They do not have a strong smell and they are not very harsh, so you can easily use these twice a day in combination with products that can be hard on your skin like retinoids. I do not find that these increase sensitivity, and they do not dry you out. I really like these and I already repurchased them.
9
out of 10
Brand
First Aid Beauty
Price
$38 · 60 pads
Where to Buy
Sephora ↗Key Ingredients
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
Pros
+
Gentle enough to use twice a day
+
No strong fragrance
+
Plays well with retinoids without increasing sensitivity
+
Does not leave skin dry or tight afterward
+
Actually slightly moisturizing, unusual for an exfoliating pad
+
Well suited to sensitive skin
+
She already repurchased
Cons
–
On the mild side if you want aggressive exfoliation
–
$38 for 60 pads is a premium price per use
Another bottom of the jar review, meaning I used the whole container before telling you what I think. These are the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.
$38 for 60 pads, in a small plastic container. They're exfoliating pads powered by glycolic and lactic acids.
The best thing about these pads is what they don't do.
They don't have a strong smell, and they're not very harsh. That combination matters more than it sounds, because it means you can comfortably use them twice a day, even alongside other products that are hard on your skin.
Specifically:
That last point is the differentiator. Most exfoliating pads make you pay for the glow with tightness and irritation. These don't.
To be fair about it: they are a little on the mild side. If you're looking for an aggressive, resurfacing-level exfoliation, these probably aren't going to scratch that itch.
But for me that's a feature, not a flaw. Mild is exactly why they fit into a routine that already includes stronger actives without tipping my skin over the edge.
I already did. I really like these and I've already repurchased them, which is about the clearest endorsement I can give a product.
If you like exfoliating pads but want something better suited to sensitive skin, give these a try. They're a rare exfoliant that doesn't punish you for using them. First Aid Beauty continues to be reliable for me, I've also reviewed their pure skin face cleanser and hydrating dewy gel cream.