Toning Pads II
Toning Pads II
Product Description
Product overview
A next-level daily exfoliating pad with a boosted blend of AHAs and BHA to unclog pores, even skin tone, smooth texture, and reduce redness for a brighter, more refined complexion. Over 500,000 units sold.
Multi-Acid Exfoliation
A powerful blend of glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acids work both on the skin surface and inside pores to resurface, brighten, and decongest.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMulti-Acid Exfoliation
A powerful blend of glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acids work both on the skin surface and inside pores to resurface, brighten, and decongest.
Unclogs Pores Deep Down
Salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates inside pores to clear whiteheads, blackheads, and congestion, while mandelic acid helps refine pore size.
Brightens & Evens Tone
AHAs remove dull, dead surface cells to reveal a more even, glowing complexion and help reduce the appearance of dark spots and sun damage over time.
Boosts Product Absorption
By clearing the dead skin cell layer, Toning Pads II allow serums, treatments, and moisturizers to penetrate more effectively into the skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEThe brand considers this product pregnancy/nursing-friendly. However, it contains salicylic acid (BHA), which many dermatologists advise avoiding during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
Contains Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, a fermented ingredient that may feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. No heavy oils, waxes, or pore-clogging emollients. Suitable for acne-prone skin types.
AHAs and BHA increase photosensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential when using this product. Limit sun exposure for a week after use.
Free from parabens, fragrance, phthalates, sulfates, artificial dyes, mineral oil, and formaldehyde donors.
Can be used with retinoids (like RetinAL Skin Therapy). If new to the combo, use Toning Pads II in the morning and retinoid at night to minimize irritation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycolic Acid 5%Proven
The smallest AHA molecule, glycolic acid penetrates effectively to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. It also stimulates collagen production with long-term use.
- Type: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) — works on the skin surface
- Benefits: Exfoliation, brightening, fine line reduction, texture smoothing
- Research: Well-studied at 5–10% concentration for visible resurfacing results
Salicylic Acid BHAProven
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates inside the pore lining. It unclogs pores, reduces breakouts, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties making it a go-to for acne-prone skin.
- Type: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) — works inside the pore
- Benefits: Pore clearing, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, reduces blackheads
- Research: FDA-recognized active for acne treatment at 0.5–2% concentrations
Lactic Acid AHAProven
A gentler AHA with a larger molecule size than glycolic acid. Lactic acid exfoliates the skin surface while also attracting moisture, making it a hydrating exfoliant that helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Type: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) — gentle exfoliant
- Benefits: Exfoliation, brightening, hydration, anti-bacterial
- Research: Shown to improve skin texture and tone with less irritation than glycolic acid
Mandelic Acid AHAPromising
The largest AHA molecule, derived from bitter almonds. Its slow penetration makes it one of the most tolerable AHAs, ideal for sensitive and darker skin tones where other acids risk causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Type: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) — gentle, large-molecule exfoliant
- Benefits: Anti-bacterial, pore refining, melanin regulation
- Research: Promising studies for acne and hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones
Succinic Acid ActivePromising
A dicarboxylic acid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Emerging research suggests it helps reduce acne lesions and calm redness, offering additional support alongside the AHA/BHA blend.
- Type: Dicarboxylic acid — anti-inflammatory
- Benefits: Reduces breakouts, calms redness, antimicrobial
- Research: 2020 studies suggest comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide for mild acne
Green Tea Extract AntioxidantProven
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is rich in polyphenols and catechins (especially EGCG), providing powerful antioxidant protection against free radical damage and environmental stressors.
- Type: Antioxidant — protective botanical
- Benefits: Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, UV damage protection
- Research: Extensively studied for skin-protective and anti-aging benefits
Chamomile Extract SoothingProven
Chamomilla Recutita Extract provides anti-inflammatory and calming benefits to help offset potential irritation from the acid blend, making the formula more tolerable for regular use.
- Type: Botanical — anti-inflammatory
- Benefits: Soothes irritation, calms redness, anti-inflammatory
22 ingredients
Water (Aqua), SD Alcohol 40-B, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Succinic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing, before serums. Apply all the way up to the hairline and down to the chest. Start 3 mornings/week, then build to daily or twice daily as tolerated.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with clean skin. Use your favorite gentle cleanser and pat dry.
Swipe Pad Across Skin
Remove one pad from the jar and gently swipe across face, neck, and chest. Make sure to include the hairline where dead skin cells accumulate.
Avoid the Eye Area
Keep the pad away from the delicate eye contour. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
Follow with Serums & SPF
Apply your serums for optimal absorption, then moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
Build Up Gradually
Start with 3 mornings per week on alternating days. Increase to daily, then up to twice daily (AM and PM) as your skin tolerates. If irritation occurs, reduce frequency.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You struggle with clogged pores, blackheads, or whiteheads
- Your skin texture is rough or uneven
- You have dullness, dark spots, or sun damage
- You want to boost the effectiveness of your serums and treatments
- You have oily or combination skin that can handle active acids
- You've outgrown the original Barefaced Toning Pads and want more strength
Consider alternatives if:
- You are brand new to chemical exfoliation (start with original Toning Pads)
- You have very sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin
- You have fungal acne (contains a fermented ingredient)
- You cannot commit to daily SPF use
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor first)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. BHA penetrates oily pores to clear congestion, while AHAs control excess surface buildup without adding any oil or shine.
Works great on both oily T-zone and drier cheeks. The multi-acid blend addresses different concerns across zones simultaneously.
Excellent for maintaining a clear, bright complexion and preventing future breakouts and dullness. Well-tolerated with normal skin resilience.
Contains SD Alcohol which may be drying. Lactic acid provides some hydration, but pair with a rich moisturizer. Start slowly and monitor for dryness.
