And which one(s) do you need?
Do you look at Barefaced products and still get confused about the difference between all these skincare pads? You’re not alone.
Skincare pads are the bread and butter of our brand and our best-selling staples because they’re easy to use, highly effective, and deliver noticeable results. But with Toning Pads, Toning Pads II, and Polishing Pads all in the mix, it’s important to know which one is best for your skin and how to use them.
Here’s your simple guide.
Toning Pads: The Everyday Glow Getter
What they are: Toning Pads are our classic, daily-use pad. Think of these as your entry point into professional-grade exfoliation.
Key benefits:
- Minimizes the look of pores
- Keeps breakouts in check
- Gently exfoliates for smoother texture, brighter tone skin
- 2% glycolic acid
Best for:
- First-time pad users
- normal to dry skin skin types
- highly sensitive or reactive skin
- anyone looking for a reliable daily exfoliant that won’t overwhelm
How to use: Start by using every other day. PM is our favorite time of day when starting to clear away the dirt, debris, and bacteria. Gradually work up to daily then twice daily if your skin tolerates it. You will use it immediately following cleansing to prep skin for the rest of your routine. Always follow with SPF if using in the morning.
Pro-Tip: If you’ve never used exfoliating acid pads before, start here. Toning Pads are like training wheels…they deliver visible results without being too aggressive.
Toning Pads II: The Power Player
What they are: Toning Pads II are a step up in strength and potency. Formulated for those who need a little more exfoliation muscle to tackle frequent breakouts, oil production, and stubborn dark spots.
Key benefits:
- Smooths stubborn texture
- Targets dark spots and post-acne marks
- Brightens and evens skin tone
- 5% glycolic acid
Best for:
- Experienced skincare pad users
- Those struggling with oily or breakout-prone skin (go ahead and start with these instead of Toning Pads)
- Stubborn pigmentation, dullness, or rough texture
- Anyone whose skin has plateaued on the original Toning Pads.
How to use: Start by using every other day. PM is our favorite time of day when starting to clear away the dirt, debris, and bacteria. Gradually work up to daily then twice daily if your skin tolerates it. You will use it immediately following cleansing to prep skin for the rest of your routine. Always follow with SPF if using in the morning.
Pro-Tip: Think of Toning Pads II as your “graduate level” pad. If your skin has built resilience and you’re ready for a boost, this is your go-to. The only exception is if you have extremely oily or breakout prone skin—go ahead and start here.
Polishing Pads: The Big Glow Moment
What they are: Polishing Pads are our most powerful, at-home treatment designed to exfoliate, renew, and reset both face and body. Formulated with clinical-level acids, they remove dead skin cells, hydrate, reduce breakouts, and improve skin tone and texture, while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They are enhanced with anti-senescent Alpine Rose to help support healthy skin renewal by sweeping away sluggish, surface ‘zombie’ cells and help reduce the appearance of redness. Designed to be used in conjunction with your daily exfoliants (TP or TPII).
Key benefits:
- 15% glycolic acid (anything over 10% is NOT recommended for use during pregnancy)
- Clears away dead skin and “zombie” cells that accelerate aging
- Smooths and brightens skin from head to toe
- Visibly improves tone, dark spots, pores, and redness
- Boosts product absorption and long-term hydration
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Helps promote healthy skin renewal for longevity
- Evens skin tone
Best for:
- Skincare veterans
- Anyone who loved Glow Peel Pads
- Those wanting one exfoliation product that does it all, face + body
- A full body ritual for a moment of self-care and head-to-toe confidence
How to use:
FACE—Use 1–3 times per week in the evening in place of Toning Pads. Swipe across face, neck, and chest. Skip your retinoid to reduce risk of irritation. Follow with moisturizer and SPF the next morning.
BODY—use daily. Ideally after a shower when pores are clean but will work anytime. Just don’t use them on your armpits or legs immediately after shaving!!! Trust us.
Pro-Tip: Think of Polishing Pads as your weekly reset for the face. They’re powerful, so balance them with hydrating products.
