingly smooth, clear, and bright skin you may not have seen for a while.

   Formulated with Kakadu plums, these peeling pads are rich with skin-brightening vitamin C, and skin-repairing vitamin E. This super fruit extract also adds a wicked dose of antioxidants to protect your skin from free radical damage and premature aging according to this article from Nourished Life.  It’s also anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, making these pads perfect for those who struggle with acne even as their skin ages.

   These pads also feature a skin-calming complex that leaves you feeling hydrated and looking luminous. Plus they’re gentle so they don’t leave skin red and irritated as some peels do. This box features 30 pre-moistened, individually wrapped pads, making them easy to grab one and go.

   Buy the DERMAdoctor Kakadu C Intensive Peel Pads here.

5. 5. MDSUN Skin Exfoliation Pads

   

   Price: $90.00

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   Pros:

   • Uses a combination of acids to exfoliate
   • Natural plant extracts soothe and calm skin
   • Excellent for those with acne prone skin
   • Leaves skin looking more radiant

   Cons:

   • Big price tag
   • Can be irritating to sensitive skin
   • Less pads than many others

   If you’re specifically looking to minimize breakouts and clear your clogged pores, these MDSUN exfoliating pads are a great choice because they feature a multi-faceted approach to exfoliation. Glycolic acid, polyhydroxy acid, lactobionic acid, and essential vitamins exfoliate and hydrate your skin at the same time.

   Then, skin-friendly antioxidants combine with anti-inflammatory components to reduce and help control redness, inflammation, and irritation. All of this is great news for those with acne-prone skin because it’s often more easily irritated by attempts to get clear skin. This jar contains 30 peel pads.

   Buy the MDSUN Skin Exfoliation Pads here.

6. 6. NuFACE Prep-N-Glow Cloths

   

   Price: $24.99

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   Pros:

   • Super convenient for the gym and travel
   • Removes makeup well
   • Micro dots provide gentle exfoliation
   • Hyaluronic acid leaves skin beautifully hydrated

   Cons:

   • Spendy for a small package
   • Exfoliating side of cloth can be too rough for some
   • May sting or burn a bit
   • Can dry out skin if used too frequently

   Put the smack down on dirt, oil, dryness, and flaking with these all-in-one cleansing cloths from NuFACE. These amazing exfoliating pads cleanse away the day while giving dead skin cells a kick to the curb. Once clean and exfoliated, you’ll also feel rehydrated because these sweet cloths also contain hyaluronic acid, one of the most powerful ingredients to keep skin moist and fresh.

   The dual-sided cleansing wipes remove makeup and impurities, while the micro-dots provide gentle exfoliation. Enriched with skin-protecting antioxidants and minerals, your skin will look and feel beautifully refreshed, and radiant-looking. This package contains 20 of these cleansing cloths, making them the perfect travel companion, or for everyday use. They are alcohol, paraben, and sulfate free.

   Buy the NuFACE Prep-N-Glow Cloths here.

7. 7. Neogen Bio-Peel Green Tea Gauze Peeling Pads

   

   Price: $12.00

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   Pros:

   • Effectively fades dark spots and helps reduce hyperpigmentation
   • Leaves skin feeling smooth
   • Uses natural ingredients to exfoliate
   • Brightens skin and tightens pores

   Cons:

   • Exfoliation is not robust enough for some
   • May burn or sting a bit upon application
   • Can cause breakouts
   • Scent is overwhelming to some

   Looking for a natural solution for an at-home peel? These exfoliating pads from Neogen feature a unique two-sided gauze pad soaked in green tea extracts known to be pore tightening, super refreshing, and skin-whitening. Not that everyone wants that last benefit, but these are a K beauty staple and, for many, that’s key.

   Each pad has a scrubby criss-cross gauze side to get rid of all those dead skin cells, then it also has a soft quilted cotton side filled with Centella extract, which is known for its skin healing properties. These peel pads also contain skin soothers like mugwort, aloe, and houttuynia cordata extracts.

   With 30 pads per pack at just $18.99, you can easily afford to use them the recommended twice per week. They smell heavenly, effectively target dark spots and clogged pores, and help to clear acne in a pretty natural way. Better yet, you can get them in lemon or wine essence as well.

   Buy the Neogen Bio-Peel Green Tea Gauze Peeling Pads here.

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8. 8. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme

   

   Price: $16.95

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   Pros:

   • Super affordable
   • Provides overnight exfoliation
   • Effectively targets dark spots, acne scars and wrinkles
   • Gives your skin a smooth, soft texture

   Cons:

   • May cause breakouts
   • Not as much glycolic acid as some more expensive brands
   • Pads seem a bit low in quality
   • Can tingle and burn a bit

   If you could go to bed and wake up to younger-looking skin, it would likely become an addiction, wouldn’t it? That’s why we love these exfoliating pads from Nip + Fab, and so do thousands of others. With a powerful combo of five percent glycolic acid, they help to fade acne scars, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.

