NOTE: This review has been updated on 30/08/2025 and reflects the current formula available right now in stores.
Have you ever used exfoliating pads? I’m totally new to them. I do get my glycolic acid fix a few times a week, don’t get me wrong on that. It’s just that I prefer to get it from a bottle. There’s just something about these soaked exfoliating pads that had always put me off. Maybe it’s not knowing when they were soaked in the first place.
The last thing you want is to splurge on a brand new jar of exfoliating pads only to open it and discover the juice has almost completely evaporated. Not good. That’s why I made my first foray into exfoliating pads with Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Chemical Peel. Unlike most exfoliating pads out there, these are NOT pre-soaked. So, how do you use them? And, most importantly, do they work?
Key Ingredients In Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Chemical Peel: What Makes It Work?
GLYCOLIC ACID TO EXFOLIATE SKIN
If skin could marry an ingredient, mine would marry glycolic acid. Here’s why:
- It exfoliates skin, leaving it brighter and smoother
- It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots
- It boosts collagen production
- It hydrates skin
- It enhances the penetration of other skincare ingredients
Awesome, right? It’s the most multi-tasking exfoliant out there. If you have dry or sun-damaged skin or just want to age better, glycolic acid is your… acid.
Of course, like all acids, it has its flaws. For starters, it makes skin more prone to sun damage (ironic, right?). To be fair, everything that exfoliate skin makes it more prone to sun damage. Just use it in the morning with sunscreen or, even better, at night. Problem solved.
Glycolic acid is quite powerful. If you’ve never used it before, it may irritate your skin. Start with two or three times a week and build frequency from there.
Related: The Complete Guide To Glycolic Acid: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
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ACETYL TYROSINAMIDE TO ENHANCE PENETRATION
NeoStrata uses a new delivery system called Aminofill to get glycolic acid into your skin. As you’ve probably guessed from the name, it uses amino acids, the building block of the skin. If we want to be full-on geeks (and, why not? Science is fun!), Aminofill uses N-Acetyl Tyrosinamide, a novel tyrosine amino acid derivative. I’ve found a study that says N-Acetyl Tyrosinamide improves “nasolabial folds, glabellar lines, crow’s feet, and under eye wrinkles”. I’m a fan!
Related: Why You Should Add Amino Acids To Your Skincare Routine
ALCOHOL DENAT TO ENHANCE PENETRATION, TOO
You know what I’m NOT a fan of? Alcohol. This is a controversial one. Fans say it thin formulas and it’s totally ok to use. Critics say it’s drying and irritating as hell. I think the truth is where it usually is: somewhere in the middle. I think it’s good when used with plenty of antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients that neutralise its potential side effects and bad when used alone or with barely anything else (astringent toners, anyone?).
So, what about it? Well, this one is a bit tricky because I put on an antioxidants-rich serum and mositurizer afterwards and my skin seems to be happy with that. But, the first few times I used it, my skin tingled. It could be the glycolic acid. Sometimes it does that. But my skin is pretty used to it, which makes me think the alcohol does give it a helping hand. Moisturize well afterwards!
Related: If A Skincare Product Tingles, Does It Mean It Works?
The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
- Aqua/Water/Eau: The base of pretty much every skincare product. It’s not here to “hydrate” on its own. It’s more like the solvent that helps dissolve the glycolic acid and other actives so they can actually do their job. Think of it as the vehicle everything else rides in on.
- Ammonium Hydroxide: Basically a pH adjuster. Glycolic acid needs to be in a certain acidic range to actually exfoliate, and this ingredient makes sure the peel is balanced enough to be both effective and not completely fry your skin.
- Arginine: An amino acid that acts like a skin-soothing buffer. It’s here to calm things down a little and stop the peel from being overly harsh. Think of it as the friend who tells the DJ to turn the music down before the neighbors call the cops.
- Caprylyl Glycol: A multitasker. It conditions the skin so it feels soft instead of stripped, and it also has preservative-boosting properties, meaning it helps keep the formula fresh and stable.
- Polysorbate 20: This is an emulsifier. It basically helps mix the water-loving and oil-loving parts of the formula together so you don’t get weird separation in the liquid. Totally functional, but without it the product wouldn’t look or feel right.
