For years, chemical exfoliants were dominated by serums. These potent formulas, packed with acids that dissolve dead skin cells, have long been the go-to for achieving a brighter, smoother complexion. While serums remain effective, a new skincare hero has risen to prominence: the exfoliating facial pad.
The Rise of Convenient Exfoliation
The market for these convenient, pre-soaked pads has exploded. Once dominated by a single cult-favorite—the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads—the landscape is now rich with options. This proliferation means consumers no longer have to choose between efficacy and affordability. You can now find powerful formulas at a wide range of price points, making professional-level exfoliation accessible to more people.
These pads are typically infused with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid. They work to slough off dead skin, clear debris from pores, and reveal a more radiant layer underneath. This process also allows subsequent skincare products, such as moisturizers and serums, to absorb more effectively, a key benefit during Canada's harsh, dry winter months when skin is prone to flakiness and dehydration.
Top Picks for Every Skin Type and Budget
From affordable drugstore finds to luxury splurges, here are ten standout exfoliating pads available to Canadian shoppers through major retailers like Sephora, Amazon, Dermstore, and Ulta.
1. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads ($38 at Sephora): A gentle, dependable option formulated with glycolic and lactic acids, plus lemon peel and Indian gooseberry to brighten and even skin tone. Ideal for sensitive skin.
2. Medicube Toning Facial Pads ($19 at Amazon): A cult-favorite from K-beauty, these pads combine AHAs, BHAs, white willow bark, and vitamin C to exfoliate, balance, and brighten while reducing oil and breakouts.
3. Elemis Resurfacing Facial Pads ($50 at Amazon): This luxury brand option uses lactic acid, probiotics, and enzymes to resurface skin gently. Designed for daily use to reduce hyperpigmentation.
4. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel ($92 at Sephora): The original two-step system. The first pad exfoliates with five acids; the second delivers anti-aging benefits. Potent and effective.
5. SkinFix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Exfoliating Pads ($50 at Sephora): A powerful blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids with niacinamide. Targets texture, KP, acne, and dark spots, and can be used on the body.
6. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliant Pads ($16 at Sephora): Individually wrapped pads soaked in the brand's beloved 2% BHA formula with green tea. Perfect for travel and fighting acne-causing bacteria.
7. Innbeauty Project Glaze AHA Fruit + Enzyme Resurfacing Pads ($56 at Sephora): High-performance pads with glycolic, mandelic, and fruit acids, plus ectoin and squalane to support the skin barrier. Features a convenient finger pocket.
8. StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Pads ($36 at Amazon): A well-priced, highly-rated option with a blend of AHAs, PHAs, BHAs, and tranexamic acid to brighten and smooth skin.
9. Peter Thomas Roth 2% Salicylic + 10% Glycolic Acne Correction Pads ($49 at Sephora): A "holy grail" for acne-prone skin. The acid blend clears breakouts and minimizes pores, while aloe and allantoin soothe.
10. Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution Pads ($42 at Sephora): Individually wrapped pads from a celebrity-beloved brand. Formulated in Korea with AHAs and PHAs for smooth texture and brightness, plus hydrating glycerin.
Achieving Your Best Skin Has Never Been Easier
The era of one-size-fits-all, prohibitively expensive exfoliation is over. Whether your skin is sensitive, acne-prone, mature, or simply in need of a winter glow-up, there is a pad formulated for you. The key is consistency and choosing a formula that aligns with your skin's unique needs and your budget. With this new wave of accessible, effective options, the dream of clear, smooth, "glass skin" is more attainable than ever for Canadians.
