Complexion Renewal Pads — Reddit Reviews
by ZO
Updated October 3, 2026
Exfoliating pads with salicylic and glycolic acid for smoother texture; pricey and fragranced.
What the community says
Redditors use these as a periodic exfoliating step, often around tretinoin routines or to keep texture smooth. They’re not subtle: alcohol, fragrance, and acids make them a rough fit for already-dry or easily irritated skin.
What this means for you
What people love
- Salicylic acid plus glycolic acid for rough texture
- Easy exfoliation step when you want something pre-made
- A little goes a long way in rotation, not daily
Watch out for
Product details
Key Ingredients
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
What the science says
Acne
Some evidence
Salicylic Acid: 16 studies tested it on its own. See all 34 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found salicylic acid helped clear acne
- It often improved pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It usually worked about as well as other common acne treatments
- Used together with other treatments, it sometimes cleared acne better than those treatments alone
- Results were mixed in some studies, and one large review found low-quality evidence
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 7 mentions across 5 threads
ZO Complexion Renewal Pads on Reddit, in one place — 5 threads from r/tretinoin, r/30PlusSkinCare and 1 more, summarized.
“The Ordinary 7% glycolic acid OR ZO complexion renewal pads”
Mentioned
“Every 2-4 weeks (or when im getting a little dry and patchy) exfoliate using:”
Mentioned
“The glycolic acid is really only once every few weeks 🙏🏼”
Mentioned
“every other day use ZO complexion renewal pads.”
Positive
“then every day.”
Positive
“Soon your skin will be smooth af”
Positive
“ZO complexion renewal pads!”
Positive
“Complexion renewal pads!”
Positive
“ZO”
Positive
“I used to also use the ZO Complexion Renewal Pads to keep my skin looking great”
Mentioned
“I’m not using them right now because of starting the Tret”
Mentioned
“dropping the complexion renewal pads was smart”
Mentioned
“My current routine is cleanse, ZO complexion renewal toner pads”
Positive
“In the evening it’s the same, just minus the CEF.”
Positive
“It would take the place of both the toner pads and p-tiox at night.”
Positive
