Simple, less aggressive form of Alpha-hydroxy Acid. This product works effectively by clearing away dead skin cells that have built up on the skin without the irritation some experience with the Glycolic Acid form of Alpha-Hydroxy Acid.
Method of Application If you are new to acids, use this product every three days. In total, exfoliate no more than 3 to 4 times per week. Use on clean skin (these pads will also tone the skin). Swipe gently across the face using short strokes, then wait 20 minutes before using any other products. The acid will self neutralize and then you can continue with your routine.
The exception to the 20 minute wait rule is if the acids are very uncomfortable. If so, rinse immediately and build up a tolerance to the acids over about a month's time, increasing the length of time every few days. Acids, however, are not meant to be comfortable as they are a remodeling tool.
Due to the low pH of this product, it will not grow bacteria, therefore it does not require a preservative.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please keep your products out of humidity, heat, direct light and in a dark cabinet when possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it into a separate,sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally, you can refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take it out, warm it up at room temperature and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. There are some oils with a super long shelf life, like Coconut Cream and Jojoba Oil.
Refrigeration of the following ingredients is not necessary, but it won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs - all herbs (whole or ground) should be kept in a dark, cool and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts - these are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb - root, trunk, leaves, and flowers. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - i.e., Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc. will all have a different shelf life.
Great way to introduce an acid into skincare routine
I had been looking for gentle but effective acid pads to replace a previous product. I love that this is fragrance free and very few ingredients. These do not irritate my sensitive skin as long as I don't use them too often, usually 3 times a week. Since it is winter and my skin has been dry I had been skipping these for a few weeks. This morning I looked in the mirror and was surprised to see my skin looking much better than usual: calm, bright, smooth. I had to stop and think for a second and realize that I had picked these up for the first time in weeks and only used this last night. I will be remembering to use these again on a consistent basis. Will be repurchasing soon, they last a long time without drying out which is another plus.
Hi Amanda!
Thank you for sharing your experience with our product! We’re delighted to hear that it has become such a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. It's especially gratifying to know that even after taking a break, just one use delivered noticeable results calm, bright, and smooth skin is always a great way to start the day!
We designed these acid pads with sensitive skin in mind, so your appreciation for the fragrance-free formula and minimal ingredients means a lot to us. It’s wonderful to hear that they work well for you at a pace that suits your skin’s needs, particularly during the drier winter months.
We’re also very happy to hear that the product’s longevity, quality, and packaging are making an impression without drying out is something we take pride in. Thank you for your thoughtful feedback, and we look forward to being a part of your skincare journey for many repurchases to come! If you ever have questions or need further product recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out. 😊
G
Gretchen Naumann
Great exfoliator
I'm super sensitive with rosacea, so I avoid most exfoliators, but still get dead skin build up I need to address about every 2-3 weeks. These pads are gentle and effective. I've tried other chemicals exfos before that either do nothing/too gentle or tear my skin up. Found my goldilocks product and am so happy it's minimal so I don't have to try and figure out which mystery ingredient is aggravating my skin.
Gretchen,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are excited to hear that these exfoliating pads have become your 'Goldilocks product' ~ gentle enough for your sensitive, rosacea-prone skin while still effective at addressing dead skin buildup. Finding the right balance with exfoliation can be such a challenge, and we’re so glad our minimal formulation provides the results you need without any unnecessary irritation.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable and reinforces our commitment to creating simple, effective solutions for even the most sensitive skin types. We’re thrilled to be part of your skincare routine and are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for trusting us with your skin!
j
julie karas
simple to the point ingredients!
I was using a different lactic product but it had witch hazel, glycerin, and alot other ingredients that always left my face feeling like a film was on it, plus they would not tell me the % of lactic! I just wanted something w the LACTIC acid only! glad to have tried it on here. only have used once so too soon tell but no film, could just feel my actual skin for once. I have dry sensitive acne prone skin and have no irritation so far. Will need to reorder in quantity!
Soo glad you are liking this product! We really appreciate you taking the time to review!
M
Megan
Love the minimal ingredients
As someone with hyper-sensitive and hyper-reactive skin, it’s so hard to find any products I can use. The more ingredients, the more things I could react to! As such, I really appreciate- and am very grateful for- the minimal-ingredient exfoliant products that GoW makes- including these lactic acid pads. How happy I am that it’s only the exfoliant on its own! It really helps to eliminate any confusion or stress about the source of a reaction. Luckily with these pads, I experience minimal reaction(s). I use these 1x (once) per month. It helps to keep skin congestion at bay & my skin looking more bright and fresh.
Thank you so much!
A
Alyssa
Excellent skin exfoliant
I use these pads on my face, neck, elbows, and knees to help lighten and smooth them. This product is non-irritating and really does the job at lightening a variety of areas.
