ZO Acne Treatment Pads

$94.00

Maximum-strength 2% salicylic acid pads that target breakouts, unclog pores, and reduce surface oil for clearer skin.

We love Acne Treatment Pads because they’re strong yet balanced—delivering a real difference in clearing acne while still including soothing extracts to keep skin comfortable. A great option for oily, congested, or breakout-prone skin needing consistent care.

ZO Acne Treatment Pads are pre-soaked pads formulated with 2% salicylic acid to help treat and prevent acne breakouts. Designed for oily and acne-prone skin, they penetrate pores to dissolve buildup, reduce surface oil, and minimize congestion. Antioxidants and soothing agents like glycolic acid, urea, and botanical extracts support exfoliation while calming redness and irritation. These medicated pads help reduce the appearance of blemishes, keep pores clear, and promote smoother, healthier-looking skin with consistent use.

Gently wipe a pad over clean, dry skin once or twice daily, avoiding the eye area. Do not rinse—allow product to absorb before applying moisturizer. Start with 1 use per day and increase to 2 as tolerated. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day when using acne-fighting acids.

Salicylic Acid (2%) – clears and prevents breakouts by exfoliating inside pores.

Glycolic Acid – resurfaces skin and helps refine texture.

Urea – hydrates and balances while supporting exfoliation.

Botanical Extract Blend – includes green tea, witch hazel, and other calming antioxidants.

Allantoin & Panthenol – soothe irritation and promote barrier repair.

Full Ingredient List
Aqua/Water/Eau; Alcohol; Propylene Glycol; Salicylic Acid (2%); Urea; Glycolic Acid; Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract; Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract; Pterocarpus Soyauxii Wood Extract; Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract; Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract; Artemisia Vulgaris Extract; Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract; Crithmum Maritimum Extract; Spiraea Ulmaria Extract; Sodium Hydroxide; Sodium Carbonate; Sodium Chloride; Disodium EDTA; Butylene Glycol; Phenoxyethanol; Ethylhexylglycerin; Fragrance/Parfum; Citronellol; Hexyl Cinnamal; Limonene; Linalool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ZO Acne Treatment Pads good for oily or combination skin?
Yes. ZO Acne Treatment Pads are formulated specifically to target oily and combination skin because they contain a maximum-strength 2% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that penetrates and exfoliates inside pores to reduce surface oil and breakouts. The pre-soaked pad delivery gives even, controlled application for unclogging pores and sloughing dead skin without the need for manual scrubbing. This makes the pads well suited to women with enlarged pores, frequent whiteheads, or midday oiliness who want a clinical, product-grade approach. Note that people with very dry or highly sensitive skin may experience dryness or irritation; start with less frequent use and follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer or consult a clinician if you have concerns.
How should I use ZO Acne Treatment Pads in my skincare routine?
Use the pads after cleansing and before serums and moisturizers. Apply once daily or every other day to clean, dry skin by gently wiping across the face and avoiding the eye area and mucous membranes. The 2% salicylic acid on each pad provides chemical exfoliation and pore penetration, so allowing the product to absorb for a minute before layering other active treatments helps reduce interaction. For new users, build tolerance by starting every other day and increasing to nightly as tolerated. These pads work best as a toner-step exfoliant in a clinical regimen for oily or acne-prone skin. If you are using multiple strong actives, separate applications or alternate nights to minimize irritation.
How long will it take to see results with ZO Acne Treatment Pads?
You can expect visible improvements in surface oil and fewer clogged pores within one to two weeks, with more noticeable clearing and smoother texture over four to eight weeks with consistent use. The 2% salicylic acid helps dissolve oil and exfoliate the pore lining, which reduces comedones and surface blemishes relatively quickly compared with non-exfoliating products. Because results depend on the type and severity of acne, those with mild to moderate, comedo-driven breakouts typically see faster improvement than people with deep inflammatory cysts. For persistent or severe acne, pair the pads with a clinician-recommended regimen or seek professional treatment.
Are ZO Acne Treatment Pads safe to use with retinoids or other exfoliants?
They can be used alongside retinoids and other exfoliants, but proceed with caution. The pads deliver 2% salicylic acid, which is an effective chemical exfoliant that can increase skin sensitivity when combined with topical retinoids, vitamin C, or other acids. To minimize irritation, start by alternating nights between the pads and your retinoid or apply the pads in the morning and retinoid at night, and always patch test new combinations. If you notice redness, burning, or peeling, reduce frequency or stop one of the actives. For complex regimens, consult a skincare professional to sequence treatments safely.
Will ZO Acne Treatment Pads help with hormonal or cystic acne?
They can help with hormonal breakouts that present as surface-level blemishes and clogged pores, but they are not likely to resolve deep cystic acne on their own. The 2% salicylic acid in the pads exfoliates pore linings and reduces oil that fuels comedones and small inflammatory lesions, so it is useful for cyclical hormonal blemishes and whiteheads. However, deep nodulocystic acne often involves more significant inflammation and underlying hormonal drivers that typically require prescription medications, oral therapies, or in-office procedures. If you have recurring cysts or painful nodules, consult a dermatologist for a combined clinical approach while using these pads as an adjunctive topical treatment.