Peel Pads: Which Brands I've Tried, Favorites and Reviews

If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably been hearing people talk more and more about these things called “peel pads”. If you have no clue what I’m talking about, feel free to read on and hopefully you’ll learn a little about them. Several different skincare companies have developed these chemical peel pads with AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids- Glycolic & Lactic Acids), that help (hopefully) gently exfoliant the skin, revealing a brighter, more even, youthful complexion. Who wouldn’t want this?! You can see why brands are coming out with these 1 or 2-step systems to enhance your skin tone. Being the skincare obsessed human I’ve become, I’ve tested three of these peel pads, and want to give you my full review on each! 2 of these products are “natural”, AKA made with clean, non-toxic ingredients, while the other is made with “conventional” ingredients. Similarly, these range in price and I wanted to share them from least expensive to most. I also want to mention there are other peel pads out there on the market, these are just the first three I’ve tried so far. Feel free to send me recs of your favorite peel pads! So without further adieu, here is my breakdown of Peel Pads.

Sonage Glow to Go Acid Peel Pads ($30 for 30 pads, $1 per pad): These peel pads are the most recent addition to my collection. Recommended to me by my friend Jenna, I’d say they are a GREAT natural option, if you’re looking for a product with a little oomph. I like these a lot because you can FEEL them working (i.e. brief tingling sensation). They are a great price on Amazon, and come in a small tub that is easy to pack for travel. These peel pads are a little more abrasive than the other two on my list (the pad itself is a little more textured), so I feel like I can give myself a physical and chemical exfoliation all at once. Many of you commented on my skin after I used these, so it’s safe to say you can see results.

Indie Lee Gentle Daily Peel ($65 for 60 pads, $1.08 per pad): I purchased these the DAY Indie Lee brought them out, and their name is a perfect description of them: gentle. I would say, if you have sensitive skin, these are the peel pads for you. Made with super clean ingredients, I do not find my skin to be tingly or burning with these at all. They provide a beautiful glow, but it took me a bit longer to notice a difference with these. Still so glad to have these in my arsenal, especially for this time of year when my skin doesn’t need any extra drying-out! The Indie Lee Peel Pads are hydrating, yet effective.

Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel Pads ($88 for 30 pads, plus 5 extra if purchased from Sephora, $2.50 per pad if purchased from Sephora with 5 bonus pads): These were my gateway into the peel pad world, and while they’re the most expensive, I think it is for good reason. I can say pretty comfortably that these daily peel pads are going to make a difference with your skin. Dr. Dennis Gross recommends starting with the Ultra Gentle peel pads, or the Universal Daily peel pads (what I use), before working your skin up to the Extra Strength version. I’ve seen such a noticeable difference in my skin tone since adding these in my regimen, and I’m not even sorry about the fact that they aren’t natural. My skin is far less prone to breakouts, much brighter and more even since starting these before the wedding. I truly am obsessed with them, and imagine they’ll be in my routine for a long time.