Max Complexion Correction Pads
Max Complexion Correction Pads
Product Description
Product overview
Dual-action exfoliating pads saturated with maximum-strength 2% Salicylic Acid and a potent 10% Glycolic Acid Complex to clear breakouts, unclog pores, smooth texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Double-sided pads offer gentle cleansing on one side and superior textured exfoliation on the other.
Dual Acid Exfoliation
Combines 2% BHA (salicylic) to penetrate pores with 10% AHA (glycolic) to exfoliate the skin surface for a comprehensive chemical peel in one swipe.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual Acid Exfoliation
Combines 2% BHA (salicylic) to penetrate pores with 10% AHA (glycolic) to exfoliate the skin surface for a comprehensive chemical peel in one swipe.
Double-Sided Pad Design
Smooth side delivers gentle cleansing action; textured side provides superior physical exfoliation for deeper pore refinement.
Botanical Soothing Complex
Aloe vera, chamomile, green tea, and allantoin help calm potential irritation from the potent acid blend, leaving skin balanced.
Swipe-and-Go Convenience
No mixing, no rinsing required. Simply swipe across the face after cleansing for instant chemical exfoliation in seconds.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), which is generally advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
Formula is free of fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and ferments that feed malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. No pore-clogging oils or heavy emollients. Designed for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Contains approximately 46% Alcohol Denat. Can be very drying, especially for dry or sensitive skin. Always follow with moisturizer.
Includes Fragrance/Parfum and multiple fragrance allergens (Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Geraniol). May irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
Both glycolic acid and salicylic acid increase photosensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential when using this product.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid 2%Proven
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores and dissolve the sebum and dead skin cells that cause blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts.
- Mechanism: Keratolytic action loosens the bonds between skin cells inside pores, clearing blockages from within.
- Clinical Data: Multiple studies confirm 2% salicylic acid significantly reduces acne lesion count, sometimes outperforming benzoyl peroxide with less irritation.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Structurally related to aspirin, salicylic acid also reduces redness and swelling around blemishes.
Glycolic Acid Complex 10%Proven
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane that exfoliates the skin surface by dissolving the bonds holding dead cells together, promoting cell turnover and revealing brighter, smoother skin.
- Mechanism: Water-soluble acid that works on the skin surface to remove dull, dead cells and stimulate collagen production over time.
- Anti-Aging: Clinical studies show 10% glycolic acid improves fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture with regular use.
- Synergy: Combined with BHA, provides both surface and within-pore exfoliation for a comprehensive treatment.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice —Proven
A natural soothing and hydrating agent that helps counterbalance the drying and irritating effects of the dual-acid formula.
- Benefit: Contains polysaccharides and vitamins that calm inflammation, provide mild hydration, and support skin healing.
- Role in Formula: Acts as a buffer to reduce potential irritation from the high-concentration acid blend.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract —Proven
A powerful antioxidant rich in EGCG polyphenols that protects skin from free radical damage while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental pollutants.
- Anti-Sebum: Studies suggest green tea extract can help regulate sebum production in oily skin types.
Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract —Promising
A gentle botanical extract known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, helping to calm redness and irritation caused by exfoliating acids.
- Active Compounds: Contains bisabolol and chamazulene, both recognized for anti-irritant and calming effects on the skin.
Allantoin —Proven
A skin-conditioning agent that promotes cell regeneration, soothes irritation, and helps maintain the skin barrier during chemical exfoliation.
- Wound Healing: Stimulates fibroblast activity and cell proliferation, supporting skin recovery after exfoliation.
- Keratolytic: Provides mild additional exfoliation and smooths rough texture.
28 ingredients
Salicylic Acid 2%, Alcohol Denat., Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arginine, Sodium Hydroxide, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Triethanolamine, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene, Benzoic Acid, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing on bare skin, before any serums or moisturizers. Best used in the PM routine. Always apply sunscreen the following morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Apply only to clean, bare skin.
Choose Your Side
Use the smooth side for gentle cleansing action. Flip to the textured side for superior exfoliation and deeper pore refinement.
Swipe Across Skin
Gently wipe the pad across the entire face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Do not scrub. Use light, even pressure.
Let It Work
Allow the product to absorb and dry completely. Do not rinse off. Follow with your regular serum and moisturizer.
Build Tolerance Gradually
Start with once daily. Gradually increase to twice daily as tolerated. If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce to every other day.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with frequent breakouts
- You struggle with blackheads, enlarged pores, or rough texture
- You want both AHA and BHA exfoliation in one convenient step
- You prefer a quick, no-rinse treatment pad format
- You are addressing early signs of aging alongside acne
- You have built up some acid tolerance in your skincare routine
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (high alcohol content will worsen dryness)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains 2% salicylic acid)
- You have very sensitive or reactive skin prone to redness
- You are a complete beginner to chemical exfoliants (start gentler)
- You are sensitive to fragrance or fragrance allergens
- You are already using retinoids or other strong actives daily
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Salicylic acid controls oil, glycolic acid refines pores, and the alcohol base helps cut through excess sebum without leaving residue.
Great for targeting the oily T-zone. Focus the textured side on congested areas and use the smooth side on drier cheeks.
Specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Dual BHA/AHA action clears existing blemishes while preventing future breakouts.
Effective for maintenance exfoliation and preventing congestion. May only need to use 2–3 times per week rather than daily.
The high alcohol content (approx. 46%) combined with dual acids can be overly drying. If used, limit to once or twice weekly and follow with a rich moisturizer.
Potent formula with fragrance and alcohol may irritate. Patch test first. Some sensitive-skin users report success by limiting use to 2–3 times per week.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Cleansing & Clarity
Skin feels deeply cleansed after first use. You may notice a slight tingling sensation as the acids begin working. Visible dirt and oil residue on the pad confirms deep cleansing action.
