FACIAL EXFOLIATOR - PAD
Over the past few years, we’ve seen more and more brands offering the option of a pad-style exfoliator, in some cases to be used for a daily brightening action, or (as in the case of iS Clinical’s winner), as a more intensive skin-brightening treatment.
We had so many great results from different styles of exfoliator for 2023 that for the first time, we’ve divvied them up by style of product: if you want a traditional, tube-style product, click here for the run-down of winners; for toner-style exfoliators, click here.
But whichever product you opt for, this is your fast track to brighter, more radiant skin.
GOLD AWARD StriVectrin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads
These pads are designed to be used once a day (or night), to achieve smoother, clarified, visibly brightened skin in just three days/nights according to clinical trials that StriVectrin commissioned themselves. The chemical exfoliation is achieved via combination of four acids: an AHA, BHA, PHA (polyhydroxy acid) and tranexamic acid, infused into a ‘micro-peel fibre pad’, which is itself designed to gently remove dead skin cells. This got an almost off-the-scale high score – 9.37 – across our 10 testers, which is a seriously stellar performance.
£39 for 60 pads - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘After 28 days of using these pads, my skin looked brighter and fresher, felt smoother and was cleaner. I also noticed my pores were less noticeable especially on my nose and surrounding area; there was a slight fading on my dark spots, too’ • ‘The pad had one exfoliating side, and it was a pleasant feeling to really buff the pad into my skin to help remove any impurities’ • ‘Once I applied to my face, I also swiped the pad to my upper arms where I had some pigmentation and whiteheads. After a few days of using on this area, I noticed a big improvement on the appearance of my upper arms’ • ‘I was told that my face looked bright and healthy after using these pads’ • ‘Such a good product! So easy to wipe on, with enough product to cover face, neck and chest with one pad: no messing about with cotton pads and liquids. The results are amazing with a noticeable brightness and faded pigment spots. The biggest plus for me is that it has cleared up a few bumps on my face – not spots, but bumps which I think are caused by oil; nearly all gone now!’ • ‘The wipes are soft to the touch but very scratchy on the skin; however, the improvement in smoothness is immediately noticeable, serum goes on smoothly, as does foundation, and my skin looks brighter once used’ • ‘Using twice a week was enough to see benefits; my make-up applied better after use and unlike some similar products, every pad was fully soaked in product. I loved the slight fragrance, too, and will continue to use.’
£39 for 60 pads - click to buy
SILVER AWARD iS Clinical Active Peel System
Also scoring very high marks is this intensive ‘system’ from US-based iS Clinical (short for Innovative Skincare). The box contains a month’s worth of the treatment, which you use every other day as a two-step procedure with the aim of reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pore size, improving skin tone, smoothness and texture, and supporting collagen and elastin production. The two-section sachets are torn apart and used every other day, one after another: Step 1 is ‘designed to provide controlled exfoliation’, with a blend of botanical acids that are left on skin. You don’t rinse, but then apply the pad from the Step 2 sachet to hydrate and soothe with a ‘proprietary extremozyme technology’, plus copper tripeptides.
£92 for 15 sets - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘Spa results in the comfort of your own home! I loved that this product made me sit back and give myself some much-needed self-care. I was also blown away with the results, especially with how my skin looked; after continued use the biggest benefits were skin texture and tone’ • ‘All I can say is, “Wow!” I actually can't believe how much I enjoyed using this product. The first time, I was blown away at how moisturised, smooth and glow-y my skin looked’ • ‘I consider this to be possibly the easiest to use and best peel I have ever used; there’s a delicious tingle which reminds you, it’s working. Step 1: the smell is fresh and fruity; Step 2 just seems to feed the skin after deep exfoliation’ • ‘There is a definite improvement in the overall texture of my skin. I have quite open and large pores and this product seemed to really deal with those. It also left a lovely glow the following day. Made my ageing skin feel less rough/bumpy’ • ‘I met up with an old friend after I’d been using the product for two weeks (three times a week) and they complimented me on my glowing skin. They were convinced Id had more invasive work done, and I assured them I hadn’t!’ • ‘Gave me the same results as when I get a facial done from a professional; skin looks cleaner, smoother and more radiant, overall condition looks better.’
£92 for 15 sets - click to buy