Daily Reveal ™ Exfoliating Face Pads with AHA + BHA + PHA + TXA
Daily Reveal ™ Exfoliating Face Pads with AHA + BHA + PHA + TXA
Product Description
Product overview
A once-a-day resurfacing pad that combines four types of exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, PHA, TXA) with a micro-peel textured fiber to boost skin's natural exfoliation rate in just 3 days. Targets dullness, uneven texture, enlarged pores, blackheads, and discoloration for visibly brighter, smoother, clarified skin.
Quad-Acid Exfoliation
Combines AHA (Glycolic), BHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid), PHA (Gluconolactone), and TXA (Tranexamic Acid) for comprehensive chemical exfoliation from surface to pore lining.
Texture & feel
SENSORYQuad-Acid Exfoliation
Combines AHA (Glycolic), BHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid), PHA (Gluconolactone), and TXA (Tranexamic Acid) for comprehensive chemical exfoliation from surface to pore lining.
Dual Chemical + Physical Exfoliation
Micro-peel fiber pad texture provides gentle physical exfoliation alongside the chemical acids for enhanced dead skin cell removal in a single step.
Clinically Proven in 3 Days
Instrumentation testing on 30 subjects showed boosted natural exfoliation rate in just 3 days of use, with 100% reporting brighter skin after 4 weeks.
Azelaic Acid + Centella Asiatica
Azelaic acid fights discoloration and breakouts, while Centella-derived asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside soothe and support skin repair.
NIA-114™ Patented Niacin
StriVectin's proprietary barrier-boosting form of niacin (Myristyl Nicotinate) helps strengthen the skin barrier while actives exfoliate, reducing irritation potential.
Targets Hyperpigmentation
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a non-exfoliating brightening acid that reduces discoloration and evens skin tone without the irritation of traditional brighteners like hydroquinone.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (a BHA derivative) and Salix Alba Bark Extract (natural salicylate source). Most dermatologists advise avoiding salicylic acid derivatives during pregnancy. Consult your OB-GYN before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 20, Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate (an ester), Glycereth-7 Triacetate, and Lactobacillus Ferment — all known triggers for malassezia-prone skin.
Rated 1/5 comedogenic. Water-based formula with primarily non-pore-clogging ingredients. Suitable for acne-prone skin (non-fungal).
Contains AHAs (Glycolic Acid) that increase photosensitivity. Must use SPF 30+ daily while using this product and for one week after discontinuation.
Denatured alcohol is listed as the 6th ingredient. May be drying or irritating for very sensitive or compromised skin barriers. However, the formula also includes soothing centella and glycerin.
Free from parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates (SLS/SLES), triclocarban, and triclosan. Contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycolic Acid ~5-10%Proven
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size among AHAs, allowing it to penetrate deeply to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production over time.
- Function: Exfoliates dead skin cells, brightens complexion, stimulates collagen synthesis
- Evidence: Extensive clinical data supporting efficacy for photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and texture improvement
- Position: 3rd in INCI list, indicating a significant concentration
Azelaic Acid ~3-5%Proven
A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid produced by yeast on human skin. Clinically proven for treating mild to moderate acne, reducing hyperpigmentation, and calming inflammation. One of the few actives considered safe even during pregnancy at lower concentrations.
- Function: Anti-acne, brightening, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
- Evidence: FDA-approved for acne treatment (prescription strength); widely studied for melasma and rosacea
- Position: 4th in INCI list, a meaningful concentration
Tranexamic Acid (TXA)Proven
A non-exfoliating acid that acts as a potent brightening agent by inhibiting melanin transfer. Originally used in medicine to reduce bleeding, it has gained significant traction in dermatology for treating stubborn hyperpigmentation and melasma.
- Function: Reduces discoloration, evens skin tone, targets melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Evidence: Multiple studies show efficacy comparable to hydroquinone for melasma, without the side effects
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (BHA)Promising
A lipophilic (oil-soluble) derivative of salicylic acid, also known as LHA. It penetrates pore lining to dissolve sebum and dead cell buildup, but more slowly and gently than traditional salicylic acid, making it less irritating. Derived from sugar beets (Betaine Salicylate source).
- Function: Decongests pores, clarifies blackheads, calms blemish-prone skin
- Evidence: Developed by L'Oréal research; studies show comparable efficacy to salicylic acid with less irritation
Gluconolactone (PHA)Proven
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates with larger molecules than AHAs, making it gentler on the skin surface. Also acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the upper skin layers and stimulating the skin's own hyaluronic acid production.
- Function: Gentle exfoliation, hydration, antioxidant protection
- Evidence: Studies confirm exfoliation efficacy comparable to glycolic acid with significantly less irritation
Myristyl Nicotinate (NIA-114™)Patented
StriVectin's patented, next-level form of niacin (vitamin B3). Unlike standard niacinamide, NIA-114™ is specifically designed to penetrate more efficiently and strengthen the skin's protective barrier while other actives work.