85% noticed cleaner skin immediatelyReduced Oiliness & Smoother Texture
Oil production begins to normalize. Skin texture feels noticeably smoother. Some users may experience mild purging as trapped congestion surfaces — this is temporary and normal.
70% reported smoother skinVisible Pore Refinement & Fewer Breakouts
Pores appear visibly smaller and less congested. Breakout frequency begins to decrease significantly. Skin tone starts to look more even and radiant.
75% saw fewer breakoutsClear Complexion & Anti-Aging Benefits
Full acne-clearing benefits are realized with consistent use. Fine lines appear softer thanks to ongoing glycolic acid stimulation of cell turnover. Post-inflammatory marks start to fade.
80% reported significantly clearer skinRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Highly effective at clearing breakouts and preventing new ones
- Visibly minimizes pore appearance with consistent use
- Convenient swipe-and-go pad format saves time
- Dual AHA/BHA formula addresses acne and aging simultaneously
- Pleasant peach bellini scent replaces medicinal smell
- Double-sided design allows customizable exfoliation intensity
- Impressive at removing leftover dirt and residue after cleansing
- Helps smooth texture and fade post-acne marks over time
Criticized
- High alcohol content (~46%) is very drying for non-oily skin
- Expensive at $49 for 60 pads ($0.82 per pad)
- Contains fragrance and multiple fragrance allergens
- Can cause significant stinging and burning on first use
- Jar packaging is not the most hygienic (fingers dip into product)
- Previously available in 90-pad count; downsized to 60
- Too potent for beginners with no acid tolerance
- Can trigger purging in the first 1–2 weeks of use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains 2% salicylic acid like the PTR pads but lacks the 10% glycolic acid complex. Alcohol-free formula is gentler but less exfoliating. 90 pads for a fraction of the price. No anti-aging benefits, but excellent for pure acne control on a budget.
Uses betaine salicylate (a gentler BHA derivative) instead of salicylic acid. Much milder formula without glycolic acid or alcohol. Better for sensitive skin but significantly less potent. 70 pads per jar.
Contains glycolic acid for surface exfoliation plus hyaluronic acid for hydration. Lacks salicylic acid so it won't penetrate pores as deeply. More affordable option if your primary concern is texture rather than active acne. 60 pads per jar.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPTR Max Complexion Pads

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength
First Aid Beauty Acne Clearing Pads
Stridex Maximum Strength (Red Box)
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the lid is sealed properly after each use to prevent the pads from drying out.
Screw-top jar with foil safety seal. Double-sided textured pads stacked inside.
Classified ORM-D due to high alcohol content. May require ground shipping only. Not ideal for air travel carry-on due to liquid-soaked pads.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. These pads contain 2% Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid that is generally recommended to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While topical application of low-concentration salicylic acid is considered lower risk than oral intake, most dermatologists and OB-GYNs advise caution. Consult your healthcare provider before using this product if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Yes. The formula does not contain common fungal acne triggers such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. The high alcohol content and acid-based formula actually create an inhospitable environment for yeast overgrowth, making these pads a suitable choice for those dealing with fungal acne.
Use caution when combining with other actives. These pads already contain both AHA (glycolic acid 10%) and BHA (salicylic acid 2%), so layering additional acids on top can cause over-exfoliation, irritation, and a damaged skin barrier. If you use retinol, alternate nights — use the pads one evening and retinol the next. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is best used in the morning if you use these pads at night. Never layer additional AHA/BHA products directly over these pads.
These pads are best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The dual-acid formula combined with high alcohol content is specifically designed to cut through excess oil, clear congested pores, and prevent breakouts. Those with dry or very sensitive skin should exercise caution, as the formula may be too drying and potentially irritating. Normal skin types can benefit from using the pads 2–3 times per week.
Most users report noticeably cleaner, smoother skin within the first 1–2 weeks. Visible pore refinement and reduced breakout frequency typically appear by weeks 3–4. Full acne-clearing and anti-aging benefits (fading of fine lines and hyperpigmentation) generally require 2–3 months of consistent use. Some users may experience a brief purging period in the first 1–2 weeks as congestion surfaces, which is normal with AHA/BHA products.
Use these pads as your second step, immediately after cleansing and before any other products. Swipe across clean, dry skin, then allow to absorb. Follow with toner (optional), serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). These pads replace any separate toner or exfoliant step in your routine. Best used in the evening to avoid daytime sun sensitivity issues.
No. These pads have a comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning they carry very low risk of clogging pores. The formula contains no oils, heavy emollients, or known pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, the product is designed to do the opposite — the salicylic acid actively dissolves pore-clogging sebum and debris, while glycolic acid removes dead skin cells from the surface that can contribute to congestion.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 24 months. However, because the pads are soaked in a liquid solution, it's important to keep the jar tightly sealed between uses to prevent them from drying out. If the pads begin to feel less saturated or the solution has noticeably evaporated, it's time to replace the jar. With daily use, one jar of 60 pads typically lasts 1–2 months.
Verdict: The Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads are a powerhouse exfoliating treatment that delivers on their promise of clearer, smoother skin. The dual-action combination of 2% salicylic acid and 10% glycolic acid is genuinely effective for oily, acne-prone skin, and the convenient pad format makes daily chemical exfoliation effortless. The main drawbacks are the high alcohol content, the presence of fragrance, and the premium price point. If you have oily or combination skin and can tolerate the potent formula, these pads are one of the most effective OTC acne-fighting and pore-refining treatments available. For sensitive or dry skin types, consider gentler alternatives like the First Aid Beauty Acne Clearing Pads or COSRX One Step Clear Pads instead.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
|
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|



