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Zelens PHA+ - Resurfacing Facial Pads
Zelens

Zelens PHA+ - Resurfacing Facial Pads

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Lactobionic acid, Salicylic acid + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This one-step resurfacing treatment helps to refine skin texture, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and blemishes while revealing a healthy, radiant complexion.”
Source: Zelens

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: lactobionic acid, salicylic acid.

Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~2.7–4%
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)~1–1.5%
Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extractEffect: LowAn enzyme-based exfoliant~0.8–1.2%
PapainEffect: LowAn enzyme extracted from papaya fruit. Can have an exfoliating effect on the skin. Can be irritating~0.35–0.75%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~1–1.5%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Niacinamide + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This one-step resurfacing treatment helps to refine skin texture, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and blemishes while revealing a healthy, radiant complexion.”
Source: Zelens

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, salicylic acid. These ingredients 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: lactobionic 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)~1–1.5%
NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.5–1.15%
Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~2.7–4%
Evens skin tone
Lactobionic acid, Niacinamide + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This one-step resurfacing treatment helps to refine skin texture, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and blemishes while revealing a healthy, radiant complexion.”
Source: Zelens

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: lactobionic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~2.7–4%
NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.5–1.15%
Salicylic acidEffect: LowUsed 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)~1–1.5%
Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extractEffect: LowAn enzyme-based exfoliant~0.8–1.2%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~1–1.5%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Lactobionic acid, Perilla frutescens leaf extract
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (lactobionic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~2.7–4%
Perilla frutescens leaf extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance for its mint-like smell~0.4–0.95%
Anti-aging
Side benefit the brand mentions · Lactobionic acid, Niacinamide + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“The look of enlarged pores is minimised, as the exfoliating pads promote the look of a smoother, more radiant complexion.”
Source: Lookfantastic US

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains lactobionic acid, niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~2.7–4%
NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.5–1.15%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~1–1.5%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Lactobionic acid, Niacinamide + 8 more
Works well
What the product description says
“The next generation of exfoliating pads formulated with PHA (polyhydroxy acids), AHA, BHA and fruit enzymes to gently remove dead skin cells without stripping your skin of moisture.”
Source: Face the future

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": fructose, glycerin.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: lactobionic acid, niacinamide

Lactobionic acidHeroEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~2.7–4%
NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.5–1.15%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.4–6.5%
Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~2–3%
Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrateKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.65%
FructoseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.05–0.25%
Mangifera indica fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin~0.2–0.8%
Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~1–1.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Perilla frutescens leaf extract
Medium risk
We flagged 12 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)High~1–1.5%est.
Perilla frutescens leaf extractUsed as a fragrance for its mint-like smellHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
PapainAn enzyme extracted from papaya fruit. Can have an exfoliating effect on the skin. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.75%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Lactobionic acidA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticityMedium~2.7–4%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~2–3%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~1–1.5%est.
Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extractAn enzyme-based exfoliantMedium~0.8–1.2%est.
Mangifera indica fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skinMedium~0.2–0.8%est.
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.4–6.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Propanediol~3.5–5.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Lactobionic acid~2.7–4%
Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-agingExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity

More about Lactobionic acid
Sodium lactate~2–3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Sweet almond oil polyglyceryl-6 esters~1.7–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sweet almond oil polyglyceryl-6 esters
Salicylic acid~1–1.5%
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
Citric acid~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Lactic acid~1–1.5%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract~0.8–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliation

An enzyme-based exfoliant

More about Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract
Niacinamide~0.5–1.15%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Perilla frutescens leaf extract~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance for its mint-like smell

More about Perilla frutescens leaf extract
Bromelain~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Bromelain
Papain~0.35–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Exfoliation

An enzyme extracted from papaya fruit. Can have an exfoliating effect on the skin. Can be irritating

More about Papain
Mangifera indica fruit extract~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin

More about Mangifera indica fruit extract
Musa sapientum fruit extract~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Musa sapientum fruit extract
Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate
Polydextrose~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polydextrose
Amylopectin~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Amylopectin
Dextrin~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin
Fructose~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate
Glucose~0.05–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Benzyl alcohol
Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Lactobionic acid, Sodium lactate, Sweet almond oil polyglyceryl-6 esters, Salicylic acid, Citric acid, Lactic acid, Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract, Niacinamide, Perilla frutescens leaf extract, Bromelain, Papain, Mangifera indica fruit extract, Musa sapientum fruit extract, Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate, Polydextrose, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Fructose, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Glucose, Benzyl alcohol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate

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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
ZelensPHA+ - Resurfacing Facial PadsYOUR PRODUCTPacifica BeautyGlow Baby Brightening Peel PadsHydroPeptideResurface and Repair Peptide Pads - 30 TreatmentsGlossierSolution
Match—80%79%78%
Price—$12.35$93.00$30.00
Shared key ingredients—4 of 85 of 84 of 8
Key difference—Glycolic AcidGlycolic AcidGluconolactone
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Lactobionic acidmdedge.com
  3. 3
    Effects of lactobionic acid peel, aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion, and both procedures on skin hydration, elasticity, and transepidermal water lossonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Comparative evaluation of skin moisture after topical application of 10% and 30% lactobionic acidonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
  6. 6
    Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Zelens PHA+ - Resurfacing Facial Pads
ZelensPHA+ - Resurfacing Facial Pads
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.