- Function: Barrier repair, anti-aging, enhances skin resilience
- Evidence: Proprietary ingredient backed by StriVectin's clinical testing; patents held for enhanced bioavailability
Centella Asiatica ComplexProven
A trio of centella-derived actives — Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, and Asiaticoside — that work together to soothe irritation, promote wound healing, and support collagen synthesis. Helps counterbalance the potential irritation from exfoliating acids.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, collagen support
- Evidence: Extensively researched; widely used in K-beauty and clinical dermatology for sensitive and compromised skin
39 ingredients
Aqua (Water, Eau), Pentylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Glycereth-7 Triacetate, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Dipropylene Glycol, Tranexamic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Myristyl Nicotinate, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Adenosine, Asiaticoside, Ethoxydiglycol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycereth-18, Ethylhexylglycerin, Calcium Gluconate, t-Butyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Limonene, Sodium Carbonate, Denatonium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse once daily, AM or PM, on clean skin. Apply before serums and moisturizer. Always follow with SPF 30+ during the day.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with clean, dry skin. Remove all makeup and impurities with your regular cleanser and pat dry.
Swipe Pad Across Face
Remove one pad from the jar and gently swipe it across your entire face using upward and outward motions. Focus on areas needing extra exfoliation like the forehead, nose, and chin. Avoid the eye area.
Let It Absorb
Allow the treatment to absorb into the skin for 30–60 seconds. A slight tingling sensation is normal, especially during the first few uses. Do not rinse.
Follow With Your Routine
Apply your serum and moisturizer as usual. In the morning, always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, as AHAs increase sun sensitivity.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want brighter, more radiant skin with less dullness
- You struggle with enlarged pores and blackheads
- You have uneven skin texture or rough patches
- You want to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- You prefer a convenient, pre-dosed pad format
- You want both chemical and physical exfoliation in one step
- You are looking for an alternative to Dr. Dennis Gross at a lower price point
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains BHA derivative)
- You have fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis
- You have an extremely sensitive or compromised skin barrier
- You are already using multiple exfoliating products (retinol, other AHAs)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products (contains <1% synthetic fragrance + citrus oils)
- You are allergic to citrus or grapefruit extracts
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOutstanding match. BHA clears pore congestion, AHA controls surface buildup, and the formula helps minimize oily sheen and tighten pores visibly.
Works beautifully on combination skin — balances the oily T-zone while the PHA and centella components provide gentle care for drier cheek areas.
Great maintenance treatment for normal skin. Keeps complexion bright, texture smooth, and prevents buildup without overdoing it.
Effective for removing flaky dead skin, but the alcohol denat. may feel drying. Follow immediately with a rich hydrating serum and moisturizer.
Contains multiple exfoliating acids plus alcohol denat. WIMJ rates irritation potential as high. Patch test first and consider using every other day to build tolerance.
Azelaic acid + BHA combination is clinically effective for acne. Clears clogged pores, reduces blackheads, and helps fade post-acne marks. Not suitable for fungal acne.
Results timeline
WEEK 4–8Immediate Smoothness & Exfoliation Boost
Skin feels noticeably smoother after first use. Micro-peel fiber pad removes visible dead skin. Clinical instrumentation testing confirmed boosted exfoliation rate within 3 days.
Clinically proven exfoliation boostBrighter Complexion & Pore Clarity
Skin begins to look visibly brighter and less dull. Pores appear cleaner as BHA clears congestion. Some users may experience mild purging as trapped debris surfaces — this is temporary.
Most users notice glow improvementRefined Texture & Reduced Discoloration
Skin texture feels significantly refined. Tranexamic acid begins reducing the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone. Pores look visibly smaller and blackheads diminish.
96% reported refined texture (clinical study)Comprehensive Skin Transformation
Full cycle of results: brighter skin, smoother texture, minimized pores, and visibly reduced hyperpigmentation. Continued use maintains and enhances these improvements over time.
100% reported brighter skin after 4 weeksRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Quad-acid formula tackles multiple concerns in one step (pores, texture, dullness, discoloration)
- Clinically proven results with 100% of testers reporting brighter skin
- Textured pad provides satisfying physical exfoliation — you can feel it working
- Noticeable improvement in skin smoothness after first use
- Helps fade sun damage spots and hyperpigmentation with consistent use
- 60 pads per jar provides a 2-month supply at daily use
- Creates an excellent base for serums and moisturizers to absorb better
- Clean, vegan formula free from 12+ common irritants
Criticized
- Price point ($49/60 pads) is a sticking point — some feel cheaper pads deliver similar results
- Not as potent as Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta pads for fine lines and wrinkles
- Contains Alcohol Denat. (6th ingredient) which can dry out sensitive skin
- Slight sticky residue after application that some find unpleasant
- Not fungal acne safe due to polysorbates, esters, and ferment
- Can cause tingling/stinging on first use which may alarm new acid users
- Single-step design lacks the neutralizing Step 2 that Dr. Dennis Gross provides
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESUses glycolic + lactic acids (AHAs only — no BHA, PHA, or TXA). Gentler formula with no alcohol denat., ideal for sensitive skin. Lacks the pore-clearing BHA and brightening TXA of StriVectin, but great for basic exfoliation and brightening at a lower price.
