Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads: What Allure Editors Found

The Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads won a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award, and after three weeks of use, one Allure editor reported smoother skin and a slight improvement in overall tone — though her melasma dark spots showed no movement.

The reviewer, who has dry, sensitive skin, pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation and melasma that has persisted seven years, tested the pads alongside fellow Allure editors with dryness, oiliness, sensitivity and dark spots. She also uses prescription tretinoin, which made gentle dosing a priority.

What makes the formula different?

The pads combine Elemis's patented tri-enzyme technology — papain, protease and subtilisin — with lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid. "In an exfoliant, these enzymes break down the proteins that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed more easily," says Farhaad Riyaz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Plymouth, Michigan. Lactic acid loosens those bonds through its acidity.

"Using two mechanisms could improve exfoliation without requiring a high concentration of either ingredient," says Dr. Riyaz. "That could give you smoother skin with less reliance on a strong acid."

Lactic acid suits reactive skin because its "molecules are larger than those of glycolic acid, so they don't penetrate as quickly or deeply," says Chang Son, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. "It is also a humectant, meaning it can help support skin hydration even while exfoliating," adds Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park Ave Derm in New York City.

The formula also stacks hydration and barrier ingredients:

• Glycerin, betaine, butylene glycol and methyl gluceth-20 to retain water
• Shea butter and fatty alcohols (behenyl and stearyl alcohol) to soften skin and prevent moisture loss — not drying alcohols like ethanol
• Lactococcus ferment lysate, a postbiotic that may support skin renewal; Dr. Queen calls it a supporting player, since research is still emerging

The pads contain added fragrance, a consideration for skin that reacts to scented products.

How did the pads perform?

Each pad has one textured side and one smooth side, adding mild physical exfoliation. "The pad vehicle is mainly about convenience and dosing," says Dr. Queen. "One pad is designed to be enough for the full face, which removes the question of how many to use." She cautions against pressure, since combining enzymes with an AHA can make exfoliation more effective but "also raises the possibility of dryness and irritation."

Elemis recommends morning and night use, so the standard 60-count tub lasts about a month. The reviewer used one pad daily in the morning on tretinoin-free nights' schedule, swiping over clean skin before sunscreen and skin tint. She noticed brief redness that faded within minutes.

"Regular exfoliation can absolutely help fade existing hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Queen, particularly superficial marks from breakouts or sun exposure. "Conditions like melasma are more difficult to treat through exfoliation alone, as the pigment can exist at different depths in the skin and multiple factors contribute to the condition," she explains.

The brand says the formula can improve skin's natural turnover over 28 days.

What did the other editors say?

• Alessandra Foresto, managing editor: "My facialist commented on how much better my dark spots looked after a month of use. They don't sting, smell strongly, or leave my face feeling dry."
• Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer: She experienced tightness and about 15 minutes of redness, but "about an hour later, my skin looks surprisingly smooth and bright." She uses them as a weekend makeup prep.
• Sarah Han, commerce editor: "Lactic acid is super effective at buffing away dead skin and uneven texture, and I swear my skin is noticeably softer and brighter with each use."
• Madison San Miguel, commerce editor: "Instead, it surprisingly felt soothing and hydrating," she said of the pads, which she uses twice a week; her skin looked glowier the following mornings.

For tretinoin users and sensitive skin, the editors' consensus points to a cautious launch: two to three uses a week, building toward twice daily only if skin tolerates it. The reviewer plans to keep using the pads whenever her skin looks dull — and to keep watching whether those subtle tone improvements compound past the brand's 28-day window.