These 7 peel pad dupes still offer the same exfoliating powers as the OG cult-classic

Long gone are the days of scrubbing harsh physical exfoliants across our faces to get the ‘fresh and smooth’ skin feeling we’re always after. Now we opt for more concentrated, chemical versions instead.

Unlike their old school counterparts, the chemical versions work to reduce not only breakouts and uneven textured skin, but also to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Could there be a harder working skin care product? 

But if you’re determined to get glowing results without having to spend hours exfoliating, let us introduce you to the oh-so-exciting, time-saving version of chemical exfoliants that you’re going to want to have in your beauty routine: peel pads. These seriously easy-to-use pads come pre-soaked in all the chemical exfoliating goodness you need for a skin-swiping sesh. But why do we need a ‘dupe’ version? Well, the OG (and probably most known) version of these pads retail for $160, so they don’t exactly fall into the budget-friendly beauty category. 

So, we’ve collected all our top peel pad dupe options that are bound to help rejuvenate your skin all while saving a serious few dollars…

2024's Top 3 Peel Pad Dupes

1. Pacifica Glow Baby, Brightening Peel Pads, $23.47, iHerb
2. Skin Control Peel Pads, $13, Big W
3. Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys, $46, Go-To Skin Care

Pacifica Glow Baby, Brightening Peel Pads

From $23.47 at iHerb

These cruelty-free, vegan pads are formulated with a blend of up to 10 per cent AHAs and BHAs , making them seriously active-packed. The multi-acid peel formula loaded into them will work to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin texture. Unlike other peel pads, this one includes the buzzy active niacinamide, which works to not only combat the appearance or causes of blemishes but also helps to protect your skin barrier against environmental aggressors. 

Key features:

• Cruelty-free 
• Vegan formulation 
• Essential oil scented

Available at:

• $23.47 from iHerb
• $58.12 from Dick Smith 

Skin Control Peel Pads

From $13 at Big W

From the people that brought you the pimple patches that actually work to draw out impurities, Skin Control have only gone and done it again. With a skin cell turnover-boosting mixture of salicylic and glycolic acid, these exfoliating discs are a seriously quick addition to your routine. And if you were worried about the drying effects of hard-hitting acids, don’t fret. This clever little pot of pads also includes hyaluronic acid, meaning your skin will get a nourishing boost of hydration as well as an exfoliation session.

Key features:

• Seriously simple skin care addition
• Accelerates skin-cell turnover
• Reveals brightened skin 

Available at:

• $13 from Big W
• $12.80 from Chemist Warehouse

Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys 

From $46 at Go-To Skin Care

Zoë Foster Blake is a master of many things: peach tones for one, hilariously written words and of course science-powered, hard-hitting skincare. With a dual-side design, these simple swipeys work to buff away the congested (blemish-causing) top layer of skin, leaving behind a whole new you. The travel-friendly pads are soaked in an all natural solution that creates a major glowing skin moment whenever you use them. Made to be used with your skin barrier in mind, you’ll only want to take these swipeys to your skin two to three times a week. Even though we know you want that glow more! They’re efficacious enough to be used in moderation and still get the job done. 

Key features:

• Aussie-made
• Pregnancy safe
• Works to deeply exfoliate pores

Available at:

• $46 from Go-To Skincare
• $58.75 from Revolve

PIXI Glow Peel Pads

From $36.35 at iHerb

Are you ready to reveal your gloriously radiant, more youthful glow that lies below? We sure are! With the help of the UK-loved Pixi peel pads (which are working with a whopping 20 percent glycolic acid), your skin will be left looking fresh and bright. Nourishing rose water works to not only soothe your skin but also helps work in that gorgeously enviable glow we’re all after. 

Key features:

• Paraben-free
• Enriched with soothing ingredients
• Works to create glowing skin 

Available at:

• $36.35 from iHerb
• $34 from Sephora

FIRST AID BEAUTY Facial Radiance Pads

From $57 at Fresh Beauty Co

While most peel pads don’t go down the more natural route, First Aid Beauty has managed to meld the worlds of active-packed and naturally nourishing. These fragrance-free, non-comedogenic discs are soaked in a dull skin-busting mix of AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) that are the true exfoliating super stars. They also feature support from skin-brightening lemon peel, cooling, soothing cucumber water, toning Indian gooseberry and even antioxidant-rich licorice root and feverfew. These pads are a gentler alternative for those of us with sensitive skin concerns. 

Key features:

• Fragrance-free
• Non-comedongenic 
• Cucumber water infused to help soothe the skin

Available at:

• $57 from Fresh Beauty Co
• $65 from Adore Beauty

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad

From $39 at Adore Beauty

Some serious skin salvation has arrived. Sure, they work to improve the appearance of your skin tone and texture, and that’s incredible. But what’s truly revolutionary is the (excess) sebum control properties that make for fewer recurring breakouts. And that’s a true win if you ask us. The gentle buffing formulation also includes sensitive skin-soothing allantoin and panthenol, along with blemish-busting, anti-inflammatory tea tree extract. 

Key features:

• Sensitive-skin friendly 
• Works to reduce recurrence of breakouts
• Contains skin-soothing panthenol 

Available at:

• $39 from Adore Beauty
• $30.68 from Beauty Amora
• $39 from Boniik

Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

From $47 at Paula’s Choice 

Okay, so we might not be completely able to go past a liquid chemical exfoliant. But at the end of the day, it ends up on a pad before it goes onto your skin, so it’s basically the same right… Either way, this liquid is worth its weight in gold. The newly launched formulation incorporates a gentle blend of AHAs that work to slough away layers of dead skin. Extra added bonus: the bottle is made from over 90 per cent recycled materials. 

Key features:

• More environmentally-friendly liquid formula 
• Ultra-gentle formula 
• pH-balanced between 3-4

Available at:

• $47 from Paula’s Choice

Can I use peel pads daily?

There are a few skin care rules that we need everyone to know and follow. First one, don’t put toothpaste on your pimples, that’s not helpful. Two, hydration is literally always your skin's friend. And finally, do not exfoliate daily. No, we’re deadly serious. Exfoliating every day is just too much for your skin to handle. Doing so creates a lack of needed natural nourishing oils along with a compromised skin barrier. So stick to using your pads a few times a week, and enjoy your skin cycling journey.

Do chemical exfoliants work?

Definitely! Gone are the days of ultra-harsh physical exfoliants scouring our skin. A carefully created chemical exfoliant delves deeper into your skin, and creates longer lasting effects than a physical exfoliant. The chemical versions are even able to better assist your skin in its turnover cycle meaning you’ll likely be seeing better skin days soon.

Main Image Credit: @kyliejenner

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