Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

Efficacy91/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Deluxe, generously thick, double-sided pads deliver gentle cleansing action on one side and superior pore-refining exfoliation on the textured side.”
Source: Lookfantastic CA

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, salicylic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~2.1–3.1%
Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)2%
AllantoinEffect: LowHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.4–0.95%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Exfoliating pads with maximum-strength 2% Salicylic Acid and a 10% Glycolic Acid Complex clear breakouts, cleanse skin of impurities and help to visibly reduce the look of pores, fine lines, uneven tone and texture.”
Source: Ulta

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)2%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~2.1–3.1%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~1.3–1.9%
AllantoinEffect: LowHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.4–0.95%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.45–1.05%
Cleansing
Triethanolamine
Can be harsh
What the product description says
“Deluxe, generously thick, double-sided pads deliver gentle cleansing action on one side and superior pore-refining exfoliation on the textured side.”
Source: Lookfantastic CA

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.

Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

TriethanolamineEffect: HighUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell~0.45–1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
11 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Hamamelis virginiana water + 9 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High2%
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~5–7.5%est.
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~2.1–3.1%est.
Hamamelis virginiana waterA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~1.4–2.1%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.6–1.35%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.5–1.15%est.
Prunus persica fruit extractA fruit extact. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.85–1.25%est.
Symphytum officinale leaf extractA plant extract that has an anti-bacterial effectHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
Amyl cinnamal—High~0.35–0.85%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.8%est.
Butylphenyl methylpropionalA fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~23–34%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.45–1%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Glycolic acid complex10%
Not recognized
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~23–34%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Allantoin~5.7–8.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Salicylic acid2%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Alcohol denat.~5–7.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Water~3.8–5.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Butylene glycol~2.8–4.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Glycolic acid~2.1–3.1%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Hamamelis virginiana water~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana water
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.3–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Arginine~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Sodium hydroxide~0.95–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.6–1.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Parfum~0.5–1.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Prunus persica fruit extract~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extact. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Prunus persica fruit extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Phenoxyethanol~0.4–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Symphytum officinale leaf extract~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

A plant extract that has an anti-bacterial effect

More about Symphytum officinale leaf extract
Allantoin~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Triethanolamine~0.45–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Amyl cinnamal~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Amyl cinnamal
Linalool~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Limonene~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Benzoic acid~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Geraniol~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Butylphenyl methylpropional
Citronellol~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Citric acid~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Benzyl alcohol~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Citral~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Ingredient list view

Unknown, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Allantoin, Salicylic acid, Alcohol denat., Water, Butylene glycol, Glycolic acid, Hamamelis virginiana water, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Arginine, Sodium hydroxide, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Parfum, Prunus persica 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

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/9 06:08 GMT
$41.65
Buy
Ulta60 ct
$49.00
Buy
Beautylish. G
$49.50
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Peter Thomas RothMax Complexion Correction PadsYOUR PRODUCT60 Padstingl by DRMTLGYL'Oréal ParisRevitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleansing GelCeletequeAcne Cleansing Gel
Match—85%84%83%
Price$49.00$38.00−$11.00$14.99−$34.01—
Shared key ingredients—3 of 63 of 63 of 6
Key difference—Lactic AcidCapryloyl Salicylic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy High High Medium Low
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
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Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads
Peter Thomas RothMax Complexion Correction Pads

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