NeoStrata Smooth Surface Daily Peel

NeoStrata Smooth Surface Daily Peel is a leave-on, pre-soaked pad system built around 10% Glycolic Acid and NeoStrata's patented Aminofil complex. It's designed as a PM step for people who already use daily exfoliation and want a no-rinse peel rather than a wash-off treatment or a low-strength toner pad.

What it is

Each box contains 36 individually saturated pads. The solution is formulated at a working pH intended to let the Glycolic Acid exfoliate effectively without a neutralising or rinsing step, so moisturiser can go straight on afterwards. NeoStrata developed the original Glycolic Acid peel line and this product sits in their Resurface range, positioned for people managing texture, dullness, and visible signs of photoageing rather than as an introductory exfoliant.

Key ingredients

• 10% Glycolic Acid — a small-molecule AHA that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells, helping improve the appearance of texture, dullness and enlarged pores with regular use.
• Aminofil — NeoStrata's patented amino-acid and mineral complex, included to support the skin's own volumising processes alongside the exfoliating action of the acid.

How to use it

Applied in the evening to cleansed, dry skin, wiping one pad over the face while avoiding the eye area, then following with a moisturiser once the pad has been used — no rinsing required. Because this is a leave-on 10% acid, it's intended for skin that already tolerates daily exfoliation; working up gradually (alternate nights) is the more cautious approach if you're newer to acids at this strength. A broad-spectrum SPF the following morning is essential, as with any AHA exfoliant.

Each pad is saturated with a hydro-alcoholic solution, so expect a light, quick-absorbing finish rather than a heavy or oily residue. A brief tingling sensation on application is common with a leave-on acid at this strength and usually settles within a minute or two; persistent stinging, redness, or discomfort is a sign to stop and reassess frequency.

Who it suits

Best suited to people already comfortable with daily-strength exfoliation who want an efficient, no-rinse PM step — rather than those trying chemical exfoliation for the first time. Those managing textural concerns such as rough patches, an uneven surface, or visibly enlarged pores are typically who this format is aimed at, since a leave-on pad has longer contact time with the skin than a wash-off cleanser.

If your skin is reactive, compromised, or new to acids, a gentler product such as the NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash is a more forgiving starting point, with the NeoStrata Clarify Gel Plus as a mid-strength step before moving up to a leave-on peel.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.

How it compares within the range

NeoStrata builds its Glycolic Acid line as a staged system: cleansers and washes for daily contact exfoliation, gel and lotion steps for building tolerance, and leave-on pads like this one for those wanting a stronger, no-rinse routine. For a full side-by-side of where each product sits by strength and format, see our NeoStrata Glycolic Acid & AHA range ranked guide.

Our verdict

A convenient, no-rinse way to bring a 10% Glycolic Acid peel into an evening routine, with Aminofil layered in alongside the acid. It's a strong formulation aimed squarely at people who've already built up exfoliation tolerance — not a first chemical peel. Patch test before full-face use and pair with daily SPF.

FAQs

Do I need to rinse this off?

No — it's formulated as a no-rinse, leave-on pad. Wipe over cleansed skin, let it absorb, then apply moisturiser.

Can I use it every night?

It's positioned for daily-exfoliation-experienced users, but nightly use isn't right for everyone. Many people do better alternating nights, especially when introducing it or when using other actives. If in doubt, contact our team for personalised advice.

Can I use this alongside retinol or other actives?

Combining a 10% leave-on acid with other strong actives on the same night can increase the chance of irritation. Contact our team if you'd like help sequencing your routine.