What is it?
Acid pads
Who is it for?
All skin types except those with obvious sensitivities to acids.
What’s in it?
Aqua (Water/Eau), Glycolic Acid, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Mandelic Acid, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Limonene, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Linalool
What's not in it?
parabens
Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
fragrance
alcohol
Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
man made/vegan
Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/No
How does it smell?
Nice. Citrus.
How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?
Good. Only slight tingles.
How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
After cleansing, before everything else. I use AM and PM, despite the 'Night' label.
How long before you should see results?
It depends how long you have been using acids for. If you are an old-timer, they will slip nicely into your current routine, if you are new to acids you will notice a difference in the texture of your skin after a couple of uses.
How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
They are normally 60 pads for £14.95 so just under 25p for each use. BUT: they are currently on offer in Superdrug for £7.45 so 12p a pad.
What’s good about it?
I really like these pads. They're not as strong as they make out, the glycolic at 5% being the equivalent of Glow Tonic, but they do contain extra acids in the form of lactic, salicylic and mandelic. They also contain niacinamide, a brilliant ingredient that is proven to improve skin’s elasticity, enhance its barrier function and help with pigmentation. After I posted about them on Instagram, quite a few readers mentioned that these are much better than the original Glycolic Fix pads and much less drying. That would make sense as these contain less alcohol.
What’s not so good about it?
Not a lot. They're great. If you were being picky you could point out that they weren't exactly 'Extreme', but that's being pedantic. They could be 'Extreme' to someone new to acids.
Works well with?
Good before a really good serum. Your skin will be prepped and ready to go. Anything to bear in mind when using? Don't forget your SPF if you do decide to use them in the morning.
What’s the website like?
Good. Ingredients listed, and easy to switch between US and UK accounts.
Similar products? (links are to reviews, listed in ascending price order)
Avon Anew Pads First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads
Radical Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads
Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme are currently £7.45 from Superdrug.com and instore.
They are £14.95 normally from nipandfab.com and surprisingly, also $14.95 from ulta.com
Why are they cheaper in the States if it's a British Brand? No clue. You'll have to ask them.