   But wait, there’s more. Salicylic acid helps to get rid of stubborn blackheads, and prevent future breakouts, while lactic acid sloughs off dead skin cells and makes skin smooth and soft. But despite their aggressive exfoliation, your skin won’t get super dry, because these pads also contain super hydrating hyaluronic acid in their exfoliating blend.

   With 60 pads, this price is a terrific deal and a solid choice, as well as Amazon’s Choice. If you’re worried that these might be too powerful for your skin, consider the Nip + Fab Daily Cleansing Pads that provide a gentler exfoliating formula, that helps to resurface and retexturize your skin.

   Buy the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme here.

9. 9. Jack Black Power Peel Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads

   

   Price: $42.75

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   Pros:

   • Multi acid formula sloughs off dead skin cells to leave skin brighter
   • Targets dark spots and discoloration
   • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

   Cons:

   • Can sting and burn
   • Very expensive
   • Not as fast acting as some

   Men want smoother skin too, and these Jack Black multi-acid peeling pads are great for guys and their gal friends too. Glycolic acids, fruit acids, and niacinamide power through dead skin cells to slough off and smooth skin, while targeting fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and discoloration.

   They reveal a firmer, brighter complexion and also help men reduce ingrown hairs and bumps caused by shaving. Best used before bed, they can cause tingling and burning if used directly after shaving. These pads, used two to four times a week help to resurface and clarify, delivering younger-looking skin.

   Find more Jack Black Power Peel Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads information and reviews here.

10. 10. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

    

    Price: $33.95

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    Pros:

    • Nicely brightens skin
    • Helps to even out skin tone
    • Nice natural ingredients in addition to AHAs
    • Helps to fade acne scars and dark spots

    Cons:

    • Not as effective as some at diminishing wrinkles and fine lines
    • Can sting or burn
    • May be too drying for some
    • Kind of oddly scented

    These daily use glycolic acid (GA) peel pads are getting rave reviews for their gentleness and effectiveness. Even the most sensitive skin types can feel safe using them, which is unusual for GA treatments. These use lemon and gooseberry to help tone dull and lifeless skin.

    They also contain lemon peel and licorice root, which is an especially great ingredient for those prone to breakouts and blackheads. They enhance brightness and amp up the glow factor. Additionally, licorice root, feverfew, and white tea extracts are potent antioxidant boosts that help fight skin-damaging free radicals.

    Alpha hydroxy acid and lactic acid sweep away dead skin and reveal brighter and smoother skin below the surface. With 60 pads in each jar, you’ll see visible results with regular use.

    Buy the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads here.

11. 11. StriVectin Advanced Resurfacing Daily Reveal Exfoliating Face Pads

    

    Price: $45.00

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Peeling microfibers help to slough off dead and dulling skin cells
    • A multi-acid blend reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
    • Leaves skin looking younger with regular use
    • Last for two months of daily use

    Cons:

    • One of the more expensive options
    • May cause sun sensitivity requiring additional SPF treatment
    • Leaves skin with a sticky feeling

    When one of the leaders in wrinkle removal comes out with a daily exfoliating pad, it’s always worth a try, and such is the case with these resurfacing pads from StriVectin. These resurfacing pads offer a one-two punch against blackheads and wrinkles. The pad itself is made with exfoliating micro-peel fibers to help slough off dead skin cells and surface layer dirt.

    The pads are infused with a potent blend of exfoliating acids to gently remove dead skin cells while a multi-acid blend helps to clarify your pores while brightening skin and reducing discoloration from too much sun exposure and breakouts (those dreaded dark spots that seem to take forever to disappear.) 

    Within a few days, you’ll notice your skin looks brighter, firmer, and more luminous. This combination of physical and chemical exfoliants helps to reduce the appearance of blackheads and breakouts while conditioning your skin at the same time.

    Achieve even more dramatic results when these pads are used in combination with StriVectin’s Glycolic Face Mask a few times per week.

    Find more StriVectin Advanced Resurfacing Exfoliating Face Pads information and reviews here.

12. 12. GLOWBIOTICS – Probiotic Instant Resurfacing Pads

    

    Price: $55.00

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    Pros:

    • Exfoliates to reveal smoother skin texture
    • Helps to fight breakouts and acne
    • Gentle enough for all but the most sensitive skin types
    • Probiotic formula helps to support the skin's microbiome

    Cons:

    • May irritate sensitive skin
    • Less pads for the price than some others
    • Some allergic reactions reported

    Just like you take probiotics to keep your gut nice and healthy, probiotics can also transform your skincare regimen, and these GLOWBIOTICS Resurfacing Pads are a great way to test out that theory. Even the experts at Healthline have noted the rise in probiotic skincare in improving the skin’s microbiome, which makes us like these pads even more. 