Affordable AHA+BHA combo with glycolic and salicylic acid at a stated 10% concentration. Fragrance-free. Lacks tranexamic acid and PHA, so weaker on brightening and gentleness. Excellent value for basic exfoliation on a tight budget.
Liquid format (not pads) with AHA/BHA/PHA triple-acid blend. Includes niacinamide. Lacks tranexamic acid and the physical exfoliation of StriVectin's textured pad. Different application method but similar multi-acid philosophy.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStriVectin Daily Reveal Pads
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lid tightly sealed to prevent pads from drying out. Avoid storing in humid bathrooms.
Screw-top jar with 60 pre-soaked pads. Sturdy packaging keeps pads moist and fresh throughout use.
Jar format is not ideal for carry-on (liquid-soaked pads count toward liquid limits). Best for checked luggage or home use.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The formula contains Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (a BHA/salicylic acid derivative) and Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, which is a natural source of salicylates. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding salicylic acid and its derivatives during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially in leave-on products. The glycolic acid (AHA) is generally considered lower risk at cosmetic concentrations, but the combination of multiple exfoliating acids warrants a conversation with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains several known malassezia triggers: Polysorbate 20 (a polysorbate emulsifier), Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate and Glycereth-7 Triacetate (fatty acid esters), and Lactobacillus Ferment (a fermented ingredient). If you have diagnosed fungal acne or are prone to malassezia folliculitis, look for alternatives with simpler formulas that avoid these ingredient categories.
Be cautious when layering. This product already contains multiple exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, PHA), so adding more acids or retinol on the same routine step can lead to over-exfoliation, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier. If you use retinol, apply it on alternate nights from this product. Vitamin C can be used in the morning if these pads are used at night, but avoid layering directly. Listen to your skin — if you see redness, flaking, or stinging, reduce frequency.
This product is designed for normal, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels for oily and combination skin where pore congestion and dullness are primary concerns. Dry skin types can benefit but should follow with extra hydration. Sensitive skin users should approach with caution due to the multiple acids and alcohol denat. — start with every other day use and monitor for irritation.
Many users notice immediate smoothness after the first use thanks to the textured pad. Clinical testing showed boosted exfoliation rate in just 3 days. For more significant results — brighter skin, refined texture, minimized pores, and faded dark spots — expect to see meaningful improvement within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily use. In the clinical study, 100% of participants reported brighter skin after 4 weeks (30 pads) of daily use.
Use these pads as the second step after cleansing — before toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Swipe one pad across clean, dry skin once daily (morning or evening). Do not rinse. Then continue with the rest of your routine. If using in the AM, always finish with SPF 30+. These pads replace any other exfoliating toner or acid treatment in your routine.
This product has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The water-based formula with exfoliating acids is actually designed to unclog pores rather than block them. The BHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) specifically penetrates into pore linings to dissolve sebum plugs. However, some ingredients like Polysorbate 20 and glycereth esters can be mildly comedogenic for exceptionally sensitive or clog-prone skin. For the vast majority of users, this product will help rather than hinder pore clarity.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. With 60 pads used once daily, you'll use the entire jar in about 2 months — well within the shelf life. Keep the lid tightly sealed between uses to prevent the pads from drying out. If pads feel dry or the solution has evaporated, it's time to replace the jar regardless of the PAO date.
Verdict: StriVectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Face Pads deliver a genuinely effective quad-acid exfoliation experience at a competitive mid-range price point. The combination of AHA, BHA, PHA, and TXA in one convenient pad is impressive, and clinical data backs up the brightening and texture-refining claims. The inclusion of azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and Centella Asiatica elevates this above basic glycolic pads. However, the presence of alcohol denat. as the 6th ingredient and high irritation potential for sensitive skin keeps it from a perfect score. It sits in an interesting sweet spot — more sophisticated than drugstore options like Pacifica, more affordable than Dr. Dennis Gross, but not quite as refined or gentle as either the DDG two-step system or the alcohol-free FAB pads. Best suited for normal, oily, and combination skin looking for a multi-tasking exfoliator that tackles dullness, pores, and discoloration simultaneously.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Azelaic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Buffering
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
Emollient
|
|