- Phenoxyethanol: A preservative. Keeps bacteria from setting up camp in your peel. Without this, you’d be tossing it after a couple of weeks because it would spoil.
- Chlorphenesin: Another preservative/antimicrobial. This is here to make sure the peel stays safe to use over time. Works alongside phenoxyethanol so you’re covered on the contamination front.
Texture
This isn’t a thick, creamy peel. It’s basically a lightweight liquid that feels more like a toner than a mask. You swipe it on and it disappears into the skin almost instantly, no sticky residue, no heavy film. If you’ve ever used an exfoliating pad before, the feel is very similar: quick, sharp, and to the point. The pads are texture, yet soft.
Fragrance
No added perfume here, but it doesn’t smell like roses either. You’ll definitely catch a bit of that sharp “acid + alcohol” scent when you first apply it. Kind of clinical, like walking into a derm’s office. It’s not pleasant, but it’s over in seconds and doesn’t linger.
How To Use It
Two/three nights a week (those you don’t use retinoids!), after cleansing. Inside the box, you’ll find a jar full of dry pads and a bottle filled to the brim with an exfoliating solution. The first time you use it, you pour the entire bottle over the pads. This way, you know your pads are brand new when you use them.
Packaging
The box contains a white bottle with the exfoliating solution and a jar with 36 textured pads ready to be soaked.
Performance& Personal Opinion
Let me start by saying that I use Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Chemical Peel only 3 times a week. My skin is on the drier side now we’re in the middle of winter and I have no dark spots or other imperfections to correct. I’m just focusing on keeping my skin healthy and preventing wrinkles atm, so moderate exfoliation is more than enough for me. If your skin can take it, you can use them more often.
So, how well do these pads work? As well as any other good glycolic acid exfoliant works. After every use, my skin is softer to the touch, looks smoother to boot and has taken on a more radiant glow. That’s what getting rid of all those pesky dead cells does for you.
Plus, they’re so convenient to use. I just wipe the pad all over my cleansed face, being careful to avoid my mouth and eyes. I then gently massage in any remaining fluid and apply the rest of my lotions and potions. Those can penetrate better now, so my entire routine is now on steroids.
What I Like About Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Chemical Peel
- You see the glow fast. Like, wake-up-the-next-morning fast.
- The pads make life easy. No cotton rounds, no “did I pour too much?” stress. Just swipe and done.
- Stronger than your average acid toner, so it actually feels like it’s doing something.
- Makes the rest of my skincare hit harder. Serums just sink in better after this.
- Love that the pads come dry and you soak them yourself. Feels fresher and less gross than pads that sit pre-soaked forever.
What I DON’T Like About Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Chemical Peel
- The smell. It’s very “doctor’s office,” not exactly pampering.
- Can sting if your skin’s already dry or cranky. Winter skin especially doesn’t love it.
- Goes fast if you’re heavy-handed-those pads disappear quicker than you think.
- The tub is kind of clunky if you want to travel with it.
- Definitely not for acid newbies. It can feel like a slap in the face if you’re not used to glycolic.
Who Should Use It?
If your skin looks tired, rough, or just… blah, this is a quick reset button. It’s good if you’ve already dabbled in acids and want something stronger that gives you that “just had a facial” vibe at home.
But if you’re super sensitive, flush red easily, or you’re brand new to exfoliating acids, skip this one. It’s a little too punchy to start with. And don’t even think about layering it with retinoids on the same night unless you like your skin mad at you.
Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is Key To Spot-Free Skin
Does Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Chemical Peel Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| It is formulated to exfoliate, clarify pores, refine skin texture and improve skin tone. | It can’t clarify pores, but it does everything else. |
| Our patented AMINOFIL® has been shown to help restore skin volume and smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. | Note how they say AMINOFIL has been shown to reduce the look of wrinkles, not that it actually does it. That’s how brands get away with making you think a product can do way more than it actually can do. |
| Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, roughness and pore size when used as part of a daily AHA skincare regimen. | True. |
Price & Availability
$78.00 at Dermstore, Face The Future and Neostrata
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a glycolic acid exfoliant to help fade away dark spots, this is a good option to consider.
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycolic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Ammonium Hydroxide, Arginine, Acetyl Tyrosinamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