    While these use a proprietary probiotic complex, they also use alpha hydroxy acid along with vitamin C powerhouse, Kakadu plum to fight fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and acne. They not only exfoliate your skin to reveal a softer smoother texture, but they also tighten and firm skin to leave it looking younger with regular use. 

    These are also quite gentle and don’t require you to rinse after using them. Starting a couple of uses per week, you can build up to daily use should you desire. This jar contains 45 peeling pads and if you’re planning to use these before bed, you might want to try the GLOWBIOTICS cleanser as a pretreatment as it gently fights acne with a probiotic formula.

    Find more GLOWBIOTICS - Probiotic Instant Resurfacing Pads information and reviews here.

13. 13. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Peel Pads

    

    Price: $19.99

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    Pros:

    • Very affordable
    • Helps illuminate and brighten skin
    • Glycolic acid helps slough off dull surface cells
    • Gentle enough to use every day

    Cons:

    • May cause breakouts
    • Strong alcohol smell
    • Aren’t as effective as some at diminishing dark spots
    • May leave skin feeling a bit sticky

    Glycolic acid and vitamin C deliver a double hitter for younger-looking skin with these affordable peel pads from L’Oreal Paris. These pads go beyond wrinkle fighting, to target dull and damaged skin, illuminating it to a new level of brightness.

    It helps to reverse the damage from UV exposure, targeting and effectively diminishing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The textured pads help to resurface your skin, revealing a fresh face and more radiance with every use. There are 30 in this jar, and these are gentle enough for daily use.

    As with many beauty brands, L’Oreal has an entire line of skin care products in the Revitalift line. Used together they add up to a solid performance, despite their seriously affordable prices.

    Buy the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Peel Pads here.

14. 14. Glycolix Elite 20% Glycolic Acid Treatment Pads

    

    Price: $36.50

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    Pros:

    • High concentration of glycolic acid
    • Effectively targets lines, wrinkles and dark spots
    • Great for combination, oily and acne prone skin
    • Helps to minimize pores

    Cons:

    • Strong formula can burn skin if left on too long
    • On the expensive side
    • Can sting when applied
    • Pads are smaller and thinner than others

    By this point in time, we’re sure you’re familiar with the fact that alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are super effective at targeting all your frustrating skin imperfections. Glycolic acid is actually an AHA, but it’s well known for gently breaking down and sloughing off dead skin cells. With 20 percent glycolic acid, these robust exfoliating pads will leave your skin looking, and feeling, renewed and fresh.

    They support cell renewal by eliminating dirt, oil, and, of course, dead skin. They’re great for normal to oily skin types and can be used daily; however, the higher glycolic acid content may make them too drying for more sensitive skin. They help to reduce acne and those annoying under-the-surface bumps that leave your skin looking rough.

    With vitamins A, C, and E, plus CoQ10, these peeling pads will help to brighten and heal your complexion. And with 60 pads in this jar, you’ll see real results with regular use. Glycolix also makes a 15% glycolic acid body lotion to help smooth and renew your entire body.

    Buy the Glycolix Elite 20% Glycolic Acid Treatment Pads here.

15. 15. Stratia Soft Touch AHA Hyper-Gentle Resurfacing Treatment

    

    Price: $16.00

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    Pros:

    • Leaves skin smooth and matte
    • Lightweight, non-greasy, quick-absorbing
    • Works on most sensitive skin

    Cons:

    • Pricier than some comparable products
    • Info on packaging wears off quickly
    • May not be as gentle as others

    Stratia’s Soft Touch AHA is a gentle resurfacing exfoliant that brings out clearer, smoother, more vibrant skin. Mandelic acid removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and encourages collagen production that gives you firmer skin with less hyperpigmentation. As well, chamomile, aloe, and allantoin soothe, calm, and relieve skin. The formula fights blemishes, brightens skin, and leaves you with a clearer, glowing complexion. I really love how light and non-greasy the treatment feels and that it absorbs super quickly.

    Ideal for any skin type, including sensitive, the resurfacing treatment is best used after toning and before moisturizing. Start out every 2-3 days and then move to daily once your skin adjusts.

    Find more Sratia Soft Touch AHA Resurfacing Treatment information and reviews here.

