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ZO Complexion Renewal Pads: How to Use ZO’s Toner Pads
The toner pads are one of the easiest ZO products to love. One swipe clears away leftover oil and dead skin, refines the look of pores and leaves your skin ready for the serums that follow, which is why so many of my patients keep reordering them.
$6360 pads
What are ZO Complexion Renewal Pads?
Pre-soaked toner pads with glycolic acid and salicylic acid. They are the third step of ZO’s Getting Skin Ready routine, after cleansing and exfoliating. Wipe one pad over the face, neck and chest and do not rinse. Start once a day at night, then build to morning and night as your skin adjusts.
Complexion Renewal Pads at a Glance
- Type
- Exfoliating toner pads with two acids
- Best for
- All skin types, oily or congested skin, dullness, uneven texture, enlarged-looking pores
- Key ingredients
- Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, botanical antioxidants, urea
- When to use
- Once nightly to start, building to morning and night
- Where it goes
- After cleanser and Exfoliating Polish, before your serums
- Sizes
- 30 pads and 60 pads
- Recognition
- New York Magazine 2026, Best Toner Pads for Oily Skin; Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Acne Awards 2022, Best Chemical Exfoliator
What Do Complexion Renewal Pads Do?
Leftover oil and dead skin cells sit between your skin and everything you put on it. The pads clear that layer away and gently refine the surface, so the products that follow can absorb and work better.
- Glycolic acid: loosens the bonds between dead skin cells and encourages healthy turnover for smoother, brighter skin.
- Salicylic acid: gets into pores to clear excess oil and debris.
- Botanical extracts: provide antioxidants that help calm and balance the skin.
- Urea: helps restore hydration and offset the drying effect of the acids.
The pads themselves are 100% plant-based viscose, soaked in the formula for an even, gentle application.
How to Use Complexion Renewal Pads
- Cleanse with your ZO cleanser.
- Exfoliate with Exfoliating Polish (2 to 3 times a week to start).
- Wipe one pad over the face, neck and chest. Do not rinse.
- Apply your serums, such as Daily Power Defense and Growth Factor Serum.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Is the Tingle Normal?
Yes. Some people feel a tingle and see a little redness from increased blood flow, and ZO notes it goes away within minutes. Avoid the area under the eyes if your skin is sensitive, and do not use the pads on irritated or broken skin.
Before and after a laser treatment, peel or microneedling, follow the instructions we give you for when to stop and restart exfoliating products. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask us before using any acid-based product.
Why Prep Matters
Prepped skin absorbs what comes next. If you are investing in serums like Daily Power Defense or Growth Factor Serum, the pads help them work on clean, smooth skin instead of a layer of oil and dead cells. For breakout-prone skin, ZO also makes Oil Control Pads, and we can tell you which pad fits your skin.
Dr. Shervin Naderi, MD, FACSPairs Well With
Getting Skin Ready Program
The full prep routine in one kit, including a travel size of the pads.
Daily Power Defense
The antioxidant serum that goes on right after the pads.
Exfoliating Polish
Magnesium crystals and vitamin C buff away dull skin before you tone.
Complexion Renewal Pads FAQs
Are Complexion Renewal Pads a toner or an exfoliator?
Both. Glycolic acid exfoliates the surface while salicylic acid clears oil from pores, so one step tones and exfoliates. That is why the pads are the toning step of ZO’s Getting Skin Ready routine.
How often should I use Complexion Renewal Pads?
Start once a day at night. As your skin gets used to them, you can build to morning and night.
Do I rinse after using the pads?
No. Wipe one pad over the face, neck and chest and go straight to your serums.
Can I use the pads under my eyes?
Avoid the under-eye area if your skin is sensitive or sensitized, and do not use the pads on irritated or broken skin.
Why does my skin tingle after the pads?
A brief tingle and some redness from increased blood flow can be normal and usually fade within minutes. If irritation lasts, cut back and let us know.
Where can I buy ZO Complexion Renewal Pads?
ZO sells the pads only through clinical professionals and its official website. Order through our link to ZO’s store and they ship to your door.
Ready to Order?
Order on ZO’s official store through our link, and ZO ships it directly to you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shervin Naderi, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Last updated October 2026. ZO Skin Health product details and study results are from ZO Skin Health. Orders placed through our links are fulfilled by ZO Skin Health and connected to The Naderi Center.
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