High irritation potential with 5% glycolic acid and multiple acids. Start with original Toning Pads first. If upgrading, introduce very gradually (1–2x/week).
Salicylic acid clears breakouts from within pores while AHAs smooth post-acne texture. Low comedogenic rating (1/5) means minimal pore-clogging risk.
Results timeline
MONTH 4–6Immediate Brightness & Smoothness
Skin feels noticeably smoother after each use. Surface dead cells are cleared away, revealing a brighter, more even complexion. Some users report a mild tingling that fades as skin acclimates.
70% noticed brighter skinFewer Breakouts & Refined Pores
Salicylic acid begins clearing deeper congestion. Blackheads diminish, whiteheads become less frequent, and pore appearance starts to refine. Texture continues to improve.
65% saw fewer breakoutsVisible Tone Improvement
Dark spots, post-acne marks, and sun damage begin to visibly fade. Skin tone appears more even and consistent. Redness starts to calm with continued anti-inflammatory action.
75% reported more even toneTransformed Skin Quality
Long-term glycolic acid use stimulates collagen production. Fine lines soften, overall skin quality improves dramatically, and the complexion looks healthier and more resilient.
80% reported significant improvementRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Visible results within the first few weeks of use
- Multi-acid formula addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously
- Convenient pad format — no cotton pads or measuring needed
- Fragrance-free and free from common irritants
- Dramatically improves skin texture and brightness
- Helps reduce acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots
- Boosts effectiveness of other skincare products in your routine
- Medical-grade formulation developed by skincare professionals
Criticized
- Contains SD Alcohol 40-B which can be drying for some skin types
- Higher price point at $52 for 60 pads (~$0.87/pad)
- Not suitable for fungal acne due to fermented ingredient
- Can cause irritation if introduced too quickly without building tolerance
- Requires consistent daily SPF use which adds to routine
- May be too strong for sensitive skin or chemical exfoliant beginners
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher glycolic acid concentration (7% vs 5%) but only one acid type — no salicylic, lactic, or mandelic acid. Liquid toner format requires cotton pads. 240ml bottle lasts much longer. Not a pad format.
Very gentle AHA/BHA spray toner with only 0.1% glycolic acid and betaine salicylate. Great for sensitive skin but significantly lower acid concentrations. K-Beauty formulation. Liquid format, not pads.
Same pad format with glycolic and lactic acids. Gentler formula without salicylic or mandelic acid, making it better for sensitive skin but less effective for pore congestion and acne. 60 pads per jar.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the jar tightly sealed between uses to prevent pads from drying out.
Screw-top jar with 60 pre-soaked pads. Travel pouches also available (10 pads per pouch).
Yes — travel-size pouches available with 10 pads each. The jar itself is compact enough for checked luggage. Not a liquid, so TSA-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
FAQBarefaced states that Toning Pads II are considered pregnancy and nursing-friendly. However, the formula contains salicylic acid (BHA), which many OB-GYNs and dermatologists recommend avoiding during pregnancy, especially at higher concentrations or with frequent use. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before incorporating this product into your routine while pregnant or nursing.
No. Toning Pads II contains Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, which is a fermented ingredient. Ferments can potentially feed Malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne. If you have diagnosed or suspected fungal acne, consider alternatives that are ferment-free.
Yes, Toning Pads II can be combined with retinoids, but introduce the combination slowly. The brand recommends using the pads in the morning and retinoid at night if you experience sensitivity. Avoid layering additional AHA/BHA products directly after the pads in the same routine. Vitamin C serums can be used in the opposite part of your routine (e.g., pads AM, vitamin C PM, or vice versa) to minimize irritation risk.
Toning Pads II work best for oily, combination, normal, and acne-prone skin types. The multi-acid blend is particularly effective for those dealing with clogged pores, uneven texture, dullness, and breakouts. Those with dry or sensitive skin should start with the original Toning Pads before upgrading, as the higher acid concentration may cause irritation.
Most users notice brighter, smoother skin within the first 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Reduction in breakouts and pore appearance typically becomes visible after 3–4 weeks. Significant improvements in hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and overall tone usually take 2–3 months of regular use. Full skin transformation results are commonly seen around the 4–6 month mark.
Toning Pads II should be used immediately after cleansing, before serums and moisturizers. Swipe the pad across face, neck, and chest. Do not rinse. Then apply your serums (like Liquid Gold vitamin C serum), followed by moisturizer, and finish with sunscreen in the morning. These pads replace a traditional toner step and are much more than a basic toner — they are a full treatment.
Toning Pads II has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The formula contains no heavy oils, waxes, or pore-clogging emollients. In fact, the salicylic acid in the formula actively works to unclog pores. This product is well-suited for acne-prone skin and is unlikely to cause breakouts from clogged pores.
Toning Pads II has a recommended shelf life of 12 months after opening. Each jar contains 60 pads, which typically lasts 1–2 months depending on your frequency of use (once daily vs. twice daily). Keep the jar tightly sealed to prevent the pads from drying out. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Verdict: Barefaced Toning Pads II are an outstanding multi-acid exfoliating treatment that delivers real, visible results for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The 5% glycolic acid combined with lactic, mandelic, salicylic, and succinic acids makes this one of the most comprehensive acid pad formulas on the market — and the convenient pad format makes daily use effortless. While the $52 price tag is higher than drugstore alternatives, you're paying for a well-formulated, medical-grade product with a clean ingredient list and proven results backed by over 500,000 units sold. Deductions come from the SD Alcohol content, lack of fungal acne safety, and the fact that beginners should start with the original Toning Pads first. If you've built acid tolerance and want to take your exfoliation game to the next level, these pads are a worthwhile investment.
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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
|
|
|
| 0 |
Lactic Acid
|
|
|
| 1 |
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
|
|