16. 16. Lumiwill Cosmetic Glycolic Acid Peel Pads

    

    Price: $25.49

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    Pros:

    • Effectively minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
    • Diminishes dark spots
    • Keeps breakouts at bay
    • Glycolic acid effectively exfoliates

    Cons:

    • Can cause tingling
    • Needs to be washed off after use
    • May be too drying for some
    • Some packaging issues reported

    If you’re looking to resurface your skin with a glycolic acid peel, it doesn’t have to be harsh, and these peeling pads are the proof. While they offer a super robust 35 percent glycolic acid content, they’re also filled with skin-soothing ingredients that nourish and calm while still delivering the results you’re looking for.

    These pads target fine lines and wrinkles, along with breakouts, blackheads, and dark spots. They help to stimulate collagen production which leads to a younger-looking, firmer, and more vibrant complexion. Glycolic acid sweeps away dead skin cells, exfoliating to deliver a bright, smooth look. Vitamins B5, C, and E target dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Witch hazel clears clogged pores and helps reduce acne breakouts. 

    These pads also help to restore elasticity, as well as to repair damage caused by harmful UVA/UVB rays. Effective at improving skin tone and texture, this jar includes 50 peeling treatment pads.

    Buy the pH Advantage Glycolic Acid Peel Pads here.

17. 17. I DEW CARE Peel Lit Citric Acid Peel Pads

    

    Price: $16.00

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    Pros:

    • Two sided pad allows for added exfoliation
    • Natural pineapple extract gently exfoliates
    • Vitamin C brightens skin and targets dark spots
    • Leaves skin feeling soft

    Cons:

    • Strong fragrance is off putting to some
    • More like a toner than a peel
    • Some packaging leaks reported

    K Beauty brands love to infuse their products with natural ingredients, and in the case of these PEEL LIT Vitamin C Treatment Pads, that natural goodness comes from the pineapple. Pineapple extract features a natural enzyme that gently exfoliates skin to leave it smoother, while vitamin C brightens skin and targets dark spots from acne and sun damage. 

    These pads feature a textured side to enhance the exfoliating effects of alpha hydroxy acid and the polyhydroxy acids are a gentle way to keep skin clear without irritation. This vegan formula is well priced for a big jar of 60 treatment pads. They’re also cruelty-free. If you’re into the 10-step K beauty routine, these peeling pads are an ideal first step. You might want to try I DEW CARE Straight Radiate gel cream moisturizer as a follow-up.

    Find more I DEW CARE Peel Lit Citric Acid Peel Pads information and reviews here.

18. 18. Most Affordable: RoC Daily Resurfacing Facial Disks

    

    Price: $11.97

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    Pros:

    • Visibly reduces pore sizes and wrinkles
    • Super affordable
    • Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
    • Soap and oil free

    Cons:

    • Physical rather than chemical exfoliation
    • Can cause skin tingling and irritation
    • Doesn’t do enough to target dark spots
    • Heavy fragrance is off-putting

    These soap-free and oil-free resurfacing disks are a great way to reduce pore sizes, fine lines, and wrinkles and give your skin a soft, smooth texture that’s almost like a baby’s behind. Clinically shown to produce visible results after one week, these wicked exfoliating pads are also a total bargain.

    The big pads (which also can be cut in half to make your jar last even longer) have a textured side to let you scrub away dirt, oil, and dead skin. The soft side is actually gentle enough to remove makeup, even around your eyes – although you might want to be extra careful, or use eye makeup remover there.

    Used daily, these cleansing pads can give you clearer, brighter, and more radiant skin after four weeks. Not bad for less than 10 bucks, right?

    Buy the RoC Daily Resurfacing Facial Disks here.

If you don't want to invest in a pricey microdermabrasion device, you have two basic choices:

Exfoliating pads that scrub off dead skin cells with the help of clay, mud, sea salt, and rough surfaces, which use your energy, plus those ingredients to do their work, and they do indeed nicely exfoliate your skin.

However, if you're looking to do more to target dark spots, acne scars, and fine lines and wrinkles, your second option is to experiment with a wide range of alpha hydroxy acids. Most common, glycolic acid pads, reach deeper and tend to work faster on those big skin issues. They're also amazing at removing blackheads, helping to clear up acne-prone skin, and keeping you breakout free more of the time.

Some of these peel pads can be used daily, while stronger concentrations of alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids may suggest only once-per-week treatments. That said, you should use caution while you're testing them because they can cause rash, irritation, and burning. In spite of that, the bottom line is that they work.

If you're wanting to learn more about those acids, it's definitely worth doing some research to find out which might be right for your particular skin type. This website breaks down the different acids, and what they do, in a quick one-minute read. Just scroll down the page.

See Also:

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• Best Tea Tree Oil Soap
• Best Collagen Masks
• Best At-Home Chemical Face Peels
• Best Clay Masks