What I enjoy about these is not the exfoliation factor—although I love that they do that with natural pomegranate enzymes—but the skin-soothing and smoothing blend of colloidal oatmeal and fatty acids. They feel fresh, hydrating even, not like the astringent options of yesterday.

Get Even Cold-Pressed Peel Pads, Naturally Serious, $38

These soft little towelettes pack a punch: Not that they'll dry out your face in one use, but they do contain a potent mix of glycolic and salicylic acids. But then they are buffered with chamomile and a few other botanicals, which is why they won't cause irritation. I pretty regularly have one on me and sometimes even find them pop up in old jean pockets, which is basically the beauty gal's version of finding a crisp bill.

PowerGlow Peel, m-61, $30 for 10 

Naturally derived glycolic acid, aloe vera, and marine-based peptides? Three of my favorite ingredients packed into one product. The slightly dimpled pads, too, give an easy physical exfoliation, so you get that instant gratification with use. The packaging should also be noted: 88 percent of the jar is made from sugar-cane residuals.

Glow Peel Pads, Sephora Collection, $15

These are for the proper breakout-sufferers and oil-producers among us. I was introduced to the brand a few years ago, while I was in the throes of a bad spell of adult acne. The strong AHA just dissolved the buildup in my pores. While I firmly believe there is no "miracle" cure for a skin condition as complicated as acne, I do think this did wonders for clearing up my breakouts at the time.

Glow To Go Glycolic Peel Pads, Sonage, $24

These contain some of the most unique ingredients I've seen on a peel pad ingredient list—caviar lime, azelaic acid, and willow bark. These are geared to target signs of aging rather than oil and breakouts (peel pads tend to skew toward a younger audience, but especially at their higher price point, these do not). The combo subtly buffs the skin, reduces redness, and smooths fine lines. Bonus: The natural ingredients leave a refreshing whiff, like you just left the spa.

Peel Pads, Reveal, $70

These glycolic pads are buffered with soothing aloe and cucumber, so even though you get that tingle of exfoliation, you also get a wash of cooling hydration. It's also packed with herbs and botanicals for their anti-inflammatory benefits.

Facial Radiance Pads, First Aid Beauty ($28)

These are formulated with a blend of witch hazel (for oil control) and green tea extract (to soothe skin). Use them as a toner—or right after washing your face— to remove residual dirt and excess oil, help tighten pores, and improve the appearance of the skin. Other than the primary actives, you'll also find a unique stem cell complex to help barrier function.  

Counterman Clarifying Toner Pads, Beautycounter ($36)

These compostable pads are soaked in botanical acids (glycolic to be exact) and manuka honey for it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties soothe skin, leaving your complexion bright with a natural glow. It also comes with the brand's signature probiotic blend to help support your skin microbiome.

Insta Swipe, Kinship ($24)

This blends both AHAs and BHAs to slough off dead skin cells and dissolve oil. Then there's the vitamin C help brighten and encourage collagen production. That's not all: Jasmine, Sophora Japonica Flower and burdock root extracts ensure skin is left hydrated and conditioned.

Gentle Daily Peel, Indie Lee ($65)

These exfoliating pads equally balance exfoliation and skin hydration. With 10% glycolic acid at pH 3.5, the rounds help unglue dead skin cells to clarify and exfoliate—promoting luminous skin with fewer fine lines. Then glycerin, and a host of plant extracts like kola seed extract, bring in the moisture.

Micro Peel Pads, Dr. Loretta ($60)